Abstract: A nozzle is provided having an elongated conduit extending therethrough for delivering molten metal below the surface of a pool of molten material. The nozzle includes facilities for passing a fluid medium, e.g., argon, through its wall members transverse to the direction of molten metal flow into the elongated conduit to retard the accumulation of undesirable formations, e.g., metal oxides, on the inner wall surfaces of the conduit during molten metal flow. In a first embodiment, gas permeable wall members define portions of the conduit through which the fluid medium percolates. In a second embodiment, a plurality of small ports are provided in the wall members defining the conduit through which the fluid medium is emitted in the conduit. Preferably, the nozzle also includes a base portion that directs the molten metal flow in an upwardly direction and which has facilities for retarding the accumulation of undesirable formations thereon.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously casting strip material onto a casting surface includes a tundish for receiving and holding molten metal having a nozzle therein. The nozzle comprises an orifice passage defined between a first inside surface and a second inside surface, wherein at least a portion of at least one inside surface comprises an insert disposed against the tundish. A nozzle gap of at least 0.010 inch is maintained, an outer portion of the insert is able to be disposed to within 0.120 inch of the casting surface, and at least a portion of the outside surface of the tundish at the orifice of the nozzle is able to be disposed to within at least about 0.020 inch of the casting surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously casting metallic strip material includes a tundish, and a nozzle comprising a curvilinear element, with an orifice passage in the element having substantially uniform cross-sectional dimensions throughout the longitudinal extent thereof. Disposed outside the nozzle is a cooled casting surface movable past the nozzle in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the orifice passage. First and second inside surfaces of the element define the orifice passage through which molten metal is fed to the casting surface.

Abstract: A pouring nozzle for an intermediate container of a strang casting device has a body part of a refractory material arranged in an opening of a bottom of the intermediate container, an elongated piece of refractory material associated with the body part and extending in the interior of the intermediate container, and a breakage point provided between the body part and the elongated piece at a height of the bottom of the intermediate container.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously casting metallic strip material includes a tundish, and a nozzle comprising a slotted element, with the slot having substantially uniform cross-sectional dimensions throughout the longitudinal extent thereof. Disposed outside the nozzle is a cooled casting surface movable past the nozzle in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the slot. The slot is defined between first and second lips of the nozzle which have inside surfaces facing one another at least at an inner portion of the slot. The facing inside surfaces diverge from one another at an outer portion of the slot. The first and second lips are further provided with bottom surfaces facing the casting surface at a standoff distance less than 0.120 inch.

Abstract: An apparatus for rapid solidification casting of molten high temperature and/or reactive metallic alloys has a heat extraction crucible for containing the alloy in liquid form. A nozzle forms an integral part of the crucible and allows for ejection of a stream of molten metal. The heat extracting crucible and nozzle are protected from the molten alloy by a shell of the alloy which has solidified and prevents reaction between the molten metal and the heat extracting crucible.

Abstract: The flow of molten metal from the orifice of a tundish to a continuous casting mold is stopped by a chill plug. The chill plug is attached to an L-shaped arm which is connected to a pivotable arm. The pivotable arm is actuated by a piston-cylinder attached to a bracket on the tundish.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the direct chill casting of non-ferrous metals comprises varying the chill depth of the mould independently of the level or quantity of liquid metal in the mould by relatively moving the mould and a "hot-top" which may be a sleeve of refractory material during the casting, which may comprise semi-automatic or automatic casting.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for controlling the extrusion of molten metal from a tundish through a nozzle onto a rotating quenching surface in the high speed continuous casting of glassy metal alloy continuous filaments. An inverted pressure bell is disposed in the tundish containing molten metal. A controller, in response to the sensing of the liquid level outside the pressure bell, regulates the gas pressure inside the pressure bell to maintain a constant liquid level outside the pressure bell as molten metal flows from the tundish through the nozzle and therefore to maintain a substantially constant pressure at the nozzle inlet. As the quantity of the molten metal in the tundish is depleted, the controller, in response to the sensing of the gas pressure inside the pressure bell, causes molten metal to be supplied to the tundish as a low liquid level limit is approached in the pressure bell.

Abstract: Procedure for rebuilding a movable plate in the pouring valve of a ladle, involving the complete reconstruction of the original nozzle, which has been removed, and of a flat portion, also removed, around the pouring hole, in a circular or rectangular area whose width is equal to at least the external diameter of the nozzle. The nozzle is reconstructed with a prefabricated piece of refractory material, or with fresh refractory material packed "in situ", and may be of the same shape as the original nozzle, or of a different shape; the flat portion is reconstructed using a prefabricated refractory piece, or with fresh refractory material packed "in situ".

Abstract: A modular apparatus is provided for depositing molten metal onto a movable chill surface to form continuous strip. The apparatus includes a crucible, consisting of a receptacle, sealed at one end to a base, and a heater for maintaining metal in the molten state in the receptacle. A simple nozzle conveys the molten metal from the crucible into contact with the chill surface. The individual elements of the apparatus may be replaced without replacing the remaining elements, and the nozzle may be replaced while a charge of molten metal is in the crucible.

Abstract: A refractory immersion spout includes a spout member having an upper portion and a lower portion. The spout member has a pouring channel and outlet openings extending laterally from the pouring channel. A refractory sleeve covers the outer surface of at least a portion of the lower portion of the spout member. The spout member comprises an extrusion product resulting from the extrusion of a material including 30-75% alumina and 10-30% carbon, with the carbon being aligned longitudinally of the spout member as a result of the extrusion. The sleeve comprises an isostatically compressed member formed of a highly refractory material. The thickness of the lower portion of the spout member is less than the thickness of the upper portion of the spout member, such reduction in thickness resulting from a reduction of the outer size of the spout member. The sleeve is cemented onto the outer surface of the lower portion of the spout member by an alumina-rich refractory cement.

Abstract: A protection arrangement for a casting jet emerging from a metallurgical vessel includes a protective tube enveloping the casting jet and fastened to an articulation-rod assembly that is pivotable into any space direction. In order to be able to follow any desired position of the casting jet with the protective tube, the articulation-rod assembly includes a first, vertically extending, four-bar linkage parallelogram which is mounted with its vertically arranged web so as to be rotatable about a vertical axis. To its coupler, an extension arm carrying the protective tube is hinged, forming the oscillating crank of a second four-bar linkage. The web of the second four-bar linkage is formed by an oscillating crank of the first four-bar linkage parallelogram.

Abstract: A pipe like feeder nozzle for injecting molten steel into a mold for continuous casting is constructed from a refractory material and has its lower part covered with a porous e.g. fibrous, refractory cover bonded to the feeder pipe by a refractory bonding agent.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously casting strip material is disclosed comprising a tundish having an internal cavity for receiving and holding molten metal and an orifice passage through which the molten metal is delivered from the cavity to a casting surface located within about 0.120 inch of the orifice passage and movable past the orifice passage at a speed of from 200 to 10,000 linear surface feet per minute. The tundish has at least one molten metal resistant upper block and at least one molten metal resistant lower block vertically aligned and secured sufficiently to prevent molten metal in the cavity from passing through the interface of the secured blocks. The orifice passage has a substantially uniform width dimension, of at least about 0.010 inch, throughout the longitudinal extent thereof.

Abstract: A mixing device (e.g., a stirrer) to ensure thorough mixing of metals and metal alloys comprising a generally rectangular solid and a series of off-side, but area-equivalent ports on each side of the axial center, wherein the size and number of ports on one side is different from the size and number of ports on the other side, the upper and lower limits of the ports being defined by oppositely opposed anguarly directed fin portions wherein the fins on one side of the axial center are directed in one direction and the fins on the other side of the axial center are directed in the opposite direction. The invention also embodies a method of mixing molten metals and alloys with the device.

Abstract: Molten metal is introduced in a continuous-casting system downwardly into a mold through a nozzle opening downwardly into the mold at an axis to form in the mold a body of molten metal having an upper surface carrying impurities above the mouth of the mold. The body of molten metal is rotated about the axis in the mold. The nozzle is provided generally at the level of the upper surface of the body of molten metal with radially outwardly projecting vanes that prevent the body from rotating about the axis at the upper surface, thereby preventing inclusions from being sucked into the body of molten metal.

Abstract: A process and apparatus are disclosed for removing inclusions and inclusion clusters from a molten metal or alloy stream prior to casting. In the process, the molten metal is passed through a flotation box having a primary chamber and a secondary chamber located within the primary chamber. The primary chamber is provided with entry and exit portions, one on each side of the secondary chamber so that the stream of molten metal or alloy is directed to flow into the primary chamber, flowing beneath the secondary chamber and out the exit portion. Inclusions and inclusion clusters float to the surface of the molten metal or alloy in the secondary chamber prior to the exiting of the molten metal or alloy stream from the primary chamber through the exit portion for supply to a casting station.

Abstract: A protector for a molten metal casting stream includes first and second pipes telescopically connected to each other to form a pipe assembly, and an urging means mounted about the pipe assembly so as to force it to extend in the lengthwise direction.

Abstract: An immersion nozzle for continuous casting resistant to the corrosive action of the melt and the covering material in a mold is made of a refractory material comprising a mixture of electrically conductive graphite and/or silicon carbide, at least one member selected from the group consisting of alumina, zircon, zirconia, fused silica and a metallic silicon, and a binder. The nozzle is covered with a thermal insulating cover having a thickness of approximately 60 mm and made of fused silica containing fibers. The nozzle is preheated without moving it from its operating position by connecting a pair of electrical terminals to opposite ends thereof and passing electric current through the nozzle between the terminals for a period of time sufficient to raise the temperature of the nozzle sufficiently to prevent cracking, spalling, etc. during casting operation. After the preheating is completed the terminals may be removed from the nozzle.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a thin and flexible ribbon of superconductor material such as V.sub.3 Sn, V.sub.3 Ge, V.sub.3 Si, Nb.sub.3 Sn, Nb.sub.3 Ge, Nb.sub.3 Si and La-Au having a fine and compact microscopic structure comprises heating raw superconductor material at a temperature within the range between its melting point and 300.degree. C. above the melting point to form a melt having suitable wettability and viscosity; ejecting the melt through a nozzle under a pressure within the range from 0.01 to 1.5 atm. against a cooling surface of a moving substrate such as a rotating drum; and cooling instantaneously and very rapidly a jet flow of the melt on the cooling surface at a cooling rate of 1,000.degree. C. to 1,000,000.degree. C./sec. In order to manufacture the thin elongated ribbon of excellent configuration it is preferable to effect the cooling in a reduced atmosphere. The invention also provides the thin and flexible ribbon processed by the above mentioned process.

Abstract: An improved nozzle is disclosed for a strip casting apparatus wherein molten metal is delivered to a casting surface located within about 0.120 inch of the nozzle, and is movable past the nozzle at a speed of from 200 to 10,000 linear surface feet per minute. The improved nozzle comprises a pair of spaced orifice lips substantially parallel to and facing one another, with the spacing being substantially uniform throughout the majority of the longitudinal extent of the nozzle. The peripheral end portions of the orifice lips continuously diverge outwardly from one another for a length of less than about three times the substantially uniform spacing between lips, and for a height of less than about two times the substantially uniform spacing between lips.

Abstract: With the solution of the invention the casting from charge to charge in the continuous foundries can be carried out with a much longer action time than presently, thus longer time will be available for opening of the ladle and setting it up for pouring. In the equipment consisting of intermediate ladle, casting platform and casting stand, the intermediate ladle is provided with such sidewise extending pouring gate, at the end of which a conchoidal recess is arranged. After the conchoidal recess a runner section is arranged its initial cross section being smaller than that of the conchoidal recess, its horizontal section is expanding, while its bottom part rises toward the intermediate ladle. Next to the first casting platform and casting stand a second casting platform and casting stand are arranged above the pouring gate.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improvement of a flux powder supplying apparatus for continuous casting, and more particularly to the apparatus in which on a moving car 8 arranged near a mould 5 for casting there are placed a flux powder supplying apparatus 7 and a screw conveyor 11, at the end of the screw conveyor 11 there is connected a guide rod 16 mounted on the conveyor 11 to an arc-shaped guide 15, a crank mechanism 13 is provided connected to the conveyor 11, a nozzle opening 18 is idly fitted at the end portion of the screw conveyor 11 through the guide rod 16, the screw conveyor 11 and the crank mechanism 13 are respectively connected to motors 12, 14, and the nozzle opening 18 is reciprocally movable with optional control over the width direction of the mould 5.

Abstract: An aluminum wire feeder consisting of a flexible conduit and positioning tube are connected to a removable shroud by a tube holder. A feed mechanism provides a continuous source of aluminum wire for feeding the same to a continuous casting mold, only during shrouding conditions.

Abstract: A molten metal feed tip for a continuous caster for aluminum or the like is made by forming a slurry of refractory fibers in an aqueous solution containing a dispersion of colloidal silica. Liquid is extracted from the slurry to form a flexible felt blanket of refractory fibers which is then compressed in a closed die cavity having the desired geometry of one moiety of the molten metal feed tip. The felt blanket is heated in the closed die cavity to a sufficient temperature to extract water from solution remaining in the blanket to form one rigid moiety of the feed tip. Two such moieties are assembled to form a feed tip having a molten metal feed gap therebetween. The feed tip tapers towards the downstream edges which are compressed to a higher density than the upstream portion of the feed tip. The downstream edges have a greater thermal conductivity than the thermal conductivity of the upstream portion.

Abstract: A discharging mechanism for molten metal and slag remaining in a tundish provided with at least one pouring nozzle for a continuous casting machine, which comprises: a discharging nozzle attached to the bottom wall of the tundish, the nozzle having a discharging bore flaring downwardly for discharging molten metal and slag remaining in the tundish; a frustoconical plug matching with the discharging bore of the discharging nozzle, releasably inserted from outside the bottom wall of the tundish into the discharging bore, a plug fitting being fixed to the lower end of the plug; and a plug engaging means connected with the plug fitting for inserting the plug into the discharging bore of the discharging nozzle, holding same therein and withdrawing same therefrom.

Abstract: A refractory teeming pipe for use at the outlet of a melt container includes a refractory inner pipe member adapted to be connected to the outlet of a melt container, and a refractory outer pipe member telescopically slidably mounted about the inner pipe member for axial movement relative thereto between an upper retracted position and a lower extended position. The inner and outer pipe members include respective outer metal jackets. An upper refractory seal is supported by the outer pipe member and grips against the inner pipe member.

Abstract: A nozzle which can be used repeatedly for the supply of liquid metal is made up of individual, hollow, refractory sections fitted together side by side in a metal frame. The hollow elements of the nozzle may feature, in addition to at least one longitudinal channel for the supply of liquid metal, channels to accommodate heating elements also running in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: Apparatus for protecting a molten metal pouring stream between a teeming vessel and a hot metal receiving mold beneath the vessel, including a heat resistant metal shroud tube, carrying at its lower extremity a replaceable, flexible, high temperature, heat resistant cloth tube extending downwardly therefrom.

Abstract: An improvement is provided in a method for the continuous casting of glassy metal alloy filaments wherein molten alloy is extruded from a pressurized crucible through an extrusion orifice onto a rotating quench surface. The invention provides a boric oxide seal for the extrusion orifice that prevents oxidation of the molten alloy prior to initiation of extrusion. At initiation of extrusion, the seal is conveniently expelled from the orifice with the leading surge of the extruded molten alloy.

Abstract: A shroud apparatus for the continuous casting of steel comprising a fused silica or like refractory oxide nozzle having the outer surface thereof which is normally contacted by the layer of fused slag on the surface of the molten metal in the continuous casting mold when the nozzle is into normal operating position enclosed by a ring or sleeve formed of a slag resistant material, such as silicon nitride, boron nitride or zirconium diboride. In one embodiment the nozzle has a ring member slidable axially along the length thereof with the ring floating in the molten metal and having one end immersed in the molten metal and the other end extending above the slag layer. In another embodiment the nozzle has a protective ring member formed of the slag-resistant material mounted fixedly on the outer surface of the nozzle with the ring being of such length and positioned axially on the nozzle so that only the protective ring will be contacted by the slag layer during the continuous casting operation.

Abstract: Molten metal is continuously cast by being flowed through a casting pipe leading into a continuous casting mold, the metal flowing through the pipe being inductively stirred with the stirring motion through the momentum of the metal continuing in the mold.

Abstract: In an arrangement at a continuous casting plant including at least two mold cavities, a common distributing vessel for supplying melt into each mold cavity through an outflow opening that is closeable by means of a stopper, via a casting pipe reaching from the distributing vessel to the mold cavity, a shearing means including a shearing head and a sealing plate following upon the shearing head is provided. The shearing means is movable by an adjustment drive from a waiting position beside the casting pipe into a closing position covering the outflow opening by the sealing plate, on simultaneous shearing off of the part of the casting pipe projecting at the outer side of the distributing vessel, by the shearing head.

Abstract: A casting tube or nozzle is placed beneath the casting outlet of an upper vessel such as a casting ladle and immersed in the molten metal which is teemed into a lower vessel such as a casting tundish or directly into ingot-molds. A mechanism is provided for displacing the casting tube in pivotal motion between a vertical position in which it is applied against the casting outlet and a horizontal position of withdrawal in which it can also be displaced in a horizontal plane by means of a translational displacement mechanism.

Abstract: Continuous metal strips are formed by forcing molten metal onto the surface of a moving chill body under pressure through a slotted nozzle located in close proximity to the surface of the chill body. Critical selection of nozzle dimensions, velocity of movement of the chill body surface, and gap between nozzle and chill body surface permits production of continuous polycrystalline metal strip at high speeds, and of amorphous metal strips having high isotropic strengths, heretofore unobtainable dimensions, and other isotropic physical properties such as magnetizability.

Abstract: A process is described for the delivery of molten metal to a caterpillar type mold which is inclined slightly to the horizontal and is used for casting wide strip, especially non-ferromagnetic metals, such as aluminium of aluminium alloys. The metal is fed through a delivery nozzle made of fire resistant material to a head of liquid metal in the mold either under the free surface of this head of metal or through this free surface on the head of liquid metal. Premature contact with the mold wall is avoided and the molten metal is fed in an almost pressureless manner.

Abstract: An immersion nozzle for continuous casting of molten steel, which comprises: a nozzle body comprising an aluminagraphite refractory and a refractory layer excellent in erosion resistance against a molten mold power, said refractory layer being arranged so as to be integral with said nozzle body and flush with the outer surface of said nozzle body at the outside portion of said nozzle body in contact, when the lower portion of said immersion nozzle being immersed into molten steel in a mold, with a molten mold powder layer on the meniscus of said molten steel; said refractory layer arranged at said outside portion of said nozzle body consisting essentially of, in weight percentage;Carbon (C): from 2 to 10%,Zirconia (ZrO.sub.2): from 70 to 90%,At least one compound selected from the group consisting of silicon carbide (SiC) and amorphous silica (SiO.sub.2): from 5 to 27% and,Incidental impurities: up to 3%.

Abstract: A method of introducing molten metal, especially steel into a rectangular, open-ended continuous casting mold. The method is especially suitable for the continuous casting of high quality steel blooms and billets. The molten metal is introduced beneath the surface of a pool of molten metal contained in the mold from a submerged pouring nozzle as four fixed streams oriented with respect to the mold walls so as to produce a circulatory flow of molten metal around the perimeter of the mold.

Abstract: In continuous casting of metal in an open-ended mold through which the metal is advanced in a first direction while undergoing peripheral solidification, and to which molten metal is supplied by a shroud that opens beneath the metal level, the provision of electromagnetically produced metal circulation in the mold causing laminar flow of molten metal, in a second direction opposite to the first direction and at a rate not above 35 cm./sec., along the solid-liquid interface within the mold for preventing entrapment of inclusions at the interface.

Abstract: An apparatus for regulating the rate at which molten metal is supplied from a receiving vessel, through a pouring tube, to the mold of a continuous casting apparatus or the like. The described apparatus is particularly adapted to overcome irregularities that occur in the molten metal as it flows through the pouring tube, such irregularities being known as "superspeed effect". A method is also described for effectively using the disclosed apparatus.

Abstract: The invention is for a method of pouring molten metal from a ladle to another vessel e.g. a mould, via an intermediate vessel e.g. a tundish, and to an intermediate vessel for us in such a method. Before pouring two refractory heat-insulating slabs are positioned in the intermediate vessel spaced apart and extending downwardly into the vessel. The slabs are pivotally mounted at an upper edge or in a wall portion of the intermediate vessel and positioned so that, on pouring the molten metal from the ladle into the space between the slabs, the slabs contain splash of the metal on initial pouring. As pouring is continued the slabs are raised by the molten metal and pivot about their pivotal mounting until they reach a generally horizontal position on top of the molten metal in the intermediate vessel when they form a heat-insulating cover.

Abstract: Metal filament forming apparatus including a casting crucible having a tapping orifice and a casting nozzle for ejecting molten metal from the crucible are described. The casting nozzle is characterized by having an externally replaceable orifice member. The casting nozzle comprises three parts: (1) a nozzle body providing a conduit for the molten metal in association with the tapping orifice; (2) a replaceable orifice member positioned at the lower end of the nozzle body; and (3) retaining means for holding the replaceable orifice member in sealing engagement with the nozzle body. The crucible is preferably provided with a stopper rod to permit discontinuation of metal flow through the nozzle, while holding molten metal in the crucible.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a nozzle for feeding liquid metal to a moving mold of a continuous sheet casting machine, such as continuous casting between cylindrical rolls rotating about a horizontal axis. The nozzle is characterized by cheeks the inner side walls of which extend beyond the orifice initially by a straight element which can be composed of several parts then by a portion that is tapered to diverge from the nozzle axis at an angle of 5.degree. to 15.degree.. These cheeks may be strengthened in order to resist the strains caused by the solidified metal, and they may be provided with cooling or heating means. They are mounted to extend either into the area between the cylindrical rolls or to terminate outside their rolling area.

Abstract: Continuous metal strips are formed by forcing molten metal onto the surface of a moving chill body under pressure through a slotted nozzle located in close proximity to the surface of the chill body. Critical selection of nozzle dimensions, velocity of movement of the chill body surface, and gap between nozzle and chill body surface permits production of continuous polycrystalline metal strip at high speeds, and of amorphous metal strips having high isotropic strengths, heretofore unobtainable dimensions, and other isotropic physical properties such as magnetizability.

Abstract: The invention relates to floats and to a process for manufacturing floats for the continuous casting of metal alloys and particularly aluminum and alloys thereof, said floats being formed by assembling machined parts of compressed panels of alumino-silicate ceramic fibers having a voluminal mass above 0.45 g/cm.sup.3, in which the surfaces which come into contact with the molten metal alloy are coated with a suspension of metallic oxides in a mineral hardener.

Abstract: The plug lifting structure for a stopper in a tundish is coupled, via a single, mechanical connection point, to a hydraulic actuator rod being part of the casting stand, so that removal of the tundish merely requires lowering of that rod to separate the control connection.

Abstract: A method of continuously casting metals, inter alia steel or metals having similar characteristics, wherein liquid metal is poured into a mould having a circular cross-section and a substantially vertical axis, the mould wall is continuously cooled, the liquid steel is rotated in the mould by electromagnetic field windings placed in or level with the mould, and the solidified bar is continuously withdrawn at the bottom of the mould, in which the mould is supplied by a liquid steel stream which is inclined and eccentric with respect to the mould axis, so that when it strikes the surface of the liquid metal in the mould, it has a component substantially tangential to the geometrical circle extending through the point of impact and centered on the mould axis, thus producing a meniscus, the vertical distance between the base of the meniscus and the top end of the field windings being maintained at a sufficient value not to produce a substantial electromagnetic field at the meniscus, inter alia at its top part.

Abstract: There is disclosed a continuous casting process in which contaminants from a metal melt are separated out by forcing the metal melt to undergo a rotating turbulent flow before it is cast. The desired rotating turbulent flow is achieved by disposing a suitable chamber, through which the melt flows, between the ladle and the mould.

Abstract: The specification discloses a ceramic nozzle of the submersible type which includes a permeable bore section surrounded by an annular manifold positioned between the bore section and the less permeable integral body of the nozzle. The manifold is employed for supplying inert gas into the nozzle bore. The nozzle is made by positioning an unfired ceramic bore section on a mandrel inserted into a mold cavity defining the body of the nozzle with the outer surface of the bore section covered with a burnout material which, during the molding of the nozzle, fills the manifold area and after kiln firing burns away to leave a void defining the manifold. The ceramic mix for the bore section includes burnout material, such that after firing the bore section is significantly more permeable than the body of the nozzle.