Abstract: An apparatus for coating the surface of a substrate with a coating material, which apparatus includes a chamber into which the material is supplied in a pressurized molten state from a source thereof. The molten material is subjected to vibrations within the chamber and is forced out of the chamber through one or more orifices so that the vibration breaks up the molten material exiting from the orifices into uniform sized droplets. A charging plate places a charge on each of the droplets and supplies the charged droplets via one or more corresponding orifices in the charging plate for use in coating the substrate. The charging of the droplets maintains the uniform size of the droplets as they are applied to the substrate. The droplets are further maintained in an oxygen-free atmosphere as they pass from the chamber to and through the charging plate. Each of the components of the apparatus is made as a separate module so that the overall apparatus can be readily assembled and disassembled.

Abstract: Microdroplets of liquids at elevated temperatures are formed by transferring the liquid to an electrostrictive ejection device and applying an electric field which induces a second order elastic strain in the ejection device. The ejection device responds by ejecting generally spherically-shaped microdroplets. The ejection device comprises an electrostrictive transducer having an orifice through which the liquid is ejected. Drive electronics apply an excitation electric field to the electrostrictive transducer which causes a second order elastic strain in the electrostrictive transducer independent of the polarity of the electric field.

Abstract: A process for heating a ceramic shaped part by providing a ceramic shaped part which at ambient temperature has a homogeneously distributed carbon skeleton, and heating the shaped part inductively.

Abstract: A slide gate valve having a cementless joint between the valve and a metallurgical vessel containing molten metal is provided for facilitating the replacement of worn refractory components in the valve.

Abstract: A slide gate valve having a replaceable refractory valve plate assembly is provided for facilitating maintenance operations. The slide gate valve generally comprises a metallic frame mounted on a metallurgical vessel, at least one fixed refractory plate having one flow opening, at least one moveable refractory plate having a flow opening, a pouring nozzle firmly connected to the moveable plate, a pneumatic cylinder for controlling the displacement of the moveable plate with respect to the fixed plate in order to control the overlap of the flow openings of the two plates, and an interconnection structure for unitizing the fixed and moveable refractory plates and the pouring nozzle into a valve plate assembly that is installable in and removable from the metallic frame of the slide gate valve in a single operation.

Abstract: The pouring ladle can not only be tilted by a tilting drive and a cable around a permanent tilting axis in order to pour the molten metal in a mould, respectively to interrupt the pouring process, but the tilting axis can be lifted and lowered by a determined value by a lifting drive. By lifting and lowering the tilting axis, the tilting motion of the pouring ladle takes place approximately in the center of gravity of the molten metal. This permits to avoid compensating streams and wave motions of the molten metal when the pouring ladle tilts forward and backward and more definite and reliable processes are achieved, capable to be controlled, at the start of pouring and at the time of terminating the pouring. The lifting drive and the tilting drive can be utilized for further lifting the pouring ladle in order to advance the pouring ladle further toward the center of the mould at the first pouring process under holding a determined distance of security from the mould.

Abstract: Solder interconnection arrays for joining a plurality of metallic surfaces located on a first surface to a plurality of metallic surfaces located on a second surface are provided which reduce the amount of stress on particular areas of the interconnect array caused by shear forces between the surfaces.

Abstract: A system is provided for depositing an extremely small amount of solder on a printed circuit board by varying the direction of an electric current applied to a solder stream. The force exerted on the solder can be substantially instantaneously reversed without the necessity of changing the form of the energy applied to the solder from electrical to vibratory, ultrasonic, magnetic, or the like. The direction and magnitude of the force is related to the cross product of an electric current vector and a magnetic field vector (F=I.times.B). A programmable current source is used to place an electric current through the liquid solder as it is flowing through a conduit. A magnetic coil is disposed adjacent the conduit in order to provide a magnetic field in the same plane as the electric current. The conduit supplies liquid solder to a nozzle which then deposits a droplet of solder onto a printed circuit board.

Abstract: A method and product improve the positioning of loose anti-skulling material in the outlet nozzle zone of a metallurgical pouring vessel. The formation of skull in the outlet nozzle zone of a metallurgical pouring vessel is inhibited by positioning in the outlet nozzle zone an elongated container containing loose anti-skulling material, the container being formed of an intumescent material so that when heated it expands to fill the gap between itself and the walls of the nozzle and releases the anti-skulling material.

Abstract: A fired carbon-bonded, oxide refractory body for use in casting aluminum-killed steel has a metal contacting surface which is resistant to both steel erosion and buildup of alumina. The layer is formed by first firing the pressed body in an oxidizing atmosphere to form a porous oxidized zone on selected steel contacting surfaces. The remaining surface portions of the body are protected against oxidation during firing by a glaze applied prior to firing. A carbon free refractory slip or slurry is infiltrated into the porous oxidized zone to create the erosion and buildup resistant surface layer. A preferred infiltrant material is alumina.

Abstract: A shallow vessel (50,52) for being horizontally disposed when containing a molten metal or metal alloy (66) for meniscus coating one side of a clean metal strip (34A) when the strip is moved vertically past one side of the vessel. The vessel includes a shell (68) such as austenitic stainless steel, a refractory lining (70), a molten metal departure lip (72) mounted on the upper surface of the side of the vessel, a spirally shaped induction coil (64) for maintaining the molten metal above its melting point and a flux concentrator (74). The induction coil is positioned below the refractory lining and the flux concentrator is positioned below the induction coil. The induction coil and the flux concentrator underlie the area occupied by the molten metal.

Abstract: Electromagnetic valve for controlling the flow of a liquid metal or metal alloy in a pressurized pipe is provided with a tubular body made of a material which is permeable to magnetic fields, and a polyphase field coil arranged around the tubular body in order to create a magnetic field for sliding lengthwise along the tubular body. A core is held in an axial position through the tubular body, with the core leaving between itself and the inner surface of the tubular body a substantially annular passage for the liquid metal or metal alloy of which the flow is to be controlled.

Abstract: A tapping pipe is provided for a melt vessel having a predetermined melt maximum bath level X.sub.m. The tapping pipe defines a flow passage therethrough which has a discharge zone having flow cross-sections approximately the same as the cross-sections of the flow profile of a free flowing stream of the melt from a melt bath level X.sub.0 between 30% and 70% of the maximum melt bath level X.sub.m. The discharge zone can be provided by a brick defining the discharge zone, together with additional bricks defining a feed zone and a transition zone between the feed zone and the discharge zone. In making a number of replacements of the tapping pipe in a converter, the length of the brick defining the transition zone can be gradually reduced so as to compensate for the wear of the converter lining.

Abstract: With reference to FIG. 4 , a metal delivery nozzle (19) for delivering molten metal to a nip between a pair of strip casting rollers comprises an upwardly opening inlet trough (61) to receive a series of free falling vertical stream (65) of molten metal and a metal flow passage (62) extending downwardly from the bottom of the inlet trough (61) to a metal flow outlet slot (69). Trough (61) has a side wall surface (64) which slopes downwardly and across the trough to the upper end of the metal flow passage (62). The free falling streams (65) impinge on side wall surface (64) at an acute angle of impingement such that the molten metal tends to adhere to that wall surface and to spread into the form of a sheet (70) flowing down the side wall surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing solidified solder balls and for ejecting generally spherical-shaped drops of liquid solder through a controlled atmosphere to impact on a surface to be wetted is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a preload reservoir to hold and maintain solder in a liquid state, an ejection chamber to hold and maintain the solder in a liquid state, a connection between the preload reservoir and the ejection chamber to allow liquid solder in the preload reservoir to be transferred to the ejection chamber while maintaining the oxides in the preload reservoir, a device to pressurize the ejection chamber with an inert gas and an ejection device operatively connected to receive liquid solder from the ejection chamber and to eject generally spherical-shaped drops of liquid solder to a specific location on a surface to be wetted. Structure is included to provide an atmosphere of inert gas between the ejection device and the specific location on a surface to be wetted.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of controlling the flow of molten metal from a holding vessel such as a tundish through a discharge orifice into a receptacle such as a mould; the method comprising (i) providing within the holding vessel a flow control chamber comprising a down-flow chamber separate from but in fluid communication with the interior of the holding vessel, the down-flow chamber having an outlet at its lower end, said outlet leading to or forming part of the discharge orifice, and an opening towards or at its upper end; (ii) creating a gas pressure within the flow control chamber sufficient to allow molten metal from the holding vessel to pass through the opening to establish in the lower end of the down-flow chamber a column of molten metal with a volume of gas occupying the upper end of the flow control chamber and serving to separate the column of molten metal from the opening, whereby an equilibrium is established between molten metal passing through the opening and molten metal passing out t

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for controlling the rate of pouring of molten metal. Examples are given of pouring metal onto a steel strip to form a coating having a uniform controlled thickness thereon. The method comprises the use of an intermediate holding dish having pouring means in the form of a generally vertical slot. The metal head presented to the slot is variable in response to signals from sensors measuring, for example, total strip thickness and the metal level within the holding dish. Signals from the sensors are also used to generate control signals to vary the rate of pouring from a holding furnace into the dish.

Abstract: A non-reversible plate having a depending tube structure with a discharge opening at the bottom in which there is a plate at the upper portion, rectangular in configuration, and which has an irregular anti-reversal collar beneath the plate portion is disclosed. Desirably the collar is elliptical in configuration and has a major axis at least seven millimeters longer than the minor axis. The longer axis is parallel with the length dimension. Another aspect of the invention is the utilization of a toggle actuated plate changing device which swings in and out of position and can only be actuated when the plate and tube intended for insertion presents the length for insertion into the valve structure. Suitable microswitch or related device is provided to permit actuation of the change actuator, but only when the plate is properly oriented for insertion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for inserting a pouring pipe into a mold of a continuous casting machine. The pouring pipe is mounted in a truck, and the truck and pouring pipe combination are then mounted on a conveyor mechanism such that the pouring pipe is set in a substantially horizontal starting position. From this substantially horizontal starting position, the pouring pipe is guided along a pair of guide rails of the conveyor mechanism such that is pivots into a substantially vertical position and is moved into a waiting position wherein its lower end is inserted into the mold. In this waiting position, the pouring pipe is offset laterally from but aligned with a casting opening in the bottom wall of the metallurgical vessel. From this waiting position, the pouring pipe can be forced by a pusher mechanism into a pouring position beneath the casting opening of the metallurgical vessel, such that molten metal can be poured from the metallurgical vessel into the mold via a pouring pipe.

Abstract: A method of continuously casting a liquid metal including the steps of providing an upper vessel and a lower vessel, providing a stream protection tube disposed between the upper vessel and the lower vessel, the stream protection tube being connected at an upper end thereof to a tap hole defined in a bottom portion of the upper vessel, the stream protection tube being open at a lower end thereof, at least one aperture being defined in a wall of the tube near the lower end. The method further includes disposing the upper vessel above the lower vessel, lowering the upper vessel until a lower portion of the tube disposed below the aperture is immersed in liquid metal contained in the lower vessel with the aperture being disposed above the liquid metal. Next, the tap hole is opened so that liquid metal disposed in the upper vessel flows into the stream protection tube, air contained in the tube is expelled through the aperture.

Abstract: A slide gate having an offset teeming orifice for use in a sequential sliding gate valve having asymmetrical means for inserting said gate along a direction of loading in which the slide plate has asymmetrical means for engaging the asymmetrical means for loading and thereby insure proper orientation of the gate when loading.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for feeding molten metal to the ingot mold (2) of an installation for the continuous casting of thin cogs (3). At least one jet (6) coming from a nozzle (8) connected to a distributor (4) feeds an ingot mold (2) in which the level of metal is regulated. The distributor (4) is movable vertically in order to keep the height of the jet (6) constant and horizontally in the direction of the largest dimension of the ingot mold in order to subject the jet (6) to an alternating lateral movement. The nozzle (8) and the casting tube (10) are protected by a liquefied neutral gas circulating between the tube (10) and a sleeve (25) surrounding the tube (10).

Abstract: An assembly includes a discharge member of a metallurgical vessel and a pipe member connected to the discharge member at mutual surfaces thereof defining a seat therebetween. An annular recess is formed in the region of such seat, a seal seals such seat, and gas is supplied to the annular recess. The seal is in the form of a pair of compressible sealing rings positioned between the mutual surfaces of the two members on opposite sides of the annular recess. A pressure indicator is connected to a gas supply line supplying gas to the annular recess to provide an indication of the pressure of gas prevailing in the annular recess, and particularly of changes of such pressure.

Abstract: A dart-assembly for piercing open a blockage in the opening of a ladle for holding and transporting molten steel is mounted in the outlet bore of a slide-gate associated with the ladle opening. The assembly has an outer steel housing; mounted within the housing is a dart-member having an elongated rod, which rod has a lower threaded end for receiving a threaded nut. The upper end of the rod is provided with a dart-like head-portion which actually contacts and pierces through the blockage in the opening of the ladle when the dart-member is fired. A compression spring is telescopingly mounted about most of the length of the elongated rod of the dart-member, between the enlarged dart-like head-portion and the upper, flat-surface of a stop member.

Abstract: Metal casting apparatus comprises a casting container having an outlet nozzle in the bottom wall thereof, and an upright stopper within the container having a lower nose end thereto, the stopper being selectively movable between an operative position in which the nose end thereof seats on, to close, the nozzle and an inoperative position in which said nose end is displaced from, to open, the nozzle. The apparatus further comprises a barrier member positioned between the nose end of the stopper and the outlet nozzle and of a refractory material such as ceramic fibre capable of withstanding temperatures associated with pre- and post-heating of the apparatus but which is combustible at temperatures associates with molten metal, the material of the barrier member also being deformable whereby, with the stopper in its operative position, the barrier member conforms with the shape of the nozzle and the nose end of the stopper.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly design and a method for making the nozzle assembly, as well as a method for controlling a continuous skull nozzle process employing the nozzle assembly are provided wherein the cooling heat transfer coefficient at the nozzle is increased to maintain a steady-state solidified layer of a noncontaminating liner material, the cooling heat transfer coefficient being increased by reducing the contact resistance between a nozzle outer wall member and an inner liner made of the noncontaminating material, the reduction in contact resistance being achieved by shrink-fitting the nozzle outer wall member around the inner liner to increase the contact pressure between those members.

Abstract: An improved metal pouring tube especially adapted for conducting molten metal such as liquid steel, the tube being formed of carbon-impregnated ceramic-bonded refractory material principally comprising alumina, zirconia and silica. Also included is the method of forming the tube.

Abstract: A refractory pipeline having ceramic pipe sections with joints therebetween located at areas where in which there are the greatest temperature differences in the pipeline. Adjacent pipe sections are connected together by shoulders at the ends of each such section, the shoulder of one pipe section being radially outside the shoulder of an adjacent section. A further pipe section is pushed over the joint so as to form a gastight seal by defining a space in communication with a borehole through the one shoulder and a peripheral groove in the other shoulder. A pressure cushion is provided in the space by applying a barrier medium under pressure to the space and thereby through the borehole to the peripheral groove.

Abstract: A method and device are described for preventing the atmospheric contamination of molten metal during the transfer thereof from one vessel to another. The device includes a first metal ring releasably connected to a molten metal receiving vessel and second metal ring connected to a vessel containing the molten metal to be transferred. A viewing port is provided to allow observation of the molten metal as it is being transferred. A ceramic fiber blanket which encloses the molten metal stream as it is being transferred interconnects the two rings. During operation, an opening of the molten metal containing vessel attached to the second ring and the ceramic fiber blanket are aligned concentrically above the opening of the receiving vessel and the first ring. In the preferred embodiment, the ceramic fiber blanket is then mated to the first metal ring to form an enclosure around the path defined between the molten metal containing vessel and the receiving vessel for the transfer of molten metal therebetween.

Abstract: The volume of melt within the ladle dipper is maintained essentially unchanged in its position relative to the volume of melt remaining in the holding crucible during the ladling operation in order to avoid undesirable turbulence and the formation of foam in the melt.

Abstract: A metal alloy, in particular a light alloy, is continuously cast in the semi-liquid state by bringing it up to conditions such as to cause segregation of a solid phase within the interior of the liquid alloy and making the alloy pass through a static mixer adapted to mix the solid phase uniformly upon formation, with the liquid alloy, so as to obtain at the output from the mixer a suspension which, once solidified, provides a material with valuable microstructural characteristics; the alloy is supplied continuously to the static mixer by introducing it in a discrete manner into a sealed furnace through an externally heated barometric column and, simultaneously, by pressurizing the interior of the furnace by the introduction into it of a flow of gas at a pressure value such as to cause the said alloy to flow through the static mixer in stationary laminar conditions.

Abstract: A sliding closure unit includes a movable plate movable between open and closed positions to control the discharge of molten metal through an outlet opening of a metallurgical vessel. When the movable plate is in the closed position, a continuous flow of gas is injected from a gas supply system through the area of the movable plate confronting the outlet opening into the outlet opening. When a predetermined gas back pressure occurs in the gas supply system, indicative of solidification of molten metal in the outlet opening, at least one pressurized gas jet at a pressure of at least 12 bar is injected from a compressed gas supply system into the outlet opening, thereby clearing away any solidified metal from the outlet opening. This makes it possible to ensure that, when the movable plate is moved to the open position, the molten metal will be discharged through the outlet opening at a full flow rate of discharge.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for controlling the rate of pouring of molten metal. Examples are given of pouring metal onto a steel strip to form a coating having a uniform controlled thickness thereon. The method comprises the use of an intermediate holding dish having pouring means in the form of a generally vertical slot. The metal head presented to the slot is variable in response to signals from sensors measuring, for example, total strip thickness and the metal level within the holding dish. Signals from the sensors are also used to generate control signals to vary the rate of pouring from a holding furnace into the dish.

Abstract: An apparatus for closing and/or regulating the discharge or tapping of molten metal from a metallurgical vessel includes a ceramic stator member to be fixed to a metallurgical vessel and having a pipe-shaped portion having extending therethrough at least one lateral opening, and a ceramic rotor member having a pipe-shaped portion having extending therethrough at least one lateral opening. The stator and rotor members are coaxially assembled with the pipe-shaped portion of one member fitted over and surrounding the pipe-shaped portion of the other member. The pipe-shaped portions have radially confronting respective cylindrical inner and outer sealing surfaces onto which open the lateral openings, such inner and outer sealing surfaces sealingly engaging to define a primary seal to prevent leakage of molten metal. The stator and rotor members have respective axially confronting end sealing surfaces. The rotor member is axially movable, i.e.

Abstract: A method for controlling a flow rate of a liquid in particular of a molten material between a maximum flow and a zero flow, in a valve (1) comprising at least a fixed plate (2) and a mobile plate (3) which are superposed and maintained constantly in contact, each one having at least an opening (4, 5), said method, consisting of placing said openings (4, 5) more or less opposite each other by displacing said mobile plate (3) and wherein said mobile plate (3) is displaced according to at least two secant directions (6 and 7) which are determined for placing said openings (4, 5) of said fixed (2) and mobile plates (3) at least partly opposite each other when said valve is opened, and a valve for the application of said method.

Abstract: A method of providing a cantilever spring or a beam which is attached to the frame of a sliding gate valve is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a cantilever spring which is essentially flat and rectangular. A spring mount is provided to anchor the head end of the spring to permit the other end to flex against a load application member or the underneath side of the lower refractory member such as a tube holder and tube. The spring itself has a heel portion and a cantilever portion. At one end of the spring provision is made for a working face which engages the underneath portion of the lower refractory plate.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for feeding molten metal to the ingot mold (2) of an installation for the continuous casting of thin cogs (3). At least one jet (6) coming from a nozzle (8) connected to a distributor (4) feeds an ingot mold (2) in which the level of metal is regulated. The distributor (4) is movable vertically in order to keep the height of the jet (6) constant and horizontally in the direction of the largest dimension of the ingot mold in order to subject the jet (6) to an alternating lateral movement. The nozzle (8) and the casting tube (10) are protected by a liquified neutral gas circulating between the tube (10) and a sleeve (25) surrounding the tube (10).

Abstract: Dispensing apparatus (1) for molten metal or the like comprising a vessel (2) receiving in use a main body (3) of liquid and having dispensing valve means (6, 7) operable to dispense a flow of liquid therefrom, a container (9) defining a chamber (15), means (24) for supporting the container such that an open mouth (16) thereof is immersed in the main body of liquid to define a head space (19) above the liquid in the chamber, suction means (13) connected to the container and operable to reduce pressure in the head space so as to draw liquid from the vessel into the chamber and an induction heating coil (21) operable to heat liquid in the chamber above the level (17) of the main body of liquid, including sensing means (20) sensing the level (17) of the main body of liquid, the sensing means being connected to regulating means (43, 14, 28) operable to regulate the pressure in the head space to thereby regulate the volume of liquid in the chamber such that the level of the main body of liquid is maintained substa

Abstract: A refractory member has therethrough a flow channel for the passage of molten metal. At least an inner wall portion of the refractory member defining the flow channel is at least partially formed of a material that at least partially includes a ceramic material having the properties of being capable of being heated inductively and to being electrically conductive at a temperature at least equal to the liquidus temperature of the molten metal. A primary induction coil, preferably formed of an electrically conductive ceramic material, surrounds the flow channel and inductively heats the material of the inner wall portion to prevent freezing of molten metal within the flow channel and the formation of deposits therein.

Abstract: A sliding gate valve assembly which has a stationary refractory plate mounted to a mounting plate and secured there by the force pressed against it exerted by another refractory is disclosed. A clamp ring is provided which has extending ears, each of which is bored to ride on a clamp spring assembly. Yieldable means, preferably a coil spring, surrounds the shank of the clamp spring assembly guide shank and engages the underside of the ear and rides in the main frame. When the main frame is closed, pressure is urged on the spring which, in turn, transmits the force to the clamp, the tapered inner edge of which engages the tapered outer edge of the stationary plate. The method of the present invention depends upon utilizing the clamping force of a valve assembly having a main frame and in which yieldable means are provided between the main frame and the mounting plate to urge a continuous clamp ring into engagement with the bandless stationary plate having tapered sidewalls.

Abstract: In a method to determine disturbances when pouring molten metal from a container having an outlet channel, vibrations generated by the molten metal flowing from the container are measured at parts of the outlet and deviations from a desired vibrational characteristic are determined. From these vibrations disturbances such as blockages in the outlet channel, vortexes and, above all, the outflow of slag can be detected. With this method the reliability of the pouring process can be significantly increased.

Abstract: The flow control of molten material in a tundish is improved by the design of a perpendicular turn in the path of flow of the molten material as the flow leaves an intermediate section of the tundish or casting receptacle and overflows transversely an exit lip to thereby contact a heat-extracting substrate. The perpendicular turn in the flow achieves improved control of the molten material's velocity profile, cooling rate, and depth and flow uniformity of the molten material in the casting receptacle. The essentially perpendicular turn in the path of the molten material from the intermediate section causes the molten material to approach the exit lip in a transverse direction unlike conventional laminar or direct delivery molten flow. The transverse flow relative to the direction of the exit overflow toward the casting or cooling surface facilitates improved mixing of the molten material, improved control of the depth gradient, and improved control of the velocity into the exit lip.

Abstract: The flow control of molten alloy material in a tundish is improved by the design of a perpendicular turn in the path of flow of the molten alloy material as the flow leaves an intermediate section of the tundish or casting receptacle and overflows transversely an exit lip to thereby contact a heat-extracting substrate. The perpendicular turn in the flow achieves improved control of the molten alloy material's velocity profile, cooling rate, and depth and flow uniformity of the molten alloy material in the casting receptacle. The essentially perpendicular turn in the path of the molten alloy material from the intermediate section causes the molten alloy material to approach the exit lip in a transverse direction unlike conventional laminar or direct delivery molten flow.

Abstract: A process and a device for discharging free-flowing media, especially molten metal that is contained in a hermetically sealable vessel having an outlet (2) that has a level-recording unit (3). Pressure is built up in the vessel by supplying a pressurized gaseous medium introduced into the interior of the vessel, whereby the liquid metal is forced from the vessel. After attainment of a certain level of the free-flowing medium in the outlet (2) as detected by the level-recording unit (3), the gaseous medium for building up the dosing pressure is further introduced into the vessel (1) for a predetermined or predeterminable amount of time. Control of pressure inside the vessel (1) is effected by a control unit (4) that receives corresponding signals from a time-recording device (15).

Abstract: A method is disclosed for accurately detecting an outflow of a slag into a stream of a molten steel when the molten steel is poured from a first vessel such as a refining furnace or a ladle into an intermediate vessel such as a ladle or a tundish through a melt-discharging hole or a nozzle. At that time, an inert gas is fed into the stream of the molten steel in the nozzle through a side portion of the melt-discharging hole or the nozzle, and the detection is made based on a change in a flow rate of the inert gas sucked into the stream of the molten steel and/or in a back pressure.

Abstract: A rigid carbon steel band may be used in a stationary top plate for a sliding gate valve and in the manufacture thereof. The refractory material in a stationary top plate may be compressibly held by a steel band having sufficient rigidity and size to prevent cracking of the refractory material during handling and use, and having sufficient length to allow the band's distal ends to be welded end-to-end. The welded band may be heat processed to set the size of the band and maintain the desired amount of refractory compression. The thickness of the plate of refractory material may be the same adjacent the aperture for the teeming metal and at the periphery of the plate.

Abstract: The invention concerns a casting spout for assisted opening. It is comprised of an upper part at least partially permeable to gas and a means for bringing a gas to the said upper part. Application to transport for continuous casting feed.

Abstract: A transfer tube is produced comprised of a high density ceramic oxide tube having directly bonded to its outer surface wall a low density ceramic oxide shell.

Abstract: A heat transfer conduit for extracting heat from a molten metal in transit from a containing vessel or delivery system includes at least two elongate segments separable along separation lines which lie generally in the direction of a longitudinal center line of the conduit, which in use, define a unitary structure. The segments can be disassembled following use for the removal of solidified material and other matter from the conduit interior.

Abstract: A stopper (6), secured to the lower end of a stopper rod, carries a plug (13) having a radial throttle aperture (14) above which a frustoconical shut-off surface (16) is located. The frustoconical surface fits against a valve seat surface 18 of an outlet tube (3) from a vessel, to form a first seal. A further seal is provided by an annular surface (19) of the plug (13) engaging in the outlet passage. The stopper (6) is rotatable so that the direction of flow of the molten metal from the vessel (1) and, passing through the stopper--when raised--can be influenced, if desired continuously during flow of the melt. This provides flow control and a safe shutoff of metal flow. The formation of vortices in the molten metal is largely prevented, thus avoiding the carrying along of slag.