Abstract: A refractory shroud device having an internal bore for through passage of molten metal, said device comprising, a body defining at least a portion of said bore, and having sufficient length to allow an end thereof to become immersed under normal operational conditions, and operationally engageable with said end a replaceable segment defining outlet means in flow communication with said bore, the said component having an internal profile adapted to provide a predetermined control over the flow of molten metal from the device.

Abstract: This invention intends to provide a molten metal pouring amount control apparatus in which a sliding resistance of a slide frame is small and a pressing force around a nozzle hole is stabilized so that there is no fear that any trouble such as a molten metal leakage occurs and further, a structure thereof is simple and maintenance cost is low. More specifically, this invention provides a molten metal pouring amount control apparatus for adjusting an opening of a nozzle hole in a fixed plate and an opening of a nozzle hole in a sliding plate by sliding a slide frame by means of a driving means, the control apparatus further comprising guide units each including a plurality of steel balls arranged in line between the slide frame and springs, the guide units being provided on both sides of the sliding plate.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a one-piece stopper rod whose gas tightness is improved. In particular, the stopper rod of the present invention has a body of refractory material comprised at least partially of a refractory material relatively impermeable to gases.

Abstract: The invention relates to an automatically opening tapping thimble made from a refractory material for casting crucibles which are used in aluminothermic reactions. This thimble consists entirely or partially of air-permeable graphite or metal whose melting point lies between 2100 and 3727.degree. C.

Abstract: A coupling is used to couple a linear actuator with a slider valve unit in a sliding gate valve for a molten metal vessel. The slider valve unit is slidably mounted in a slider housing for movement in a longitudinal direction, and has a push rod for this purpose. A linear actuator mounting is provided on the slider housing, and the linear actuator is mounted in the linear actuator mounting. The linear actuator has a drive rod movable in a longitudinal direction when the linear actuator is mounted in the linear actuator mounting. The coupling has a structure such that when the linear actuator is mounted in the linear actuator mounting, and the drive rod is moved toward the slider valve unit, the coupling automatically couples the drive rod with the push rod. Furthermore, when the linear actuator is removed from the linear actuator mounting, the coupling automatically uncouples the drive rod from the push rod.

Abstract: A method of placing a quantity of refractory sand in the discharge channel of a bottom discharging metallurgical vessel includes the steps of orienting the vessel whereby the channel is presented in a horizontal direction, and opening the channel. A generally cylindrical cartridge of refractory sand, closed at both ends, is then loaded onto a casing dimensioned to slide into the discharge channel. The casing with its cartridge of sand is then slid into the channel, the channel is closed and the vessel is righted.

Abstract: A nozzle for a steel pouring ladle having upper and lower nozzle portions and a stopper rod attached to a lower nozzle portion. The upper nozzle portion includes an upper nozzle housing and an upper nozzle core positioned within the upper nozzle housing, the upper nozzle core having a bore therethrough. The lower nozzle portion includes a lower nozzle housing and a lower nozzle core positioned within the housing, the lower nozzle core having a flow chamber. A retaining ring secures the lower nozzle core to the lower nozzle housing. A stopper rod is positioned within the bore of the upper nozzle core and is threadedly attached to the lower nozzle core. The stopper rod selectively engages the upper nozzle core at an upper tapered surface of the bore to form a liquid tight seal and to control the flow of molten metal through the nozzle.

Abstract: A cooled elongated, preferably threaded and, tapered, metallurgical taphole plug and a method for using it are described. The plug is inserted into a taphole to cause a plug of molten material to freeze in the taphole such that molten material flow within the taphole is stopped. In one embodiment, the plug is comprised of an externally threaded, elongated member having a first end and a second end with a taper extending at least partially therebetween. The first, narrower end, which is inserted into the taphole, is cooled by a fluid flowing through an internal passage extending at least partially between the first and second ends. As the first end is cooled, the molten material adjacent the first end freezes around the tip of the first end, effectively plugging the taphole. The device is removed by discontinuing fluid flow and applying a rotational moment about the second end such that the threaded, tapered device backsout of the taphole.

Abstract: A flow control device for the outlet nozzle for a molten metal handling vessel, such as a ladle, includes a plug that fits in the outlet nozzle to define a gap between the plug and a closure for the nozzle. The plug has a plurality of apertures which are closed by steel plates, or other material, that melts under the influence of the molten metal in the vessel. When molten metal is placed into the vessel and the closure for the outlet is opened, the molten metal flows into the apertures, melting the meltable material in the apertures, and out the outlet. Using a device and method described allows the amount of molten metal in a ladle to be reduced to about 0.5%, and a greater than 99% free opening rate can be provided.

Abstract: The device for controlling a pour rate according to the invention, which comprises a stationary upper plate (8), a movable plate (10) carried by a carriage (9) and a pouring tube (2). Control of the rate takes place by gliding the movable plate (10) against the upper plate (8), the pouring tube (2) being immobilized against the movable plate (10), just beneath the pouring orifice (27) of the movable plate (10) which blocks the tap hole (15). The immobilization of the pouring tube (2) with respect to the movable plate (10) is obtained by means (31) for pushing upwards which are secured to the carriage (9).

Abstract: A device for automatically operating slide gates for liquid metal containers, involving a fixed plate assembly rigid with a container base and a movable plate assembly hinged to the fixed plate assembly along a support element provided near a lateral edge thereof, and engageable with the fixed assembly when the slide gate structure is close. The device has means which first cause the pure axial translation of the support element so as to cause the movable plate assembly to slide tangentially with respect to the fixed plate assembly thus disaligning the pouring holes of the two plates, and then cause the axial rotation of the support to cause the movable plate assembly to rotate relative to the fixed plate assembly thus carrying out the opening of the slide gate structure.

Abstract: A spout-filling composition has from about 50% to about 70% by weight magnesium-aluminate spinel aggregate, from about 50% to about 30% by weight quartz sand, and lampblack in an additional amount of from about 0.25% to about 5.00% by weight of the magnesium-aluminate spinel aggregate and quartz sand admixture.

Abstract: A metallurgical dart includes an enlarged refractory head having a top, a bottom, and a central through hole extending from top to bottom of the head and lined with a metallic sleeve, with a portion of the lining sleeve projecting beyond the top and/or bottom of the head; an elongate tail of refractory material with an external and/or internal metallic element and of external diameter slightly less than the internal diameter of the lining sleeve, such that the tail can pass, as a close fit, through the lining sleeve of the head; and at least one crimped or other joint between the metallic element of the tail and the projecting portion of the lining sleeve, to fix the head and tail together.

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: An erosion resistant refractory mortar composition is described which is suitable for bonding a zirconia insert in an alumina graphite plate of a sliding gate valve. The refractory mortar is made from a mix consisting of, in weight percent, about 50%-85% zirconia; about 15%-50% alumina; up to 5% chromium oxide; up to 6% phosphoric acid plus an effective amount of a binder. Sufficient water is added to provide proper plasticity to the mix.

Abstract: A refractory ceramic stopper has therein a recess including an annular outwardly enlarged portion defining a stop surface. A stopper rod inserted into the recess in the stopper has a support surface. A plurality of spreadable members having opposite ends are positioned about the stopper rod and are inserted therewith into the recess in the stopper. The spreadable members are spread outwardly such that they enter the enlarged portion of the recess in the stopper with first ends of the spreadable members confronting the stop surface of the stopper and with second ends of the spreadable members confronting the support surface of the stopper rod. Thereby the spreadable members lock the stopper onto the stopper rod.

Abstract: A device for controlling the pouring of a molten material from a crucible or other container. The device (10) includes an annular retainer ring (12) for mounting in the drain opening in the bottom of a conventional crucible (16), the retainer ring defining a opening (14) therethrough. The device (10) also includes a plug member (22) having an annular forward end portion (24) for force-fit reception in the opening (14) of the retainer ring (12) to selectively seal the opening (14) and for being selectively forced through the opening (14). The plug member (22) has a rear end portion (26) for being positioned within the crucible (16), the rear end portion (26) including stop means for prohibiting the rear end portion from passing through the opening (14) in the retainer ring (12) when the forward end portion (24) is selectively forced through the opening.

Abstract: Erosion resistant stopper rod for steel casting having an elongated body of a first refractory material and a sleeve of a second refractory material having elevated erosion resistance characteristics. The sleeve may be copressed with the stopper rod body or separately formed and cemented thereto. The sleeve is positioned around the stopper rod in the region where contact with the slagline occurs. The erosion resistant material of the sleeve is selected from the group consisting of zirconia, magnesia, zirconia-graphite and magnesia-graphite.

Abstract: A pressure pouring furnace includes a molten metal chamber containing molten metal within a furnace body, a receiving siphon and a pouring siphon both communicating with each other at the bottom of the molten metal chamber, a furnace cover sealably covering the top of the molten metal chamber, and a pressuring unit connected to the furnace cover. In such a furnace, a plurality of pouring nozzles are arranged above a pouring chamber on top of the pouring siphon a distance apart from each other, and each of the plurality of pouring nozzles is provided with a stopper enabling it to be opened and closed from above.

Abstract: A device for stopping flow of molten metal through a conduit having a longitudinal central passage. A ceramic seal is placed through a wall of a ceramic pipe for preventing flow of the molten metal through the opening in the wall of the ceramic pipe. A nonmetallic plug is located adjacent the ceramic seal. A lever arm adjacent the plug is used for depressing the ceramic seal and the nonmetallic plug vertically into the ceramic pipe through the longitudinal central passage to prevent flow of molten metal through the ceramic pipe.

Abstract: A slag control shape is releasably mounted on a cover for a molten metal vessel. An actuator is connected to a slag control shape release member to retract the release member from a first position engaged with the slag control shape to a second position separated from the slag control shape allowing the slag control shape to freely drop into the molten metal receptacle. The actuating end of the actuator is located at an easily accessible operator position for remote actuation of the release member. In one embodiment, the actuator is a flexible cable attached at one end to the release member mounted on the cover and having a second end located remote from the cover at an easily accessible operator position. In another embodiment, a pair of eccentric cams are mounted on the cover and the molten metal receptacle and pivot into engagement upon a downward force exerted on the actuator cable to retract the release member from engagement with the slag control shape.

Abstract: A rotary nozzle which is simple in construction and easy to manufacture its bricks, has no danger of leakage of molten steel and is capable of rotatably connecting a collector nozzle and a long nozzle. The rotary nozzle includes a fixed plate brick attached to a base member and having at least a sliding surface thereof formed to incline with an angle of .theta..degree., a slide plate surface having at least a sliding surface thereof formed as an inclined surface corresponding to the sliding surface of the fixed plate brick and fixedly mounted, along with a collector nozzle, in a supporting member, and a frame vertically displaceably supporting the supporting member through a plurality of spring means and bolts and adapted to be driven by driving means mounted on the base member. The lower end of the collector nozzle is formed into a spherical shape so as to ensure its smooth connection with a long nozzle and its rotation.

Abstract: An apparatus for closing and/or regulating the discharge or tapping of molten metal from a metallurgical vessel is formed by 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 regulating device for regulating the flow of molten metal from metallurgical vessel includes an inner tubular part which is fixed to the metallurgical vessel and defines at least one through-hole, and a movable outer tubular part rotatably and/or slidably mounted to the metallurgical vessel and extending around the tubular inner part. The tubular outer part terminates at a bottom edge constituted by a contiguous land extending around the tubular inner part. The tubular outer part can be slid and/or rotated between open and closed positions at which the through-hole of the tubular inner part is opened and closed, respectively. To prevent plugs of molten metal from hardening in the at least one through-hole of the tubular inner part, the bottom edge of the tubular outer part is designed so that a portion of the land thereof passes across the at least one through-hole when the tubular outer part is moved between the open and closed position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for casting metal strip in which molten metal is introduced between a pair of parallel casting rollers via a metal delivery nozzle disposed above the nip between the rollers, wherein the delivery nozzle comprises an elongate trough to receive molten metal, a nozzle outlet slot extending longitudinally along the bottom of the trough, a baffle structure extending above the slot, and a pair of flow passage means spaced apart laterally of the trough, one to each side of the outlet slot and each providing for flow of molten metal from the trough interior above the baffle structure into the trough interior below the baffle structure.

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 device for opening and closing a vessel containing a metal in the liquid state. The device comprises a frustoconical sealing stopper extended by a guide rod, and a means for maneuvering the sealing stopper including two arms of different lengths, which are parallel to each other in the position for closing the device, a first, movable connecting element to which the arms are rotatably joined at one end thereof, the first connecting element being fixed to the guide rod, and a second connecting element fixed to the lateral wall of the vessel, to which the arms are rotatably joined at the other end. The arms are arranged such that the shorter of the two arms is the further from the vessel while the apparatus is in the closed position.

Abstract: An elongated nozzle assembly for closing and/or regulating the discharge from a metallurgical vessel of molten metal in the form of a wide strip includes refractory tubular stator and rotor members each having extending through a tubular wall thereof a discharge opening in the form of a slot elongated in the direction of coincident longitudinal axes thereof. The stator and rotor members are assembled with one member fitting in a sealing manner within the other member, thus forming inner and outer members. The inner member has therein a cavity elongated in the direction of the axes of the members and into which opens the discharge opening of the inner member. A first longitudinal end of the cavity is closed by an end wall of the inner member. A second longitudinal end of the cavity is opened axially through an inlet opening in the respective longitudinal end of the inner member. The inlet opening communicates via the cavity with the discharge opening of the inner member.

Abstract: A slide gate nozzle or shut-off control valve to be mounted in a wall or lining of a vessel containing molten metal includes shut-off parts each of which are provided with passages or openings. The parts project into the vessel interior and each part has at least one approximately planar sliding surface, with such surfaces abutting and being displaceable relative to one another in order to open or close the passages or openings.

Abstract: A low tolerance joint connecting a pair of hollow refractory bricks, e.g., center riser bricks, runner bricks, etc., together for carrying molten metal, e.g., steel, therethrough. Each brick has a pair of ends with a central passageway extending therebetween. One end of one brick comprises a conical walled annular flange projecting therefrom and a shoulder extending about the annular flange. One end of the other brick comprises a matingly shaped circular recess and shoulder extending about the circular recess. The joint comprises the interface between the adjacent surfaces of the annular flange and recess when the flange is located therein. The interface thus formed is an elongated space, free of mortar or other sealing material, into which the molten metal flows to freeze therein and thereby form a seal precluding its egress from the passageway to the ambient surroundings.

Abstract: Apparatus for constraining the flow of molten metal from a tundish to a mould along the inner periphery of a tube mounted between them. A vertically movable stopper rod is seated at its lower end in a nozzle at the entrance to the tube the end being so designed as to cause an annular discharge of metal into the tube upon the stopper rod lifting from its seating, gas being injected through the stopper whereby to generate a gaseous void within the interior of the tube to promote the maintenance of the metal flow path of along the length of the inner periphery of the tube.

Abstract: A refractory shutoff assembly for controlling the discharge of molten metal from a metallurgical vessel includes a refractory tubular stator to be mounted in a wall of a metallurgical vessel. The stator has an axial opening, inner and outer surfaces, and at least one transverse opening extending between the inner and outer surfaces. The assembly also includes a refractory rotor including inner and outer tubular sections arranged concentrically relative to each other. At least one of the inner and outer tubular sections has therethrough at least one transverse opening. The rotor is arranged with an outer surface of the inner tubular section sealing with the inner surface of the stator and with an inner surface of the outer tubular section sealing with the outer surface of the stator.

Abstract: Disclosed are wearable carbon-containing refractory elements, such as wearable refractory parts of a slide valve for use in controlling flow of molten metal from a metallurgical vessel, which are impregnated with tar or other wear reducing agent. In order to prevent decarburization of the refractory elements, they are saturated in an aqueous borate solution and then dried, so that the borate will migrate outwardly toward the surfaces of the elements and form protective layers which will prevent infiltration of ambient air into the refractory material. Prior to saturation of the elements in the borate solution, the wearable surfaces of the elements, such as those surfaces which will be subject to contact with molten metal, are coated with film which will prevent saturation by the borate solution, such that no protective layer is formed at the wearable surfaces. This allows the tar or other wear reducing agent to migrate outwardly through the wearable surfaces so as to reduce wear caused by the molten metal.

Abstract: An elongated nozzle assembly for closing and/or regulating the discharge from a metallurgical vessel of molten metal in the form of a wide strip includes refractory tubular stator and rotor members each having extending through a tubular wall thereof a discharge opening in the form of a slot elongated in the direction of coincident longitudinal axes thereof. The stator and rotor members are assembled with one member fitting in a sealing manner within the other member, thus forming inner and outer members. The inner member has therein a cavity elongated in the direction of the axes of the members and into which opens the discharge opening of the inner member. A first longitudinal end of the cavity is closed by an end wall of the inner member. A second longitudinal end of the cavity is opened axially through an inlet opening in the respective longitudinal end of the inner member. The inlet opening communicates via the cavity with the discharge opening of the inner member.

Abstract: A one-piece refractory stopper rod has an axial bore formed therein for the introduction of inert gas into molten steel within a tundish. A metal bushing insert is copressed into the refractory stopper rod and has a threaded bore which is positioned coaxially with the bore of the stopper rod body. A metal attachment rod having an axial bore therethrough and a threaded lower shank portion is secured within the threaded bore of the metal bushing insert. The metal attachment rod has an upper threaded shank which is adapted to be secured to a stopper rod lifting mechanism associated with the tundish. The metal rod further includes a flanged portion intermediate the upper and lower shank portions which carries an annular chamfered surface. The annular chamfered surface faces a like annular chamfered surface formed in the bore of the stopper rod to define a gas-tight seal at a sealing interface therebetween.

Abstract: Apparatus for loading a gate into a valve mechanism with a gate safety arrangement for physically preventing the gate from being loaded into the valve mechanism unless the gate has a prescribed orientation with respect to the loading path into the valve mechanism.

Abstract: A plug for temporarily closing a tap hole in a metal making furnace comprises a plug body insertable into the tap hole. The plug body comprises a ceramic blanket. A plurality of biasing springs are disposed inside the blanket and are held in a retracted condition by a heat-sensitive retaining band which extends around an outer periphery of the plug. A plurality of metal strips are disposed on an outer surface of the plug to protect the blanket. When the plug is inserted into a tap hole, the band is melted by the high temperatures therein, enabling the spring to expand the plug into contact with a surface of the tap hole.

Abstract: The shut-off device includes (1) a stopper capable of blocking a stream of melt flowing in the guide conduit which introduces the melt from a furnace into a tundish therethrough, if the occasion arises, and (2) a receiving plate disposed below a cooling mold so as to receive a leakage melt and having a heat sensor, the heat sensor being adapted to detect the heat of the leakage melt and communicating with a converter for transmitting an operation signals to the stopper. In such a specially designed structure, if the melt breaks out of the cooling mold, the leaked melt is received by the receiving plate and its heat is detected by the heat sensor. According to the detection of the heat, corresponding electric signals are instantly transmitted from the converter to the stopper and thereby the stopper is actuated so as to block the melt flow in the guide conduit.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to a regulating device of a metallurgical vessel for regulating the flow of molten metal from the vessel. The device includes a fixed refractory part defining a first cylindrical peripheral surface of the device and a movable refractory part that is rotatable and/or slidable relative to the fixed refractory part and defines a second cylindrical peripheral surface sealingly engaged with the first cylindrical peripheral surface. An actuating device is connected to the movable refractory part for rotating and/or sliding the movable refractory part relative to the fixed refractory part. The cylindrical peripheral surfaces of the refractory parts are spaced apart from one another so as to define an annular gap therebetween.

Abstract: A refractory plate assembly for use in a sliding closure unit includes a sheet metal shell including a base portion and an integral peripheral portion. A refractory plate member having a sliding surface is positioned within the shell. Positioning or support structure locates the plate member within the interior of the shell, and fiber or granular thermal insulation material is positioned within the shell between the base portion thereof and the refractory plate member.

Abstract: A one-piece refractory stopper rod has an axial bore formed therein for the introduction of inert gas into molten steel within a tundish. A metal bushing insert is compressed into the refractory stopper rod and has a threaded bore which is positioned coaxially with the bore of the stopper rod body. A metal attachment rod having an axial bore therethrough and a threaded lower shank portion is secured within the threaded bore of the metal bushing insert. The metal attachment rod has an upper threaded shank which is adapted to be secured to a stopper rod lifting mechanism associated with the tundish. The metal rod further includes a flanged portion intermediate the upper and lower shank portions which carries an annular chamfered surface. The annular chamfered surface faces a like annular chamfered surface formed in the bore of the stopper rod to define a gas-tight seal at a sealing interface therebetween.

Abstract: A method for retaining slag in a ladle or similar vessel containing molten metal such as used in the steel industry. Lumps of a highly refractory material having a density between the density of the molten metal and the density of the slag are added to the vessel. As the molten metal is drained from the vessel, the lumps agglomerate around the drain orifice and block the discharge of the slag from the vessel.

Abstract: A housing assembly of a sliding closure unit for controlling the discharge of molten metal from a metallurgical vessel includes a housing member mounted on the metallurgical vessel adjacent an outlet thereof, and a cover member mounted on the housing member by joints to enable the cover member to pivot with respect to the housing member and to be removable therefrom. The joints include joint bases on at least four sides of each of the housing and cover members and including, for each of the housing and cover members, first and second oppositely spaced sides with the joint bases thereof defining parallel first and second joint axes, respectively, and third and fourth oppositely spaced sides with the joint bases thereof defining parallel third and fourth axes, respectively. The joint bases on each side of the cover member face joint bases of a respective side of the housing member.

Abstract: Erosion or corrosion that has been caused during pouring a molten steel through a sliding gate nozzle for continuous casting becomes very serious when a specially treated molten steel such as deoxidized steel with a Ca alloy is applied for continuous casting. Such erosion can be eliminated by partially arranging a zirconia base refractory material on a portion of the inner surface of the nozzle hole. The zirconia base refractory material is composed of more than 53% by weight of partially stabilized zirconia base refractory material having less than 10 mesh grain size, 1 to 7% by weight of metallic silicon powder having less than 100 mesh grain size and 3 to 10% by weight of carbon powder.

Abstract: The invention provides a closure member for a taphole or closure of a metal and slag containing vessel comprising a plug including a temperature reactive component rapidly expandable when subjected to heat, and a component softening under the effect of heat whereby, in use, the closure member expands and fits the taphole to form a block thereto.

Abstract: Stationary and sliding refractory valve bodies of a sliding closure unit, for use in controlling the discharge of molten material from a vessel, are mounted on respective support frames to be precisely centered with respect thereto and to prevent the application to the refractory valve bodies of stresses due to such mounting during operation of the unit. At least one bore hole and at least one elongated groove are formed in the refractory valve body. First and second rods are fixed to the respective support frame and extend therefrom into the bore hole and the groove, respectively. The bore hole is centered on a longitudinal axis of the groove extending in the direction of elongation thereof.

Abstract: A device for control of the pouring process in molds, wherein molten metal is adapted to be tapped from a vessel (e.g. a pouring furnace, a ladle or a tundish) provided with a stopper or other flow-control valve means. Between the vessel and the mold at least one transmitter coil and at least one receiver coil are positioned for measuring the degree of filling of the mold, suitably in a pouring cup. The output signal from the receiver coil is supplied to a signal processing device for control of the flow-control valve means.

Abstract: The slide gate valve (20) has a damper unit (30) that can be adjusted by a drive unit and that can be moved to a position (A) lying outside of the closed position. In this position (A), the damper unit (30) is swingably held in a bearing (29) and guideways (21c) are lowered by a height (h) which releases the spring means (50) with respect to guideways (21a) along the remaining panel length. In this way, this damper unit can be swung out of the housing (24) in very simple fashion for the replacement of the eroded plates (22, 32), which is required very frequently and, after replacement of the plates, can be brought in the operating state again.

Abstract: A plug for the tap hole of a metallurgical vessel includes a canister containing refractory mortar between a pair of end plates, one of which is movable toward the other to squeeze or compress the mortar through an aperture in a generally radially outward direction to seal against the tap hole wall. A plunger is provided and has axially relatively movable sleeves. One sleeve connects with the plug, while the other sleeve has a pusher head engageable against the movable end plate of the plug. The plug is connected to the plunger and inserted into the opening. The sleeves are axially displaced to cause the disks to relatively move axially toward one another, displacing the mortar into sealing engagement with the tap hole walls. Upon location and sealing of the tap hole by the plug, the plunger is unscrewed from the plug and withdrawn for later use.

Abstract: A closure mechanism includes a conical discharge nozzle and a shielding tube fitted over the exterior of the discharge nozzle. A snug conical joint is formed by closely complementary conical surfaces of the discharge nozzle and the shielding tube. At least one ring-shaped seal is provided in such joint to prevent exterior air from entering between the discharge nozzle and the shielding tube into the interior of the shielding tube. The ring-shaped seal comprises an annular recess formed in one of the conical surfaces, thereby defining an annular chamber, and an inert gas filling such chamber.