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 manipulator is disclosed for manipulating a pouring pipe from a remote position wherein it is oriented substantially horizontally, to a position beneath a metallurgical vessel wherein the pouring pipe is oriented substantially vertically. The manipulator includes a supporting frame which can be transferred on laterally extending track and longitudinally extending tracks from a remote location to a location adjacent the metallurgical vessel. The manipulator is adapted to detachably engage the pouring pipe such that the pouring pipe can be guided along a guide path which preferably includes curved portions. With this arrangement, the manipulator is operable to manipulate the pouring pipe in an accurate manner and without danger to operating personnel into position beneath the metallurgical vessel and into a continuous casting mold, even when space for such manipulation is narrow.

Abstract: A refractory discharge device includes an immersion nozzle formed substantially of carbon-bonded magnesium oxide or carbon-bonded aluminum oxide or fused quartz. The immersion nozzle has therethrough a discharge passage and has an outer surface and an outlet end. An external reinforcement member is formed entirely separately from the immersion nozzle from a zirconium oxide material that is directly bonded without any carbon and by burning at a high temperature. The external reinforcement member is attached to the outer surface of the outer surface of the immersion nozzle at a position such that during use the external reinforcement member will extend above and below a casting powder covering of molten metal into which the refractory discharge device will be immersed.

Abstract: A molten steel pouring nozzle having, along the axis thereof, a bore through which molten steel flows. At least part of an inner portion of the molten steel pouring nozzle, which inner portion forms the bore, is formed of a refractory consisting essentially of:zirconia clinker comprising calcium zirconate: from 40 to 89 wt. %,where, a content of calcium oxide in the zirconia clinker being within a range of from 8 to 35 weight parts relative to 100 weight parts of the zirconia clinker;graphite: from 10 to 35 wt. %; andcalcium silicate: from 1 to 25 wt. %,where, a content of calcium oxide in the calcium silicate being within a range of from 40 to 54 weight parts relative to 100 weight parts of the calcium silicate.

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 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 nozzle device for discharging molten metal comprising a nozzle having a tapered portion whose outside diameter decreases toward the lower end, a metal holder mounted on the tapered portion and supporting the nozzle, and a ceramic receiving member whose inside surface is parallel with the surface of the tapered portion, the member provided between the tapered portion and the metal holder.

Abstract: The pouring tube includes a discharge portion having discharge ports in its wall for splitting the flow of melt, and for directing the various portions of the flow into the surrounding melt as melt streams emerging at angles to the outer surface of the pouring tube. The angles of the streams to the pouring tube are selected such that the energy of the streams is dissipated in the surrounding melt before the streams impinge against a wall of the mold. The pouring tube also includes seals for temporarily preventing the emergence of selected streams in order to avoid excessive splashing and/or material build up on the walls of the mold during the start-up phase of its operation.

Abstract: A molten steel pouring nozzle having along the axis thereof a bore through which molten steel flows. At least part of an inner portion of the molten steel pouring nozzle, which inner portion forms said bore, is formed with a refractory consisting essentially of:zirconia clinker comprising cubic zirconia andcalcium zirconate: from 40 to 85 wt. %,where, the content of calcium oxide in said zirconia clinker being within the range of from 3 to 35 weight parts relative to 100 weight parts of said zirconia clinker;graphite: from 10 to 30 wt. %;andat least one element selected from the group consisting of:silica: from 1 to 15 wt. %,andmagnesia: from 1 to 15 wt. %.

Abstract: A nozzle shroud for shielding the pouring of molten metal into a gas filled neutral atmosphere from a metallurgical vessel to a central trumpet associated with ingot molds and the like. The shroud is a vacuum formed fiber structure positioned in sealing relation with the metallurgical vessel nozzle by support the gas injection assembly providing a sealing relationship between the nozzle and pouring receiving receptacle.

Abstract: A member formed of ceramic refractory material has therein an opening. A metal coupling member for attaching a metal member such as a rod or a tube, to the refractory member has an externally threaded portion extending into the opening in the refractory member. The coupling member has a head extending radially outwardly beyond the threads of the threaded portion and embedded in the refractory member. The opening in the refractory member may be internally threaded to receive the threads of the threaded portion of the coupling member.

Abstract: A shroud or submerged pour tube which has a sealing cup of an essentially frustoconical configuration at its upper end is disclosed. The sealing cup matingly engages a bullet-shaped nose on the lower portion of the collector nozzle extending downwardly from the valve. The combination of the collector nozzle and the shroud and the joint are held in compressive and oriented relationship by a shroud support assembly. The shroud support assembly has adjustable length arms to permit tilting the shroud axis for alignment at the lower end of the shroud. This urges a line contact at the joint at the upper end of the shroud where it engages the bullet nose of the collector nozzle. The support assembly also may be mounted with flexibility for moving on the XY axis where the Z axis is the axis of the pour tube or shroud in those two plate situations where the collector nozzle shifts laterally during the on and off condition and also during throttling.

Abstract: An improved shroud tube supporting and changing apparatus for use in a bottom pour metal teeming operation includes an elongated arm having its midpoint mounted on the teeming vessel for free rotation about a generally vertical axis and for limited pivotal movement about a horizontal axis, and a shroud tube support on each end of the elongated arm for engaging and providing gimbal-like support for a shroud tube. A power actuator mounted on the teeming vessel is selectively operable to pivot the arm about the horizontal axis in one direction to maintain a fluid tight seal between the shroud tube and the bottom pour opening in the teeming vessel, and to permit the arm to be pivoted in the other direction to disengage the shroud tube from the bottom pour opening and permit the arm to be rotated about the vertical axis to place a new shroud tube in position beneath the bottom pour opening.

Abstract: A shroud for shielding the pouring of molten metal in a neutral atmosphere from a metallurgical vessel to a center runner trumpet associated with bottom pour ingot molds or the like. The shroud is a vacuum formed fiber structure with a flat bottom and a contoured self-sealing top configured to seal against a metal ware extension from the metallurgical vessel which maintains the neutral atmosphere.

Abstract: A manipulator for engaging a pouring tube (11) with the discharge gate valve of pouring ladle is designed so that the position of a cylinder (7) for turning a boom (4) for holding the pouring tube (11) depends on the pressure applied to the turning cylinder (7). This is accomplished by a spring (15) interposed between the turning cylinder (7) and the boom (4).

Abstract: A manipulator for engaging a pouring tube (11) with a discharge gate of a pouring ladle comprises a post (3) and a boom (4), which is adjustably mounted on the post (3) and adapted to carry the pouring tube (11). To provide for a simple sequence of movements and a simple control, the post (3) is pivoted to a base (1) on a horizontal axis (2), the boom (4) is pivoted to the post (3) on an axis (5), which is parallel to the pivotal axis of the post (3), and the post (3) and the boom (4) are pivotally movable about their respective pivotal axes by respective torque cylinders (6).

Abstract: An apparatus for changing casting nozzles such as immersion nozzles easily, quickly, and reliably.

Abstract: An apparatus for replaceably mounting a pouring tube in engagement with a discharge nozzle of a vessel includes an arm mounted for pivotal movement about a vertical axis and for tilting movement about a horizontal axis. A first end of the arm has a fixture for supporting a pouring tube. An operating member is mounted adjacent a second end of the arm to tilt the arm about the horizontal axis between a clamping position, where the pouring tube is pressed against a discharge nozzle of a vessel, and an open position, where the pouring tube is spaced from the discharge nozzle. When the arm is in the open position it may be pivoted about the vertical axis between a first position, where the pouring tube is aligned with the discharge nozzle, and a second position, where the pouring tube is spaced from the discharge nozzle.

Abstract: An automated apparatus for manipulating a protective tube for a jet of a molten metal discharged from a tap hole of a casting ladle for selective movement of the protective tube under the tap hole and retraction therefrom, uses a first carriage displaceable along a horizontal track, a vertical shaft connected to the first carriage for displacement therewith and rotatable about its longitudinal axis, and a second carriage vertically displaceable along the shaft. A carrier arm for the tube is supported on the second carriage and a support case connects the carrier arm to the second carriage to allow horizontal movements of the carrier arm with respect to the second carriage. The carrier arm can be locked in a predetermined position with respect to the second carriage and is capable of gripping the tube.

Abstract: An immersion pouring spout for introducing molten metal, such as steel, into an ingot mold is provided with a top head and a cylindrical pouring tube including a protective external jacket attached by cement to the pouring tube and extending the entire length of the pouring tube. The jacket material has a thermal conductivity that is less than the thermal conductivity of the pouring tube material.

Abstract: An apparatus for replaceably connecting a casting tube to a closable pouring spout of a tundish includes a gimbal device for supporting the casting tube and a double-arm lever including a first arm supporting the gimbal device and a second arm carrying a counterweight. The lever is supported about an axis such that the counterweight pivots the lever about the axis and causes the first arm and the gimbal device to press the casting tube against the mouth of the pouring spout. Supports are fixed to the tundish, a pin member defines the axis, and a mounting structure moves the pin member between an operative position pivotally supporting the lever on the supports and an inoperative position where the lever is released from the supports.

Abstract: A feeding device for introducing molten steel into a twin-belt caster having mold walls which move exclusively in the casting direction. The feeding device comprises: a casting unit including a pouring pipe having a mouthpiece at one end which can extend between and form a sealing gap with the mold walls of a twin-belt caster, a first carriage moveable toward and away from a twin-belt caster and having the pouring pipe mounted thereon so that the pouring pipe is rotatable about a horizontal pivot axis and is laterally adjustable transversely to its longitudinal extent; a tundish mounted on a second carriage, which is disposed upstream of the first carriage and is independently moveable toward and away from the first carriage, so that the tundish is adjustable in height; and a compensating pipe for connecting the outlet of the tundish to the other end of the pouring pipe to permit molten steel to flow from the tundish through the pouring pipe.

Abstract: An apparatus for positioning and supporting a shroud tube in a metal teeming operation includes a boom assembly having one end pivotally mounted on a rigid structure for movement about a vertical axis and is articulated intermediate its ends to permit universal movement of its other end in a horizontal plane, and an elongated shroud tube support arm is mounted intermediate its ends on the universally movable end of the boom assembly for movement therewith, for limited pivotal movement about a horizontal axis, and for limited rotational movement about its longitudinal axis. A bifurcated yoke at one end of the support arm engages and supports a shroud tube, and power drive is provided at the other end of the support arm for rotating the support arm about its longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A novel apparatus for rapidly changing a submerged nozzle used to introduce molten steel from a ladle to a tundish or from a tundish to a mold. A submerged nozzle hanger having a submerged nozzle seating member at the free end thereof is raised and lowered while being rotated about a rotary sleeve to carry a submerged nozzle seated at said free end back and forth between a position at which the nozzle is mated with a teeming nozzle provided on the ladle or tundish, and a position at which submerged nozzles can be exchanged.

Abstract: A teeming ladle with at least one tapping hole (3) formed in the bottom of its body (1). According to the invention, a sleeve (4) is arranged around each tapping hole (3) substantially coaxially therewith. The sleeve (4) has one of its ends tightly connected with the ladle bottom and the other end immersed in the melt during casting. The diameter of the sleeve (4) is so many times larger than that of the tapping hole that after being immersed in the melt, a space is left in the sleeve interior filled with a gas medium under a pressure ranging from 0.02 to 1.0 time the pressure under which the melt is discharged from the ladle.

Abstract: A nozzle of refractory material is demountably connected to a spout, also of refractory material, for flow of liquid metal from the spout into the nozzle. The spout is supported by a first metal support ring and the nozzle is carried by a second metal support ring which has projecting arms by which it is lifted to bring the nozzle into position. To provide a seal of the connection against access of atmospheric oxygen to the liquid metal, a sleeve is slidably and rotatably mounted on the second support ring. On rotation of the sleeve, cam means a cam action between the lower sleeve surface and the projecting arms effect its upward movement so that its top edge engages the first support ring to seal thereto. The sleeve leaves an annular gap between itself and the nozzle, to which inert gas is supplied.

Abstract: A trough for delivering molten material flowing from a furnace includes an elongated copper member along which the material flows. A coolant guide is located beneath the copper member and is closely spaced therefrom so as to define a highly restrictive narrow coolant flow passage. A liquid coolant is supplied to the passage where the velocity of the same is made to accelerate to an ultrahigh velocity of at least 10 feet per second across the undersurface of the copper member to thereby sweep away steam generated upon the surface.

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 support assembly for a pouring stream protection shroud 1 at the outlet gate of a metal pour vessel comprises an intermediate bearing ring 3 provided between a flange 2 of the protection shroud and a shroud holding ring 4 supporting said shroud at the outlet gate of the metal pour vessel. The holding ring may be provided with cooling gas channels 12, 13, and the bearing ring and holding ring are interlocked by pins 8 extending into a peripheral groove 7 formed in the holding ring and sandwiching a further intermediate bearing ring 16 therebetween. Lubricant may be supplied to the sliding surfaces through peripheral bores 6 and connecting bores 17 formed in the intermediate bearing rings.

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: Shown is a method for preventing or reducing cracking in collector nozzles in teeming vessels by securing the shroud underneath the nozzle with a predetermined load, sufficient to cause fluid tight connection between the shroud and the collector nozzle, and yet not enough to crack the collector nozzle. The shroud is urged against the nozzle and supported there by a boom which is free to move with the nozzle and thus becomes slaved to the movement of the nozzle and not its support. In addition, the desirability of removing the shroud from the pouring vessel by tilting it is preserved, and at the same time locking the shroud against pivotal motion is provided which reduces, if not eliminates, the excessive loads that can be caused when the shroud or the valve move, and the lower end is restricted for such movement by the poured fluid, thereby resulting in excessively multiplied loads on the collector nozzle.

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: Apparatus is described for attaching a shroud tube to the pour nozzle of a sliding gate valve, or the like, from a remote position. The apparatus is also effective to impart compound movement to the shroud tube for inserting the end of the tube into the opening in a tundish cover. Apparatus according to the invention is characterized by simplicity of design, low capital cost and ease of manipulation.

Abstract: A carrying tower for a metallurgical vessel includes at least one carrying arm for accommodating the vessel. The carrying arm projects from a carrying column and has a weighing device. Also the arm is dividedly designed and the carrying arm parts thus formed are articulately connected with each other about a horizontal axis. For exactly measuring the weight of the metallurgical vessel held by the carrying arm, the carrying arm parts each have a supporting face for support with respect to each other, which supporting faces are arranged at a distance from the axis connecting the carrying arm parts, and a force measuring device inserted between these supporting faces.

Abstract: An articulated dual rotatable support is provided for casting ladles in which opposed supporting arms extend from an annular central support column which is rotatable. Each support arm may be raised and lowered independently of the other. Each support arm includes a U-shaped support arrangement carrying a ladle receiver. In addition, each support arm is supported in an open topped bearing arrangement so as to be easily lifted out of position for repairs or replacement. A power device for moving each support arm is provided connected to a transverse beam on the rotatable annular support and movable therewithin which power device is connected to an L- or Z-shaped power arm rigidly connected to each supporting arm to provide for the articulation of each supporting arm largely below the top of the annular support.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in positioning a pouring tube on a bottom pour nozzle of a hot metal casting vessel including a pouring tube support carriage having universal or two dimensional movement in a horizontal plane and pouring tube transfer car mounted on the carriage to extend the pouring tube from an inboard position adjacent the carriage to an outboard position in alignment with the bottom pour nozzle. The apparatus is designed to raise and lower the pouring tube with respect to the bottom pour nozzle when in alignment therewith. The apparatus is also provided to move the pouring tube from an inboard vertical position to a horizontal travel position and finally to a vertical outboard position with the bottom portion of the pouring tube projecting into the molten metal bath of a tundish positioned beneath the casting vessel and the top of the pouring tube engaging the casting vessel bottom pour nozzle. The pouring tube transfer car is designed to be rapidly withdrawn in an emergency.

Abstract: A tundish has a metal casing, an inner permanent lining, e.g. of refractory brick, an inner expendable lining within the permanent lining and formed of slabs of refractory heat-insulating material, and lining at the impact area of erosion resistant or sacrificial material.

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: A device for replacing pouring tubes at the outlet of a pour vessel for molten metal in which interconnected frames supporting the pouring tubes in a free swiveling manner are guided according to a linear path along the vessel outlet by suitable guiding means, whereby the pouring tube nearing the outlet is brought in close contact with an outlet plate by suitable steering and pushing means.

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: A tundish has a metal casing, an inner permanent lining, e.g. of refractory brick, an inner expendable lining within the permanent lining and formed of slabs of refractory heat-insulating material, and at least one nozzle including a highly refractory nozzle ring set into the base of the tundish by means of a sealing compound which remains unhardened during the use of the tundish for continuous casting of molten metal.

Abstract: Pour tubes for use in conjunction with slidable gate valves that regulate the flow of molten metal from the pour opening in a bottom pour teeming vessel are operatively positioned with respect to the gate valve collector nozzle by means of mounting apparatus of particular construction. A pouring tube is replaceably positioned in the apparatus which is operative to manipulate the tube within a confined space into its operating position with respect to the collector nozzle between the teeming vessel and a receiving vessel.

Abstract: The invention deals with an intermediary tank truck for metal plants, particularly steel strand casting plants, whose frame consists of two beams and two crossbeams, with the intermediaary or transfer tank resting on the frame, and equipped with a hoisting device between the frame and the intermediary tank, a horizontal adjustment device, a tilting device, and a measuring scale.

Abstract: The permanent refractory lining of a liquid metal transfer vessel is covered with a removable heat-insulation lining formed of inorganic particles embedded in a binder, the particles being sinterable at the temperature of the liquid metal to be introduced into the vessel. The liquid metal is thus prevented from coming into contact with the permanent lining and any danger of solidification of metal and damage to this latter is consequently removed.

Abstract: An apparatus for exchanging pouring tubes at a casting vessel having a closeable bottom pour opening of a continuous casting installation. Each pouring tube has an infeed end and an outfeed end for the molten metal, typically steel, flowing therethrough and into a throughflow vessel, such as a continuous casting mold or tundish. Guides serve to move each pouring tube from an approximately horizontal introduction or infeed position into a substantially vertical casting position. The guides are structured such that different paths of movement are provided for the infeed end and outfeed end of the pouring tube, and specifically, the infeed end of the pouring tube moves along an approximately horizontal path of movement and the outfeed end of the pouring tube moves along an approximately vertical path of movement, at least a portion of which vertical path of movement is located within the throughflow vessel.

Abstract: A pivot is mounted to extend parallel to a spout axis. A pair of arms are mounted at first ends thereof to swivel about the pivot and carry at second ends thereof holders which support pouring pipes. Each arm can be swiveled to a position beneath the spout and precisely centered with the spout by abutment devices. The holder and pouring pipe are then raised until the pouring pipe engages the spout.

Abstract: One or more pulsating streams of liquid material may be transformed into streams of essentially constant velocity with use of a counterweighted tundish that tilts in response to variations in liquid input. The dispensing system is particularly suited for use as a feeding source of liquid metal for continuous strip casting processes due to its ability to provide a constant low velocity teeming stream.

Abstract: Vessels for containing molten metal, e.g. tundishes, are formed of a metal case lined with refractory slabs. The slabs are individually replaceable for repair of the lining and are held in place by fixing members passing through the wall or base of the metal case.

Abstract: A continuous casting plant has at least one tundish car movable on a circular arc-shaped pathway. The tundish car is pivotable around a column, centered in the horizontal direction by means of three guiding rollers and secured against tilting in the vertical direction by two vertical supporting rollers. When two cars are used, one of the cars has a cranked longitudinal carrier. The column can be hollow and surround the ladle stand, and it can be vertically separated into two parts.