Abstract: The invention relates to a wear indicator (display) in a compound system made of fireproof (refractory) ceramic bricks.

Abstract: Gas purging element (10) for metallurgical applications, comprising the following features in its mounted state: a ceramic refractory body (10, 30) with a lower end and an upper end, the upper end features an upper front surface, the lower end features a lower front surface (12), a depression (20) extends from the lower front surface (12) into the lower end of the ceramic refractory body (10), the depression (20) comprises a first part (16, 16?, 16?) of a detachable, form-fit connection to a gas connection element (50), a fluidic connection for a treating gas through at least one gas permeable section (30) of the ceramic refractory body (10) is provided between the depression (20) and the upper front surface.

Abstract: Refractory ceramic gas purging element, comprising: a refractory ceramic body, a chamber is arranged at the first end (10u) of the refractory ceramic body (10), which chamber extends over at least 50% of the cross section of the refractory ceramic body at its first end, a gas feeding line enters into said chamber, at a distance to said refractory ceramic body, at a section towards the refractory ceramic body the chamber is at least partially permeable to gas, the chamber comprises at least one plate, which is freely moveable in an axial direction of the gas purging element between a first end position and a second end position, the plate is dimensioned, shaped and placed in the chamber such that a gas flow from the gas feeding line through said chamber up to the first end is even secured when the plate is in its second end position.

Abstract: A gas purging plug for blowing gas into a metallurgical vessel, having the form of an elongated body made of a first refractory material, contains a final visual wear indicator in the form of an elongated core extending from an inlet end to a distance, along a central longitudinal axis, less than the length of the elongated body. The final visual wear indicator is made of a second refractory material that differs in visual appearance from the first refractory material between 800 and 1500 degrees C. The plug also contains an intermediate visual wear indicator extending from the inlet end to a point between the end of the final visual wear indicator and the opposite end of the elongated body. The intermediate visual wear indicator is made of a third refractory material that differs in visual appearance from the first and second refractory materials between 800 and 1500 degrees C.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gas purging element at a metallurgical vessel as well as a corresponding gas supply pipe.

Abstract: A device for blowing gas into a metallurgical vessel contains at least one gas flow channel fluidly connecting a gas inlet located at one end to a gas outlet located at the opposite end. The channel is in the shape of a slit. The gas channel contains a series of continuous concave bridges connecting the opposing surfaces defining the channel, with their concave side oriented towards the gas outlet. The concave bridges are disposed in a staggered arrangement, such that any shortest line running from the gas outlet to the gas inlet of the channel necessarily intercepts the concave side of at least one bridge. The device is resistant to clogging by infiltrated molten metal or slag.

Abstract: A container for molten metal includes an outlet for outflow of the molten metal from the container and a temperature measuring device fixed in a wall of the container. The temperature measuring device includes a plug, an outer protective sheath having a closed end, and an inner protective tube having a closed end. The inner protective tube is arranged within the outer protective sheath. A thermocouple is arranged within the inner protective tube. The plug includes a substantially refractory material and the outer protective sheath consists essentially of substantially refractory metal oxide and graphite. The outer protective sheath extends away from the first end of the plug and projects into a recessed portion of the wall of the container. The closed end of the outer protective sheath is arranged in the recessed portion. A junction of the thermocouple is proximate to the closed end of the inner protective tube.

Abstract: A temperature measuring device for molten metal includes a porous plug with a first end and an opposed second end, an outer protective sheath with a closed end, an inner protective tube with a closed end, and a thermocouple arranged within an interior of the inner protective tube. The outer protective sheath extends away from the first end of the plug and the inner protective tube is arranged within an interior of the outer protective sheath. The porous plug comprises a substantially refractory material and the outer protective sheath consists essentially of substantially refractory metal oxide and graphite. A junction of the thermocouple is proximate to the closed end of the inner protective tube.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to a refractory pouring tube for pouring a molten metal from one metallurgical vessel to another metallurgical vessel. The invention as well relates to a corresponding assembly, comprising such a pouring tube.

Abstract: Device for manufacturing a metal foam. The device includes at least two feed pipes for introducing gas. The at least two feed pipes are arranged next to one another. Each of the at least two feed pipes project into a foamable melt. This Abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: A gas purge device for a metallurgical melting vessel includes a conically shaped ceramic body (2) in contact at its top side with heat contained in the melting vessel. The ceramic body has a static external element and an internal element axially movable therein. A pneumatic drive axially moves the internal element to and fro relative to the external element between a closed position and an open position. The spring force of a spring retains the internal element in the closed position. The device furthermore includes a gas-tight enclosed volume arranged at the bottom side of the ceramic body the volume being connected to a gas supply duct for introduction of purge gas. A deformable membrane is connected to the internal element with the pressure difference between the purge gas pressure prevailing in the gas-tight enclosed volume and the ambient pressure acting upon the membrane.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an industrial furnace for smelting metals, in particular nonferrous metals, and the respective nozzle element.

Abstract: A degasser (10) for molten metal with a microporous plate (11). The microporous plate has at least one internal passageway (13) and an interface tube (12) attached to the microporous plate in flow communication with the internal passageway.

Abstract: A degasser (10) for molten metal with a microporous plate (11). The microporous has at least one internal passageway (13) and an interface tube (12) attached to the microporous plate in flow communication with the internal passageway.

Abstract: A gas lance made of a fireproof material, having an entry surface and an exit surface, having channels having slit-shaped cross-section, which comprise an entry slit and an exit slit. In order to provide a gas lance in which the gas exits in such a manner that a good thorough mixing of the melt is achieved and a simple penetration of the melt by the gas is avoided, the projection of the exit slit of a channel onto the entry surface may be offset in relation to the entry slit of the channel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gas purge device for a metallurgical melting vessel, (1), comprising a conically shaped ceramic body (2) getting at its top side (3) in contact with a heat (4) contained in the melting vessel (1), said ceramic body (2) having a static external element (5) and an internal element (6) axially movable therein, further comprising a pneumatic drive (15) by means of which the internal element (6) can be axially moved to and fro relatively to the external element (5) of the ceramic body (5) between a closed position and an open position, with a spring (18) being provided, by the spring force of which the internal element (6) is retained in the closed position, and furthermore comprising a gas-tight enclosed volume (9) arranged at the bottom side (7) of the ceramic body (2), said volume being connected to a gas supply duct for introduction of purge gas.

Abstract: A pressure tapping type ladle for transferring molten-metal includes a ladle body for containing molten metal, a top cover covering a top opening of the ladle body, and an openable working cover covering an opening formed in a part of the top cover. The ladle also includes a molten-metal tapping portion extending from a lower portion of the ladle body to above the ladle body, wherein the working cover is equipped with a cover body covering the opening of the top cover, a gas inlet formed in a top panel of the cover body, and a heat-resistant layer provided inside the cover body. The heat-resistant layer is comprised of a gas-permeable fireproof material layer, and gas for pressurizing inside the ladle body is introduced from the gas inlet via the gas-permeable fireproof layer.

Abstract: A process and a device serve for decreasing the oxygen content of a copper melt. One or more flushing plugs, from which a scavenging gas emerges, are arranged in the perpendicular direction in the lower region of the copper melt. The scavenging gas ascends into the copper melt, and the copper melt itself is electrically stirred. The copper is initially melted in a shaft furnace, and then it is led to a treatment furnace via a transportation channel. As a result of flowing out of the flushing plugs, the scavenging gas ascends into the copper melt both in the region of the transportation channel and also in the region of the treatment furnace. The scavenging gas flows out of at least one of the flushing plugs with a composition corresponding to 30% to 70% reducing gas and 70% to 30% inert gas.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a mono-block stopper adapted to deliver gas during pouring of molten metal comprising a stopper body having an internal chamber (1) and a gas discharge port (2), a bore (3) connecting the internal chamber (1) to the gas discharge port (2), calibrating means (4) being provided in the bore (3) to provide a restricted path. This stopper is characterised by the fact that the calibrating means comprise a rod (4) having at least one axially-extending gas passages therealong, the gas passage(s) having a section such as to offer a predetermined resistance to flow. The stopper of the invention is far more reliable and can be easily adapted to various operational parameters.

Abstract: A device for feeding gas in a melt of foamable metal by means of at least one pipe for producing metal foam. The gas insertion pipe projects inwardly into the melt and at the projecting end has a gas outlet having a cross section of 0.006 to 0.2 mm2 and a pipe face area of less than 4.0 mm2. A flowable metal foam has gas bubbles defined by walls of a liquid metal matrix with solid reinforcing particles, and the diameter of the largest gas bubbles divided by that of the smallest gas bubbles is less than 2.5.

Abstract: A gas blowing plug and a manufacturing method therefor wherein the gas blowing plug includes a slit-shaped gas passage (22) ranging from the bottom to the top of the plug. The gas passage (22) is continuous or discontinuous in a horizontal cross section of the plug. The slit-shaped gas passage (22) is also continuous from the bottom to the top of the plug and slit-shaped gas passage (26) is discontinuous in a vertical cross section of the plug. In one example, the cross-sectional shape of the slit-shaped gas passage (22) is a pointed star.

Abstract: This invention relates to a gas bubbler stone for metallurgical vessels having a porous, gas-permeable molded stone (1) made of a refractory material, a partial sheathing enclosing it in a gastight manner, the sheathing being made of a metal casing (2), which extends around the lateral peripheral surface of the molded stone, and a sheet metal cover (3) which covers the outer end face of the molded stone, and a gas delivery pipe (6) which extends from the under side of the sheet metal cover and is joined to the sheet metal cover in the area of a gas inlet opening (7) formed in the sheet metal cover, and which has a narrowed cross section (9) at a distance from the gas inlet opening of the sheet metal cover, and a closing body (10), which is movable at least in the axial direction of the gas delivery pipe, is situated in the pipe section between the sheet metal cover (3) and the narrowed cross section (9), its cross section being smaller than the inside diameter of the gas delivery pipe (6) and greater than the

Abstract: A tool or fluxing head for fluxing molten metal that comprises a fluxing gas supply line that communicates with the interior of an inverted plunger cup providing a hollow interior into which refining agents and other additives that are to be introduced into a molten metal can be incorporated. In use, the fluxing head is introduced into a molten metal body with the plunger cup in the inverted position. The inverted plunger cup has a closed top at the point where the gas supply line enters and an open bottom that allows molten metal to enter the inverted cup to make contact with the refining agent or other additive. Apertures are provided in the wall of the inverted plunger cup to allow gas introduced therein to escape therefrom. According to a preferred embodiment, a porous layer is provided at the top of the inverted plunger cup to allow for the escape of gas into the molten metal through the porous layer.

Abstract: A purge plug adapted to be replaceably attached to the bottom of a lable for purging gas through a heat in the ladle. The purge plug comprises a ceramic body having at least one through gap which extends between the end faces of the body and a casing which encloses the body. The gas is fed to the external end face of the body in order to flow, at a predetermined pressure, through said gap to the internal end face of the body and into the heat. The ceramic body comprises an external, essentially sleeve-shaped body portion and an internal, truncated cone-shaped body portion. Between them said gap is arranged. The internal body portion is movable in relation to the external body portion and is pretensioned by a resilient means in a direction towards the heat to close the gap. A gas supply pipe is connected to a space beneath the external end face to open the gap.

Abstract: A gas blowing plug and a manufacturing method therefor wherein the gas blowing plug includes a slit-shaped gas passage (22) ranging from the bottom to the top of the plug. The gas passage (22) is continuous or discontinuous in a horizontal cross section of the plug. The slit-shaped gas passage (22) is also continuous from the bottom to the top of the plug and slit-shaped gas passage (26) is discontinuous in a vertical cross section of the plug. In one example, the cross-sectional shape of the slit-shaped gas passage (22) is a pointed star.

Abstract: A permeable nozzle is made from MgO and MgO—Al2O3 spinel and has a nonservice backpressure of about 0.5-50 psi at gas flowrates of about 5-20 liters/minute. In one embodiment, the permeable nozzle comprises about 50%-80% of about a 20-48×100 mesh MgO, about 5%-20% of about a 325 mesh MgO and about 5%-40% of about a 48×200 mesh MgO—Al2O3 spinel. In another embodiment, the permeable nozzle comprises about 10%-20% of about a 20-48×100 mesh MgO, about 0%-10% of about a 325 mesh MgO, about 30%-60% of about a 28×48 mesh MgO—Al2O3 spinel, about 10%-40% of about a 48×200 mesh MgO—Al2O3 spinel, and about 10%-20% of about a 325 mesh MgO—Al2O3 spinel.

Abstract: A converter includes a side wall, and a tapping hole placed at the side wall to allow passage of molten steel. A refractory plug is axially spaced apart from the tapping hole with a predetermined distance. The distance between the refractory plug and the tapping hole is in the range of 3-5 d where d indicates the inner diameter of the tapping hole. The refractory plug has one or more heat resisting steel tubes. When the molten steel is discharged through the tapping hole of the converter to the ladle, 0.1-0.4 Nm3/min of inert gas is introduced into the converter through the refractory plug to prevent leakage of the carried over slag.

Abstract: A system for the injection of gasses into containers containing metals or fused alloys, consisting in a device which indicates the end of the useful life of plugs or refractory parts, intended for the injection of gasses into containers containing metals or fused alloys, provided by means of insertion of a metallic tube of carbon steel or stainless steel, into the refractory parts, which upon fusing in contact with the liquid steel, interrupts the flow of gas, indicating the end of the useful life of the system. The system further includes a mechanical device intended to provide safety and support for the plug at the bottom of the ladle, which ensures a perfect seating of the refractory assembly formed by the plug and the sub-plug, in addition to preventing leakage of steel. These two devices may also be used separately: the first, which indicates the end of the useful life of plugs or refractory parts; and the second, the mechanical device for safety and support of the plug at the bottom of the ladle.

Abstract: The invention concerns a gas purging bottom for metallurgical vessels, the gas purging bottom comprising a monolithic refractory ceramic lining having channels formed therein by chemical or physical processes. At their ends associated with an adjacent vessel wall, the channels are designed for direct or indirect fluid connection to a gas supply pipe. At their other ends the channels lead into the corresponding outer layer of the refractory ceramic lining.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for supplying bottom-blown gas through a porous plug in a ladle and for molten metal refining. A gas supply pipe 3 is connected to a bottom-blowing porous plug 2 attached at the bottom of a ladle 1. An accumulator tank 11a, is provided in parallel with the gas supply pipe 3. The bottom-blown gas is accumulated in the accumulator tank 11a, and blown into the ladle 1 to agitate the molten metal through the gas supply pipe 3 during refining. After the refining is finished, the switching valve 4 of the gas supply pipe 3 is closed, the switching valve 4a of the accumulator tank 11a is opened and the bottom blowing of a small amount of gas is supplied, and the blowing apparatus 10 is separated from the gas supply source 6 at joint 5.

Abstract: A rotating injector for use in the treatment of molten metal to remove impurities. Inert gas is flowed through a hollow rotary shaft having a lower gas port opening to a gas chamber surrounded by an outlet of porous material for creating micronized bubbles in the molten metal. A rotating mixer disperses the inert gas issuing from the outlet.

Abstract: The invention concerns a gas-porous plug in the form of an interstitial flushing device in which the gas passage ducts are in the form of interstices. The opposite walls of the interstices are monolithically interconnected by flat bridges of refractory material. The gas-porous plug can be produced by means of a conical hollow body (1) whose side wall (2) comprises apertures (3). The hollow body (1) is inserted into a casting mould (4) which is subsequently filled with a refractory casting compound.

Abstract: Argon injection nozzles are provided in a close-spaced series lengthwise along a treatment trough, in which liquid aluminum is conveyed. The gas is blown in at high Reynolds No, whereby the jets break up into small bubbles. A high average bubble population density is achieved over the whole volume of liquid metal in the treatment trough. De-gassing is achieved in a metal residence time of 15 to 60 seconds, whereby the trough in which treatment takes place can be small.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nozzle for teeming molten metal, particularly molten steel, from a tundish or other receptacle, which nozzle comprises an inlet, an outlet, and inner and outer tubular members which define a bore through the nozzle between the inlet and outlet. The nozzle is characterised in that both of said inner and outer tubular members are constructed from refractory materials, and in that the inner member extends within the outer member to the inlet. The inner and outer ceramic layers thus form a "double-layer" of refractory material up to the extremity of the nozzle at the inlet end.

Abstract: A refractory nozzle assembly is provided that effectively prevents the accumulation of alumina deposits around its upper edge where it receives a stopper rod. The nozzle assembly includes a refractory nozzle body having an upper and a lower portion. A bore extends through both the upper and lower portions that has a receiving and a discharge end for receiving and discharging molten metal. An inert gas distributor circumscribes the upper portion of the nozzle body. A sleeve of gas-obstructing refractory material covers the walls of the bore, and defines a seat portion at an upper portion of the bore. A metal sheath substantially surrounds the outer surface of the upper portion. Pressurized inert gas conducted to the upper, gas permeable portion of the nozzle body by the gas-distributing assembly is guided by the gas-obstructing sleeve and the metal sheath so that it flows predominantly through the top edge of the upper portion.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a gas purging means for wall-side installation in a metallurgical melting vessel.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a gas injection nozzle which is used for pouring liquid metal and which is prevented from being blocked in the course of continuous casting. According to the present invention, a gas injection nozzle for pouring liquid metal is provided, wherein(a) the nozzle consists of a porous refractory,(b) the circumference of the nozzle is surrounded by an iron shell which has a gas injection pipe, a band-like space (referred to as a gas pool hereinafter) which extends along the circumference of the nozzle perpendicular to an axis of the nozzle between the porous refractory and the iron shell, and(c) the gas pool is formed as a wavy, band-like space along at least one portion of the circumference of the nozzle.

Abstract: A bottom anode for a metallurgical vessel destined for producing a metal melt is formed by a metal bar provided with at least one through recess extending from outside of the metallurgical vessel as far as to within the metallurgical vessel. In order to substantially increase the service life of such a bottom anode, conforming it to that of a lining made of refractory material, the bottom anode, on the vessel internal-side end of the metal bar, is provided with a nose formed of metal melt produced within the vessel. The nose incorporates channels departing from the vessel internal-side end of the through recess of the metal bar, which is connected to a supply duct introducing liquid and/or solid hydrocarbons, and at least some of the channels reaching as far as the surface of the nose.

Abstract: This invention relates a refractory gas purging device for the introduction of gases through a metallurgical vessel to molten metal therein, the device having improved wear indication, safety, and performance. In particular, the refractory gas purging device has a porous refractory inner wear indicator which indicates the end of the useful life of the device. Further, the refractory gas purging device has directional gas passages which do not extend throughout the entire length of the device to prevent molten metal leaks from the metallurgical vessel and such directional gas passages being designed to improve the performance of the device.

Abstract: A bottom or wall structure for a metallurgical vessel has a fireproof lining adjacent to an outer metallic envelope (10) of the vessel. The fireproof lining has on the side opposite to the metallic envelope (10) a wear lining (26) that is gas permeable in at least one of its sections and that covers with its gas permeable section at least one gas rinsing device (14) provided with an associated gas inlet (12), whereas the gas rinsing device (14) is set into a gas-tight receptacle (18).

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a gas purging device for introducing gases and/or solid reactants into the metal melt of a metallurgical crucible, consisting of a gas purging plug, a well nozzle sleeve surrounding it, and/or a well nozzle surrounding the plug or the nozzle brick, with a mounting device arranged in the area of the respective end face.

Abstract: A porous plug assembly for use in a vessel containing molten metal, such as a melting furnace or a holding furnace, for introducing fluxing or other gases into the molten metal. The porous plug assembly includes a frustoconical porous refractory core member that is enclosed around its side and bottom by a non-porous refractory lining. Positioned about the outer surface of the non-porous refractory lining is a metallic outer liner, preferably made from inconel, which includes a ceramic anti-corrosion coating. A gas distribution pipe, which also can be made from inconel, extends upwardly through the bottom of the metallic outer liner, through the non-porous refractory lining, and into the interior of the core member for introducing a fluxing gas therein. Surrounding the intermediate, non-porous refractory lining and the metallic outer liner is a refractory nest block. The fluxing gas passes through the porous core member and exits at the top thereof to enter the molten metal melt.

Abstract: A unitized nozzle and top plate assembly for use in a slide gate valve is disclosed which comprises a nozzle having porous, gas permeable walls, a top plate having an opening through its thickness for regulating a flow of molten metal, such as steel, and a recess circumscribing the opening for receiving and securing the discharge end of the nozzle to the top plate. The depth of the recess is at least 50%, and preferably 70-80% of the thickness of the top plate in order to minimize the contact between molten metal and the surface of the top plate opening, which in turn reduces the amount of flow-obstructing alumina deposits which accumulate in this area of the slide gate valve. To prevent leaks from occurring in the system supplying pressurized argon through the porous nozzle walls, the gas coupling that is normally welded directly to the steel can surrounding the nozzle is instead mounted on the end of a steel pipe connected to the can.

Abstract: An insert member including a plurality of strand members having first and second ends and being oriented in a relative spatial relationship representative of a predetermined path, first end portions for mounting the first ends of the strand members and second end portions for mounting the second ends of the strand members, wherein the first and second means are separated by a predetermined distance to provide the predetermined spatial relationship of the strand members. Also, a combination for making a ceramic gas distribution device which includes this insert member and at least one ceramic in an unfired or green state cast partially therearound.

Abstract: A device, e.g., a stirring plug or a mono-block stirring plug and pocket block set, for introducing gas into a mass of molten metal. The devices each have a body formed of a first refractory material. The stirring plug has plural V-shaped, gas carrying slots extending therethrough, while the mono-block set includes plural helical passageways extending therethrough. A wear indicator comprising a thin walled, thermally insulative tube having a central core of a second refractory material of a different coefficient of light emission but similar coefficient of thermal expansion to the first material is disposed within a central recess in the body adjacent either the top or the bottom end of the device. The wear indicator extends towards an intermediate point representing the remnant height of the device.

Abstract: A method, for the conveyance of molten metal from one place to another, in a high-temperature molten metal pool in a metal-melting furnace or out of said molten metal pool, employing an at least partially-inclined elongated conveying conduit and gas feed means for feeding inert gas into the lower end of the conveying conduit and thereby inducing a flow of molten metal in and through said conveying conduit, is disclosed, along with suitable apparatus for carrying out the said method wherein the parts or elements coming into contact with the high-temperature molten metal pool are of a suitable refractory material. According to the present invention, the molten metal is alloyed simultaneously with its conveyance, the same inert gas being employed for both conveying the molten metal and for entrainment of the alloying metal.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a device for installing and removing gas purging plugs (17) for metallurgical vessels, comprising a guide (7) for axially displacing the gas purging plug (17). On the one hand, movement exactly in the axial direction can be achieved during introduction, and, on the other hand, the extracted gas purging plug can be brought into an ejection position by providing hinges (6, 11), which permit at least two independent pivoting movements of the gas purging plug (17) around different axes (6a, 11a).

Abstract: A gas stirring plug for introducing gas into a mass of molten metal. The plug is a generally frusto-conical shaped member which is worn away during use and which should be replaced when it has worn away to a predetermined point and comprises a shell, a core, and a low melting point component disposed within a cavity in the core. The core is located within the shell and is comprised of a refractory material extending between the bottom end and the top end of the plug. The cavity is of a predetermined height and has a bottom located a first predetermined distance above the bottom end of the plug. The cavity is filled with the low melting point component, e.g., soapstone, calcium silicate, talcum, or some other material having a melting point lower than steel, from its bottom to an intermediate point located a predetermined height above the bottom of the cavity. Mortar or some other high melting point refractory component is disposed in the cavity from the intermediate point to the top of the plug.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a gas purging plug for metallurgical vessels with a gas connection pipe at the gas inlet-side, lower end.

Abstract: Apparatus including a nozzle or refractory pipe lance for the secondary refinement of a bath of molten metal by the injection of a gas under pressure, having one or more low porosity-high density refractory plugs which contain apertures of constant diameter, at least those about the perimeter of the plugs having an arcuate shape. For the manufacture of a pipe lance, the low porosity-high density refractory plugs are attached to a central tube. The low porosity-high density of the refractory plugs provides a corrosion resistance to any change in the diameter of the gas nozzles and thereby produces a controlled high velocity radial burst gas stream. Generating the radial burst of small bubbles and maintaning the gas velocity of a high constant rate reduces erosion of the refractory material around the tope of the apparatus and extends the lifetime of the pipe lance or nozzle.