Abstract: A sliding gate valve for a vessel containing molten metal is provided which includes a housing and a lid pivotally mounted thereon. A sliding plate is sandwiched between two fixed plates and the three are received within the housing. Clamping elements are provided and are used in conjunction with the lid to secure the plates. A lock is provided to prevent movement of the lid in a direction parallel to movement of the sliding plate while allowing movement of the lid in a direction perpendicular to movement of the sliding plate. The lock is designed to assume a locked position whenever the sliding gate valve is mounted onto the vessel.

Abstract: A melting crucible (1) comprises a collecting volume (6) for liquid material and is equipped with a bottom outlet opening (2). This bottom outlet opening (2) is closable with a movable stopper (3). The bottom outlet opening (2) comprises a specially formed transition region (7), and the front end of stopper (3) is also specially formed. This shaping leads to improved flow conditions and to optimum sealing between stopper (3) and melting crucible (1).

Abstract: A taphole assembly for a vessel containing a molten solid. The assembly is comprised of a tubular element formed of a refractory material. The tubular element has a continuous passage extending therethrough along a first axis. A socket block formed of a plurality of mating refractory components is provided to hold the tubular element. The socket block has a first convex cylindrical surface on one side thereof and a second convex cylindrical surface on an opposite side thereof. The first and the second cylindrical surfaces are defined about a second axis extending through the socket block. The socket block has an inner cavity dimensioned to receive and to capture the tubular element. A first rectangular saddle block has a first concave recess formed therein that is dimensioned to match and to receive the first convex surface on the socket block.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus for determining the purity of a metal alloy, and in particular an aluminum alloy. The apparatus comprises a shell (10) defining a receptacle (14) of generally tapering shape about a vertical axis having a bottom end defining an orifice (18) of small dimensions, a filter (20) completely closing the orifice, means a heater for initially raising the shell to a first predetermined temperature, an orifice putting a predetermined quantity of alloy to be tested into the receptacle, the quantity of alloy being initially at a second predetermined temperature, whereby the alloy flows under gravity through the filter until the filter becomes clogged with the impurities in the alloy, and means a pan for collecting and measuring the volume of alloy that passes through the filter prior to the filter becoming clogged by the impurities contained in the alloy.

Abstract: Process for reusing the plates of a slide gate for a metallurgical container. The gate has an upper indentation and a lower indentation for receiving a set of two refractory plates, each of these plates resting in an indentation by a face that becomes its support face and cooperating with the other plate by a face that becomes its characterized sliding face. A set of refractories comprised of a new plate associated with a plate that had been used once is used in the slide gate (2), and in that when the plates (12, 16) are changed the new plate is mounting in a lower or upper charging indentation (14, 18), this indentation remaining the same at the same at each plate change, the plate used once being mounted in the other indentation, which forms a recycling indentation.

Abstract: A metallurgical vessel having a sloping bottom surface which includes a tapered upper surface terminating at a vertical surface, wherein the vertical surface terminates at a lower tapered surface for forming a pocket block reservoir such that the pocket block reservoir has a volume of less than or equal to about five percent of the total volume of the metallurgical vessel is disclosed. This pocket block reservoir provides an area for the accumulation of residue metal and slag when the metallurgical vessel is discharged, therefore resulting in a significant increase in the quantity of usable pure metal discharged from the metallurgical vessel and thus contributing to improved volumetric efficiency of the vessel. A method for improving the yield efficiency in the production of metal employing this vessel is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and method related to a start-up phase for continuous casting of a molten metal. The molten metal flows into a continuous casting mold through at least one lateral opening of a submerged nozzle and through at least one bottom opening of the submerged nozzle. The at least one lateral opening may be directed toward a respective at least one wall of the continuous casting mold and the at least one bottom opening may be directed in a casting direction. During a start-up phase of the continuous casting process, a higher ratio of flow rates of molten metal through the at least one lateral opening to the molten metal flowing through the at least one bottom opening may be maintained than the ratio of the flow rates during a subsequent normal operation phase of the submerged nozzle.

Abstract: A segmented smelt spout comprising an assembly of different casting shapes wherein one shape constitutes the base segment, which is installable in a chemical recovery unit, and the other shapes are a combination of straight and curved cast segments, which can be used in different combinations to obtain varying spout angles and lengths with the latter segments being supported off the base segment and being held together by a tensioning means that maintains contact between the mating surfaces of each segment while permitting each individual segment to expand and contract thermally.

Abstract: An apparatus for distribution of magnesium or magnesium alloys from a central melting unit (2) into a casting shop with one or more casting machines (3) has a tube furnace (1) extending from a central melting unit (2) into the casting shop. The tube furnace (1) is equipped with outlets (6) at the top for the mounting of a transfer tube (7) for the supply of metal to one or more holding furnaces (4) arranged at each casting machine. The tube furnace is preferably placed inside a steel cover (8) and is positioned just beneath the metal level in the holding furnace (4). The tube furnace (1) and transfer tubes (7) are provided with heating elements (11) with an outer insulation (12). The transfer tubes (7) have an air inlet (9). Two or more tube furnaces could be placed in the steel cover (8). The metal is transferred by the act of gravity.

Abstract: A closure and/or regulation apparatus for controlling the outflow of melt from a metallurgical vessel includes a stator and a rotor rotatable relative to the stator. Additional responsive control of outflow is provided by a chamber that is part of or is connected to an outflow channel that can be connected to a vacuum generator.

Abstract: A dense carbon free surface is provided on a carbon bonded refractory shape which is particularly useful as a pouring tube liner to prevent the formation and build-up of alumina particles which may cause blockage of the tube. The carbon free, dense layer is also hard and erosion resistant making it ideal for use in other applications such as stopper rod noses. The material comprises a refractory mix having a major component of refractory oxides such as alumina and zirconia-mullite. Less than 10 wt. % carbon in the form of graphite and binder is in the mix plus about 2-5 wt. % of a metal such as silicon and an effective mount of sintering aids is also present. The pressed shape is preheated to a temperature of 1000.degree. -1400.degree. C. in air to oxidize the exposed surface of the shape and then to sinter the oxidized surface to form the desired dense, carbon free surface over the entire shape or on selected surface portions thereof.

Abstract: A smelt spout for a chemical recovery furnace comprises a trough of U-shaped profile fabricated as a casting in a nickel-chromium alloy containing a minor amount of niobium. A system incorporating the spout includes a cooling arrangement which delivers cooling air to the outside surface of the spout.

Abstract: A device is located between the outlet zone and the distribution zone of a tundish that is provided with a reheat system, such as a plasma torch, at one side of a heading chamber. The device includes a refractory unit pierced by at least a first conduit having the shape of a truncated cone curved towards the predefined zone of the heating chamber and preferably flared at this zone, so as to ensure that liquid steel flow coming from the outlet zone is guided unidirectionally towards the predefined zone of the heating chamber.

Abstract: An airlock of integral one piece construction for the trough of a refining furnace, the airlock having opposed vertical walls with portions that fit snugly within the trough opposed vertical walls and downwardly angled extensions which, with a top wall that connects the side wall extensions, define a snout whose open part projects into the molten metal in the furnace chamber to dynamically seal the trough from entry of air.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for the free-forming manufacture of three-dimensal components. A powder-binder mixture, or a material with a high melting point, is plasticized or made molten, by raising the temperature inside a process chamber. The resulting molten material is discharged under pressure through a nozzle which is arranged at the end of the process chamber. The material inside the process chamber is deposited in layers. The processing direction and processing speed of the nozzle are programmed. An embodiment of the invention is disclosed in which a non-molten powder is deposited and supported by the deposition of a second powder alongside the non-molten powder.

Abstract: A method for shutting down and starting up a chemical recovery process of the type comprising burning concentrated black liquor in the furnace of a recovery boiler to produce a flue gas and a hot molten smelt in the bottom of said furnace and discharging the hot molten smelt in a continuous yet variable quantity via a smelt spout into a dissolving tank partially filled with an aqueous solution, said method comprising:inserting an elongated heating element into said spout;shutting down said boiler with said element in said spout such that on solidification of molten smelt in said spout said element is fixed in said solidified smelt; andstarting up said boiler by heating said element to a temperature equal to or greater than the melting point of said smelt to form molten smelt and removing said element from said spout to provide a substantially open spout for discharge of said molten smelt from said furnace.

Abstract: A coal slagging gasifier has a gasifying vessel over a quenching chamber partly filled with water below the surface of which a wall of a cylindrical, metal shield dips. The gasifying vessel has a hearth including a slag tap having a slag outlet with a lowermost opening at substantially the same horizontal level as an annular burner and a ring-shaped nozzle. The burner which surrounds the outlet is spaced therefrom and inset into a recess surrounding the outlet, and the nozzle surrounds the burner. Outlet ports from the nozzle project through a ceiling of the shield to direct a flow of combustion sustaining gas vertically downwards into the quenching chamber from the outlet ports and towards the water. An opening in the centre of the shield ceiling exposes the interior of the shield to the burner and the slag tap outlet. The burner separately supplies fuel gas and combustion air.

Abstract: A rotary valve for use in the release of a molten solid from a vessel comprises a valve member having a passage, inlets to the passage being present in the head of the member. The valve member mates with a wall of a seating member, the wall having a taller first section and a lower second section selected to close off or open the inlets, respectively. The wall portions are shaped relative to the surfaces of the member to avoid metal freezing and the parts sticking. The passage includes ribs to cause the stream to emerge with parallel sides.

Abstract: An impact pad for use in a ladle for molten metal comprising a body of refractory material having a lower portion shaped to fit in a ladle and a tapered upper portion having corrugations at the top, the lower portion being grooved around its periphery and having refractory bricks of contrasting color with respect to the refractory material of the body embedded in the body, adapted to be exposed on wearing away of the body.

Abstract: The core of the stalk is a metallic cylindrical body 1, such as a steel pipe. On an inner surface of the cylindrical body are layered a boron nitride coating 4, a mica sheet 6 which is airtight and thermal insulating, and a thermal insulating layer 7. On the outer surface of metallic cylindrical body 1 are layered a boron nitride coating 5, a wire gauze 10, a thermal insulating layer 12, a ceramic paper 13, and another boron nitride coating 15. The cylindrical body can be formed by a steel pipe is easily corroded and eroded by molten metal.

Abstract: An apparatus and a process are provided for transferring molten metal. The disclosed apparatus includes a vessel having a cylindrical wall, a closed end, and an open end. An opening is provided in the cylindrical wall for pouring molten metal into the vessel. A spout is formed over the open end of the cylindrical wall and provides an orifice from which the molten metal can be discharged from the vessel. The cylindrical wall, the closed end, and the spout define an enclosure for holding the molten metal.The disclosed process employs a vessel as described above for holding molten metal. The vessel is positioned adjacent to a first processing station containing molten metal from which the molten metal is cast into the vessel. The molten metal is then transported directly to a second processing station in the vessel and discharged from the vessel directly into the second processing station for further processing.

Abstract: A launder for discharging melt from a metallurgical furnace is disclosed which includes a launder body having one end connected to the furnace. The launder body defines a fluid passageway for allowing the melt, flowing from the metallurgical furnace into the one end to flow therethrough in a direction away from the furnace. The launder body includes a threshold portion for determining the melt level in the furnace, above which the melt in the furnace begins to flow into the launder body. The launder body further includes a closing portion constructed to receive a closing material thereon to close the fluid passageway of the launder body. The closing portion is arranged at a position displaced downstream with respect to the threshold portion and has a bottom lower than the threshold portion. Additionally, a metallurgical furnace installation using the above launder is disclosed, in which a pair of the launders are arranged while ensuring space for casting or removing operations of castable.

Abstract: Undesirable deposits of precipitated alloying materials are avoided in a sliding gate valve apparatus of the type in which gates are sequentially moved to and from operative position between the pour opening of a teeming vessel and a pour tube assembly for conducting molten metal from the valve apparatus, by forming the gates with through-openings whose axes are inclined in the direction of gate movement to and from their operating position in the valve apparatus, and forming the flow passage in the tube holder of the pour tube assembly with an opening extended in the direction of gate movement. The configuration of the particular gate and pour tube holder constructions are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a molten metal flow comprises a refining hearth having a water-cooled wall, and an entry flow channel through the wall of the hearth disposed tangentially to the wall such that a flow of molten metal introduced into the hearth through the entry flow channel flows tangentially to the wall of the hearth. The hearth further has an exit flow channel through the wall of the hearth disposed tangentially to the wall. The molten metal entering the refining hearth flows in a vortex pattern, aiding in the removal of solid particulate matter from the metal. The refining hearth may be agitated by an induction coil placed adjacent to the hearth. The exit flow may be through a number of adjacent exit flow channels to reduce its local velocity.

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 64.9 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 25.1 to 50 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 nozzle for an electric dispersion reactor includes two coaxial cylindrical bodies, the inner one of the two delivering disperse phase fluid into a continuous phase fluid. A potential difference generated by a voltage source creates a dispersing electric field at the end of the inner electrode.

Abstract: An immersion nozzle for continuous casting have an immersion nozzle body, at least one opening hole for receiving the molten metal, a vertical bore, at least one pair of exit ports for introducing the molten metal into the mold through the vertical bore, a slit opening for introducing the molten metal downwardly and a downwardly convex surface of the bottom of the vertical bore.The slit opening is located at a bottom end of the body of said immersion nozzle which is below the exit ports and in parallel to the width direction of the mold.

Abstract: A vessel, for example a metallurgical tundish for multi-strand casting, has at least one discharge assembly/block. Such assembly includes a refractory perforated brick fitted in the vessel, the perforated brick having therethrough an opening that is at least partially defined by a surface that is rotationally symmetrical about a longitudinal center axis of the opening. A refractory nozzle brick has a peripheral surface that is rotationally symmetrical about a longitudinal center axis of the nozzle brick. The nozzle brick has therethrough a discharge opening that is located eccentrically of the longitudinal center axis of the nozzle brick. The nozzle brick fits into the opening in the perforated brick with the longitudinal center axes thereof coincident, such that the nozzle brick is rotatable relative to the perforated brick about a rotation axis that is defined by the coincident longitudinal center axes.

Abstract: A plate brick assembly cartridge for a slide gate valve, in which metallic or ceramic holders are mounted to the outer peripheries of the sides of respective plates for the slide gate valve, and which is provided with an assembling mechanism for mutually engaging said holders, characterized in that both the faces of the holder for a slide plate are set slightly back from the sliding surface of said slide plate. The invention has any of the following constitutions. Voids for sensors for cold and/or temperature are provided in the holders, said voids communicating with one another. The sliding surfaces of the holders are provided with a ceramic coating. The plate brick for the slide gate valve is split. The contact faces of the holders with the plate bricks are made at angles of inclination. The surface pressure loading mechanism is of sliding, and opening and closing type, and provided with cylinders for surface pressure loading. All the above mechanisms are remote controlled.

Abstract: In a slide gate plate apparatus for casting to be installed at an outlet of a molten metal vessel, one or two fixed plates and one slide plate are retained integrally by retaining means through a shell wound round the side face of the fixed plate(s) and a shell wound round the side face of the slide plate. In this retained state, the fixed plate(s) and the slide plate are mounted together to a predetermined position of the molten metal vessel.

Abstract: In a device for controlling a plug (5) of a metallurgical vessel (1), in particular a distributing launder of a continuous casting installation, with a plug (5), which can be raised and lowered and which is supported in a support frame which is movable relative to the metallurgical vessel (1), the support frame for the plug (5), which can be raised and lowered, is supported outside of the metallurgical vessel (1) displaceable in a direction crosswise to the lifting direction of the plug (5) and can be releasably locked together with the metallurgical vessel. By means of this a simple separation of the plug mechanism (9) and the metallurgical vessel (1) is possible without operational elaboration and an exchange of the metallurgical vessel (1), for example, is made possible without having to dismantle the entire plug mechanism (5, 9).

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for separating molten metal and slag from a rotating furnace. The apparatus includes a vessel having a reservoir which is positioned to receive a free-falling flow of molten metal and slag as it exits a tap hole in the furnace. The reservoir has a predetermined flow path therethrough, a molten metal outlet, a slag opening and a drain hole. The flow path includes a first portion having an open top for receiving the flow of molten metal and slag. The first portion is configured to eliminate turbulence caused by the free-falling flow of molten metal and slag into the reservoir and to permit separation of the molten metal from the slag wherein the slag floats on top of the molten metal. The molten metal is collected from the metal outlet for further processing and the slag is collected for disposal.

Abstract: A sliding nozzle plate-metal frame fixing structure which allows the sliding nozzle plate to be mounted to and removed from the metal frame with ease. The sliding nozzle plate which is used with a sliding nozzle device attached to a molten metal vessel has a sliding surface, and is surrounded by a metal case with the exception of the sliding surface. The metal case has a projection or a plurality of projections of a particular shape on the surface of the plate opposite the sliding surface, and a metal frame in which the metal-cased plate to be mounted has a plurality of concave portions corresponding to the projection or projections of the metal case, so that the metal-cased plate can be mounted to and removed from the metal frame simply and accurately through engagement and disengagement of each of the metal case projection or projections with each of the metal frame concave portions.

Abstract: A tilting device for a direct current arc furnace and a process are disclosed for completely emptying the furnace while the furnace is operated with a continuous scrap supply through a lateral opening in the furnace vessel and removal bottoms. The scrap chute should remain in the opening of the furnace during the loading, melting, deslagging and tapping operations; it should be swiveled away only during the emptying of the furnace. The disclosed tilting device has a cam on the rolling cradle, so that the rolling mid-point remains at the zero position in a tilting range from .+-.5.degree. to .+-.15.degree., and when the furnace is completely emptied it moves to another position in a parallel direction to the bottom tapping opening. The position of the bottom tap opening changes only insignificantly in order to protect the parts of the bottom electrode located outside the vessel of the furnace from heat radiated by steel in the casting ladle.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing a cover from a transport car is mounted to the car and has a swing member connected to the cover of the car. The swing member is pulled away, with the cover, by rolling down a pair of guide members to a termination point. A winch is used to pull the swing member back into position to block the opening of the transport car with the cover. The apparatus allows manual removal or placement of the cover on the transport car in environments where the space over the car is restricted.

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 immersion nozzle is employed for discharging material from a vessel to a mold and includes an upper section to be connected to the vessel and a lower section having a region to be immersed in material in the mold. The upper and lower sections have extending therethrough respective discharge channels that communicate and that enable material to be discharged from the vessel to the mold. The discharge channel of the upper section converges downwardly in a first vertical plane to join the discharge channel of the lower section. The discharge channel of the upper section also expands downwardly in a second vertical plane transverse to the first vertical plane to join the discharge channel of the lower section. Each of the upper and lower sections is formed by at least one respective separate member. The members have adjacent ends having mutually facing and fitting surfaces, and each pair of facing and fitting end surfaces has therebetween a seal.

Abstract: A slide gate nozzle for controlling the discharge of molten metal from a spout of a converter vessel includes a refractory bottom plate to be positioned stationarily with a discharge opening thereof aligned with an opening of the spout. A refractory slide valve plate is mounted for sliding movement relative to the bottom plate such that a discharge opening of the slide valve plate is brought into and out of alignment with the discharge opening of the bottom plate. A plurality of refractory shut-off plates are positioned sealingly between the bottom plate and the slide valve plate. A coupling mechanism is operably mounted to the shut-off plates to sequentially connect the shut-off plates rigidly either to the bottom plate or to the slide valve plate. As a result, the shut-off plates may be used sequentially to replace the slide valve plate.

Abstract: A stopper drive mechanism is removably mounted on a molten metal vessel having a discharge opening and is adapted to move a stopper into and out of closing engagement with the discharge opening. A piston and cylinder unit of the stopper drive mechanism is operably connected with the stopper and has a valve unit connected thereto for controlling the piston and cylinder unit. The piston and cylinder unit comprises a cylinder that defines a working chamber with a piston slidably disposed therein. The piston has the same effective working area on opposite sides thereof. The valve unit comprises a control valve for controlling the flow of hydraulic fluid to and from the opposite sides of the piston and a bypass valve that is adapted to selectively communicate opposite sides of the piston with each other for manual movement of the stopper.

Abstract: A slide closure for a melting pot has a bottom cartridge with a stationary bottom plate. The bottom cartridge is fixedly connected to the melting pot. Two guide blocks are displaceably connected to the underside of the bottom cartridge. A slide cartridge is displaceably guided in the guide blocks. The guide blocks are symmetrically arranged on opposite sides of the pour opening of the melting pot. The slide cartridge has two rod-shaped guide sections connected within the guide blocks and extending parallel to the axis of displacement of the slide cartridge on its lateral sides. The slide cartridge has a slide plate that is linearly displaceable relative to the bottom plate. The guide blocks have clamping members, symmetrically arranged relative to the pour opening of the melting pot, for pressing the slide plate against the bottom plate.

Abstract: A cooling member for positioning in the refractory wall of a cupola at a location spaced from a tap-hole has a heat-conductive member, such as a copper plate, in contact with a fluid-conducting member, such as a copper conduit. The cooling member is bent to form an L-shaped member, so that a pair of such members defines a channel at the tap-hole location. Refractory is provided on each side of the L-shaped member and forms the tap-hole on the interior within the channel thus formed. Alternative shapes for the cooling member are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an immersion casting pipe for feeding molten steel from a casting vessel into a mold having wide side walls and narrow side walls for the production of flat products. The immersion casting pipe has a pipe piece which adjoins the casting vessel and expands in cross section in the direction of the narrow side walls of the mold. The pipe piece is provided with a central base member at the lower end which allows for outlet openings for the melt. For the purpose of developing an immersion outlet which allows higher slab withdrawal speed of up to 6 m/min with slabs measuring 50 to 100 mm in thickness and 600 mm to 2000 mm in width, the inner wall of the portion of the immersion casting pipe which widens in cross section forms flow channels in conjunction with the opposite wall parts of the base member. The axes of the flow channels enclose an angle .alpha. between 10.degree. and 22.degree.

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

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inserting a nozzle into the discharge bore of a steelmaking vessel including a carriage and a clamp means for demountably attaching the nozzle to the carriage. The apparatus further includes means to move the carriage toward or away from the steelmaking vessel while at the same time rotating the nozzle about its longitudinal axis as it is pressed into the discharge bore.

Abstract: A two-piece tundish nozzle assembly block is provided for the drain regions of tundish vessels. The two-piece assembly block includes a lower main block firmly mounted in the refractory lining of the tundish, and a selectively removable top sleeve which, together with the refractory lining, protects the lower main block from direct exposure to molten iron or steel. The top sleeve is directly exposed to molten iron or steel passing into the drain. The top sleeve is not strongly bonded in place, and can be easily removed and replaced when worn or damaged. The top sleeve further includes a ramp for channeling molten metal into the drain, and a blocking wall for preventing heavy inclusions from entering the drain.

Abstract: A belt for sealing a discharge device of a ferrous-metallurgical vessel is formed by two concentric grooves formed in one and/or the other of a pair of superimposed sliding plates. A first, outer, groove (8) is connected to a vacuum source and a second, inner, groove (1) is connected to an inert-gas source.

Abstract: A flow control device comprising a baffle plate and a plurality of dividers radially disposed about a nozzle through which liquid is to be discharged and adapted to space the plate from the nozzle. The device finds particular application in substantially eliminating any entrainment of a supernatant phase such as metallurgical slag or of an oxidizing atmosphere resulting from the formation of vortexing funnels disrupting liquid flow in a draining container.

Abstract: A slag stopper assembly for use in a tundish vessel includes a chamber for reducing the flow of slag to the tundish drain and a stopper plunger for regulating the flow of liquid metal through the drain. The chamber includes a central opening for receiving the stopper plunger, and the stopper plunger is retractably movable relative to the chamber through the central opening. In accordance with the invention, a sealing rim is present on the stopper plunger, or on an inner wall of the chamber, or both, in order to reduce the retractable movement of the stopper plunger, reduce the amount of slag which enters the chamber as a result of such movement, and seal off the central opening of the chamber from the tundish drain when the stopper plunger is in a retracted position.

Abstract: A closing apparatus for the bottom pouring hole of a casting ladle, comprising a mounting plate mounted on the bottom of the ladle with a head plate resting against it, in which head plate a port is formed to pour out the melt, and further comprising a slide plate supported for pivoting movement about two axes and adapted to be pressed resiliently against the head plate. The slide plate is supported for reciprocating movement inside a housing. The housing is supported by a housing carrier structure, especially between the legs of carrier bracket for the housing, for pivoting movement about a first pivot axis, while the carrier bracket for the housing is supported by the mounting plate for pivoting about a second pivot axis. The first and second pivot axes extend parallel to each other and to the sealing face between the head and slide plates.

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