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

Abstract: A rerouting mechanism is used in an assembly including a driven member movable in a driven direction to operate the movable plate of a slide gate and drive unit for moving the driven member in the driven direction and including a drive member movable in a driving direction out of alignment with the driven direction. The rerouting mechanism transfers movement of the driving member in the driving direction to movement of the driven member in the driven direction. The rerouting mechanism includes a guide member defining a bent guideway aligned with the driving direction and the driven direction. A flexible force transfer element is positioned within the guideway and is movable therealong while flexibly deforming to the configuration thereof. The transfer element has opposite ends connected to the driving member and to the driven member.

Abstract: A molten metal filter includes a refractory plate having an opening therethrough. A refractory filter element is attached to the refractory plate and projects therefrom, the exterior surfaces of the filter element generally defining a rectangular prism. The filter element is hollow so as to define an interior cavity. The filter element includes an opening in that portion of the filter element that is attached to the refractory plate, the opening surrounding the opening in the refractory plate such that fluid communication is established between the cavity and the opening in the refractory plate. In the preferred embodiment, a plurality of filter elements are provided, which filter elements are connected to the refractory plate such that adjacent sides of the filter elements are oriented vertically and are disposed generally parallel to each other.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlled adjustment of a stopper of a distributor channel or metallurgical vessel in a continuous casting plant (for billets or ingots), the stopper being connected to a crosstie or stopper rod disposed above the distributor channel or metallurgical vessel, and the crosstie or stopper rod itself being connected to a support bar which is movable up and down in a vertical guide means. The vertical guide means of the support bar is a roller guide means comprising support rollers or support balls which are clamped without clearance between the support bar and an outer housing.

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

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

Abstract: A 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 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: To permit placement of a stopper element, preferably including a cylindrical alignment plug (13) accurately with respect to an outflow pipe (3, 3', 3") of a metallurgical vessel adapted to contain a melt, an operating rod (5) vertically projecting from the stopper (6) is surrounded by a refractory sleeve (10), and secured to a support arm (23), which support arm is vertically movable and capable of transmitting rotation to the operating rod, the operating rod is connected to the support arm by a coupling link (48) which extends radially from the operating rod and is clamped by a clamping connection (46) to the support arm. The clamping connection (46) permits longitudinal adjustment of the upper end portion of the operating rod (5) as well as angular adjustment with respect to the support arm.

Abstract: A high temperature gas fired heat transfer system ideally suited for melting metals is disclosed. The system generates a heated, reducing furnace atmosphere which prevents formation of metal oxides when the metal is melted. A unique arrangement is provided to draw a portion of the reducing atmosphere from the furnace and combust the drawn furnace atmosphere with high speeds jets of preheated combustion air which convectively impinge and heat the surface of an object to a super heat temperature. That surface is then moved into the furnace enclosure to indirectly heat by radiation and melt the metal at high throughput rates.

Abstract: A process and arrangement are provided for the efficient generation of energy from coal, while at the same time providing for a relatively inexpensive step in processing of iron or steel, and the extraction of valuable materials such as oils from coal. An advantage to the process is that relatively low quality coals can be utilized, since the coal is pretreated before any burning operation. Generally, the process involves three interacting stages. In the First Stage, a coal liquefaction/pyrolysis procedure is utilized to drive off volatiles, and form a very low volatile char. The volatiles can be collected and utilized as a valuable oil product, such as for diesel fuel or the like. The char material is preferably pelletized and utilized as a reductant, in a Second Stage of iron reduction and melting.

Abstract: A sliding nozzle device comprises a metallic case having an opening in the center thereof, a refractory plate secured to the metallic case and having a discharge hole formed in the center thereof for discharging molten metal, a metallic hoop located around the refractory plate, an immersion nozzle projected from the opening of the metallic case and attached to the refractory plate, projecting plates located around the refractory plate, and bolts and nuts used for securing the projecting plates to the metallic case.

Abstract: The invention concerns a fireproof ceramic terminal brick for a tapping system in particular in steel converters or electric furnaces composed of several fireproof ceramic founder's bricks arranged in a row, together enclosing a passage opening for the steel smelt, thereby characterized in that the terminal brick is formed in two pieces vertical to the direction of flow of the steel smelt and the lower section in the direction of flow of the smelt is formed as a cylindrical body that can be pressed firmly against the upper section of the terminal brick, arranged above it, in such a way as to seal but remaining detachable from it.

Abstract: A method for controlling process conditions in a continuous skull nozzle process is provided wherein one or more process parameters are controlled to maintain the operation of the process within a process window derived using integral solutions and expressed in terms of dimensionless parameters. The process window defines a range of values for the controllable process parameters within which a steady state solidified skull will be maintained and outside of which a steady state solidified skull will not be maintained. A pressure differential between the inside of a crucible holding the melt and outside of the crucible is one process parameter which is controlled to adjust the melt discharge flow rate to maintain operation within the process window.

Abstract: A process and device for the removal of arsenic, tin and antimony from crude lead by industrial oxygen is disclosed in which the oxygen is introduced into a turbulent fluid stream of lead restricted in a limited volume. The oxygen containing fluid stream passes into a larger volume in which the compounds which are to be separated float on the surface in the form of oxides and run off from the surface. The device includes two cylinders of different volume and one within the other. The cylinders are immersed at different depths in molten lead in the smelting crucible, a steam of fluid lead is introduced in the smaller cylinder by a lead pump and oxygen is introduced into this fluid lead stream.

Abstract: A slide unit for use in a sliding closure unit includes two partial movable refractory plates having respective planar surfaces. Each partial plate is surrounded circumferentially by a respective metal band. The two plates are assembled together in a frame to abut along a butt joint so that the two partial plates can be moved together with the planar surfaces thereof contacting a stationary refractory plate of a sliding closure unit. The metal bands at the area of the butt joint between the two partial plates is spanned by a refractory shoulder extending integrally from at least one of the partial plates. Such shoulder thereby extends the planar surfaces of the two plates to the butt joint so that the two planar surfaces form a continuous sealing surface.

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

Abstract: A system and method for atomizing a titanium-based material to particulates in a controlled atmosphere. The system includes a crucible for skull melting a titanium-based material. The molten titanium-based material is transferred to a tundish for receiving the molten titanium-based material. The tundish has a bottom portion with an aperture formed therein and is heated. A molten metal nozzle for forming the molten titanium-based material into a free-falling stream exiting from the tundish is provided, the molten metal nozzle being coaxially aligned with the aperture of the tundish. A baffle may be disposed in the tundish for stabilizing the free-falling stream of the molten titanium-based material. The molten titanium-based material is atomized by impinging the free-falling stream of the molten titanium-based material with an inert gas jet issuing from a gas nozzle.

Abstract: In a process for continuously melting scrap (6) and/or pig iron within a converter (1), the converter (1) is heated in proximity of the bottom (3) with sub-stoichiometric burners (4), having their flames (5) essentially radially directed into the interior of the converter (1). In this case, secondary air or O.sub.2 is supplied at a distance above the burner plane for the purpose of completing the combustion. The melt is, optionally together with slag, discharged via a tapping means (9) laterally connected to the converter (1) into a mobile ladle (19). For the purpose of interchanging ladles (19), the converter (1) is swivelled into a position in which the level of the melt is located below the taphole (11).

Abstract: Apparatus for pouring molten metal comprises a water cooled copper crucible 15 which has a recess adjacent its top and a pouring spout 16 positioned in the recess just below the level of the surface of the melt. The recess defines a lip above the spout which helps to ensure that there is a constant pressure head above the spout. Pivotally mounted on the lip, and biased to assume a horizontal position irrespective of the angle of tilt of the crucible is an induction coil 21. The coil induces currents in the surface of the melt and thereby moves the dross away from the pouring spout. The crucible 15 pours into a constant head hopper 22 and the opening and closing of the crucible pouring spout 16 and the angle of tilt of the crucible are controlled to ensure constant pressure head in the hopper.

Abstract: A tap spout, particularly for allowing molten metal to be discharged from oxygen-steel converters, includes a replaceable unit including a tubular wear lining and a jointing layer secured thereto. An inner lining of the tap spout may thus be repaired with relatively simple maintenance work by removing the inner lining and subsequently inserting the replaceable unit into an outer lining of the tap spout to form a new inner lining of the tap spout. The replaceable unit is adapted to facilitate either a press fit, and in particular, a fit ensured by axial compression of the jointing layer, or an expansion fit with the outer lining to secure the replaceable unit therein.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for the rapid efficient melting of solid ferrous metal scrap without direct exposure to water vapor, carbon dioxide, oxygen or oxygen-containing gases, using natural gas and/or other caloric gaseous fuels. The apparatus includes a furnace having a refractory base, means for introducing ferrous metal such as solid steel scrap to the wall area, means for providing a slag layer over the solid steel scrap, and gas burner means for emitting one or more forced gas flames for superheating the slag layer to a liquid which covers the scrap and for agitating and circulating the molten slag to form a highly-efficient heat-transfer medium for melting and refining the steel scrap while it is insulated against contact with gases, particularly water vapor, carbon dioxide, oxygen or oxygen-containing gases. The process may operate continuously and can recover heat for scrap preheating, turbine power and other efficient uses.

Abstract: An apparatus for melting and pouring metal alloys includes a vacuum melt furnace having a melt chamber to receive and melt metal in a vacuum. A valve cooperates with a pour opening located at the bottom of the furnace. The valve includes an upper stationary nozzle portion formed substantially from refractory material and having an orifice aligned with the pour opening. A lower nozzle portion having an orifice therethrough is mounted adjacent and below the upper nozzle portion for slidable movement along a lower face of the upper stationary nozzle portion. The valve is opened and closed by slidably moving the lower nozzle orifice in and out of alignment with the upper nozzle orifice. An induction heating coil substantially surrounds the upper stationary nozzle portion.

Abstract: An assembly of refractory plates for a three-plate sliding closure unit includes an inlet stationary refractory plate having therethrough an outlet opening, an outlet stationary refractory plate having therethrough an outlet opening, and a movable refractory plate mounted between the inlet and outlet stationary plates and having an outlet opening. The movable plate is slidable relative to the stationary plates between closed, open and throttled positions. The axis of the outlet opening in the outlet stationary plate is offset in a closing direction of movement of the movable plate from the axis of the outlet opening in the inlet stationary plate. The inlet end of the outlet opening in the outlet stationary plate is widened.

Abstract: Pouring tubes for use between a ladle and tundish or tundish and mould in continuous casting operations are formed of an inner refractory tube (2) with an outer reinforcing fibrous mat (3) applied around the tube. The fibrous mat may be formed by a helically wound strip and may be impregnated with particulate refractory and optionally a binder to improve the strength and resistance of the composite tube. Metal support means may be attached near one end of the tube.

Abstract: A rotary valve for controlling the discharge of molten metal from a metallurgical vessel includes a refractory rotor having a cylindrical outer peripheral surface and fitted within a recess defined by a cylindrical inner surface in a refractory stator and complementary to the outer surface. The rotor may be rotated about either a horizontal or a vertical axis relative to the stator and may be axially moved within the recess therein. The rotary valve may be mounted on the exterior of a bottom wall of a metallurgical vessel or alternatively may be mounted within a refractory lining of the metallurgical vessel, particularly in a transition area between a side wall and a bottom wall of the metallurgical vessel. Further alternatively, the rotary valve may be mounted within the refractory lining of the bottom wall of the metallurgical vessel, with the rotor extending through the bottom wall and being actuated for movement from below the bottom wall.

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 rotary valve for controlling the discharge of molten metal in a substantially downward direction from a metallurgical vessel includes a refractory rotor rotatable about a substantially horizontal axis. The rotor has an outer peripheral surface, either conical or cylindrical, arranged symmetrically about the axis, and the rotor has therethrough a flow channel having inlet and outlet ports, at least the outlet port opening onto the outer surface. A refractory stator has therein a recess defined by an inner surface, either conical or cylindrical, complementary to the outer surface of the rotor, the stator having therethrough a discharge channel. The rotor fits within the recess in the stator, with the outer and inner surfaces thereof being complementarily positioned symmetrically about the axis.

Abstract: A movable refractory plate assembly for use in a sliding closure unit for controlling the discharge of molten metal from a metallurgical vessel includes a movable refractory plate having therein at least one aperture and having a sliding surface. A replaceable refractory erosion unit, which may be integral or which may include a separate erosion insert and a separate discharge nozzle, is positioned within the aperture of the movable refractor plate. The erosion unit has therethrough a discharge opening and has a sliding surface aligned with a sliding surface of the movable refractory plate. A frame supports the movable refractory plate for movement, and a support coupling removably mounts the erosion unit with respect to the movable refractory plate.

Abstract: For injecting gas into a liquid, more particularly a molten metal, a nozzle body (24) is installed in the wall of a liquid containment vessel, the body (24) having a nozzle passage (25) therethrough. Liquid and gas tightly fitted in a downstream end of the passage is solid, gas porous plug (18) having capillary gas passage (20). Upstream of the plug (18) the passage has a gas-porous and liquid-impermeable cartridge (10) closely fitted therein which prevents liquid which may conceivably pass through the plug (18) from leaking out of the passage (25). The cartridge (10) has a gas impermeable metal sleeve (11) containing a particulate material (16) such as sand which is retained in the sleeve (11) by wads (14, 15) of fibrous material at the ends of the sleeve.

Abstract: A nozzle which is submerged in molten metal during steel casting comprises a nozzle body, a nozzle passage provided through the nozzle body such that a molten-metal-and-gas stream can be introduced into the nozzle body at a predetermined point, and at least one discharge port, wherein the discharge port is bordered by a projecting part that presents a surface that is inclined toward the introduction point for the metal/gas stream at a slanting angle, relative to the longitudinal axis of the nozzle body, that is greater than 0.degree.. The nozzle has a substantially prolonged service life.

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 molten steel pouring nozzle comprising an upper nozzle made of a refractory, an upper end portion of which is to be inserted into a bottom wall of a molten steel receiving vessel; a lower nozzle made of a refractory, having, on an upper end portion thereof, a recess for receiving a lower end portion of the upper nozzle; and an open air shutoff means for preventing an open air from penetrating through an interface between the lower end portion of the upper nozzle and the recess of the lower nozzle.

Abstract: A vertical shaft furnace for and a method of efficiently melting aluminum and aluminum alloys substantially completely by convection is disclosed. The vertical shaft furnace has a generally cylindrical cross-section with a refractory liner and a cast refractory hearth having a concave, generally conical shape. A plurality of downwardly inclined burners are provided in the walls of the furnace arranged in such a way as to prevent the high velocity burner flame from blowing the aluminum material to be melted across the furnace and into burners on the opposite furnace wall.

Abstract: A ladle for casting molten metal comprising an inner nozzle forming a casting channel and a ladle closing device comprising a fixed element and a moving element, the inner nozzle being surrounded by an annular cooling chamber along part of its length. The annular chamber (3) contains an annular ring (5), the interior of which communicates with a duct (6) supplying a cooling fluid, the hollow ring (5) extending into the annular chamber so as to surround the inner nozzle (12), and the wall of the ring (5) being formed with a number of orifices (7) distributed all along the ring so as to direct jets of cooling fluid on to the fixed plate (12) of the ladle cooling device around the casting hole in the plate (22).

Abstract: A rotary pouring nozzle comprising a stationary component having a rotatable component sealingly engaged in it for rotation relative to the stationary component, has an interlocking connection between the components inside the stationary component which retains them in their working relationship. The stationary component has a flow aperture or apertures directed laterally of the rotational axis of the rotatable component with which a nozzle outlet in the rotatable component can be moved into and out of register by rotation of the rotatable component. In one embodiment an enlarged portion of the rotatable component trapped in a complementary recessed portion of the interior of the stationary component provides the interlocked connection, and inert gas supplied by way of gas permeable ring in the stationary component provides lubrication between the components. The stationary component may have non-circular locating engagement with the vessel to which the nozzle is fitted.

Abstract: A ladle shroud has a co-pressed porous ring for the introduction of an inert gas at the sealing joint between the ladle shroud and a mating ladle collector nozzle. The dense body of the ladle shroud and the co-pressed porous ring are of similar carbon-bonded graphite refractory grain compositions and have similar carbon containing binder systems to improve the bond between the ring and body components. The dense body further includes a continuous integral ledge portion which, abuts a top surface of the porous ring to seal the top of the ring against unwanted inert gas leakage.

Abstract: A side-pouring apparatus comprising a ladle tiltable about an axis of rotation and drive means for tilting said ladle, said ladle including molten-metal receptacle space, a molten-metal guide passage in communication with and extending sidewise from said molten-metal receptacle space, and a pouring spout in communication with said molten-metal guide passage and normal to said axis of rotation, said guide passage having a surface that forms a portion of said spout, said surface being curved so that the center of curvature of said surface substantially coincides with said axis of rotation.

Abstract: Disclosed are process and apparatus for use in the direct casting of metal strip from molten metal deposited on a moving chill surface from a tundish having a floor, opposed upwardly extending sidewalls, an end wall, an open outlet opposite the end wall with the open outlet extending substantially the full width of the tundish between the sidewalls, and an inlet for providing a flow of molten metal into the tundish from a source of molten metal. Flow diverters within the tundish divide the flow of molten metal into a plurality of separate streams and divert one of the streams in the direction of each sidewall and for recombining the diverted streams into a composite stream flowing toward the outlet. Flow diffusers diffuse the molten metal flowing through the tundish to provide molten metal of substantially uniform temperature across the width of the tundish at the outlet.

Abstract: Build-up on the surface of a refractory body receiving molten metal is eliminated or reduced by making at least a portion of a material that can be electrically heated to at least about 1150.degree. C., such as an alkaline-earth doped lanthanum chromite. When the surface is that of a nozzle or shroud, an electric current is supplied to heat the material around the opening in the nozzle or shroud to at least about 1150.degree. C.

Abstract: A movable refractory plate assembly for use with a sliding closure unit for controlling the discharge of molten metal from a metallurgical vessel includes a movable refractory plate having therethrough a discharge opening and a movable frame for supporting the movable refractory plate in planar abutting contact with the stationary refractory plate of the sliding closure unit and movable between open and closed positions. A refractory control member is mounted for sliding movement relative to the movable refractory plate between selected positions restricting the cross section of the movable refractory plate discharge opening. An actuator slides the control member relative to the movable refractory plate between the selected positions. The control member and actuator are accessible from the exterior of the sliding closure unit. Thus, when the sliding closure unit is in the open position, only the control member need be actuated to achieve throttling of the size of the discharge opening.

Abstract: A worn and damaged refractory plate having a planar sealing surface with a sealing area at a first portion of the plate and a discharge opening extending through the plate at a second area is repaired or renewed by providing the damaged plate with a new discharge opening at the sealing area. The damaged, first-mentioned discharge opening and the wear area therearound are filled with refractory material to a level flush with the sealing surface, thereby forming a new sealing area.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for tapping a metal refining furnace which is tiltable about a horizontal axis, including an externally mounted chamber or "hot spout" at the side of the furnace communicating with the interior of the furnace, a nozzle situated in the bottom wall of the chamber, stopper rod or sliding gate means associated with the chamber for closing the nozzle opening, and heating means in the chamber for maintaining a high temperature within the chamber. An associated receiving vessel is capable of monitoring the amount of molten metal in the vessel and generating a signal to stop the pouring operation.

Abstract: A refractory wear part for use in a sliding closure unit for a metallurgical vessel has therethrough at least one flow-through opening. The wear part is formed of a combination of gas permeable material and gas impervious material. The wear part includes at least one gas flushing zone formed of the gas permeable material and opening on a surface of the wear part. A gas duct connects the flushing zone with an external gas inlet connection. The gas duct and the flushing zone are formed as a unitary, homogeneous gas permeable structure from the gas permeable material, and such gas permeable structure is formed within a gas impervious base structure formed of the gas impervious material.

Abstract: A sliding gate valve and more specifically one in which bilateral symmetry is preserved in both the stationary plate and the slide gate. More specifically, the slide gate is provided with a metallic frame which retains a monolithic refractory into which errosion resistant refractory inserts or preformed members are cast. Means are desirably provided to remove the spent refractory for remanufacture thereby reclaiming the casting. Both the stationary plate and the slide gate casting have spring pad back up reinforcements. The stationary plate desirably has means for securing a well nozzle to it.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing spherical objects is disclosed, the apparatus having a reservoir filled with a relatively dense molten material, the reservoir being heated and hydraulically pressurized to maintain the molten state of the dense material. A second molten liquid, of lesser density and higher melting point is injected into the reservoir, the pressure and surface tension acting to force the injected material into a spherical form and the melting point difference acting to solidify the injected material.

Abstract: A metallurgical vessel such as a tundish fitted with a slide gate at its underside for discharging its contents has the slide gate controlled by a drive that can be removed to another vessel when required. The drive comprises a hydraulic cylinder with a drive rod projecting from it and carrying a coupling releasably engageable with the slide gate. The cylinder and drive rod are clamped non-rotatably in use but when attaching or removing the drive they can be rotated about a common longitudinal axis to alternative angular positions in which the slide gate is coupled or uncoupled thereto. Changeover of the drive can be made quickly thereby. A double-ended drive constructed in this manner can be used with vessels having two controllable outflow devices and provides for an equally quick changeover.

Abstract: A process of continuous casting of liquid steel from a tundish having a plurality of casting holes through which liquid steel moves downwardly into a plurality of strands. The liquid steel is discharged into the tundish from a ladle and moves in opposite directions toward two adjacent holes from at least one node comprising a point from which liquid steel moves in different directions toward different holes. The liquid steel is subjected to the heating effect of a heat source at at least one such node. The heat source is a transferred arc plasma torch.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a porous nozzle which is made up of an upper porous brick, a dense brick, and a lower porous brick arranged vertically in layer and a casing surrounding them. The casing is provided with an inert gas supply pipe which leads to the peripheral space of the upper porous brick. The casing is also provided with another inert gas supply pipe which leads to the peripheral space of the lower porous brick.Disclosed also herein is another porous nozzle which is made up of an upper porous brick, a dense brick, and a lower porous brick arranged vertically in layer and a casing surrounding them. The casing is provided with an inert gas supply pipe which leads to the peripheral space of the lower porous brick which communicates with the peripheral space of the upper porous brick.

Abstract: A method of melting metal particles includes the steps of swirling molten metal in a vortex within a crucible, adding metal particles onto the surface of the metal, and submerging the metal particles substantially immediately after the particles have been added onto the surface. Apparatus for carrying out the method includes a mixer having a vertically oriented sleeve secured to the bottom of the crucible, the sleeve supporting a plurality of blades on its outer surface and having a plurality of openings adjacent its bottom. The blades force the metal particles beneath the surface of the metal and create turbulence which ensures rapid melting of the particles. The blades as well as the openings adjacent the bottom of the sleeve break up any agglomerated metal particles. Discharge piping is connected to the bottom of the crucible. A vortex breaker is disposed in the piping to control the vortex in the crucible.