Abstract: A burner device includes a burner body which includes a protruding portion protruding from a furnace wall into an interior of a combustion furnace, a cooling pipe through which a refrigerant for cooling the burner body flows, the cooling pipe being disposed so as to surround an outer peripheral surface of the protruding portion, and a light detection unit for detecting internal light of the cooling pipe.

Abstract: A concentrate burner of a suspension smelting or suspension converting furnace includes a reaction gas feed, a powdery solid matter feed and a concentrate distributor. An arrangement for feeding powdery solid matter to the concentrate burner includes a first powdery solid matter discharge pipe for feeding powdery solid matter into the powdery solid matter feed of the concentrate burner. The first powdery solid matter discharge pipe is provided with a first partition, which divides solid matter, for dividing the first powdery solid matter discharge pipe into two essentially similar discharge pipe parts. The powdery solid matter feed of the concentrate burner comprise an annular concentrate discharge channel that surrounds the concentrate distributor of the concentrate burner. Each discharge pipe part of the first powdery solid matter discharge pipe is at least partly divided into two discharge pipe portions by a second partition.

Abstract: A burner apparatus includes a first tube having a first longitudinal bore and a second tube having a second longitudinal bore. The second tube is disposed within the first longitudinal bore such that an annular space is defined between the second tube and the first tube. The burner apparatus further includes a nozzle formed at a tip of the second tube. A plurality of side holes are formed in the nozzle. The side holes are slanted relative to a longitudinal axis of the nozzle and are in communication with the second longitudinal bore.

Abstract: A novel blaster nozzle used for assisting in the pneumatic removal of cloggings and cakings during the transport of particulate matter through an enclosure housing is set such that it can be removed and replaced from outside the enclosure housing. The blaster nozzle includes a nozzle head having an orifice for the conduction of high-pressure fluid, wherein the nozzle head is composed of a refractory concrete having from about 4-20% by volume metal fibers therein. The blaster nozzle also includes a flange member connected to the nozzle head and a connection tube extends from the flange member for connecting the blaster nozzle to an air cannon.

Abstract: An apparatus for injecting gas into a vessel is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a gas flow duct from which to discharge gas from the duct, an elongate central structure extending within the gas flow duct, and a plurality of flow directing vanes disposed about the central structure adjacent the forward end of the duct to impart swirl to a gas flow through the forward end of the duct. The apparatus also comprises cooling water flow passages in the vanes that have inlets at the forward ends of the vanes and outlets at the rear ends of the vanes.

Abstract: A novel blaster nozzle (10) used for assisting in the pneumatic removal of cloggings and cakings during the transport of particulate matter through an enclosure housing is set such that it can be removed and replaced from outside the enclosure housing. The blaster nozzle includes a nozzle head (12) having an orifice for the conduction of high-pressure fluid, wherein the nozzle head is composed of a refractory concrete having from about 4-20% by volume metal fibers therein. The blaster nozzle also includes a flange member (14) connected to the nozzle head and a connection tube (18) extends from the flange member for connecting the blaster nozzle to an air cannon.

Abstract: An operation method of a flash smelter includes blowing a gas for dispersing raw material and contributing to a reaction, from a lance at an upper portion of a shaft so that the gas forms a spiral flow. A raw material supply apparatus includes a supply portion supplying raw material and a gas for dispersing the raw material and contributing to a reaction into a flash smelting furnace, wherein the supply portion has a lance provided at an upper portion of a shaft that blows the gas so that the gas forms a spiral flow.

Abstract: A well block for use within a circulation chamber of a molten metal furnace, comprising A first portion and a second portion, wherein said first portion is positioned atop said second portion, said first and second portions defining a cavity which includes an upper cylindrical surface defining a gradually decreasing diameter, a lower cylindrical surface having a diameter less than said upper cylindrical surface and a medial surface interposed between said upper and said lower cylindrical surfaces, and an outlet positioned proximate to said lower cylindrical surface, said cavity communicating with the circulation chamber via said outlet.

Abstract: A diffuser (24) for an annealing furnace has a plurality of radially extending generally and vertically oriented vanes (40) for radially directing furnace gases. The vanes have top edges (42) defining a generally planar support and the top edges of the vanes have a notch (38) therein for receiving a conduit (34) preferably ring shaped that extend substantially around a center portion of the diffuser plate. The conduit (34) is connected to an inlet (32) for receiving enriching gases and exit ports (50) circumferentially space about said conduit (34) passing the enriching gases into the diffuser (24) to be mixed with ambient furnace gases.

Abstract: A vertical shaft melting furnace is operated in a method that includes firing a plurality of burners to generate combustion products, and directing jets of the combustion products into the shaft in a bottom region of the shaft. The method further includes directing a jet of hot gas into the shaft in an upper region of the shaft in a non-radial direction, whereby the jet of hot gas can induce a swirl to disperse a concentrated channel of combustion products rising from the bottom region to the upper region through a void in unmelted portions of a load of metal pieces in the shaft. The jet of hot gas directed into the upper region of the shaft can include recirculated flue gas, a mixture of air and recirculated flue gas, or combustion products that are generated by a burner. If the jet of hot gas includes combustion products that are generated by a burner, the burner is a secondary burner that preferably is fired into the shaft with a relatively low heat input.

Abstract: A submerged combustion burner having co-axial fuel and oxidant tubes forming an annular space therebetween, wherein the outer tube extends beyond the end of the inner tube. A burner nozzle having an outside diameter corresponding to the inside diameter of the outer tube is connected to the outlet end of the inner tube and forms a centralized opening in fluid communication with the inner tube and at least one peripheral longitudinally oriented opening in fluid communication with the annular space. In accordance with one embodiment, a longitudinally adjustable rod is disposed within the inner tube for adjustment of fluid flow therethrough, and a cylindrical insert having at least one flame stabilizer for stabilizing a flame produced by the burner is attached to the outlet end of the outer tube. In accordance with another embodiment, fluid flow through the inner tube is achieved by a flow control valve operably connected to the inner tube.

Abstract: An inbred maize line, designated PH8KG, the plants and seeds of inbred maize line PH8KG, methods for producing a maize plant, either inbred or hybrid, produced by crossing the inbred maize line PH8KG with another maize plant, and hybrid maize seeds and plants produced by crossing the inbred line PH8KG with another maize line or plant and to methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic maize plants produced by that method. This invention also relates to inbred maize lines derived from inbred maize line PH8KG, to methods for producing other inbred maize lines derived from inbred maize line PH8KG and to the inbred maize lines derived by the use of those methods.

Abstract: A furnace for heat treating of metal parts includes a hot zone enclosure defining a hot zone therein. The hot zone enclosure has a side wall, a first end wall, and a second end wall. The side wall has slots formed therethrough and along the length thereof. The heat treating furnace also includes a system for injecting a cooling gas into the hot zone through the hot zone enclosure. The heat treating furnace further includes a damper arrangement for directing the cooling gas over a selected portion or portions of the workpiece load and through one or more of the slots. In one embodiment of the invention, all actuated components in the furnace are located outside of the hot zone to minimize damage to moving parts that are caused by exposure to extreme heat.

Abstract: A sliding nozzle unit in which a face pressure load is released by inserting a cotter into a press member provided in an open close metal frame and sliding the cotter on an inclination block provided on the side face of a sliding metal frame thereby flexing a resilient body through the press member. The inclination block is spaced apart from the nozzle hole of a sliding plate on the longitudinal side face of the sliding metal frame. Inclining face of the inclination block is formed to become lower toward the direction for fully closing the nozzle hole and a stop member is provided on the longitudinal side face of the sliding metal frame, in the vicinity of nozzle hole of the sliding plate, so that the nozzle hole is not fully opened under a state where the cotter is inserted into the press member.

Abstract: The invention describes an article and method for reducing precipitation on a surface adjacent to a stream of molten steel that is flowing from one metallurgical vessel to a second metallurgical vessel or mold. The refractory article comprises a working surface having a perturbation that disrupts the laminar flow in a boundary layer adjacent to the surface. The resultant non-laminar flow reduces precipitation on the surface and provides a convenient point for the injection of inert gas. The method includes disrupting the laminar flow in a boundary layer adjacent to the working surface.

Abstract: A metering gate for liquid metal flow control with reduced clogging with a top plate, having a first flow channel bore with an inlet having an inlet axis and an outlet having an outlet axis. The inlet axis and the outlet axis are offset. A throttle plate slidably mounted on the top plate selectably receives flow from the top plate. The metering gate provides a less tortuous and more symmetrical flow path when the gate is partially open, but provides a relatively straight downward flow channel allowing full flow when the gate is fully open.

Abstract: The invention concerns a refractory plate, in particular for a system of liquid molten metal flow, comprising at least two zones when considering the main plane of the plate: a passage zone (1) with at least a passage hole (3) for said liquid metal and a composition resistant to stresses resulting from the flow of the liquid metal through the hole (3), and a manoeuvring zone (2) designed to stop the liquid metal flow, and a composition, different from that of the passage zone (1), selected to resist in particular thermal shocks when the flow stops, the zones taking up the entire thickness of the plate wherein the securing link between the passage zone (1) and the manoeuvring zone (2) results from joint pressing, in a common mould, the composition of the passage zone(s) and the composition of the manoeuvring zone (2), the compositions having previously been deposited into the mould respectively along the zones, followed by consolidating heat treatment.

Abstract: A nozzle for injecting a cooling gas in a vacuum heat treating furnace is described. The cooling gas injection nozzle according to the present invention has a forward portion with a first central opening formed therethrough. The cooling gas injection nozzle also has a rear portion with a second central opening formed therethrough. A flap is disposed in and pivotably supported in the first central opening. The flap operates to substantially prevent the escape of heat from the hot zone during a heating cycle, but permits the injection of the cooling gas into the furnace hot zone during a cooling cycle. The cooling gas injection nozzle is supported from the hot zone wall by any appropriate means. A vacuum heat treating furnace and a hot zone therefor incorporating the cooling gas injection nozzle are also described.

Abstract: Apparatus, system and method for precisely and quickly controlling the flow of molten metal to metal-casting apparatus, either by pumping or by braking or throttling. The Faraday-Ampére electromagnetic principle of current flow in a unidirectional magnetic field is employed, wherein Faraday's three-finger rule shows pumping direction or throttling direction. Permanent magnets comprising neodymium or similar high-energy, rare-earth materials provide a unique “reach-out” magnetism. These neo-magnets, usually shown as cubes, are arranged in various powerful configurations for driving an intense unidirectional magnetic field B across a non-magnetic gap many times larger than is economically feasible otherwise. This gap accommodates a conduit for pressurizing and moving a flow of molten metal. Molten metal may be pumped to a distributor or a siphon at an entrance to a metal-casting machine.

Abstract: It is possible to stably observe the temperature and/or composition of molten iron in a refining furnace by opening a tuyere for observation at all times according to the state of refining. There is provided a method of observing the inside of a molten metal refining furnace comprising the steps of: using a single tube tuyere for observing the temperature and/or composition of molten iron in the refining furnace via a tube penetrating refractories of a furnace wall and/or furnace bottom of the molten iron refining furnace by detecting electromagnetic waves radiated from molten metal at a forward end of the tuyere under a non-contact condition; and using an inert gas or an oxidizing gas, alone or mixed, according to the opening condition of the forward end of the tuyere.

Abstract: A device for regulating the flow of particulate material comprising a first, inlet conduit having an outlet end, and a second, outlet conduit aligned with the first conduit and having an inlet end sufficiently close to the outlet end of the first conduit as to receive at least a portion of a particulate material flow exiting the first conduit. The lateral relationship of the adjacent ends of the two conduits is adjusted to change the area of the inlet end exposed to material leaving the first conduit to adjust the flow of particulate material through the second conduit; material which does not enter the second conduit is recycled. The device is particularly useful for regulating the flow of small quantities of metal powder being fed to a laser consolidation process. The invention also includes the method of regulating by lateral adjustment of the adjacent conduit ends.

Abstract: It is the object to provide a production process of monodisperse particle in which monodisperse particle with uniform particle size (particle diameter) can be stably mass-produced, and monodisperse particle produced by this process, and its production apparatus. The supply pipe diameter &dgr;f is set to be greater than the orifice diameter &dgr;o and the internal and external pressure of the slurry retention part b is controlled, and this allows to facilitate supply of the slurry through the supply pipe (21c), and continuously and efficiently supply the slurry, and then to produce monodisperse particle with uniform particle size (particle diameter).

Abstract: A pulverized coal injecting apparatus includes a cylindrical inner pipe for feeding pulverized coal into a tuyere of a blast furnace. A cylindrical outer pipe coaxially surrounds the inner pipe. A spiral swirler is formed on the surface of the inner pipe and the pulverized coal is supplied through the inner pipe, while a combustible fluid is supplied through a space defined between the outer and inner pipes. The pulverized coal injecting apparatus further includes a plurality of dimples formed on a surface of a leading end portion of the inner pipe for reducing fluid flow resistance so as to improve the mixing of the pulverized coal with the combustible fluid. The fluid flow becomes efficient so as to improve the combustion efficiency of the pulverized coal. Thus, the oxygen enrichment cost and fuel costs are reduced.

Abstract: A burner/injector for providing a localized impingement flame or multiple flames for scrap heating and melting through use of a fluid fuel and at least one oxygen rich oxidizing gas. The burner/injector includes a liquid-cooled combustor for generating an impinging flame directed toward a scrap pile and a structure for injecting a controllable amount of a solid material and a controllable flow of high velocity oxidizing gas. The burner/injector may be arranged as a simple liquid-cooled combustor permanently mounted through the furnace wall or roof, and may be equipped with single or multiple channels for injection of solid material and high velocity oxidizing gas. The burner/injector can also be arranged as a water-cooled burner/injector lance accompanied with a water-cooled oxygen injecting lance, both movable through the slag door opening toward the furnace interior.

Abstract: A burner/injector for providing a localized impingement flame or multiple flames for scrap heating and melting through use of a fluid fuel and at least one oxygen rich oxidizing gas. The burner/injector includes a liquid-cooled combustor for generating an impinging flame directed toward a scrap pile and a structure for injecting a controllable amount of a solid carbonaceous fuel and a controllable flow of high velocity oxidizing gas into space that has been previously occupied by the impinging flame. The burner/injector may be equipped to inject a solid slag forming materials and/or slag deoxidizing materials, and/or to inject an additional oxidizing gas for burning a small portion of preheated scrap, post-combustion of CO and iron-carbon melt refining. The burner/injector may be arranged as a simple liquid-cooled combustor permanently mounted through the furnace wall or roof, and may be equipped with single or multiple channels for injection of solid material and high velocity oxidizing gas.

Abstract: The present invention broadly relates to novel aluminum nitride matrix ceramic composite bodies for use as refractory materials and methods for making the same. The refractory materials are useful in environments which are corrosive, erosive, abrasive and/or which generate thermal shock. Such environments include furnaces, and associated apparatus which house or contact molten masses including, for example, molten metals, molten glasses, etc. The preferred method for making the aluminum nitride matrix ceramic composites comprises a directed oxidation of molten metal.

Abstract: The present invention broadly relates to novel aluminum nitride matrix ceramic composite bodies for use as refractory materials and methods for making the same. The refractory materials are useful in environments which are corrosive, erosive, abrasive and/or which generate thermal shock. Such environments include furnaces, and associated apparatus which house or contact molten masses including, for example, molten metals, molten glasses, etc. The preferred method for making the aluminum nitride matrix ceramic composites comprises a directed oxidation of molten metal.

Abstract: A refractory article such as a slide gate plate, well block nozzle or like refractory component used in continuous casting of chemically aggressive grades of steel is made from a mixture containing about 50-85 wt. % alumina; about 5-30 wt. % alumina-zirconia fused grain; about 3-10 wt. % zirconia; and about 3-10 wt. % silica, plus an effective amount of binder materials to permit extrusion, pressing or like forming process. The pressed shape is fired in an air atmosphere at temperatures in excess of 1000.degree. C. to form an oxide bond. The composition of the fired material comprises about 60-90 wt. % alumina; about 5-30 wt. % zirconia; and about 3-10 wt. % silica. The fired article exhibits excellent hot strength and is resistant to thermal shock and resistant to the erosive and corrosive effects of molten steel, including aggressive, high manganese and calcium treated grades.

Abstract: A quench system which can be used to quench a continuous reaction such as the continuous digestion of titaniferous ores with sulphuric acid is provided. The quench system comprises a pressure vessel (1) equipped with a full bore outlet valve (5) connected to a reaction vessel (7) which may require quenching. The pressure vessel is partly filled with a liquid (18) and the ullage is occupied by a gas under pressure, the pressure being sufficient to discharge the liquid through the outlet valve (5) when open. The reaction vessel is equipped with means to detect cessation of stirring therein or power failure and the full bore valve is equipped with means (19) to open when cessation of stirring or power failure is detected.Operation of the quench system enables a reaction to be rapidly cooled and diluted to prevent solidification and the problems associated therewith in the event of the reactants being unstirred.

Abstract: The present invention has been devised to obtain a metallurgical effect by introducing refining gas into a molten metal in a metallurgical vessel and stirring the molten metal sufficiently by convection, and to improve durability of one nozzle or a few nozzles for introducing the refining gas. At a predetermined position of a furnace bottom onto which a ramming mass is provided, a few cylindrical refractory sleeves are disposed close to the upper face of the furnace bottom from the lower portion thereof. In each cylindrical refractory sleeve a gas introducing nozzle, which introduces the refining gas, is disposed in such a manner that it can be drawn out downwardly for replacement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a refining lance. It relates more particularly to a lance of the kind used for supplying from above, onto a metal bath, the oxidizing gas required for refining the molten metal contained in a metallurgical vessel. It includes a rotating device to divide the refining gas flow into an even number of separate gas jets that are more or less identical. The gas jets exit the head of the lance in angles which are substantially equal with respect to the longitudinal axis of the lance but in diametrically opposite directions with respect to the said axis.

Abstract: An improved premix-type burner for a gas-fired metal processing furnace includes a burner insert externally adjustable over a stepless continuum. The burner insert includes a helical thread disposed on its outer diameter which cooperatively engages with a helical thread disposed on an inner diameter of the burner body bore. Rotation of an adjustment tube, which extends into the burner body and is affixed to the burner insert concentrically disposed therein, causes axial translation of the burner insert, thereby regulating fuel flow to the combustion chamber and controlling the combustion process.

Abstract: A controller for a damper in a chemical recovery furnace relieves physical engagement between the damper mechanism and an operating handle therefor when such handle is being repositioned. The damper is repositioned to prevent interference with an adjacent port cleaner.

Abstract: This device comprises a fixed support constituted by a cylindrical collar 14, through which the lance 5 may be axially displaced and scraping fingers 16 whose extremities, which comprise cleaving means 21, may be held substantially in contact with the lance. A clearance is arranged, between the lance and the collar, which is sufficient to allow the accretions 12 of materials which it is desired to remove from the lance to pass through. While the lance is being raised, the extremities of the fingers cleave the accretions until they are totally broken off from the lance and can then fall into the vessel.The device is particularly applicable to the unclogging of oxygen lances used in steelworks converters.

Abstract: Apparatus for regulating air flow through an air port in a chemical recovery furnace. A plenum having an adjustable damper mounted inside a wind box associated with the furnace adjacent to the air port supplies and regulates the flow of air from the wind box to the furnace through the air port. A metal cleaning head adapted for rotatable insertion into the air port for cleaning excrescent material from the peripheral edges of the air port without blocking air flow through the port is pivotally mounted in a retracted, at-rest position adjacent to and above the air port so as not to interfere with movement of the adjustable damper. During a cleaning cycle, the damper is moved to a retracted position on the floor of the plenum so as not to interfere with the moving cleaning head. A short stroke, double articulated damper positioning mechanism facilitates movement of the damper blade in limited space.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dispensing equipment for adding inoculants to the stream of molten iron flowing from the spout of a tilting ladle. The dispensing equipment comprises a hopper (4) for the inoculant which hopper has an outlet opening (5) which extends through the wall of a first pipe 6. Means (9) is arranged for continuously and adjustably transportation of inoculant from the hopper (4) through the first pipe (6) and a second pipe 8 into the spout (1) of the ladle. The second pipe (8) is rotatably connected to the first pipe (6). A mounting frame (18) is suspended from the first pipe (6) by means of at least two bearings (16, 17), which bearings (16, 17) are rotatably arranged about the first pipe (6). The mounting frame (18) is firmly affixed to the second pipe (8), and a mounting arm (21) is fixed to the mounting frame (18), said mounting arm being intended to cooperate with a mounting bracket (3) on the ladle spout (1).

Abstract: An impervious refractory plug clad in a metal canister, adapted for insertable registration in an opening in a refractory block of a ladle, is provided with an array of narrow peripheral passages formed in the plug's lateral surface to distribute a flow of inert gas into molten metal within the ladle. The passages are defined by slots preformed in the plug's peripheral surface and the inner surface of the tightly fitted canister. An elongated metallic strip is preferably located in each passage to induce solidification of any molten metal which tends to flow against the output ends of the passages.

Abstract: A carbon dioxide snow nozzle for in particular rendering a molten metal inert. The nozzle comprises a supply pipe supplying liquid carbon dioxide under pressure for connection to a source of liquid carbon dioxide under pressure, a T-shaped element having one end connected to the pipe and the other two ends connected to liquid carbon dioxide conveying line which each have and to a controlled valve the outlets of the valves being interconnected by a V-shaped connecting element which opens onto a pipe for discharging the snow.

Abstract: A refractory ceramic sink includes a frusto-conically shaped internal ceramic element having upper and lower end surfaces and an outer surface extending between the upper and lower end surfaces, and an external ceramic element encompassing the internal ceramic element and having upper and lower end surfaces and an inner surface extending between the upper and lower end surfaces and shaped complementary to the outer surface of the internal ceramic element. Channels are formed directly in at least one of the inner surface of the external ceramic element and the outer surface of the internal ceramic element, the channels extending from the bottom to the top of the sink.

Abstract: Apparatus for introducing stirring and refining agents into molten metal in a vessel using a lance having a refractory body and a tube extending inwardly of a first end of the refractory body and terminating inwardly of a second end thereof. A plurality of relatively smaller tubes positioned within the refractory body and communicating with said tube and extending therefrom to the exterior of said refractory body, at least a portion of each of said smaller tubes being formed in a narrow slot-like passageway whereby gas, such as argon, introduced through the tubes and delivered to the exterior of the refractory body will bubble upwardly through the molten metal in a stirring and mixing action including an annular column around the refractory body acting to protect the same from rapid erosion.

Abstract: A tuyere for a blast furnace comprises water-cooled tuyere; and a burner removably mounted inside the water-cooled tuyere to burning pulverize coal. The burner comprises an inner pipe, an intermediate pipe and an outer pipe which are concentrically arranged. The inside of the inner pipe is used for a pulverized coal path, an oxygen feed path being in between the inner pipe and the intermediate pipe and a flame temperature control gas feed path in between the intermediate pipe and the outer pipe. The burner is equipped with a water-cooled jacket outside of the top end of the burner.

Abstract: This invention relates to a lance/burner apparatus and a method for melting and refining metals. Combustion produced from an oxy-fuel or fuel-air-oxygen flame is used to preheat and melt scrap. Oxygen is introduced through a lance pipe into the molten scrap to refine the metal.

Abstract: Apparatus for introducing stirring and refining agents into molten metal in a vessel using a lance having an elongated refractory body with a bore extending inwardly of a first or upper end of the refractory body and terminating inwardly of a second or delivery end thereof. A plurality of small tubes are positioned within the refractory body and communicate with the bore and the exterior of the refractory body whereby gas introduces into the bore flows through the small tubes to the delivery end and sides of the lance and bubbles upwardly shielding the lance from the rapid erosion that occurs when molten slag and steel attack the material of the lance due to the chemistry and temperature of the molten metal.

Abstract: Removable apparatus for regulating air flow through an air port in a chemical recovery furnace. A plenum mounted adjacent an air port inside a wind box associated with the furnace supplies combustion air from the wind box to the furnace through the air port, and an adjustable damper mounted inside the plenum regulates the velocity and quantity of air flowing through the plenum. An access port in the plenum allows viewing of the air port opening through the plenum. An actuating mechanism withdraws the damper from the field of view to a retracted position wherein the damper depends from the top of the plenum chamber spaced apart from the air port opening. For airflow damping, the actuating mechanism moves the retracted damper toward the air port opening until the damper is adjacent to the opening; then a positioning mechanism pivots the damper to a predetermined position in the air stream adjacent the opening.

Abstract: A device for introducing stirring gas into a mass of molten metal in a container by way of an opening in the container and a pocket block having a plurality of metered passageways extending therethrough, the pocket block forming a portion of a refractory lining in said container, the plurality of passageways being defined by a plurality of metal tubes arranged in a spiral configuration in circumferentially spaced relation to one another in fixed position in the pocket block which is formed of a suitable refractory, preferably vitrified. The plurality of metal tubes communicate with the single tube which extends through the bottom of the container and communicates with a supply of gas, such as argon.

Abstract: An apparatus for introducing gas into a molten metal bath contained within a refractory-lined vessel by the distribution of gas bubbles in the metal bath. The distribution is disbursed and covers a wide areas and mixing within the bath is improved. This is accomplished with the use of a tuyere having a plurality of passageways which cause gas passing through the tuyere to exit into the bath as a series of gas jets which exit from the tuyere at an angle to its longitudinal axis. Preferably, the passageways in the tuyere are spiral so as to produce a swirling or vortical gas motion within the bath.

Abstract: An assembly for use in supplying a gas through a metallurgical vessel into molten metal contained therein includes a refractory supporting block to be mounted within a wall or a bottom of the metallurgical vessel. The supporting block has an inner end directed toward the molten metal and an outer end directed outwardly of the metallurgical vessel. A plurality of receiving chambers extend into the supporting block from the inner end thereof, and each of a plurality of purging bricks is fitted within a respective receiving chamber. A connecting plate is mounted on the outer end of the supporting block for connection to a source of purging gas. A plurality of channels extend through the supporting block from the connecting plate to respective of the receiving chambers and purging bricks.

Abstract: A rotatable leaching solution distribution arm is carried on a central chamber member and disposed in a tank at an elevation above another rotatable arm also carried by the member for distribution of a washing solution into the tank. The leaching solution distribution arm has discrete conduits terminating in corresponding outlets along the arm together with flow control devices accessible externally of the tank for each conduit so that the flow from each outlet into the tank can be monitored and adjusted.

Abstract: A tuyere is disclosed which is adapted for the injection of gases into a metallurgical vessel. The tuyere includes inner and outer concentric tubes having a radial separation therebetween which defines an annular gap. In use, one gas such as an oxygen mixture flows through the center of the inner tube, and a second normally inert gas flows through the annular gap between the two tubes. In order to provide a closely predetermined and predictable gas flow rate through the annular gap, annular groove is formed in the wall of the outer tube which forms an annular restriction in the gap, and the extent of the restriction may be calibrated so as to provide a closely predetermined gas flow rate therethrough when in use. An annular groove may also be formed in the wall of the inner tube to provide a predetermined restriction in the gas flowing through the inner tube.

Abstract: A consumable lance for introducing oxygen into molten metal. The lance is designed so that tubular oxygen passageways melt at a relatively low temperature thereby exposing refractory passageways and significantly improving the wear resistance of the lance.