Abstract: A system for automatic monitoring of smelt flow exiting a recovery boiler based on optical information. A processor is used to read at least one stationarily imaged video sequence, comprising digital image frames, including an area under examination representing at least part of the smelt flow exiting the recovery boiler. The processor is used to identify, in the area under examination, an area distinguishable based on colour and/or intensity information. The processor is used to determine, based on the identified distinguishable area, a monitored flow property of the smelt flow.

Abstract: An improved refractory removal system may provide a top, bottom, and nozzle assemblies. At least one of the top or bottom assemblies may provide a rotation mechanism that allows a nozzle or the nozzle assembly to be rotated about a central axis or axis of rotation. The system may provide one or more securing mechanism(s) that allow the system to be secured in a desired position of a refractory vessel that refractory material is to be removed from. The nozzle assembly may provide an axial actuation mechanism that allows the nozzle to be moved away or towards the central axis. The nozzle assembly may also provide a linear actuation mechanism that allows the nozzle to be moved up or down along the central axis. It shall be recognized that the system provides at least three degrees of motion to the nozzle, thereby allowing the system to be utilized for a variety of situations.

Abstract: A slag pusher apparatus having a boom with a plurality of telescopingly engaged boom segments. Rollers are positioned between each boom segment to provide support for the boom segments and facilitate extension and retraction of the boom.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a system for determining the steel-tapping quantity of a converter, which consider that the working environment of the steel-making process of the converter is severe, the measurement is difficult and the interference of other factors is large, and provide a data-driven prediction model based on data, combine a Principal Component Analysis (PCA) with a RBF neural network, find the relation and the internal relation among variables by carrying out mathematical analysis on the related internal structure of the original variables, can quickly and accurately realize the prediction of the steel-tapping quantity of the converter, improve the component hit rate and the product stability in the steel-making process of the converter, are beneficial to realizing the control of narrow regions of steel-making components, save the alloying cost and have good application prospects in the field of ferrous metallurgy.

Abstract: A robotic platform for a tapping machine includes a sensor, a controller, a wireless interface directly or indirectly connected to the controller, a frame for receiving a tapping machine and a motor attached to the frame for moving the frame with the tapping machine received thereon. The frame is configured to exhibit dimensions and strength to hold a tapping machine, or other machine with a proportional-derivative control, where upon commands provided to it by the controller, the motor moves the frame and tapping machine, or other machine, through the four positions required by the ASTM test methods, under wireless control.

Abstract: A steel making assembly comprising a metal, refractory lined vessel having a side wall with a taphole therein and a metal plug placed within the taphole. The metal plug comprises a frustoconical body having a side conical wall, a closed small end and an open large end thereof defining an essentially empty interior space. The side conical wall of the frustoconical body of the plug includes at least one diagonal compression slit. The at least one diagonal compression slit extends from the open large end of the frustoconical body and extends toward the closed small end of the frustoconical body. The conical wall has a center axis, with the at least one diagonal compression slit being non-parallel to the center axis.

Abstract: A slag door for a melting furnace for the production of steel is suitable to be associated with an aperture provided in a lateral wall of the melting furnace and to cooperate with a slag channel provided inside the melting furnace itself.

Abstract: An assembly for cleaning a smelt spout includes a cleaning head, a drive rod connected with the cleaning head, and a pneumatic or other drive connected to selectively extend or retract the drive rod. The drive rod may be connected with the cleaning head by a pivotal connection. The cleaning head may be bifurcated. The cleaning head may include a leading edge configured to engage and clean a spout opening from which smelt from a chemical reduction furnace flows to the spout. The assembly may further include a pivot point and, as the drive selectively extends the drive rod, torque about the pivot point produced by the cleaning head and an extending portion of the drive rod rotates the cleaning head downward to engage a smelt spout.

Abstract: Extraction device for extracting a tuyere part, in particular a tuyere or a tuyere cooler, from a shaft furnace, the device including a supporting frame with positioning elements configured to position the device against a furnace wall, a carriage supported by the supporting frame and movable in a direction radial to the furnace wall, an extraction rod having a first end attached to the carriage and a second end for connecting to the tuyere part, where the first end of the extraction rod had a stopper, the device further including a percussion system acting on the stopper of the extraction rod in a direction away from the furnace wall, and a pretensioning mechanism on the supporting frame configured to apply a load to the carriage, in a direction away from the furnace wall.

Abstract: The invention relates to a burner cover insulation device for shielding a burner cover from a boiler burner, the device comprising a cover layer comprising a heat resistant inorganic fibrous material and having a first outer peripheral edge; a support layer providing mechanical strength to the device and having a second outer peripheral edge that at least extends to the outer peripheral edge of the cover layer; and a filling material forming an insulating layer between the cover layer and the support layer, wherein a through hole extends through the cover layer and the support layer. The invention furthermore relates to a method for manufacturing such a device.

Abstract: A pouring metallic plug stick clamping mechanism for cast steel wheels. The mechanism includes: a cast iron frame, a plurality of grooves, a centrally located opening in the frame, a first white ceramic ball, a second white ceramic ball, a third white ceramic ball, a retaining spring, a pressure regulating bolt, a control press button, a metallic plug stick, and a blocking iron piece.

Abstract: A method and apparatus closing a slag doorway and cleaning the slag doorway and channel of a metallurgical furnace including walls defining a slag doorway and a slag channel that crosses the slag doorway and has a bottom. The apparatus includes a support structure associable with the furnace, at least one slag-breaking body including a lower border that, under mounting conditions of the apparatus on the furnace, is directed towards the bottom and at a definable height, the slag-breaking body being associated with the support structure in a movable manner along the slag channel away and/or towards the slag doorway to wipe, with its lower border, the bottom or a parallel plane, and a vibrating or oscillating mechanism associated with the slag-breaking body to confer a vibrating or oscillating movement with non null component incident the bottom, during a travel performed during its movement away or towards the slag doorway.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for opening and closing a tapping opening of a metallurgical smelting vessel in particular of an electric arc furnace, in the bottom region of which a wall section having an opening is arranged, wherein a device for moving block elements in a direction (T) perpendicular to the surface normal of the wall section in the area of the opening is arranged below the opening, wherein the device holds the block elements on the wall section in such a way that the block elements lie against the wall section in a sealing manner.

Abstract: The invention relates to a furnace slag door, comprising at least one panel which is moveable, in a mounted state of the slag door, from an opened position, in which the panel is remote from a corresponding slag discharge opening within the furnace wall to a closed position, in which the panel covers at least part of said slag discharge opening. The invention further comprises a corresponding furnace equipped with such slag door. The furnace is, in particular, an electric arc furnace (EAF) but may be as well of another type.

Abstract: A method for accommodating increasing outward pressures in the tap holes of a hearth furnace includes configuring a tap hole lining and disposing it inside a hollow cylindrical conduit such that the tap hole lining can slide in response to outward pressures and growth in the hearth brick. The tap hole lining is retained inside the hollow cylindrical conduit with a retaining ring and spring assemblies.

Abstract: The invention relates to a furnace slag door, comprising at least one panel which is moveable, in a mounted state of the slag door, from an opened position, in which the panel is remote from a corresponding slag discharge opening within the furnace wall to a closed position, in which the panel covers at least part of said slag discharge opening. The invention further comprises a corresponding furnace equipped with such slag door. The furnace is, in particular, an electric arc furnace (EAF) but may be as well of another type.

Abstract: A slag control shape is releasably mounted on a mounted member carried on a molten vessel or an adjacent base. The mounted member includes an L-shaped bracket carrying a movable member to release the slag control shape and an actuator for selectively releasing the slag control shape. The mounting member further includes a sleeve secured to the vessel or adjacent base. A rotating shaft is connectable to both the L-shaped bracket and sleeve to provide rotatable movement in selective positions, of the L-shaped bracket relative to the sleeve.

Abstract: An apparatus for centering a tap drill is provided herein. The device includes a body made of a refractory material that has a tapered shape and a connector secured to body configured to permit connection of the body to a tap drill bit. In addition, a method of operating a blast furnace is provided herein. The method includes providing a blast furnace plug having a refractory body having a tapered configuration. Securing the blast furnace plug to a tap drill bit. Aligning the blast furnace plug with a tap hole plugged with mud, and inserting the blast furnace plug into the mud to create an indentation in the mud having a tapered configuration. Removing the blast furnace plug from the tap drill bit, aligning the tap drill bit with the indentation and tapping the blast furnace.

Abstract: A high-temperature, heat-resistant fill material is disclosed. The high-temperature, heat-resistant fill material includes an alumina refractory waste material having one or more of a used alumina-magnesium-carbon material, a used high-alumina material and a used fused-grain alumina material is disclosed. A method for method for manufacturing a material is also disclosed.

Abstract: A copper anode furnace comprises a furnace drum (2), which can be pivoted about a horizontal axis and in which copper melt is refined into anode copper by means of fire refining. Said furnace drum (2) is provided with a spout (10) for pouring out the refined copper. A sliding closure (20) is arranged on the spout (10) of the furnace drum (2). Said sliding closure comprises at least one stationary, fireproof closing plate (21) and a fireproof sliding plate (22) which can be displaced relative to said closing plate. Through the displacement of the sliding plate (22), the outflow out the furnace drum (2) can be regulated or closed and therefore the outflow amount of the copper can be controlled. A drawing of slag into the casting, which reduces the anode quality, can be prevented using said sliding closure (20).

Abstract: A molten metal supplying container, comprising a container capable of storing a molten metal and loading the molten metal to the inside thereof or supplying the molten metal to the outside thereof by controlling a difference in pressure between inside and outside of the container, a passage allowing the inside and outside of the container to communicate with each other to have the molten metal flow therethrough, a lid disposed to cover the first opening having a second opening with a diameter smaller than the first opening and a hatch provided at the second opening capable of being opened and closed, having a passage communicating inside and outside the container. The passage is used, for example, to control inner pressure of the container and to insert the electrode for detecting the surface level of the molten metal.

Abstract: An improved thermal lance is made of a low carbon steel sheath having an internal bore and a thin cylindrical rod that is roll-formed from low carbon steel sheet. The rod being sized for conforming fit in the bore of the tube and has a length dimension that is longer than the length of the tube. The rod is inserted into the bore of the tube and allowed to move axially within the tube under propulsion of the pressurized oxygen to allow the rod to be burned at a rate independent of the burn rate of the sheath. One or more apertures in the tube restrict the flow of oxygen until the rod is ignited. An O ring located near the fuse protector of the lance housing keeps the lance from moving during routine handling and storage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a melting furnace having an electric or external heating system for storing melts and having a melt discharge outlet comprising a cooling device. An instrument for mechanically removing plugs which are blocking the melt discharge outlet is arranged at the melt discharge outlet.

Abstract: A treatment apparatus of the present invention includes a hermetic door 115b and a retort 115c as an interface for taking out a gaseous emission containing vaporized substances from an object to be treated which is being heated in a reduced pressure state in a second hermetic chamber 103 while maintaining conditions in the second hermetic chamber. When the retort 115c is inserted into a first opening 103b of the second hermetic chamber, the hermetic door 115b in an open state is shielded from the second hermetic chamber 103, whereby condensation of the gaseous emission at the hermetic door is prevented. Accordingly, condensates can be taken out while conditions such as temperature and pressure in the hermetic chamber are maintained without the treatment apparatus being stopped. The productivity of treatment is greatly improved by continuous operation of such a treatment apparatus.

Abstract: In a hermetically sealing device provided by fitting and mounting a seal member on an annular member, fitting strength between the annular member and the seal member is reduced. A seal member (7) is provided with a reinforcing ring (7b), a contact part (72), which is integrally provided with the reinforcing ring (7b) and contacts a first outer circumference skirt part (13a) when it is fitted in the first outer circumference skirt part (13a) of a piston member (11), and a seal main body (7a) which has a seal lip (71) which hermetically contacts a circumference plane of a piston inserting hole (5).

Abstract: The invention relates to taphole closures for furnaces and more particularly to an automated means of presenting the taphole closure means to a furnace. Taphole closures in the form of darts with elongate tails are known, and given their weight are difficult to present to a transport arm.

Abstract: An automatic control method for a taphole opener for opening a taphole by giving impact and rotation to a drill unit holding a drilling rod and driving the drill unit forward and backward by a hydraulically driven feed motor, which method comprises the steps of; detecting the driving load in the form of detected hydraulic pressure, stopping the driving but maintaining the rotation when said detected pressure reaches an upper limit set value beyond which buckling may occur, and resuming the driving when said detected pressure falls to a lower limit set value or below. The drilling rod of the drills unit is prevented from buckling and idle hitting and a quicker taphole opening operation and enhanced accuracy of taphole depth can be obtained. Thus remote operation is made possible through the automation of the taphole opening work.

Abstract: An apparatus for replacing a tap hole insert in a furnace includes a drill detachably mounted to a drive shaft in a boom arm of a utility machine with the drill adapted to remove the existing tap hole inserts to be replaced from outside of the furnace interior, and a tap hole insert tool detachably mounted to the boom arm of the utility machine with the tap hole insert tool adapted to hold and insert tap hole inserts into the furnace tap hole from outside the furnace interior. The drill is provided with a locking pattern having alternating inserts.

Abstract: This invention relates to a casting machine furnace apparatus including a casting machine furnace, a supply furnace in fluid communication with the machine furnace and operative to supply a molten metal to the machine furnace, and a stopper module device disposed in a fluid path between the casting machine furnace and the supply furnace. The stopper module device includes a block housing and a stopper assembly. The block housing includes an inlet opening and an outlet opening, and is disposed in the fluid path. The stopper assembly is supported for movement relative to the inlet opening of the block housing between a working position, wherein the molten metal flows from the supply furnace to the casting machine furnace, and a non-working position, wherein the flow of molten metal is prevented.

Abstract: An arrangement for pouring a pourable melt made up of a copper alloy, which comprises a melting furnace, pivotable about a horizontal pivot axis, having a pouring tube which discharges pourable melt and through which the pourable melt can be conveyed under a shielding gas atmosphere to a filling end of a launder and can be conveyed through an outlet of the launder to a mold. The filling end of the launder is coverable by a hood that seals off the pourable melt from the atmosphere, the pouring tube engaging, with interposition of a seal arrangement, in pivotably movable fashion into the hood. As a result, the pourable melt can be transferred into the launder under a shielding gas atmosphere upon pivoting of the melting furnace and the pouring tub.

Abstract: A dart has a metal bar 1 passing through a ceramic, shaped, dart head 2 and then through a cylindrical ceramic dart stem 3. A sleeve 4 of a carbonaceous or reactive material is provided about the stem 3 or a layer of that material can be formed on the lower face 5 of the dart head 2 (at the interface of the steel and slag). A block or sleeve 6 of suitable reactive material could be positioned on the top face 7 of the dart. The reactive material could be cardboard or paper, or a reactive metal, such as aluminum or magnesium. In each case a chemical reaction with the molten steel will result in an updraft in the steel which clears slag from the area of the tap hole.

Abstract: A tapping tool comprises a threaded portion and an upper gripping shank, and presents an axial bore which has its base wall proximate to the end of the threaded portion and opens at the end of the shank, there being present in proximity to the base wall at least one duct which connects the bore to the outer surface of the threaded portion, and makes available on one side of the outer rim of the duct a sharp edge for removing the material, which then by passing through said duct collects inside the bore.

Abstract: A stopper for continuous casting comprising a stopper rod and a spindle for actuating the stopper rod, wherein the stopper rod includes a joining nut integrally formed therewith, an upper end surface of the stopper rod being formed so as to be smooth, and a pin hole being provided in the upper end surface so as to prevent from rotating, while the spindle includes a gas introduction route, a male screw provided in a tip portion thereof for being engaged with the joining nut, a male screw provided in an upper portion thereof for being engaged with a fastening nut for fixing the spindle to the stopper rod, and a flange tightly adhered to the upper end surface of the stopper rod and provided with a hole, into which a pin for preventing rotation is inserted. The spindle is fixed to the stopper rod by the joining nut. The flange is fixed to the upper end surface of the stopper rod by the fastening nut so as to be hermetically sealed.

Abstract: A dart has a metal bar (1) passing through a ceramic, shaped, dart head (2) and then through a cylindrical ceramic dart stem (3). A sleeve (4) of a carbonaceous or reactive material is provided about the stem (3) or a layer of that material can be fed on the lower face (5) of the dart head (2) (at the interface of the steel and slag). A block or sleeve (6) of suitable reactive material could be positioned on the top face (7) of the dart. The reactive material could be cardboard or paper, or a reactive metal, such as aluminum or magnesium. In each case a chemical reaction with the molten steel will result in an updraft in the steel which clears slag from the area of the tap hole.

Abstract: In a method for closing and opening a tapping hole of a metallurgical vessel, in which method a closure body (4), which leaves clear an annular gap between the closure body (4) and the wall of the tapping hole, can be moved out of a waiting position (I) into a closure position (II), in which it covers the tapping hole, and back, and in which method, at least in the closure position (II), a pressurized gas is introduced into the tapping hole counter to the outflow direction of a molten material contained in the metallurgical vessel, in order to avoid skull formation, the closure body (4) is moved out of the waiting position (I) into the closure position (II) and back with directions of movement which lie in different areas.

Abstract: A tapping tool comprises a threaded portion and an upper gripping shank, and presents an axial bore which has its base wall proximate to the end of said threaded portion and opens at the end of said shank, there being present in proximity to said base wall at least one duct which connects said bore to the outer surface of said threaded portion, and makes available on one side of the outer rim of said duct a sharp edge for removing the material, which then by passing through said duct collects inside said bore.

Abstract: A taphole boring machine serving two tapholes includes a support structure, a mount and a suspension device of which the mount is secured on the supporting structure and the suspension device has a tilting device for the mount with the suspension device further including a mechanism within a frame, a first drive and two connection points with a mechanism designed in such a way that a positively guided translation of two connection points in relation to the frame can be produced by a drive pulse of the first drive so that a connecting line through the two connection points remains parallel with itself during such movement.

Abstract: A pivot device for supporting a working device is disclosed. The pivot device has a load-bearing structure, an arm and a control rod. A first end of the arm is pivotably mounted in the load-bearing structure. The working device is pivotably connected to the second end of the arm. A first end of the control rod is hinged to the pivotable working device. A hinged quadrangle acts as a pivot point for the second end of the control rod. The quadrangle encompasses the load-bearing structure as a chassis, the arm acting as a driven element, as well as two coupling elements which close the quadrangle. The control rod is hinged, by its second end, to one of the two coupling elements. When the arm pivots, the pivot point of the second end of the control rod remains on the same side of the arm, so that the control rod does not cross the arm during pivoting.

Abstract: A device for rotating a work element is disclosed. The device has a support structure, an arm mounted in the support structure in such a way that it can rotate, a rotation drive for rotating the arm around a rotation pin, the rotation drive being located between the arm and the support structure, and a lifting drive. The support structure represents the frame and the arm represents a driven member of a gear. The lifting drive closes the gear between the support structure and the arm. A coupling device is connected in series with the lifting drive in such a way that the lifting drive can be uncoupled from the gear. The coupling device may have a rotating arm and a locking device, for example. The device can be used as a compact rotating device for carrying a blast furnace gun.

Abstract: A device for swiveling a working unit between a rest position and a work position is disclosed. The unit has an arm and a support structure, one end of the arm being arranged in the support structure in such a way that it can swivel. A swivel arm with an actuating drive is positioned with one end arranged in the support structure in such a way that it can swivel. The other end of the swivel arm has an articulated connection with a lift drive, the second end of the lift drive has an articulated connection with the arm. The swiveling axis of the swivel arm is positioned at a set distance from the swiveling axis of the arm so that the lever arm can be raised. This allows the lift drive to transmit its power to the arm in a working position. This eccentric position of the swivel arm also allows the actuating drive of the swivel arm to switch largely without power when the arm is in the working position. The swiveling device is adapted for use for tap hole plugging machines.

Abstract: A knockout device for removing a taphole sleeve from a furnace wall. The device is comprised of a pneumatic hammer having an elongated body and a weight reciprocally movable by air pressure along the body. The body has a first end with an air inlet for receiving air under pressure from an external source and a second end. A metal block is attached to the second end of the body. The block has a planar surface dimensioned to rest upon an upper end of a taphole sleeve. A locating pin extends from the block. The pin is dimensioned to be received within an axial bore defined by the taphole sleeve. A housing surrounds the hammer and defines a cavity therearound. The housing has openings therethrough to allow air from the hammer to vent from the cavity.

Abstract: The invention relates to an automatically opening tapping thimble made from a refractory material for casting crucibles which are used in aluminothermic reactions. This thimble consists entirely or partially of air-permeable graphite or metal whose melting point lies between 2100 and 3727.degree. C.

Abstract: The invention provides a remotely controlled furnace tap hole tapping system. The system is pneumatically driven and is able to tap holes placed at different heights, different positions, and different angles. The invention replaces an oxygen filled lance which is consumable, with a solid metal lance. The lance is carried by a carrier system, which moves long a track. The invention provides a gantry that is able to move the carrier system to different tracks. The pneumatic drive system cools the tapping system, in addition to driving the tapping system.

Abstract: A tap hole drilling machine, a drill bit for use in it, and a drilling method are disclosed. A nitrogen gas supply line for pressurised nitrogen as a carrier gas and a cooling water supply line are provided to form water mist for cooling the drill bit, the drill rod, the main body of the drilling machine and the tap hole. Thus the drilling time period is markedly shortened, the molten iron discharge time period is significantly increased, and the net consumption rate of the refractory material is considerably decreased. Therefore, by properly adjusting the amount of the molten iron existing within the lower portion of the blast furnace, the condition of the blast furnace can be stabilized, and the productivity can be improved. Advantageous conditions can be provided for the operation even under a high pressure and a high temperature environment.

Abstract: A stopper rod in the form of an elongate molded body having a longitudinal bore has an attachment device for attaching the stopper rod to a lifting and lowering mechanism.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tap-hole drilling machine comprising a separate guiding means for a tap-hole drill and a driving means to move this guiding means between a working position and a rest position. In the working position, the guiding means forms a guide for a tap-hole drill. In the rest position, the guiding means is in a protected position behind a protective shield. The guiding means and driving means are combined in compact cassette-form guiding and protection unit which is removably suspended at the front end of the mount. The protective shield is suspended on the front face of this cassette-form guiding and protection unit and has a through hole for a tap-hole drill.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a tundish stopper rod for continuous casting which can be fitted onto a spindle correctly in a short time and which has a sufficiently high degree of heat resistance and mechanical strength to endure its harsh operating conditions.A tundish stopper rod for continuous casting according to the present invention comprises:(a) a stopper rod for regulating the flow rate of molten metal being supported by a spindle and being made of a refractory material, and(b) a nut for attaching the stopper rod onto the spindle, the nut being made of an engineering ceramic material and being embedded in a body of the stopper rod.

Abstract: In a petroleum coking drum, a drill stem guide latches internally to a structure adjacent the drum opening, rather than externally to a flange about the drum opening. In preferred embodiments, the latching mechanism is spring loaded, and operated automatically as a function of raising and lowering the guide.

Abstract: A heating element comprising:a body having a heating section;heating means inserted in or adjacent to said body, said means capable of generating heat, having a heat flux Q.sub.1 at a temperature T.sub.1 ; andheat transfer and concentration means capable of transferring said heat from said heating means to said heating section and concentrating said heat in said section such that said section has a heat flux Q.sub.2 at a temperature of T.sub.2, where Q.sub.2 is greater than Q.sub.1 and where T.sub.2 is equal to or less than T.sub.1.

Abstract: A flow control device for the outlet nozzle for a molten metal handling vessel, such as a ladle, includes a plug that fits in the outlet nozzle to define a gap between the plug and a closure for the nozzle. The plug has a plurality of apertures which are closed by steel plates, or other material, that melts under the influence of the molten metal in the vessel. When molten metal is placed into the vessel and the closure for the outlet is opened, the molten metal flows into the apertures, melting the meltable material in the apertures, and out the outlet. Using a device and method described allows the amount of molten metal in a ladle to be reduced to about 0.5%, and a greater than 99% free opening rate can be provided.