Abstract: A metallurgical dart includes an enlarged refractory head having a top, a bottom, and a central through hole extending from top to bottom of the head and lined with a metallic sleeve, with a portion of the lining sleeve projecting beyond the top and/or bottom of the head; an elongate tail of refractory material with an external and/or internal metallic element and of external diameter slightly less than the internal diameter of the lining sleeve, such that the tail can pass, as a close fit, through the lining sleeve of the head; and at least one crimped or other joint between the metallic element of the tail and the projecting portion of the lining sleeve, to fix the head and tail together.

Abstract: A slag control shape is releasably mounted on a cover for a molten metal vessel. An actuator is connected to a slag control shape release member to move the release member from a first position engaged with the slag control shape to a second position disengaged from the slag control shape to allow the slag control shape to descend into the molten metal vessel. Upon the occurrence of a predetermined condition, such as a predetermined weight of molten metal in the vessel or a predetermined total time of molten metal discharge from the vessel, a controller generates a signal to the actuator to automatically release the slag control shape into the vessel. The controller is located remote from the actuator and transmits the activation signal to the actuator by radio frequency signals, directly through an electrical conductor, or to a light emitter which transmits a light beam to a photodetector mounted on the cover.

Abstract: A method is provided for facilitating the introduction of a piercing rod into a taphole previously closed by a taphole clay. The rod is gripped by a clamp which imparts to the rod a powerful axial force and an oscillatory movement about its longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A method and product improve the positioning of loose anti-skulling material in the outlet nozzle zone of a metallurgical pouring vessel. The formation of skull in the outlet nozzle zone of a metallurgical pouring vessel is inhibited by positioning in the outlet nozzle zone an elongated container containing loose anti-skulling material, the container being formed of an intumescent material so that when heated it expands to fill the gap between itself and the walls of the nozzle and releases the anti-skulling material.

Abstract: An apparatus for opening and closing a bottom tap opening in a vacuum induction melting and casting furnace with a movable closing body, a plug rod for example, and a drive unit for the displacement of the closing body, the closing body being made of ceramic material and connected by levers to a coupling element, which has a compression spring to limit the maximum closing force of the closing body, and is displaceable by an electric motor drive.

Abstract: A machine for boring a tap hole of a shaft furnace is presented for use in conjunction with a lost-rod process. In this process, a metal rod is driven into a botting mass, before it has completely hardened, and is removed later for opening a tap hole. Driving-in of the rod is performed with the aid of a to-and-fro movement of a clamp which can move over a mount through action of a first jack. Removal is performed with the aid of a continuous reverse movement of the clamp through the action of the first jack and of a powerful drive means, for example a second jack, driving the first jack towards the rear of the mount.

Abstract: A stopper device for use in molten-metal auto-pouring apparatus comprising an attachment part constructed to be releasably fixedly attached to a stopper device operator of such apparatus and a stopper support part adjustably connected to the attachment part so as to permit a degree of movement therebetween. Locking means are provided to enable the stopper support part to be retained in a given position relative to the attachment part. As a result, when the device is prepared for use, and the attachment part is fixedly attached to such an operator, the latter operates to move the device downwardly so that a lower end of a stopper mounted on the stopper support part engages the outlet of the apparatus, the said degree of movement enabling that end to be seated properly in the outlet, whereupon the locking means are used to retain the resulting position of the stopper support part relative to the attachment part to ensure that the stopper will be properly seated after subsequently being raised and lowered.

Abstract: Containers formed of consumable materials of compatible chemistry with the remelting of molten metal are disclosed, the individual containers being capable of retaining molten metal having impurities and the like therein until the same is solidified and recharged into the furnace along with the individual consumable container.

Abstract: An annular space is formed between the opening of a refractory lining in a metallurgical vessel and a shaped element to be joined to the refractory lining in the opening. A joint packing is provided to be packed in the annular space. The joint packing is an annular, deformable, prefabricated packing adapted to the volume or the shape of the annular space. The joint packing is fixable in position in either the opening of the refractory lining or on the shaped piece when the joint arrangement is assembled. Preferably, the joint packing comprises a packing compound provided in a sleeve.

Abstract: A slag control shape is releasably mounted on a cover for a molten metal vessel. An actuator is connected to a slag control shape release member to retract the release member from a first position engaged with the slag control shape to a second position separated from the slag control shape allowing the slag control shape to freely drop into the molten metal receptacle. The actuating end of the actuator is located at an easily accessible operator position for remote actuation of the release member. In one embodiment, the actuator is a flexible cable attached at one end to the release member mounted on the cover and having a second end located remote from the cover at an easily accessible operator position. In another embodiment, a pair of eccentric cams are mounted on the cover and the molten metal receptacle and pivot into engagement upon a downward force exerted on the actuator cable to retract the release member from engagement with the slag control shape.

Abstract: Metal casting apparatus comprises a casting container having an outlet nozzle in the bottom wall thereof, and an upright stopper within the container having a lower nose end thereto, the stopper being selectively movable between an operative position in which the nose end thereof seats on, to close, the nozzle and an inoperative position in which said nose end is displaced from, to open, the nozzle. The apparatus further comprises a barrier member positioned between the nose end of the stopper and the outlet nozzle and of a refractory material such as ceramic fibre capable of withstanding temperatures associated with pre- and post-heating of the apparatus but which is combustible at temperatures associates with molten metal, the material of the barrier member also being deformable whereby, with the stopper in its operative position, the barrier member conforms with the shape of the nozzle and the nose end of the stopper.

Abstract: There is disclosed a metallurgical vessel, such as a steelworks converter, having a refractory brick lining and a probe opening passing a wall of the vessel for introducing a measuring and/or sampling probe. In order that the probe opening will get obstructed only minimally, if at all, and possible deposits of slag will be removed easily and quickly, the probe opening is provided with a lining of graphite or a graphite/alumina mixture.

Abstract: There is disclosed a metallurgical vessel, such as a steelworks converter, having a refractory brick lining and a probe opening passing a wall of the vessel for introducing a measuring and/or sampling probe. In order that the probe opening will get obstructed only minimally, if at all, and possible deposits of slag will be removed easily and quickly, the probe opening is provided with a lining of graphite or a graphite/alumina mixture.

Abstract: The stopper rod for regulating the flow of a liquid has a body traversed by an axial channel and having at one end a porous nose fed with gas from the channel. The nose has a free space in the form of a hemisphere-shaped slot or lattice network communicating with the channel for delivery of gas thereto. Preferably, a plurality of spaced-apart bridges of solid material connect the two faces of the free space in order to increase the strength of the porous nose.

Abstract: An insulating blanket is provided for dispensing an insulating particulate material onto the surface of a molten metal. This blanket comprises a bag containing the insulating particulate material, the bag having flattening means such that when the bag is filled with the particulate material, it maintains a substantially flat shape. The bag is formed of a material which will disintegrate upon contact with the molten metal, thereby allowing the particulate material to spread over the surface thereof.

Abstract: A one-piece refractory stopper rod has an axial bore formed therein for the introduction of inert gas into molten steel within a tundish. A metal bushing insert is copressed into the refractory stopper rod and has a threaded bore which is positioned coaxially with the bore of the stopper rod body. A metal attachment rod having an axial bore therethrough and a threaded lower shank portion is secured within the threaded bore of the metal bushing insert. The metal attachment rod has an upper threaded shank which is adapted to be secured to a stopper rod lifting mechanism associated with the tundish. The metal rod further includes a flanged portion intermediate the upper and lower shank portions which carries an annular chamfered surface. The annular chamfered surface faces a like annular chamfered surface formed in the bore of the stopper rod to define a gas-tight seal at a sealing interface therebetween.

Abstract: A plug for temporarily closing a tap hole in a metal making furnace comprises a plug body insertable into the tap hole. The plug body comprises a ceramic blanket. A plurality of biasing springs are disposed inside the blanket and are held in a retracted condition by a heat-sensitive retaining band which extends around an outer periphery of the plug. A plurality of metal strips are disposed on an outer surface of the plug to protect the blanket. When the plug is inserted into a tap hole, the band is melted by the high temperatures therein, enabling the spring to expand the plug into contact with a surface of the tap hole.

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: An anti-slag, anti-vortex tundish measurement apparatus for use in tundishes or other molten metal receptacles provides a measurement of the depth of the molten metal layer above the bottom of such receptacles. The apparatus includes a body mounted on a first end of an elongated rod. The body and the rod are formed of a suitable material and have a predetermined size such that the specific gravity of the body and the rod is less than the specific gravity of the molten metal in the receptacle; but greater than the specific gravity of the slag layer covering the top of the molten metal layer such that the body is buoyantly supported at the interface between the slag layer and the molten metal layer. Measurement indicia in the form of incrementally spaced, scale gradations is formed on the second end of the rod, which end extends externally from the interior of the molten metal receptacle.

Abstract: A one-piece refractory stopper rod has an axial bore formed therein for the introduction of inert gas into molten steel within a tundish. A metal bushing insert is compressed into the refractory stopper rod and has a threaded bore which is positioned coaxially with the bore of the stopper rod body. A metal attachment rod having an axial bore therethrough and a threaded lower shank portion is secured within the threaded bore of the metal bushing insert. The metal attachment rod has an upper threaded shank which is adapted to be secured to a stopper rod lifting mechanism associated with the tundish. The metal rod further includes a flanged portion intermediate the upper and lower shank portions which carries an annular chamfered surface. The annular chamfered surface faces a like annular chamfered surface formed in the bore of the stopper rod to define a gas-tight seal at a sealing interface therebetween.

Abstract: The invention provides a closure member for a taphole or closure of a metal and slag containing vessel comprising a plug including a temperature reactive component rapidly expandable when subjected to heat, and a component softening under the effect of heat whereby, in use, the closure member expands and fits the taphole to form a block thereto.

Abstract: An expandable tap hole plug includes a plug comprising a cylindrical member having a circular nose and an outwardly extending flexible sidewall forming a variable obtuse angle with respect to the nose. The plug is adatepd to be oriented within a tap hole of a metallurgical vessel with the nose directed towards the interior of the vessel. An expander, in the form of a truncated cone, has a base and spokes extending outwardly from the base forming a variable obtuse angle with respect to the base. The expander is inverted relative to the plug and is attached to the plug with the spokes of the expander engaging the sidewall of the plug. The angle between the side section and base of the expander is varied so as to vary the angle of the sidewall of the plug relative to the nose thereof to block the tap hole.

Abstract: Closure device for a pouring hole (2) having a vertical axis, arranged in the base (11) of a container (1) containing molten metal. The device comprises a flap (3) fixed to the end of a maneuvering arm (3) which is horizontally displaceable to a level below that of the base (11), between a stand-by position and a closure position, and a device for controlling the vertical displacement at least of the end of the arm (31) in order to apply the closure flap (3) on a seating (22) on the periphery of the discharge orifice of the pouring hole (2). The maneuvering arm (31) has a cleaning member (5) located beside the closure flap (3) and centered on the trajectory of the latter.

Abstract: A plug for the tap hole of a metallurgical vessel includes a canister containing refractory mortar between a pair of end plates, one of which is movable toward the other to squeeze or compress the mortar through an aperture in a generally radially outward direction to seal against the tap hole wall. A plunger is provided and has axially relatively movable sleeves. One sleeve connects with the plug, while the other sleeve has a pusher head engageable against the movable end plate of the plug. The plug is connected to the plunger and inserted into the opening. The sleeves are axially displaced to cause the disks to relatively move axially toward one another, displacing the mortar into sealing engagement with the tap hole walls. Upon location and sealing of the tap hole by the plug, the plunger is unscrewed from the plug and withdrawn for later use.

Abstract: A stopper for a tap hole of a steel converter has a plug which can at least partly be fitted into the tap hole, and holding means for holding the plug in place in the tap hole. To avoid entry of slag into the tap hole, even on initial tipping, the plug is substantially cylindrical in shape and can be moved along the whole length of the tap hole. The holding means are adapted to lose their holding action when the stopper is subjected to the heat of the molten steel upon tipping of the converter.

Abstract: A one-piece carbon-bonded graphite refractory stopper rod for use in continuous casting of molten metal includes a copressed body portion with an integral porous nose section. Through a gap grain sizing technique, the mean pore size of the nose is controlled to preferably about 10 microns to permit an inert gas introduced into the rod to permeate therethrough as a fine dispersion of bubbles in the melt while preventing reverse permeation of molten metal in the event of depressurization of the gas supply. Improved erosion resistance of the nose and lower alumina deposition in the casting nozzle are also achieved.

Abstract: Apparatus for safely plugging a furnace adapted to hold and transfer substantial amounts of molten material, the apparatus including a linkage assembly comprised of generally parallel bars pivotly connected together. A fluid operated cylinder is mechanically connected to the linkage assembly. An elongated bar is supported by the linkage assembly, and a plug is located at one end of the bar for disposal against and removal from a spout structure of a furnace. The cylinder translates the linkage assembly and thereby translates the bar and plug such that the plug can be moved to and from the spout structure. The plug is held against the spout structure under a positive force exerted by the cylinder.

Abstract: Provided for the tap hole in the bottom of a metallurgical vessel is a closure apparatus comprising a shut-off member which can close off the tap hole from below, and a pipe which is displaceable from above through the molten bath into a lowered blocking position in which it bears against the upper edge of the tap hole. An axially displaceable lance may be disposed in the pipe so that the pipe can be used for burning open the tap hole, by means of oxygen. Filling material which is capable of flow can also be introduced into the tap hole, through the pipe. The closure apparatus makes it possible to carry out a sump mode of operation, without tilting the vessel.

Abstract: A taphole structure for BOF vessels that will prevent slag entrapment through vortexing and allow most of the metal to be tapped free of slag. This is accomplished through the use of a refractory member of generally tubular configuration which extends through the sidewall of the BOF vesssel and has a closed end portion extending into the vessel. The sidewall openings are provided in the tubular refractory member closely adjacent its closed end such that the molten metal will not flow directly into the end of the tubular refractory member but rather will flow into the refractory member through the sidewall openings, thereby creating an irrotational flow of metal into the tubular structure in the last stages of tapping without vortexing.

Abstract: A refractory plug for blocking the tap hole of a steel making vessel or transfer ladle containing molten steel covered by a layer of slag and for minimizing turbulence caused by vortexing. The plug comprises a body having an inverted cone-shaped bottom and having an integral top portion projecting axially from a top base surface of the cone-shaped bottom portion. The plug is added to the melt just prior to or during the tapping operation to minimize vortexing and to plug the tap hole prior to egress of the slag.

Abstract: A stopper comprising a monoblock refractory body having a gas duct formed longitudinally within the body wherein the said duct extends through the nose of the stopper to an intermediate region within the length of the stopper at which region the duct is sealed by a gas-impermeable plug to prevent gas leakage from the duct through the stopper beyond said region, and wherein said duct and an integral narrow gas supply channel extending from said port to a gas supply inlet on the outside surface of the stopper adjacent the opposite end of the stopper from the nose.

Abstract: The tapping passage of a metallurgical furnace is disposed generally horizontally in a lower region of the furnace wall structure below the upper level of the liquid metal; a closure member is pivotally movable relative to an outer end of the tapping passage to open and close access to the passage; the closure has a gas injection nozzle for injecting air under low pressure into the tapping passage to remove temporary plugging material in said passage in preparation for discharge of the liquid metal.

Abstract: A stopper means to prevent melt leaving a metallurgical container, comprises at least one stopper rod and a corresponding tapping nozzle having a tap hole for the melt, a plunger being arranged substantially centrally in the stopper rod and being movable up and down through the tapping nozzle in order to prevent blockage of the tap hole. The device is characterized in that the plunger is movable into the tap hole from a normal position, in which the plunger is positioned completely above the maximum level of melt in the container.

Abstract: For the purposes of introducing filling material which is capable of flow into a tap hole which is disposed in the edge region of the bottom of a metallurgical vessel, in particular a smelting furnace, there is provided a filling pipe which is secured to an arm which is pivotable about a pivot means mounted to the wall of the vessel. The pipe can be pivoted from a position outside the vessel through an opening in the wall of the vessel into a filling position in which the intake opening of the pipe is in communication with a container for supplying the filling material and the discharge opening of the pipe is in opposite relationship to the tap hole. The pipe is of a circularly bent configuration around the pivot axis of the arm so that the opening in the wall of the vessel can be kept small.

Abstract: A tiltable metallurgical vessel has a convexly curved bottom, and is supported on a cradle frame tiltably mounted on the base. In order to provide a metallurgical vessel of high operational safety in which the melt covers as short a path as possible during tapping, scumming is feasible in a simple way, the retention of a residual sump in the vessel is possible, at least one eccentrically arranged, closeable tap opening is provided in the bottom above a receptacle placeable into the tapping position. The tap opening is closeable by a closure flap pivotable by a lever. The lever is connected with a shaft for rotation therewith, a pressure medium cylinder is mounted on the cradle frame, and an actuation rod of sufficient length to reach beyond the radiation region of the receptacle enables the shaft to be rotatable by the cylinder through the actuation rod.

Abstract: Slag retention devices for use in a tapping converter, such as used in the steel industry, are positioned by an improved apparatus positioned substantially above the charging floor in front of the tapping converter and movable horizontally with respect to an overhead support and vertically with respect to the charging floor and the converter. A tiltable drive mechanism telescopically supports an elongated boom, the outer end portion of which is arranged to releasably carry a slag retaining device and move into the tapping converter and position the slag retaining device in the tap hole thereof.

Abstract: For the alternating opening and closing of a taphole in furnaces, especially those having high internal pressure, the taphole is sealed by a shutoff member. Thereafter a plugging gun is deployed at the opening of the taphole duct, and immediately after reopening of the shutoff member, the taphole duct is completely filled out by the plugging gun with plugging compound. After the taphole duct has been filled, but before the complete hardening of the plugging compound, a tapping rod can be driven conventionally by means of a drilling machine centrally through the plugging compound up into the furnace, and can be pulled out again for the subsequent tapping step.

Abstract: A swinging device pivotally suspended from an overhead support adjacent a tapping converter telescopically positions a boom for relative vertical tilting and swinging motion toward and away from said converter on an arcuate path on a vertical plane. The boom supports a boom extension and jaws on the boom extension releaseably hold a slag retaining device so that the same can be moved into the converter and positioned in the tap hole thereof.

Abstract: A device for placing a slag retaining device in a tap hole in a converter consists of a boom extensible into the converter, jaws on the boom detachably hold the slag retaining device, fixed base apparatus for manipulating the boom movably mounted on a fixed platform adjacent the converter to forcefully move the boom longitudinally vertically and horizontally so as to push the slag retaining device through the layer of slag in the converter and into the tap hole.

Abstract: A device for the separation of slag and its retention in a tapping converter, such as used in the steel industry, consists of a closure having a specific gravity lower than that of the steel produced in the converter, but higher than that of the slag, provided with an elongated guide member depending from the closure, the tip portion of the guide member having a configuration including pockets for the molten steel and an exterior shape against which the molten steel flowing into the tap hole of the converter engages to accelerate and align the guide member and the closure into registry with the tap hole.

Abstract: A vortex inhibitor for use in tundishes, ladles, or metal making furnaces prevents the contamination of high quality molten steel by the slag layer which rides atop the surface of molten metal within such receptacles comprises a tapered polygonal body of castable refractory material whose specific gravity is less than the specific gravity of the molten metal but greater than the specific gravity of the slag. The refractory body is buoyantly supported at the interface of the layer of slag and the molten metal and includes a weighted apex so that the apex depends toward nozzle opening within receptacle. Thus, the body centers itself within the swirl of fluid generated during discharge of the fluid through the nozzle, and the inertia of the body substantially deenergizes the vortex so as to avoid formation of a suction funnel which typically draws the slag layer into and through the nozzle with the molten metal below the previously known critical level within the receptacle.

Abstract: A light weight insulator blanket capable of repetitive use of extended duration as a cover, gasket, or the like for a vessel or conduit used in transporting, storing or processing molten or non-molten metal, particularly iron or steel, and in similar applications, including a principal insulator layer of a light weight, flexible, fibrous ceramic material having one or both surfaces covered by a thick protective layer of a light weight, flexible fibrous metallic material such as high-temperature stainless steel wool, monel metal wool, or a multi-layer knitted or woven material; the layers are securely bound to each other by metallic fastening means such as high temperature stainless steel wire stitching, staples, or rivets.

Abstract: An elevated device suspended from an overhead support adjacent a converter adjustably positions a boom for relative vertical tilting and side to side motion. A carriage movable along the boom supports a boom extension and jaws on the boom extension releaseably hold a slag retaining device so that the same can be moved into a converter and positioned in the tap hole thereof.

Abstract: A steelmaking process and an article of manufacture for use therein, comprising the addition to the steelmaking vessel or caster tundish prior to the tapping of the finished steel of a heat-stable material having a density such that said material floats substantially at the interface between the slag and steel, said material being in the physical form of at least one annular disc. The heat-stable material may also be added to the vessel in the physical form of at least one discrete piece in addition to the annular disc.

Abstract: Apparatus for closing the discharge aperture of a metallurgical vessel is presented. This apparatus includes a closure element attached to a pivoted lever in order to prevent undesirable discharge of slag at the beginning and end of the casting process and during refining. The lever pivotally opens and closes the aperture by means of a piston rod and pressure cylinder. The closure element, preferably made from wood, is temporarily attached to the lever by a friction fit and is designed to be used only once.

Abstract: A hot metal car is used for the transport of molten pig iron from a blast furnace to a steel making plant, the car having an opening through which it is filled and emptied. To restrict heat loss from the car, the opening is closed during at least one of (a) the journey from the blast furnace station to the steel making plant and (b) the journey from the steel making plant back to the blast furnace by a disposable cover which is at least partly lost into the molten iron during the course of the emptying or filling of the car at the end of the journey concerned.

Abstract: A device for the separation of slag and its retention in a tapping converter which consists of a closure, sometimes referred to as a dart, arranged to be positioned, either manually or automatically, into the tap hole of the converter. The device may include configurations enabling it to seal the tap hole to prevent slag from entering the same or alternately indicate the level of the slag in the converter relative to the tap hole by restricting the tap hole and imparting a swirling motion to the molten metal and slag therein. The device may be formed of material having a specific gravity lower than that of the steel produced in the converter but higher than that of the slag or alternately having a specific gravity higher than that of the steel to facilitate manual placement of the device in the tap hole.

Abstract: A stopper plug for sealing the tap hole of a molten metal receptacle is formed of refractory materials, fibrous substances, and consumable-disintegrable materials in a hollow conical plug that is expandable in a tap hole by movement of a wedge-shaped member therein, the expanded stopper plug being capable of effectively sealing the tap hole for a predetermined time.

Abstract: Slag retention devices for use in a tapping converter, such as used in the steel industry, are positioned by a device incorporating a frame attachable to a support in the vicinity of the converter or placed on a movable carriage. The frame, which is movable relative to its support, positions an elongated boom and provides for the longitudinal movement of the boom so that one end of the same carrying a tap hole closure or dart can be positioned thereby through the charging opening of the converter and the closure or dart manipulated by movement of the elongated boom into registry with the tap hole of the converter and forcefully positioned therein.

Abstract: The invention is of a method for minimizing slag carryover when draining molten metal from a furnace and an article for use in the method. This article is a polyhedral-shaped body having density intermediate that of the slag and metal. When thrown onto the surface of the slag within a restricted area over the taphole, the body will float at the slag-metal interface, and tend to lodge with one of its corners projecting into the taphole as the final portion of remaining metal drains out of the furnace. The shape of the body and its dimensions are selected so as to only partially block the taphole opening, causing flaring of the stream so as to signal a furnace operator of the impending flow of slag from the furnace. The operator then shuts off flow to prevent carryover of slag onto the molten metal already tapped. Since only the edges of the body contact the taphole of the body does not become welded to the wall of the taphole and therefore is easily dislodged without loss of time between heats.