Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of mud gun caps are disclosed herein. An exemplary mud gun cap includes a flame-resistant body that has a tap hole contacting surface. The flame-resistant body has side wall; a first bore and a second bore located within the flame-resistant body. The first bore has a first diameter and second bore has a second diameter. The first diameter is smaller than the second diameter and the second bore is located farther away from the tap hole contacting surface than the first bore.

Abstract: The invention relates to a clay gun machine cannon (10) for metallurgical furnaces having a pressure cylinder (11) for receiving the plugging mass (13) and a compaction ram (14) for pressing the plugging mass (13) out of a mouthpiece (19) of the pressure cylinder pressed to the tapping hole of the furnace, wherein the pressure cylinder (11) has a cylinder liner having a wear sleeve assembly (18) inserted in the cylinder liner which is made of at least one insert sleeve made of a welded plate section.

Abstract: The embodiments of the invention relate to a tap hole plug gun for metallurgical furnaces, having a pressure cylinder for receiving the plugging compound, which has a closable filling opening for the plugging compound, and having a plugging piston for pressing the plugging compound out from a mouthpiece of the pressure cylinder pressed against the tap hole of a furnace. The pivotable safety flap for closing the filling opening of the pressure cylinder for the plugging compound is equipped with a stop, which is pivoted into the cylinder chamber of the pressure cylinder upon opening of the flap to decelerate an unintentional forward stroke of the plugging piston for pre-compression and expulsion of the plugging compound, and is pivoted out of the cylinder chamber upon closing of the safety flap.

Abstract: The invention relates to a clay gun machine cannon (10) for metallurgical furnaces having a pressure cylinder (11) for receiving the plugging mass (13) and a compaction ram (14) for pressing the plugging mass (13) out of a mouthpiece (19) of the pressure cylinder pressed to the tapping hole of the furnace, wherein the pressure cylinder (11) has a cylinder liner having a wear sleeve assembly (18) inserted in the cylinder liner which is made of at least one insert sleeve made of a welded plate section.

Abstract: A mud gun cap is provided. The mud gun cap includes a flame resistant outer face, a ring and a mounting device wherein the mud gun cap connects to a mud gun nozzle to protect the mud gun nozzle from deterioration because of contact with molten iron and slag. The mud gun cap also prevents, or at least reduces the amount of, mud falling out of the nozzle while the mud gun nozzle is rotated into operation position.

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: The embodiments of the invention relate to a tap hole plug gun for metallurgical furnaces, having a pressure cylinder for receiving the plugging compound, which has a closable filling opening for the plugging compound, and having a plugging piston for pressing the plugging compound out from a mouthpiece of the pressure cylinder pressed against the tap hole of a furnace. The pivotable safety flap for closing the filling opening of the pressure cylinder for the plugging compound is equipped with a stop, which is pivoted into the cylinder chamber of the pressure cylinder upon opening of the flap to decelerate an unintentional forward stroke of the plugging piston for pre-compression and expulsion of the plugging compound, and is pivoted out of the cylinder chamber upon closing of the safety flap.

Abstract: A mud gun cap is provided. The mud gun cap includes a flame resistant outer face, a ring and a mounting device wherein the mud gun cap connects to a mud gun nozzle to protect the mud gun nozzle from deterioration because of contact with molten iron and slag. The mud gun cap also prevents, or at least reduces the amount of, mud falling out of the nozzle while the mud gun nozzle is rotated into operation position.

Abstract: A mud gun cap is provided. The mud gun cap includes a flame resistant outer face, a ring and a mounting device wherein the mud gun cap connects to a mud gun nozzle to protect the mud gun nozzle from deterioration because of contact with molten iron and slag. The mud gun cap also prevents, or at least reduces the amount of, mud falling out of the nozzle while the mud gun nozzle is rotated into operation position. In some embodiments, the mud gun cap has a selectively movable circular barrier that at least partially prevents the mixture of mud and iron/slag in the tap hole.

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: Device for plugging a tap hole comprising an expulsion piston fitted in a plugging chamber, a first double-acting hydraulic actuator positioned behind the piston and a first channel passing through the piston for the passage of a piercing rod, and the first actuator. The device further comprises a second double-acting hydraulic actuator positioned behind the first actuator, equipped with a second channel for the passage of a rod, a control means for imposing a to-and-fro movement on the second actuator, and a first gripping means movable by the second actuator. This first gripping means makes it possible to grip and release a rod in order to push it, by successive travels, through the two channels in the direction of the plugging nose-piece.

Abstract: A combined machine for opening a taphole in a shaft furnace and for plugging the taphole with a plugging mass is presented. The machine comprises a mount, a suspension structure for the mount, drive means on the mount and a plugging device. The plugging device portion of the machine comprises a plugging chamber, plugging snout and a piston for expelling the plugging mass. For the plugging operation, the plugging device is supported on the mount in the extension of the axis of the taphole and the expulsion piston is coupled to the drive means already present on the mount for opening the taphole with a piercing rod or a drill bit.

Abstract: A nozzle guard device (50, 50') has a generally C-shaped half-shell configuration for shielding a lower and otherwise exposed portion of a blast furnace mudgun nozzle (22) from damaging contact with molten metal and slag during taphole closure operations. Mounting elements (86, 86') are provided for extension into an opening (26) of the nozzle (22) for embedding a refractory clay material contained within the opening (26) for securing the nozzle guard device (50, 50') in position on the nozzle (22).

Abstract: A method is provided for botting a tap hole of a shaft furnace using a botting gun fitted with a first hydraulic actuating cylinder holding the botting gun in bearing contact against the wall of the furnace, while a second actuating cylinder actuates a piston which injects the botting mass into the tap hole. In order to limit the contact pressures between the tip of the botting gun and the wall of the furnace, the supply pressure P.sub.1 of the first actuating cylinder is modulated as a function of the supply pressure P.sub.2 of the second actuating cylinder.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for opening and closing a taphole of a metallurgical furnace includes stationary pedestal sections carrying an upper boom and a lower boom which booms can be slewed by driving means independently from each other with one of their ends around the pedestal. To one of the booms a drilling machine is connected and to the other a taphole-plugging machine. The swing paths of the booms are inclined relative to each other, such that the two machines can be swung into parked positions, at heights suitable for operations and maintenance, and each into its servicing position in front of the taphole. Preferably, the drilling machine is connected to the upper boom. Also preferably, the connection between each boom and the pedestal is accomplished by two vertically separated large diameter slewing bearings, and by driving means consisting of two hydraulic cylinders.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an injection material for the hot repairing of a blast furnace and an injection method of applying the same. An injection material comprising a refractory material, which was previously adjusted in particle size, a binder, a hardening agent and a hardening-accelerator is fed to a pressure pump having a mixing function and applied to a portion to be repaired of a blast furnace with mixing in said pump. Thus, since the hardening ingredient is not added until the pump portion, the workability of the repair material can be secured in of a blast furnace to be repaired, said injection material being mixed in said pump. Thus, the injection repairing of the blast furnace can be achieved without being influenced by an atmosphere within the furnace.

Abstract: In closing furnace tapholes a plugging material is forced into the taphole through the nozzle of a notch gun and simultaneously a tapping rod, which remains in the taphole until the furnace is filled, is introduced into the plugging material. Opening of the taphole by itself is thus avoided.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for filling the well of a molten metal ladle or like vessel with a pre-selected charge of disposable refractory sand is disclosed. The apparatus includes a disposable can positioned above and in the blocking and at the top of the well. The can includes a plurality of apertures spaced around said can. The apparatus includes a unit hopper that is filled with a preselected charge of sand and is suspended from an overhead crane and maneuvered by crane controls from a safe distance. The hopper unit includes latches for releasably holding the can at its bottom and a trigger mechanism for discharging the sand in response to the seating of the can on a surface and the lowering of the hopper unit through the can. The operator may charge the hopper with sand, latch the can to the bottom of the apparatus, maneuver it into and over the ladle to the well and lower it so that the can is seated above the well.

Abstract: An apparatus for plugging the taphole of a shaft furnace is presented which comprises a fixed support frame having a main pivoting joint and a jib device. The jib consists of a rotary support joint. The other end of the rotary support arm having one end which is pivotably mounted on the main pivot joint. The other end of the rotary support arm is pivotably mounted via an auxiliary pivot to a clay gun. A hydraulic jack having a piston and cylinder arrangement is mounted on journals in the fixed support frame. The piston rod portion of the hydraulic jack actuates the support arm wherein the arm and the clay gun attached thereto pivot from a retracted position into an operative position or vice versa. An important feature of the present invention is that the support arm has a bend therein such that the inside of the bend is disposed about the journals of the jack when the clay gun occupies its retracted position.

Abstract: A shaft furnace plugging apparatus is presented which occupies very little space and sweeps out a relatively low and comparatively flat continuous trajectory between an inoperative position and an operative position. The plugging apparatus includes a clay gun pivotably mounted on a first end of a jib, the jib being rotatable about a support column. The apparatus also includes a pair of hydraulic cylinders, the first hydraulic cylinder being pivotably attached between a second end of the jib and an intermediate pivotable frame and the second hydraulic cylinder which is operative between the intermediate pivotable frame and a fixed support frame.

Abstract: This invention discloses a method which can efficiently repair the tap hole of a converter even under high temperature. The method employs an injection pipe of a unique construction for applying refractory material onto the inner surface of the tap hole. Such injection pipe is of a circular cylindrical construction and is provided with a pipe cooling means and, preferably, with a perforated mold sleeve which encases the injection pipe. Due to such construction, the refractory material charged into the injection pipe can be smoothly and uniformly injected through an injection opening formed at the front portion of the injection pipe and apertures of the perforated mold sleeve onto the inner surface of the tap hole, whereby thus applied refractory material can show the improved adhesion rate and properties while defining a predetermined optimal diameter to the tap hole after the repairing operation.

Abstract: Apparatus for changing tuyere and tuyere stock assemblies of a blast furnace in accordance with one aspect of the invention includes support rail means extending around the furnace and fixed a selected distance above the level of the tuyeres of the furnace. A primary carriage is arranged for travel along said rail means and first motor means are provided for effecting such travel. A guide frame is connected to the primary carriage and depends downwardly therefrom. The guide frame is connected for rotation about a vertical axis relative to the primary carriage. A second motor means is provided for effecting this relative rotation about the vertical axis. A carriage support frame is associated with the guide frame and is adapted to travel upwardly and downwardly along the latter in a vertical path. Third motor means are connected between the carriage support frame and the main support carriage to effect the upward and downward movement of the carriage support frame.

Abstract: This invention discloses a method and an apparatus which can efficiently repair the tap hole of a converter even under high temperature. The method and apparatus employ an injection pipe of a unique construction for applying refractory material onto the inner surface of the tap hole. Such injection pipe is of a circular cylindrical construction and is provided with a pipe cooling means and, preferably, with a perforated mold sleeve which encases the injection pipe. Due to such construction, the refractory material charged into the injection pipe can be smoothly and uniformly injected through an injection opening formed at the front portion of the injection pipe and apertures of the perforated mold sleeve onto the inner surface of the tap hole, whereby thus applied refractory material can show the improved adhesion rate and properties while defining a predetermined optimal diameter to the tap hole after the repairing operation.

Abstract: A mud gun for closing a tap hole of a vertical furnace, especially a blast furnace, is provided with a novel mechanism for traversing the gun barrel and pressing the muzzle of the barrel against the tap hole under high pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus for guiding and positioning the tool of a machine for plugging or drilling blast furnace tapholes, the apparatus comprising an inclined main pivot, a support arm which is rotatably mounted at one end on the inclined main pivot and having a tool pivotally fitted by an auxiliary pivot to the free end of the support arm, a guide rod mounted to the working tool and mounted to a fixed point in the vicinity of the main pivot, and a driving mechanism serving to pivot the tool and the support arm about the main pivot from a retracted position to an operational position, the longitudinal axis of the auxiliary pivot being oblique with respect to the longitudinal axis of the main pivot to provide for a low profile trajectory of the working tool.

Abstract: A taphole plugging device has an extension arm which can be swiveled about a fixed axis by a drive train operated by a motor. At its end remote from its pivot, the extension arm carries the plugging gun. The drive train and motor for the extension arm are all carried by the extension arm and act between the point on the extension arm spaced from the pivot of the extension arm, on the one hand, and a fixed support on which the extension arm is swingable, on the other hand.

Abstract: A mechanism for guiding and positioning a workpiece of a machine for drilling or plugging a tap hole of a shaft furnace, the mechanism comprising a main pivot, a support arm which is rotatably mounted at one end on the main pivot, an intermediate arm having one end thereof pivotally fitted by an auxiliary pivot to the free end of the support arm, the auxiliary pivot being inclined with respect to the main pivot, a workpiece holding bar rotatably and adjustably mounted to the other end of the intermediate arm, said workpiece holding bar capable of having a workpiece mounted thereon, a guide rod pivotally mounted at one end to the intermediate arm and pivotally mounted at the other end to a fixed point in the vicinity of the main pivot, and a drive mechanism serving to pivot the workpiece and the support arm about the main pivot from a retracted position to an operational position, the workpiece being in angular adjustment with respect to the tap hole, the adjustment being performed by rotating the workpiece ho

Abstract: A compact apparatus for drilling and plugging a tap hole of a shaft furnace, the furnace including a tap channel through which molten metal may flow, the tap channel extending from the tap hole in a direction generally radially with respect to the axis of the furnace. The apparatus for drilling and plugging the tap hole includes a drilling device and a plugging device, each device mounted on the end of an arm, the arm pivotably mounted about an axis inclined from the vertical to allow movement of the devices in an inclined plane between a position of retraction and a position of operation. The arm of the drill device and the arm of the plugging device are positioned on one side of the tap channel and are installed on the tap floor. The axes of the drill and plugging devices are tilted with respect to each other and with respect to the vertical to allow the device nearest to the furnace to pass over the device farthest from the furnace when both devices are in the retracted position.

Abstract: The servicing of clay guns used in plugging the pouring holes of blast furnaces is facilitated by providing for the access to the sealant receiving cylinders of such clay guns through the front end thereof and without disassembling the clay gun from their actuators. Ease of access results from providing a cylinder front end extension which may easily be removed from axial alignment with the cylinder and which receives and accommodates at least that portion of the clay gun ejector piston which bears sealing rings when the piston has been extended to its limit of travel.

Abstract: Disclosed is a manipulator which is particularly suitable for tapping a furnace. The manipulator includes an elongate arm which is axially reciprocable and rotatable in a vertical and a horizontal plane, and a handle for operating the arm for its axial reciprocal movement and vertical or horizontal rotation. The manipulator is particularly characterized by the provision of a bilateral servo system interconnecting between the arm and the handle for feeding back to the handle any variation in the force acting on the arm under operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for plugging holes in an electric smelting furnace or the like is disclosed. The apparatus comprises first and second tubular members, the second being adapted to be secured to the first by means of two assemblies mounted exterior of the tubes each of which may serve as either a release or a pivotal element about which the second tubular member may be rotated to facilitate loading and/or cleaning of either tubular member. A piston is provided which travels substantially the longitudinal extent of the first tubular member to extrude, under pressure, a material suitable for plugging a hole.

Abstract: Leakage of viscous material past an ejector piston, for example the piston of a clay gun employed in plugging blast furnace tapholes, is eliminated by a piston and ring design which exposes in excess of 50% of the leading and inner diameter surfaces of an expandable ring directly to the viscous material. Also, the leading face of the piston ring is outwardly inclined in the direction of piston travel and a complementary surface to this inclined face is provided on the piston. Expansion of the ring results from the reaction on the inclined face and inner diameter of the pressurized viscous material.

Abstract: The efficiency of operation of a taphole plugging clay gun for a blast furnace is enhanced by facilitating the cleaning of the sealant receiving chamber thereof behind the ejector piston which moves therein. Cleaning is facilitated by providing a protective casing which defines an annular chamber into which sealant leaking past or falling behind the ejector piston is forced; the annular chamber being provided with cleaning ports in the side wall.

Abstract: Disclosed is a clamping device for securely locking a turret of a mud gun in operative position where a gun barrel, which has been traversed and elevated to a blowing position, has its nozzle firmly pressed against a tap hole of a shell of a furnace to blow a mud projectile into the tap hole.

Abstract: New compositions for refractory plugs to plug the tapholes of blast furnaces which exhibit less tendency to stiffen and to burn with the emission of heavy black smoke in use are prepared by adding 5-30 parts by weight of a petroleum pitch which has a high softening point and 10-30 parts by weight of dihydric alcohol or its polymer to 100 parts by weight of a conventional refractory aggregate composition and mixing the thus combined constituents to form a mixture.

Abstract: In a taphole gun for use in closing tapholes in blast furnaces and the like, a tamping piston is axially displaceable through a cylinder for forcing tamping material into the taphole. An annular recess is formed in the circumferential periphery of the tamping piston and a piston ring is fitted into the annular recess. The piston ring is dimensioned relative to the recess so that tamping material enters the recess and exerts pressure on the piston ring forcing it radially outwardly against the inner surface of the cylinder and axially against the tamping piston.