Abstract: An article and method for its manufacture are described. The article is preferably a ladle used in the manufacture of metals and receives molten metal for further chemical processing in the ladle or for transportation. The ladle is transparent to a wide range of electromagnetic radiation wavelengths which allows the metal to be heated or stirred by induction without heating the ladle itself. The ladle is made of glass fibers and an inorganic cement, and this provides strength along with high temperature resistance. The article is manufactured by winding glass fiber around a mandrel, the glass fiber having an inorganic cement adhered to it. In one technique, the cement is provided on the fiber as an aqueous slurry, and the product is allowed to air cure after winding. In a second technique, the cement is adhered to the fiber by electrostatic attraction.

Abstract: An inner tube for use in a semiconductor diffusion furnace is provided comprising a liner or diffusion tube and an insulating layer formed on the entire outer surface of the tube by spraying, typically plasma spraying. The sprayed insulating layer is resistant to deterioration and peeling, ensuring an extended period of service for the tube.

Abstract: Molten steel in tundishes can be contacted with high surface area ceramic shapes which remove the alumina and other impurities contained in steel. Certain ceramic shapes, in particular tundish baffles, having a large surface area which acts as alumina traps for molten steel contained in tundishes are also disclosed.

Abstract: The incorporation of a small amount of metal fluoride or fluosilicate into the refractory fibrous insulating board lining of an aluminum refining vessel prevents the infiltration of the internal voids of said lining by molten aluminum.

Abstract: A mix for forming a carbon-bonded refractory comprising from about 8 to 30 wt. % of a high purity carbon, about 0.1 to 1 wt. % of aluminum metal, magnesium metal, or a mixture thereof, and the balance a high purity magnesite, and for each 100 wt. % of said magnesite, carbon, and metal, a carbonaceous bonding agent in an amount sufficient to bond the mix; said carbon containing at least about 98% carbon and said magnesite containing at least about 98% MgO, and containing less than about 0.03% boron oxide, less than about 0.3% silica, and having a CaO/SiO.sub.2 weight ratio above about 2, and the resultant carbon-bonded refractory shapes and liners for metal processing equipment, especially BOF, made from such shapes and the method of increasing the life of liners for such equipment.

Abstract: A refractory assembly includes a refractory outer member having therein an opening defined by an inner surface and a refractory inner member having an outer surface. The dimension of the outer surface of the inner member is greater than the dimension of the inner surface of the outer member by an amount of from 0.05 to 0.15 mm. The outer member is heated to at least 1000.degree. C. to thereby increase the dimension of the inner surface. The inner member then is inserted into the opening in the outer member, and the outer member then is cooled to room temperature. As a result, the inner surface of the outer member shrinks against the outer surface of the inner member to thereby form an interference shrink fit joint between the members.

Abstract: There is disclosed a raw composition, as well as a fired shape, known in the art as a clay-bonded graphite crucible for melting metals, which contains a quantity of fused silica and is particularly adaptable to melting metals in high-energy, induction furnaces.

Abstract: Attachment structure is provided for mounting refractory ceramic fiber insulation units as components of ladle preheater insulating and sealing rings. The attachment structure provides a natural keying action with radial sliding motion of the insulation units during installation. The structure is particularly suitable for use on surfaces which are warped or uneven.

Abstract: A mix for forming a carbon-bonded refractory shape comprising from about 70 to 92 wt. % of a high purity magnesite and about 8 to 30 wt. % of a high purity graphite, and for each 100 wt. % of said magnesite and graphite, from about 1.5 to 6 wt. % of a carbon-containing bonding agent; said graphite containing at least about 98% carbon and having at least about 75% by weight -65 mesh or finer particles and said magnesite containing at least about 98% MgO, and containing less than about 0.03% boron oxide, less than about 0.3% silica, and having a CaO/SiO.sub.2 weight ratio above about 2, and the resultant carbon-bonded refractory shape and liner for basic oxygen furnaces made from such shapes and the method of increasing the life of liners for basic oxygen furnaces.

Abstract: The invention relates to preformed, shaped, refractory, heat-insulating articles for use in an expendable sidewall lining of a molten metal handling vessel. The lining has a face at part of which is exposed a zone of matter of high resistance to erosion by molten metal and accompanying slag. The vessel may be e.g. a tundish for use in the continuous casting of molten metal e.g. steel.

Abstract: Novel preheatable molded refractory insulating liners and methods of use thereof for lining metallurgical vessels, such as hot tops, ladles, tundishes, troughs and pipes, etc., which serve to transfer molten metals, such as ferrous alloys, are disclosed. The new and vastly improved preheatable liners are suitable for developing effectively the required hot strength needed for casting molten metals at vessel preheat temperatures and casting temperatures. The unique preheatable liners additionally possess the needed hot strength during the range of casting temperatures as are experienced in the metal making industry.

Abstract: An internal lining for protecting the permanent refractory lining of a metallurgical vessel (1, 2) such as a tundish, casting ladle or slag pot has a base of refractory inorganic particles coated with a binder. The protective internal lining is constituted by at least two layers, namely an inner layer (3) which sinters throughout its mass under the action of heat of the molten metal contained in the metallurgical vessel, and a layer (4 or 5) which does not sinter at all or sinters only to a partial extent in order to remain friable even when the inner layer (3) has completely sintered.

Abstract: A liner for a molten metal receiving tundish in the form of appropriately sized and shaped inserts formed of insulating and/or exothermic containing materials is assembled on a supporting frame which may be reusable or expendible and positioned in the tundish where the liner acts to fully protect the tundish interior from molten metal contact or penetration.

Abstract: A tundlish lid is described comprising a steel baseplate and refractory insulating layer. The refractory insulating layer has embedded in it a lattice, preferably of iron or steel, which is secured to retaining members themselves secured to one surface of the baseplate. By this means the refractory insulating layer adheres well to the baseplate. A method of making the tundlish lid is also described by positively securing the lattice in spaced relation from the surface of the baseplate by securing the lattice in slots in studs or retaining elements secured to the baseplate and then applying a layer of substantially uniform thickness of refractory insulating material over the lattice.

Abstract: A heat-insulating board comprising a molded refractory material having substantially uniformly distributed therethrough flexible thermoset polymer fibers resistant to decomposition at a temperature up to about 400.degree. F. in an amount sufficient to increase the fracture energy of said board, and compositions for making such board.

Abstract: A tundish for continuous casting of molten metal having an outer metal casing and, adjacent the casing, a permanent refractory lining is provided with an inner, expendable lining comprising refractory, heat-insulating slabs having an erosion resistant backing layer and an inward facing layer of lower density than that of the backing layer.The density of the facing layer is at least 0.2 g/cm.sup.3 but not more than 85% of the density of the backing layer. The presence of the inward facing layer exerts less chilling effect on the molten metal poured into the tundish than if the slab consisted of the backing layer alone.

Abstract: A method of preparing tundishes for use for continuously casting steel, whereby the cavity of the tundish is provided with a lining of performed slabs of refractory material in which the preparation is carried out using a preparation unit which comprises a lifting device supporting a manually moveable handling tool for the slabs, which transports them individually from a stack of slabs stored within reach of the handling tool and places them into their respective positions against the bottom, end or side walls of the inner cavity of a tundish using the necessary turning, tilting and movement in the vertical or horizontal plane for each slab during its transportation from the slab stack to its required position.

Abstract: A casing assembly includes a nozzle brick to form part of a wall of a metallurgical vessel. The nozzle brick has therethrough a conical opening defined by a conical inner surface. A casing to be inserted into the conical opening has a truncated conical shape including a conical outer surface and an axially extending flow through opening. The conical opening and the casing have coaxial center axes, and the conical inner and outer surfaces extend at equal angles of inclination to such axes. The conical inner surface is jacketed with a thin metal shell having a conical shape with the same inclination as that of the conical inner and outer surfaces.

Abstract: Novel preheatable molded refractory insulating liners and methods of use thereof for lining vessels, such as hot tops, ladles, tundishes, troughs, and pipes, etc., which serve to transfer molten metals, such as ferrous alloys, are disclosed. The new and vastly improved preheatable liners are suitable for developing effectively the required hot strength needed for casting molten metals at both vessel preheat temperatures and casting temperatures. The unique preheatable liners additionally possess the needed hot strength during the range of casting temperatures as are experienced in the metal making industry.

Abstract: There is disclosed a unique substantially non-reactive refractory material suitable for use as a material of construction for various component parts of an electrolytic light metal, particularly magnesium, production cell. The non-reactive refractory material is comprised of a magnesium aluminum spinel. When used in block form the blocks may be joined together by use of a phosphate-spinel mortar.

Abstract: A structure such as a wall of a high temperature furnace door is lined with fibrous refractory insulation material which has structural fastening devices embedded therein or interleaved between planks thereof. In one embodiment, plank-like pieces of fibrous refractory material are arranged in a stack extending edgewise with respect to the wall, and sheets of expanded metal are positioned between the refractory planks and are anchored to the wall. The interleaved stack of refractory planks and expanded metal sheets are compressed such that the metal sheets become essentially embedded within the refractory material to securely grip large surface areas of the planks to hold the refractory planks in place. In preferred practice, rods extend through slots formed in the wall and connect with the expanded metal sheets to hold the sheets of expanded metal in place after the interleaved stack has been compressed.

Abstract: A ladle for transporting and pouring molten metal includes a pair of nested shells which are separated by a heat-insulating layer of refractory material. Heat exchange or venting conduit means communicate between the refractory layer and ambient atmosphere to dissipate heat conducted to the refractory layer from the molten metal through the walls of the shells whereby to prolong the useful life of the shells.

Abstract: An arc furnace is provided with a variable-capacity ring which is placed at the top of a furnace body and which is split into a plurality of circumferential sections which in turn define in combination a top furnace wall portion, and a driving mechanism for causing the ring to move horizontally. As the ring is moved radially outwardly or inwardly of the furnace body, the height of the furnace body is varied and consequently the capacity or the volume of the furnace body can be varied. As a result, the overcharging of the charge (scrap) is much facilitated; that is, the number of back charges can be reduced. Furthermore, when the pile of the charge in the furnace body is lowered, the capacity or volume of the arc furnace is decreased so that unwanted thermal losses and oxidation and resulting wear of electrodes can be reduced to a minimum.

Abstract: A molten metal handling vessel has an inner, expendable, refractory, heat-insulating lining containing particulate zircon and a binder. The vessel may be used for handling molten ferrous metals e.g. steel, including high manganese steel. The inner lining may be in the form of a shaped article and the vessel may be a tundish for use in continuous casting.

Abstract: The invention provides a casting car for use in removing super-heated molten materials from an electric arc melting furnace. The cooling car has a metal frame which includes a shallow container adapted to receive the molten materials. A relatively permanent refractory lining protects the interior surface of the container, and a replenishable, granular refractory material is deposited over the permanent refractory lining. Heat deflectors extend upwardly from the metal frame about the top of the container in order to channel heat radiated from the interior upwardly whereby melting plant equipment and personnel located near the cooling car are not subjected to very intense radiant heat. Wheels are secured to the bottom of the metal frame to permit the cooling car to be rolled along the track leading to the melting furnace to receive the super-heated molten materials.

Abstract: A forehearth having a delivery channel 2 for a molten liquid (e.g. glass) 1, provided with a channel ceiling 11 of an insulating refractory ceramic fibre material and with electrical heating means 6, is capable of greatly increased efficiency in energy usage relative to conventional gas-fired forehearths.

Abstract: A lightweight, warp-resistant cover for use on runners in steel mills which covers employs a steel exoskeleton on which an expanded metal walls are affixed. The cover is of an overall inverted U-channel shape to which layers of ceramic batting material are laid in planes at right angles to the walls of the cover and are affixed by means of L-shaped hangers attached to the metal mesh and its framework with impalers parallel to the expanded metal walls. The ceramic batting is impaled on the hangers and completely lines the interior of the cover and is preferably sealed by a final coating of ceramic insulation at its inner surface. A plurality of covers may be joined end-to-end to span the full length of a runner with any particular one being easily removable and replaced because of its lightweight.

Abstract: Articles and method for containing molten nickel and methods for making the former. The material used is a high density silicon nitride that is very resistant to the corrosive properties of molten nickel alloys. The composition needed to produce such a containing article comprises polycrystalline silicon nitride containing (by weight) about 0.6% to about 8% alumina, about 15% yttria and about 2% to about 5% silica or amorphous silicon nitride containing about 2% to about 6% alumina, and about 15% yttria and about 2% to about 5% silica. The articles are formed by cold pressing and sintering methods. These articles are particularly useful in processes for molding and (RSR.TM.) spinning molten nickel alloys.

Abstract: Sealing rings for ladle preheaters. The rings may be either fixedly or removably mounted with the ladle preheater frame. The rings seal about the ladle rim adjacent burner and flue openings of the preheater. Refractory fiber insulation is provided for insulating the space between the rim of the ladle and the preheater to prevent hot gas escaping. The refractory fiber is arranged into trapezoidal units which are easily installed and replaced.

Abstract: The present invention includes a plurality of ceramic oxide wall panels which are defined by a thickness dimension, depth dimension, and width dimension. The ceramic oxide panels are beveled along their width sides so that when they are held together along their width sides, they form a closed plane, that is a polygon or a substantial circle configuration. At each abutment position of two adjacent wall panels, there is formed an abutment angle. In addition a plurality of overlap support panels of ceramic oxide is employed and each is formed to have an angle which fits over an associated one of said abutment angles. Each overlap support panel is secured to, and partially overlays, two abutting wall panels, thus providing support for said two adjacent abutting wall panels. In a preferred embodiment each overlap support panel abuts two adjacent support panels.

Abstract: This invention relates to the production of refractory linings. According to the method, the lining formed by refractory materials is heated to a temperature sufficient to cause the sintering of the materials on at least an internal surface of the said lining. To provide this heating action, a flame is produced from a fuel gas and oxygen, within a partially closed volume close to the lining which is to be sintered, and a diluting gas is injected between the flame and the lining, at least during the first part of the rise in temperature. The method is applicable to the sintering of the linings of vessels utilized in metallurgy, in particular of induction furnaces.

Abstract: A heat exchanger and especially a blast preheater (or cowper) for blast furnaces with refractory lining, insulating layer and steel jacket is described, the insulating layer of which is designed so that a steel jacket temperature of from 20.degree. to 60.degree. C. can be set and that said steel jacket is made of chromeless structural steel having a molybdenum content in the range from 0.01 to 2% by weight. The blast preheater (or cowper) has a prolonged service life and a low tendency to nitrate tension crack corrosion of the jacket sheet, for which reason it is very suitable for use in a process for the temperature control of gas and blast for the blast furnace. The process is suitable for blast preheaters (or cowpers) with external or internal combustion chamber or checker chamber and downstream collector ducts.

Abstract: A ladle car opening is closed during the period between pouring and subsequent refilling of the car with molten metal by a closure plug comprised of an open wire mesh support and a lining of fibrous insulating material attached thereto. The plug has a tapered configuration providing for the outer end thereof to be larger than the opening into the ladle car, and the wire mesh support and lining provides for the plug to be flexible so as to conform to the peripheral contour of the opening and to engage a peripheral outer edge of the opening to close the opening and retain the plug therein.

Abstract: A furnace to contain molten zinc, molten aluminum, or other molten metal has an outer vessel, an inner vessel, and particulate matter packed therebetween so as to enable the inner vessel to be lifted readily from the outer vessel. Electrical conductors are imbedded in said matter and arranged to close an electrical circuit including a signalling means if bridged by any molten metal leaking from the inner vessel. The furnace is provided with a removable bonnet, a beam mounted across the inner vessel, and a partition mounted to and beneath the beam so as to extend into the molten metal deeply. The inner and outer vessels, the removable bonnet, and the beam are insulative. The partition is a good conductor of heat.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is a method of prevention of deep infiltration of copper into a lining of a smelting furnace for direct obtaining of copper from ore concentrates and copper ores.The essence of the invention consists in that to the lower part of the hearth (2) of a furnace a cooling medium is delivered which is distributed in streams below a lining (1) of the furnace. Particular layers (1) of the hearth (2) have good heat conductivity, and in the lower part of the hearth (2) channels (4) are situated which serve for distribution of the cooling medium. The solution according to the invention prevents completely an excessive temperature increase of the furnace jacket.

Abstract: A heat-insulating construction comprising a sealed empty chamber in which the external lower surface consists of a reflective surface, and a refractory fiber layer connecting to the lower side of said chamber.

Abstract: An industrial furnace with insulating walls comprising side-by-side pre-formed panels each including a plurality of ceramic insulating modules. The side wall panels include vertical buckstays to which the modules are secured by retainer clips including sharp spikes inserted into side edge surfaces of the insulating modules. Modules with offset stepped side profiles are disclosed, arranged to provide for ready removal of a single module without disturbing adjacent modules. Atmosphere furnace insulation arrangements also are disclosed utilizing ceramic modules secured to the furnace shell by special retainer clips embedded in side edge surfaces of the modules.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for lining the inner walls of industrial furnaces with a plurality of insulating blocks, each block comprising an insulating mat which is folded in corrugated manner and possibly stitched in this shape, the insulating mats being made of highly heat-resistant material, especially ceramic fibrous material, with carrying elements arranged on the outside of the corrugations, the carrying elements being equipped on the outside of the insulating blocks with fixing means to allow each individual insulating block to be fixed to the furnace wall.

Abstract: Bottom blown metallurgical vessels using oxygen having a brick assembly which is secured together by metal anchors.

Abstract: A bottom outlet or discharge for metallurgical vessels includes a sleeve brick, a nozzle brick positioned in the sleeve brick, the nozzle brick having therethrough a discharge opening, and a highly wear-resistant tubular sleeve fitted within the discharge opening of the nozzle brick. The sleeve brick, the nozzle brick and the sleeve are formed of materials such that they have thermal expansions at 1400.degree. C. of from 1.0 to 1.15%, from 0.5 to 0.8% and from 1.1 to 1.25%, respectively.

Abstract: In a molten steel droplet scatter regulation cylinder for use in a vacuum steel casting system, for the object of prevention of growth of molten steel droplets into a solid steel block at the lower end portion of the cylinder to subsequently drop into the molten steel, deteriorating its internal properties, the cylinder has at least its lower end portion made of a material which has a small wetting property against the molten steel, e.g. carbides such as graphite, silicon carbide, etc. or refractory materials containing carbon, carbides, etc.

Abstract: Method of nitriding steel surfaces by circulating thereover a ternary mixture of ammonia, hydrogen and water at an elevated temperature and atmospheric pressure. Most of the harmful effects of HCN formation are avoided by utilizing a furnace lining consisting of a coated nickel base alloy, and by adding from 1 to 3% water to the nitriding gas and flowing the nitriding gas at a rate as low as 5 to 20 cu. ft. per hour per 100 sq. ft. of steel surface area.

Abstract: There is provided a vessel for molten metal, wherein the vessel walls containing said molten metal are constructed of rigid ceramic plates. The vessel walls along those edges along which they are connected together are provided with L- or Z-joints. Mutually co-acting joint surfaces are pressed against each other via an intermediate layer of felted ceramic sealing material by means of screws engaging said ceramic plates.

Abstract: This relates to a method for facilitating the rapid and convenient installation and removal of the top section of a steelmaking vessel of a type that is rotatably mounted i.e. provided with trunnions. The method involves providing the top section with lifting brackets and also providing a hinge connection between the top section and the vessel body. During removal, the vessel body is rotated while lifting forces are applied to the brackets thereby causing the top section to be pivoted relative to the vessel body about the hinge. This process is carried out in such a way as to cause the top section to be moved outwardly over the operating platform following which the top section is gently lowered onto such platform. Following this, the top section is disconnected from the vessel body at the hinge and the necessary repairs to the top section are effected.

Abstract: A wall construction for an electric furnace. An outer metallic casing provides the shape and structure for the furnace and an insulating inner liner is formed of a plurality of compressibly stacked ceramic fiber batts. Electrically insulating hanger members are provided for supporting an electrical heater element within the furnace. The hanger members comprise ceramic spools mounted on elongated rods. A group of such rods are welded to a plate which is placed between a pair of adjacent batts. Means are provided for securing the plate in place for preventing movement of the hanger members. In an alternate form, the hanger members are formed, integrally with a mounting member, of ceramic.

Abstract: A metallurgical furnace vessel is provided with means for injecting fluid into a melt in a vessel, the fluid carrying materials reactive with the melt and incidentally causing rapid erosion of the vessel's wall portion above the location where the fluid is injected. This wall portion is provided with cooling means and is made so that it can be removed for repair or replacement.

Abstract: In a shaft furnace which has a wall comprising of a shell and stave-coolers inside the shell, and a refractory lining of the wall supported by projections (supporting cams) on the stave-coolers, there are provided special bricks, preferably of material of superior refractoriness, strength, chemical resistance and wear-resistance, which rest on the projections and extend beyond the projections both towards and away from the shell. The bricks are fixed in the furnace wall, for instance by means of a ramming mass, and are preferably received in recessed in the stave-coolers.