Abstract: The invention relates to a manufacturing system including a holder suitable to hold first particles of a first powder in proximity to one another, and a connection scheme which, when employed, connects the first particles to one another to form a part.

Abstract: A diffusion component for impregnating molten steel with a gas includes a barrier having a first side and a second side, a through-hole formed within the barrier, the through-hole connecting the first side to the second side, and a porous element arranged within the through-hole such that the flow of molten steel passes over the porous element. At least one flow disrupter is arranged relative to the porous element and configured to promote non-laminar flow of molten steel passing through the through-hole.

Abstract: Slide gate for a metallurgical vessel, in particular a ladle, including a slide gate housing attachable to a metallurgical vessel, a head plate accommodated in the slide gate housing and having a passage opening for a metallic melt, a slide frame mounted in the slide gate housing so as to be displaceable in a direction relative to the head plate, and a slide plate accommodated in the slide frame and having a passage opening, characterized in that a device for compensating the contact pressure of the slide plate against the head plate is arranged between the slide gate housing and the slide frame, wherein the compensating device includes at least one carrier body mounted in the slide gate housing so as to be rotatable about at least one axis of rotation, and at least one spring element, via which the carrier body is coupled to the slide frame.

Abstract: A skim tool and method for removing impurities from molten alloys in furnaces generally includes a collection portion and an arm. The collection portion has an interior and a blade member having a plurality of apertures configured to capture impurities during application and direct the impurities into the interior. The skim tool further includes a conduit having a first end with an inlet and a second end having a plurality of fingers that extend in various directions along the front side of the blade member. Each of the fingers define an outlet end that are in fluid communication with the inlet. The inlet for receiving a source of nitrogen to be blown through the conduit into the molten metal in the form of a gas.

Abstract: The invention provides a plate-fixing structure designed for use with a sliding nozzle device to fix a plate to a plate-receiving metal frame. The plate-fixing structure is usable in a concavo-convex fitting technique with respect to fitting a convex or concave portion of a plate to a corresponding convex or concave portion of a plate-receiving metal frame to easily achieve alignment between the convex or concave portion of the plate and the corresponding convex or concave portion of the plate-receiving metal frame. A plate for use with the plate-fixing structure is also provided.

Abstract: A crust breaker bath detection system includes a cylinder defining a piston chamber. A piston is slidably displaced within the piston chamber by a pressurized fluid. A crust breaker rod connected to the piston is displaced through a crust layer into a bath having a bath voltage when the piston is displaced in the cylinder in a piston drive direction. A controller is in electrical communication with the cylinder. A conductive member is retained by and in electrical contact with the piston and in continuous contact with the cylinder. The conductive member defines a portion of a bath detection circuit including the crust breaker rod, the piston, the conductive member, the cylinder and the controller. The bath detection circuit is closed when the crust breaker rod contacts the bath such that the bath voltage is communicated to the controller by the bath detection circuit.

Abstract: A device enables the transporting and storing of at least one ladle shroud for a liquid metal casting plant, the ladle shroud having a channel through which liquid metal passes and essentially extending along an axis. The device also includes a rack designed to store the ladle shroud in a use position wherein the axis of the channel is vertical, the rack providing an access from the outside to a lateral face of the shroud when the latter is in its use position.

Abstract: The pouring spout changer according to the invention is characterized in that it is provided with a dummy plate (14) for closing the casting channel of the casting device in an emergency. The dummy plate (14) can be brought into the closed position by the same actuation member (11) by means of which a worn pouring spout (21) is replaced by a new pouring spout (22) during normal operation. The changing device can also be used as a casting nozzle changer, preferably with a nozzle gripper for removing the worn casting nozzles.

Abstract: One embodiment provides an article, comprising: an inner container having a cavity, the inner container comprising a ceramic; and an outer container, the outer container comprising a susceptor; wherein at least a portion of an outer surface of the inner container is in contact with an inner surface of the outer container, and wherein the inner container is removable from the mold. Methods of melting using the present article are also provided.

Abstract: A tundish nozzle is used in a device for exchanging tundish nozzles juxtaposed at a bottom of a tundish. The device includes a pair of first arms pressing and supporting a first lower nozzle located at an undersurface of a first upper nozzle, the first upper nozzle being placed at the bottom of the tundish. The device includes a pair of second arms pressing and supporting a second lower nozzle located at an undersurface of a second upper nozzle, the second upper nozzle being placed at the bottom of the tundish and next to the first upper nozzle. The pair of first arms and the pair of second arms are adjoined to each other, the pairs at least partly overlapping. The tundish nozzle includes a zirconia based nozzle inserted into an alumina based refractory, and is one of the first and second lower and upper nozzles.

Abstract: A piston rod and cylinder seal device includes a cylinder defining a piston chamber extending between first and second cylinder heads. The second cylinder head has a spud receiving bore, a pressure passage communicating with the spud receiving bore, and a bore supply/vent passage. A piston is disposed in the piston chamber. A piston rod is connected to the piston having a piston rod spud including a shaft receiving bore. A tubular shaft connected to the second cylinder head in the spud receiving bore has a passage communicating with the bore supply/vent passage. The shaft is sealingly received in the shaft receiving bore when the piston rod spud is received in the spud receiving bore preventing pressurized air in the bore supply/vent passage from entering the spud receiving bore. The shaft is positioned outside the shaft receiving bore when the piston rod spud is outside the spud receiving bore.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention comprise a preheater for preheating a ladle for use in steelmaking wherein less fuel is consumed in heating the ladle efficiently and accurately to a controlled temperature. A preheater temperature is varied by controlling a burner of the heating unit based on measurements of refractories of the ladle taken by a pyrometer. The heating unit of the preheater includes an emissive coating for reducing heat loss and efficient heating during the preheating process. The heating unit of the preheater also includes valve mechanisms for accurately varying a flame size of the burner by regulating the rate of fuel, air, and oxygen supplied to the heating unit.

Abstract: A component of a gas injection system (tuyere/tymp) removal apparatus comprising a pneumatic or hydraulic hammer reverse mounted into a hammer frame, the working end of the hammer fixedly attached a first end of a slidable frame. The slidable frame having a second end fixedly attached to an elongated lifting arm means with a component handling means, and two sides slidably attached to the hammer frame. The component handling means may be inserted into the rear of a component of a gas injection system. When activated, the hammer generates a pulling motion on the component handling means engaged with the component of a gas injection system, releasing the component of a gas injection system from the wall of the blast furnace.

Abstract: A device for exchanging tundish nozzles juxtaposed at a bottom of a tundish includes a pair of first arms and a pair of second arms. The pair of first arms presses and supports a first lower nozzle. The first lower nozzle is located at an undersurface of a first upper nozzle. The first upper nozzle us placed at the bottom of the tundish. The pair of second arms presses and supports a second lower nozzle. The second lower nozzle is located at an undersurface of a second upper nozzle. The second upper nozzle is places at the bottom of the tundish and next to the first upper nozzle. The pair of first arms and the pair of second arms are adjoined to each other, and the pairs at least partly overlap each other.

Abstract: A coupling assembly includes a motor driven drive shaft. A rotatable refractory shaft is adapted to be connected to a rotor. Locking recesses are formed in an upper end of the refractory shaft. A rotatable coupling includes a body and a device for affixing the drive shaft to the body. Lever arms are fastened to the body and can be pivoted. A recess in the body receives the refractory shaft. Openings in the body extend from an exterior surface of the body to the recess. Each of the lever arms includes a protruding locking member positioned in the opening in the body. Each locking member engages a locking recess. A device exerts a force against the lever arms forcing the locking members into the locking recesses.

Abstract: A crust breaker bath detection system includes a cylinder defining a piston chamber. A piston is slidably displaced within the piston chamber by a pressurized fluid. A crust breaker rod connected to the piston is displaced through a crust layer into a bath having a bath voltage when the piston is displaced in the cylinder in a piston drive direction. A controller is in electrical communication with the cylinder. A conductive member is retained by and in electrical contact with the piston and in continuous contact with the cylinder. The conductive member defines a portion of a bath detection circuit including the crust breaker rod, the piston, the conductive member, the cylinder and the controller. The bath detection circuit is closed when the crust breaker rod contacts the bath such that the bath voltage is communicated to the controller by the bath detection circuit.

Abstract: A piston rod and cylinder seal device includes a cylinder defining a piston chamber extending between first and second cylinder heads. The second cylinder head has a spud receiving bore, a pressure passage communicating with the spud receiving bore, and a bore supply/vent passage. A piston is disposed in the piston chamber. A piston rod is connected to the piston having a piston rod spud including a shaft receiving bore. A tubular shaft connected to the second cylinder head in the spud receiving bore has a passage communicating with the bore supply/vent passage. The shaft is sealingly received in the shaft receiving bore when the piston rod spud is received in the spud receiving bore preventing pressurized air in the bore supply/vent passage from entering the spud receiving bore. The shaft is positioned outside the shaft receiving bore when the piston rod spud is outside the spud receiving bore.

Abstract: A cylindrical vessel made of carbon is used in the production of silicon. The inner surface of the vessel comes into contact with a silicon melt, wherein the permeation with silicon melt is reduced, formation of SiC is suppressed, and the vessel is resistant to deformation even when volumetric expansion ascribable to silicon is brought about. The carbon-made cylindrical vessel is made of a carbon material having a bulk specific gravity of 1.8 or more. The thermal expansion coefficient of the carbon material at 350 to 450° C. is preferably 3.5×10?6/° C. to 6.0×10?6/° C. A process for producing silicon uses said vessel wherein a chlorosilane is reacted with hydrogen.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an apparatus for degassing, submerging, agitating and pumping molten metal. More particularly, the present invention relates to a mechanical apparatus for moving or pumping molten metal such as aluminum, zinc or magnesium. Specifically, the present invention is related to a drive for such an apparatus in which a motor is positioned above a molten metal bath and rotates a vertical shaft. The lower end of the shaft drives an impeller or a rotor to impart motion to the molten metal.

Abstract: A rotary furnace hearth wherein a hearth carriage carrying a hearth comprises a plurality of hearth carriages respectively having propulsion systems, wherein adjoining hearth carriages are coupled by coupling bolts and nuts via spacers interspaced in a single row in a horizontal plane, whereby even if the hearth carriages deform due to heat at the time of operation, they are structured to be able to freely deform without mutual constraint in the event of curved deformation, so the hearth carriages are maintained in individually stable states at all times.

Abstract: A lance holder 1 characterized by a high level of operating safety is equipped with a holder or tube fixing system which reliably prevents even a bent lance tube 2 from turning in the lance holder 1. The clamping head 3 has a fixing part 4 and a clamping part 5 which ensure punctiform fixing by means of suitably-displaceable pressure elements 16 in the form of balls 20. Three such balls 20, 20? are distributed around the circumference and provide for secure fixing and a wide tolerance range in respect of the dimensions of the lance tubes 2. Said wide tolerance range is also ensured by the possibility of using sealing sleeves 6 with a large internal diameter, which are pressed securely and directly against the wall 18 of the lance tube 2 without compression by insertion of a wedge 22.

Abstract: A rotary furnace hearth wherein a hearth carriage carrying a hearth comprises a plurality of hearth carriages respectively having propulsion systems, wherein adjoining hearth carriages are coupled by coupling bolts and nuts via spacers interspaced in a single row in a horizontal plane, whereby even if the hearth carriages deform due to heat at the time of operation, they are structured to be able to freely deform without mutual constraint in the event of curved deformation, so the hearth carriages are maintained in individually stable states at all times.

Abstract: Disclosed are components covered with a protective coating for use in a molten metal bath (or comparable environment) and devices including such components. The protective coating is preferably a ceramic sleeve adhered to a non-coated component by cement. A component with the protective coating is more resistant to degradation in molten metal than is the component without the coating, and may be manufactured by the process of (a) placing the protective coating over the non-coated component, and (b) injecting cement into the space between the non-coated component and protective coating, wherein at least some of the cement is injected through a passage in either the non-coated component or the protective coating.

Abstract: An enclosure for mounting burners and particle injection equipment in an EAF is described. The enclosures are mounted on the sidewalls of an EAF and include passages in which burners or injectors are mounted so that the discharge ends of the burners and injectors are located closer the melt than sidewall mounted burners and injectors. Burners and injectors mounted in the enclosures heat material in the furnace and deliver particulates to the melt more efficiently than conventionally mounted burners and injectors. The enclosures are liquid-cooled, typically by water, and constructed of high conductivity materials such as copper and/or cast iron and can be constructed in one or more pieces. Therefore, the enclosures protect the burners and injectors from the excessive heat and mechanical impact to which they would normally be subjected when mounted so close to the melt.

Abstract: A method of producing passivated Ti or Ti alloy particles with oxygen concentrations of less than about 900 parts per million (ppm), which includes introducing a halide vapor of Ti or the metal constituents of the alloy at sonic velocity or greater into a stream of liquid alkali or liquid alkaline earth metal or mixtures thereof forming a reaction zone in which the halide is reduced by the liquid metal present in sufficient excess of stoichiometric such that Ti or Ti alloy powder from the reduction of the halide by the liquid metal is friable. After filtration and distillation excess liquid metal is removed from the Ti or Ti alloy powder that is then maintained at elevated temperature for a time sufficient to grow the particles to average diameters calculated from BET surface area measurement greater than about one micron. After cooling the Ti or Ti alloy powder to temperature of about 80° C.

Abstract: A method for producing a ferro-alloy in an electric arc furnace is disclosed. The method comprises the step of charging the furnace with an un-agglomerated carbon-containing polymer such that the polymer functions as a slag foaming agent.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to apparatuses and methods for use in metal melting, refining and/or other processing, such as, for example, steel making in an electric arc furnace (EAF), and more particularly, to improved cooling systems and related methods for use in an extended burner panel.

Abstract: Improvements to an insulating cover for covering an opening in a torpedo car are disclosed. The insulating cover includes upper and lower wire mesh layers and an insulating layer positioned between the wire mesh layers. A support rod may be provided which extends beyond the ends of the upper and lower wire mesh layers. A pair of support rods in an “X” configuration may be provided which extend beyond the side edges of the upper and lower wire mesh layers. Tie devices secure the wire mesh layers together and hold the insulating layer in position. At least one ferromagnetic plate is provided, whereby each ferromagnetic plate provides a lift point for lifting the insulating cover, such as with an electromagnet or the like. Methods for constructing the embodiments of the insulating cover are also disclosed.

Abstract: A door for molten metal holding furnaces which includes a fixed plate with charging and inspection hole provided with two supports positioned at the sides of the charging hole and with two vertical wings positioned on an upper part of the plate and two guides are hinged to the two vertical wings and directed downwards, beyond a lower edge of the charging hole. A closing panel with gasket is equipped with lateral pins that are housed in the guides for making the closing panel slide along the guides. One or more pressure mechanisms act on lower ends of the guides and rotate the guides so as to bring the closing panel in contact with the plate and press the panel against the hole or to move it away from the plate.

Abstract: A method for compounding an alloy includes the step of forming a first batch of the base metal and tracking the first batch through the process. The master alloy is added to the first batch based on the weight of the base metal. In one embodiment, the master alloy is added to meet a desired percentage. In another embodiment, the master alloy is added to meet a desired total weight. When the total weight criteria is used, a computer tracks the weights of the batches and compensates for heavy batches with light batches and compensates for light batches with heavy batches in order to maintain the average weight of the batches at the desired total weight. The batches are briquetted and the composition of the briquettes are tracked. The briquettes are added to an electrode formation device and the position of the briquettes in the device is tracked so that the composition of the electrode can be identified.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for suppressing growth of an oxide film on a coil which is a spirally wound, rolled strip are disclosed. A rolled strip subjected to rolling by hot rolling equipment is wound spirally by a down-coiler to make a coil. Covers are disposed on the opposite sides of the coil such that heat resistant materials intimately contact the opposite sides of the coil. The covers are fixed by L-bolts and nuts to cover the opposite sides of the coil with the covers. In this state, the coil is naturally cooled for a predetermined time to suppress growth of an oxide film and increase productivity.

Abstract: A mechanism for inverting the cope of a molding flask which includes a frame and support arms pivotally supported by the frame. The cope of the molding flask is attachable to the support to thereby enable the cope to be inverted to permit safe and efficient cleaning and repair.

Abstract: A powder injector for a ladle of molten metal having an exposed upper level with a given shape. The injector comprises a splash deflector with a cast body of heat resistant material with a downwardly facing lower surface defining an outer periphery and maintained above the upper level of molten metal, an elongated powder injection lance with a tubular body extending vertically from above the deflector surface to a position substantially below the surface and into the molten metal and a directional outlet nozzle directed at a transverse angle to the lance body in a direction below the surface of the splash deflector and an upper member mounting the lance with respect to the splash deflector with the nozzle directed into the molten metal substantially below the lower surface and within the periphery of the lower surface.

Abstract: The invention is a new automatic door for molten metal holding furnaces, comprising a fixed plate with charging and inspection hole, provided with two supports positioned at the sides of the charging hole and with two vertical wings positioned on the upper part of the plate; two guides with rectangular hole are hinged to the two vertical wings positioned on the upper part of the plate and directed downwards, beyond the lower edge of the charging hole; the closing panel with gasket is equipped with lateral pins that in turn are housed in the rectangular holes of the guides, said pins and guides being suitable for making the closing panel slide along the guides. One or more pressuremechanisms, acting on the lower end of the guides, rotate the guides in such a way as to bring the closing panel in contact with the plate hole and press the panel against the hole or to move it away from the plate. A hydraulic cylinder controls the translation of the closing panel along the guides with rectangular 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 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 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: A graphite support leg for positioning an object, such as a pump, in a bath of molten metal. The leg is enclosed in a ceramic sleeve, and an inert material is disposed in a clearance between the leg and the sleeve to protect the leg from the heat of the molten metal.

Abstract: The invention concerns a refractory material comprised essentially of vitreous or amorphous silica and presenting an improved resistance to corrosion by molten metals, principally aluminium. It contains at least 0.1% and no more than 10% by wt. of barium sulfate. It has a crystallized silica content of less than 10% and it is comprised of at least 75% vitreous or amorphous silica.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a method of converting green particles to form finished particles. The apparatus used for sintering incorporates an elongate hollow tube, an insulative sleeve there about to define an elevated temperature zone, and a microwave generator coupled through a wave guide into a microwave cavity incorporated the tube. The particles are moved through the tube at a controlled rate to assure adequate exposure to the microwave radiation. Another form sintered a solid part in a cavity or mold.

Abstract: A substantially constant resistive force is applied to the drive motor of an automated ladler arm to prevent jerky movement of the arm during a downward or descending portion of its travel from a furnace to a mold. The force may be applied through an air cylinder connected to a pivoting loader arm.

Abstract: A push-pull apparatus includes a machine base, and a coupling unit having a retractable main frame disposed on top of the machine base and longitudinally movable in forward and rearward directions relative to the machine base, and a coupler mounted on a front end of the main frame and adapted to be extended into a ring retainer on a wall member to engage a tubular body that is fitted into the ring retainer. An extension unit is mounted on the machine base and is connected to the coupling unit. The extension unit is operable so as to move the coupling unit relative to the machine base. An impact unit is provided on the coupling unit. A drive unit is mounted on the coupling unit and is operable so as to move the impact unit along the coupling unit in order to enable the impact unit to impact a selected one of the front and rear ends of the main frame and generate at the coupler one of a pushing force for assembling the tubular body and a pulling force for disassembling the tubular body.

Abstract: An insulating cover for covering an opening in a torpedo car is disclosed. The insulating cover includes an upper and lower wire mesh layer and an insulating layer positioned between the wire mesh layers. Tie devices secure the wire mesh layers together and hold the insulating layer in position. At least one ferromagnetic plate is provided, whereby each ferromagnetic plate provides a lift point for lifting the insulating cover, such as with an electromagnet or the like.

Abstract: A cartridge handling hand of a cartridge system sliding valve apparatus for a molten metal vessel is mountable to a general purpose robot. The hand includes a cartridge pressing cylinder secured to a mounting plate whose one side surface is provided with a device for mounting a carrier arm. A first pair of cylinder support arms for lock pins and a second pair of support arms are attached vertically to the other side surface of the mounting plate. Lock pins are attached to piston rod ends of cylinders which are secured to the cylinder support arms 2. Cartridge clamp arms are slidably fitted into guide pins provided vertically in the outside of the second pair of support arms. The cartridge clamp arms are coupled through a cylinder which opens or closes the arms. A cartridge system sliding valve apparatus includes positioning metal fittings for interfitting with the lock pins of the cartridge handling hand of the invention and positioning pins which fit in the positioning recesses of a cartridge.

Abstract: The present invention provides a seal ring assembly for sealing a discharge end of a rotary retort heat treating furnace. The furnace contemplated by this invention has an outer furnace shell, a retort chamber, a rear plug, a cone casting, and a support ring. The cone casting is positioned at the discharge end of the retort chamber and the cone casting and the support ring are fixedly attached to rotate together with the retort chamber. The seal rings of the present invention are aluminum-bronze annular members fixedly attached to the discharge end of the rotary retort furnace. A gasket provides a simple static biasing arrangement to ensure contact between the face of the seal and the support ring. The seal is formed at a wear surface between the face of the aluminum-bronze seal and the support ring. The wear surface is lubricated by a plurality of graphite inserts.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for separating molten metal and slag from a rotating furnace. The apparatus includes a vessel having a reservoir which is positioned to receive a free-falling flow of molten metal and slag as it exits a tap hole in the furnace. The reservoir has a predetermined flow path therethrough, a molten metal outlet, a slag opening and a drain hole. The flow path includes a first portion having an open top for receiving the flow of molten metal and slag. The first portion is configured to eliminate turbulence caused by the free-falling flow of molten metal and slag into the reservoir and to permit separation of the molten metal from the slag wherein the slag floats on top of the molten metal. The molten metal is collected from the metal outlet for further processing and the slag is collected for disposal.

Abstract: A collecting pit for receiving molten metal and draining cooling water. The collecting pit (1) is equipped with a drainage layer (5, 6) formed of slag granulate, the grains of the slag granulate being interconnected by means of a binder while maintaining small channels present between these grains. The drainage layer mass also may contain thermally expanding silicic acid. The binder of the drainage layer mass may be a water-activatable heat-resistant binder containing cement, e.g. high-alumina cement. The drainage layer material exhibits a good permeability for water and vapor over a long period of time.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment of this invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings in FIGS. 5 and 6, an annealing tray coil support pad 24 is formed of a woven cloth high temperature resistant fabric layer 26 and a similar bottom layer 28. The woven cloth is made of high tensile strength fibers. An intermediate layer 34 composed of a high density matted fiberboard insulative material of a thickness of between 0.75 inches and 3 inches is positioned between the top layer 26 and the bottom layer 28 for providing sufficient support to aluminum sheet coil 10 to minimize its peripheral deformation while the coil is being processed through one or more annealing furnaces. Pad 24 substantially reduces the amount of deformation and therefore the amount of waste material from each aluminum sheet coil 10.

Abstract: An air cooled molten metal pump frame includes a base structure and molten metal pump supporting structure comprising tubular members to facilitate flow of cooling air therethrough. The cooling air flowing through the molten metal pump frame provides cooling to the pump frame to minimize distortion and deformation due to the high temperatures caused by an adjacent molten metal bath. The cooling air flowing through the pump frame can also be directed to the molten metal pump to cool pump components. The tubular frame also facilitates simple and effective connection between a source of electrical power and the molten metal pump while shielding the electrical wiring from heat damage due to the proximity of the molten metal bath. The molten metal pump frame is particularly adapted for supporting molten metal pumps used in aluminum reclamation furnaces.

Abstract: A tundish impact pad is provided for use in a tundish vessel. The impact pad has a wavy upper surface which significantly reduces the horizontal surface area in the region of impact where molten iron or steel enters the tundish vessel. This wavy surface substantially reduces the vertical splashing of molten iron or steel entering the vessel, causing a significant reduction in agitation and turbulence within the vessel. The impact pad may exist as a discrete structure or may form an integral part of the structure of the tundish vessel.

Abstract: A lightweight ladle cover employing ceramic fiber mats in modules. The modules are formed by having the generally rectilinear mat folded into five adjacent sections, the first of which depends vertically toward the "hot" side of the cover but is sandwiched between the second, third and fourth sections which form a vertical, horizontal ("hot" side) and vertical U-shape configuration about the first section. The last section is folded to extend horizontally to overlay part of the next module. The modules are anchored to an expanded metal wall at the "cold" side of the cover by an anchoring system which employs flat bars with spaced apart threaded studs welded to one flat side of the bar. In assembly, the studs are pierced through the mat at the junction of the first and second sections and then passed through openings in the expanded metal wall and secured by a washer and nut arrangement. The modules are then held by two bar-stud assemblies.