Abstract: A roller assembly for a roller furnace for heat treating slabs is provided with thermal insulation. A metal roller has carrier rings spaced at intervals thereon for carrying a slab to be treated. A needled first fiber mat surrounds the metal roller between the carrier rings and has a fibrous spraying compound sprayed thereon. A binder in the fibrous spraying compound joins the fiber spraying compound with the first fiber mat. A precompressed second fiber mat is laterally disposed between the carrier rings and the fibrous spraying compound. The result is a thermal insulation arrangement which withstands the dynamic stresses of the roller assembly as well as the chemical stresses due to the presence of a hot slab.

Abstract: A device for removing worn nozzle bricks or nozzle linings from the tap holes of metallurgical vessels including a spreading device, which can be introduced into the nozzle brick or tap hole, and a drive for extracting the nozzle brick or lining by means of the spreading device. The spreading device is arranged on a tool holder which can be displaced axially on a support, in particular a carriage. The tool holder can be connected to at least one drive. The tool holder advantageously includes an axial cavity in which a toothed shaft is rotatably mounted. The toothed shaft meshes with the toothing of at least two, and preferably three, spreading jaws which slide radially in the tool holder.

Abstract: The lance holder for an oxygen lance has a substantially increased reliability and safety, since a valve disk slidable against the force of a valve disk spring by insertion of the lance is provided in a retaining body between the slag run back safety device and a gripping head. This valve disk is forced from the valve seat on insertion of the lance so that the refinery gas can pass through the lance holder without more. If through some error the lance is released, i.e. by slipping out from the holder, the valve disk automatically closes so that the oxygen gas provided can not flow through. A contact of the oxygen-supply hose with the lance holder attached to it is thus reliably prevented. At the same time the slag run back safety device and the clamping head are formed so that a very compact lance holder results.

Abstract: The density of various refractory hard metal articles are controlled so that articles made from the refractory hard metals are able to float on the surface of molten aluminum. Floating such articles on aluminum has been found to both stabilize and protect the surface of molten aluminum. Floating cathodes for use in aluminum reduction cells is a particular application for the floating refractory hard metals.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a hydraulic ram mounted on a movable support designed to be placed in line with the axis of the tuyere or tymp so as to bear on the furnace wall and to act on a gripper composed of two telescopic members respectively displaceable relative to one another in the axial direction of the tuyere or of the tymp in order to ensure the support of the latter, said gripper being axially displaceable through the action of said ram. The hydraulic ram is a double piston ram comprising a traction piston acting on a pulled member of the gripper and a thrust piston acting on a propelled member of the gripper, and is consequently suitable for all forms of tuyeres and tymps.

Abstract: This invention is a method for the recovery of precious metal selected from the group consisting of platinum and rhodium lost from a platinum-containing catalyst during ammonia oxidation processes at a temperature above 850.degree. C. which comprises bringing said lost precious metal into contact with a foraminate element fabricated from a material consisting essentially of palladium, by itself, or palladium and a minor amount of another metal selected from the group consisting of other platinum group metals, Ni, Au, Mn, Mg, Cr, C, B, Cu and alloys of mixtures thereof characterized by (a) a novel configuration whereby the initial product of the formula: curve to flat ratio (C/F) multiplied by mesh size (N) and wire diameter (d.sub.w), for the element is greater than at least about 0.9 and (b) where, for a given nitrogen throughput, the weight recovery efficiency is a function of the curve to flat ratio (C/F), wire diameter (d.sub.

Abstract: Molten metal is put under pressure of up to 10 atmospheres in a covered ladle and a gas soluble in the metal is bubbled through the melt. Some gas goes into solution, while the remainder rises in bubbles and brings inclusions suspended in the molten metal up to the surface. Then the pressure is lowered, after which gas comes out of the solution in fine bubbles which also bring impurity inclusions up to the surface. In another method molten steel is refined at pressures not exceeding atmospheric pressure in a covered ladle equipped for evacuation and equipped for bubbling gas through the molten steel bath. Bubbling followed by pressure reduction can then be performed to form two stages of cleaning. Heat may be added for compensating the cooling effect of gas expansion.

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: Ladle covers are insulated with refractory ceramic fiber modules. An outer portion of a lower part of the cover conforming to the shape of the ladle rim is insulated with trapezoidal modules. A central portion beneath the cover within the outer portion is insulated with rectangular modules, which may be of less thickness than the trapezoidal modules.

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: Steel casting ladles present at different locations are supplied alternately with one heating system for all of the steel casting ladles. The heating system including current bearing heating cables is arranged on a wheelable platform which in turn is present on a swivel stage. For supplying the ladles the rotary motion of the swivel stage is combined with the to-and-fro motion of the wheelable platform.

Abstract: A leveling apparatus for leveling a surface of refractory bed comprised of refractory pebbles. The leveling apparatus is comprised of a disk having a level bottom surface suitable for positioning upon the surface of the refractory bed. A plurality of spaced apart, downwardly extending tooth members project beneath the level, bottom surface of the disk, and into the refractory bed. Rotation of the disk causes the plurality of tooth members to displace the refractory pebbles in a rake-like manner to thereby level the surface of the refractory bed by causing the refractory pebbles to conform to the level bottom surface of the disk.

Abstract: A multiple orifice injection valve having a stationary block which communicates between the vessel and a sliding plate. The sliding plate is provided with at least one injection port and drive means for rotatably indexing the same in and out of register with the various orifices in the stationary block. Both the stationary block and sliding plate may have special wear features. The sliding plate is held by means of a carrier, and the same urged by a plurality of spring-loaded rockers into pressure face-to-face relationhip with the stationary block. The valve can be open by a toggle latch and toggle hinge assembly thereby permitting removal of the sliding plate and/or the stationary block. Injection is provided by a quick disconnect coupling having two injection ports. The one port receives wire or other metallic material in wire form, and the second port injects gas, powdered metals, or other fluid-like materials.

Abstract: Expansive forces in a furnace of cylindrical shape (e.g. a ladle furnace) are absorbed by means of a metallic ring positioned in the bottom of the furnace which substantially fits the inner, lower side wall of the cylindrical steel shell of the furnace and absorbs the expansive forces directed against this side wall.

Abstract: This invention relates to a cold trap for collecting impurities from liquid, which comprises a mesh screen and a spacer mesh having higher strength and wider mesh holes than that of the mesh screen interposed between the windings of the mesh screen. According to the present invention, since the spacer mesh supports the mesh screen over the whole surface thereof so that the mesh screen is protected free from break or deformation, the stiffness and collecting efficiency of the mesh section can be maintained prolongedly.

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 bell furnace (2) and hardening vat (3) arrangement comprises charge (4) supporting means (14, resp. 29, 32, 33) connected to the bell and extending toward the center of the bell. It comprises means (18, 18', resp. 28) for imparting solely to the bell either a vertical and rotary movement or only solely a vertical movement, while the vat (3) is under the furnace (1), in such a way that the bell can be brought against the top plane of the vat, the bell/vat unit forming a tight enclosure at the time of hardening. A lift can introduce into the bell, and the means (18, 18;, resp. 31, 34, 37) co-operate at the same time in the release of the charge and in the placing of the latter on the supporting means (14).

Abstract: A composite refractory member includes at least one insert formed of an oxide ceramic material having a high resistance to molten material. The insert defines a discharge opening or other molten material contacting surface. A base structure encloses and supports the insert and is formed by molding a chemically setting refractory concrete including a refractory granulate of low-iron sintered magnesia with a MgO content of over 80 weight percent. Mold cores extend into the refractory concrete during molding such that the molded structure has expansion joints which later are filled with mortar.

Abstract: An injection valve which is positioned on the underneath portion of a teeming vessel is disclosed. The valve itself includes a mounting plate, and a well block nozzle which is in open communication with the metal being teemed in the vessel. Beneath the sliding injection plate a sliding plate carrier is positioned which is engaged by spring loaded rocker arms in order to maintain a compressive relationship between the sliding plate carrier, the sliding injection gate, and the stationary plate. Optionally the injection valve is fed by a plurality of injectants supplied which are adjusted by means of a control valve. In addition, wire may also be injected simultaneously with gas, or other additives. In addition, power means are provided for replacing the sliding plate carrier, and also the sliding plate. Alternatively means are provided for disengaging the rockers, and manually replacing the same.

Abstract: An injection valve which is positioned on the underneath portion of a teeming vessel is disclosed. It may be positioned under a ladle, or under a tundish. The valve itself includes a mounting plate, and a well block nozzle which is in open communication with the metal being teemed in the vessel. Beneath the well block nozzle is a stationary plate, therebeneath a sliding plate which may be imperforate, perforate, or have an opening containing a porous plug or ceramic sieve depending upon the type of injection. Beneath the sliding injection plate a sliding plate carrier is positioned which is engaged by spring loaded rocker arms in order to maintain a compressive relationship between the sliding plate carrier, the sliding injection plate, and the stationary plate. Centrally of the sliding plate carrier is a coupler which, in turn, is connected to a further coupler, an injection hose, and an injection supply for delivering additives to the vessel through the injection valve.

Abstract: An injection nozzle (10) is installed in the wall (13) of a liquid containment vessel (14) and comprises an assembly of refractory component bodies (18, 19, 20): injection passages (22) for receiving longitudinally movable lances (11) are provided in the nozzle and before injection commences, the passages are closed by cup-shaped refractory shells (30) embedded in one of the component bodies (18) adjacent a discharge end of the nozzle. Each shell has its base (31) united through a frangible shell portion (34) with the sidewall (32) and when injection is to commence, an associated lance (11) is forcibly driven at the base (31) to detach it by fracture of the shell portion (34) and from an opening through which an injectant can exit into the liquid. A push-out bung (26) may be incorporated in the nozzle body (18) between the base of the shell (30) and the discharge end of the nozzle (10).

Abstract: Methods of, and equipment for, protecting selected parts of a component against overheating while the component is being thermally treated.

Abstract: A method of reducing metal oxides comprises introducing feedstock material into a plasma torch reactor according to two different flow patterns. A primary feedstock is fed into the immediate vicinity of the plasma stream in a helical pattern surrounding the plasma stream. The primary feedstock material preferably comprises the metal oxides to be reduced within the reactor. A secondary feedstock material is fed at a more remote location, preferably in a flow pattern developing a protective wall for the inside of the reactor. A preferred assembly is provided for application of the process. For the preferred embodiment, the assembly comprises a top plate, a central ramp, a bottom plate and a liner to form separate feed channels for the primary and secondary feedstock.

Abstract: A refractory plate-frame assembly for use in a sliding closure unit includes a frame having therein a recess and a refractory plate positioned within the recess. A flexible band is mounted within the recess about the periphery of the refractory plate. A tightening device is mounted in the frame and is selectively operable from the exterior thereof to tighten the band about the periphery of the plate and thereby securely mount the plate within the recess, and alternatively for loosening the band from the periphery of the plate, whereby the plate may be removed from the band and the frame.

Abstract: Apparatus for setting and resetting a portion of a shape-memory alloy part, the apparatus including an enclosing chamber having openings for the portion, a body of solid particles in the chamber, a pressure member connected to the chamber to immobilize the particles and the portion and a mechanism for heating the portion to a resetting temperature while immobilized, is disclosed.

Abstract: A pair of refractory plates includes a stationary bottom plate having a discharge opening and a movable plate having two discharge openings. The movable plate is mounted for sliding movement with respect to the bottom plate about a center of rotation between a center closed position and opposite open positions. The discharge openings of the movable and bottom plates are centered on a common circular arc centered about the center of rotation, and the discharge openings of the movable plate are positioned symmetrically on opposite sides of the discharge opening of the bottom plate in the closed position. The bottom plate has a second discharge opening at a position between the circular arc and the center of rotation. The discharge openings of the bottom plate are centered on a radial line extending from the center of rotation and intersecting the circular arc, such radial line corresponding to a radial center line between the discharge openings of the movable plate in the closed position.

Abstract: A vertical conduit extends from the bottom of a ladle containing molten metal and terminates at a lower end above a tundish for receiving the molten metal. A vertical shroud encloses the vertical conduit from a location above the conduits's lower end, and the shroud extends into the tundish. A nozzle extends into the interior of the shroud for feeding alloying ingredient, as shot, into a stream of the molten metal, within the shroud. Structure is provided for circulating a cooling fluid through the nozzle. The nozzle is connected to flexible feed lines for transporting shot and cooling fluid to the nozzle. Additional structure is provided for preventing the flexible feed lines from bending, twisting, kinking or the like when the nozzle, shroud and vertical conduit are rotated about a vertical axis spaced from the center line of the vertical conduit.

Abstract: A continuous casting device comprises a hollow body having one or more side walls and a heat-destructible base portion having one or more inclined surfaces. The device is for location beneath a ladle nozzle through which a tundish is to be supplied with molten metal e.g. steel. When the device is lowered through a layer of slag floating on the surface of the metal in the tundish the slag is deflected away from the base of the device. In this way a substantially slag free zone is provided into which molten metal may pass from a ladle into a tundish virtually free from contamination.

Abstract: An easily stored and used disposable cover for the opening of a molten metal type ladle is disclosed, which uses transverse ribs of green hardwood above a blanket made up of ceramic fabric batting. The ribs are tied together into an array by means of flexible wires running longitudinally across the ribs and secured to them. The ribs are sized to span across the ladle opening and to hold the blanket thereover, and the cover may be easily rolled up longitudinally so as to assume an easily stored, handled and shipped roll shape. A plurality of wide headed nails hold a sheet of plastic or like material and the blanket to the ribs. The sheet serves to protect the blanket from tearing or catching or binding together and allows it to be unrolled and handled more easily. A wire end handling loop is also provided at the longitudinal ends to aid in placing the cover over the ladle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the foundry industry and solves the problem of extended service life of valve closure gate assemblies for foundry ladles. The valve closure gate assembly of the present invention comprises two mutually slidable heat-resistant gates furnished with a protecting layer of an oxide refractory material and having flow-through rings made from an oxide refractory material disposed in the openings of the gates. The respective upper and lower surfaces of the rings are coated with a layer of refractory material.

Abstract: A head which is intended to be mounted on a ladle, is provided inside with refractory material. At least one burner for liquid or gaseous fuel and oxygen gas for heating the melt in the ladle is disposed in the head. The head is provided with retainer means for the burner, by the intermediary of which the burner is axially shiftably disposed in relation to the surface of the melt bath and is rotatably disposed in relation to the vertical line of the burner to the surface of the melt bath. Depending upon the burner output, the burner is adjustable so as to emit the best possible heat transfer from the burner flame to the melt bath and, at the same time, to cause the slightest possible chemical action on the melt bath.

Abstract: A pivot assembly for pivoting a cover member to a housing of a sliding closure unit includes a pivot shaft supported by the housing and connected to the cover member with play therebetween, such that upon pressing the cover member toward refractory plates of the sliding closure unit, respective sliding surfaces of the refractory plates are free of binding and are maintained substantially in uniform surface-to-surface contact. An auxiliary pivot is formed on the cover member to define a pivot axis parallel to the axis of the pivot shaft. Control members connect the pivot shaft to the auxiliary pivot to maintain a constant spacing between the pivot axis and the axis of the pivot shaft in directions parallel to the direction of movement of a movable refractory plate of the sliding closure unit. As a result, displacement of the cover member relative to the housing due to friction between the sliding surfaces of the refractory plates is prevented.

Abstract: A refractory plate assembly includes a refractory base structure having therein a recess and a refractory wear and erosion resistant insert positioned within the recess. A frame surrounds the outer periphery of the base structure. The insert and the base structure together define a planar sliding surface. The base structure is formed of at least two components divided along at least one joint extending transverse to the planar sliding surface, each such component defining a respective portion of the recess and surrounding a respective portion of the circumference insert. The insert is elastically clamped within the base structure and may be removed from the base structure for replacement.

Abstract: Two sets of heater support members angularly distributed around a central vertical member are radially extendable individually or in groups to position heater elements within a preset distance of the cylindrical walls of any one of a series of pressure vessels having a range of diameters. A convex bottom heater support member is provided for each diameter vessel and is axially telescoped into the central vertical member so that an additional set of heater support members can be installed between the first mentioned two sets of heater support members and the bottom heater support member to accommodate for varying depths of the vessels in the series. Thermocouples are extended from the annealing device by actuators which use a spring or pneumatic pressure to press the thermocouple against the vessel wall with a preset constant force for accurate temperature measurements.

Abstract: An injection nozzle for the addition of an agent in wire form directly into the interior of a molten material includes a tip having an axial bore with a terminal opening through which the wire exits the nozzle, the terminal opening having a cross section in the form of a star.

Abstract: An electro furnace for metallurgic operations has its top connected to a vertically extending cylinder, into which a charge pipe leads at an oblique angle. A ceramic plug glides in the cylinder in piston like fashion for selective opening and closing the opening from said charge pipe. Any burden and ore mixture will therefore fall freely from the charge pipe whenever the plug is shifted up to open the gate.

Abstract: A refractory plate used as a stationary and/or as a movable closure plate in a sliding closure unit for discharging molten metal from a metallurgical vessel includes a refractory plate body having parallel opposite planar surfaces. A first discharge opening extends through the body between the parallel surfaces and is used for initial operation. At least one other discharge opening extends through the body between the parallel surfaces and is sealingly closed by a stopper plug of refractory material. Upon erosion damage to the first discharge opening, such damaged opening may be closed by a stopper plug of refractory material, the stopper plug may be removed from the other discharge opening, and the plate may be reversed such that the other discharge opening then is employed for further operation of the plate.

Abstract: A tool for supporting a composite camshaft having a steel shaft and a sintered piece to be joined to the steel shaft through sintering in a sintering furnace. The tool comprises a graphite frame having at least two sides, in an upper portion of which a groove means is formed. A ceramic layer is provided on a surface of the groove means. When sintering is performed using such a tool, the tool will not deform even if the tool is exposed to an environment of high temperature, such as the temperature higher than 1,100.degree. C., and therefore, bending of the composite camshaft will not occur during sintering. In addition, the ceramic layer prevents diffusion of carbon from the graphite frame to the steel shaft of the composite camshaft, and therefore, a hardening of the steel shaft due to carbonizing will not occur. As a result, reliability of the joint between the sintered piece and the steel shaft is increased.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for gripping a wearing element of a sliding closure means for metallurgical containers in which the wearing elements are held with gripping in a metal frame by means of rotating members which simultaneously allow the plate to be locked against the frame, the plate to be gripped against the base of the frame and the lateral clearances of the plate in the frame to be absorbed. The gripping devices described are very simple and very robust in design. They contain no screw-threaded parts.

Abstract: A rocker arm/spring assembly which can be readily removed without the use of any tools whenever the refractory is removed from the valve is disclosed. Since the refractory is regularly removed from the valve, the rocker arm and spring assembly can be removed, and the springs replaced and tested readily. The rocker arm is provided with a keyhole mount including a bolt shank slot, a seat bore, a bolt head port, and a bolt spherical head seat. The rocker bolt is secured to the frame and has a spherical head which is slightly smaller than the bolt head port which permits the rocker arm to be passed over the fixed head of the rocker bolt, and then shifted laterally until the shank of the rocker bolt is nested within the bolt shank slot of the rocker arm, and the spherical head of the bolt engages the spherical head seat in the underportion of the rocker arm.

Abstract: A heat shield with refractory lining which is replaceable and anchored to the heat shield frame which, when employed on a sliding gate valve, can also serve to mount a collector.

Abstract: A method of purifying steel in a tundish, especially to remove alumina inclusions, comprises passing the steel through at least one refractory board having apertures through it and introducing inert gas into the steel at the upstream side of the foot of the board to cause a stream of bubbles to flow over the upstream side of the board. One of the boards may comprise a ceramic filter element. The boards may be non-vertical and have integral gas supply means. The apertures may taper, may have axes angled from perpendicular to the board's plane and may have high alumina content surfaces. The upstream side of the board may have an exothermic layer.

Abstract: A heat insulating casting tube is disposed between the outlet orifice of a first metallurgical vessel and a second metallurgical vessel. One end of the casting tube has a removable and substantially leaktight engagement about a casting nozzle or an adapter forming an extension of the nozzle of the first vessel. The casting tube is formed of a material sinterable under the action of the heat of the liquid metal as it flows in the tube. A ring of refractory material is disposed on the tube end engaged on and surrounding the lateral surface of the casting nozzle or adapter. The internal surface of this ring is shaped as the lateral surface of the casting nozzle or adapter and has a substantially leaktight engagement with that lateral surface. The height of the ring is such that its bottom edge is located above the zone in which the liquid metal which is poured into the tube would be liable to come into contact with the internal surface of the tube.

Abstract: Disclosed is a coil-annealing spacer which comprises a pair of upper and lower discs, each having a round hole in the central portion thereof, and longitudinal ribs disposed between the discs and secured thereto and extended radially or spirally radially from the round hole of each disc toward the periphery, wherein heat transfer fins are arranged on the inner wall of a gas passage defined by said upper and lower discs and said longitudinal rib along the flow of an atmosphere gas.If this coil-annealing spacer is used, the heating/cooling time is shortened at the annealing step to enhance the manufacturing capacity, and the deviation of the quality in the product coil is reduced.

Abstract: A refractory plate assembly for use in a sliding closure unit includes a plate-shaped refractory member having therethrough at least one discharge opening and a metal jacket surrounding the peripheral edge of the refractory member. Such assembly is constructed by providing the refractory member with at least one indentation extending inwardly from the peripheral edge of the refractory member. A metal ring is positioned to surround the peripheral edge of the refractory member such that a portion of the metal ring extends across the indentation. This portion of the metal ring is pressed into the indentation until an innermost external surface of such portion is spaced a predetermined distance from the external surface of the metal ring at a position at the peripheral edge of the refractory member opposite the indentation.

Abstract: A sliding closure unit includes a pair of spaced guide members and a discharge control member movable between the guide members. The control member has therethrough at least one discharge opening to be moved into or out of alignment with discharge openings through the guide members. The control member is formed of a ceramic fiber material.

Abstract: A rotary sliding closure unit includes stationary and rotary refractory members having respective discharge openings and fixed and rotary mounting devices for supporting the respective refractory members. The rotary member is rotated by the rotary mounting device with respect to the stationary refractory member along respective complementary abutting sliding surfaces thereof. Air is prevented from contacting the abutting sliding surfaces by an annular chamber defined between the fixed and rotary mounting devices and closed by an annular seal positioned therebetween.

Abstract: A swivelling sliding closure unit includes a stationary refractory plate having a discharge opening and supported by a stationary housing. A swivel pin is fixed to the stationary housing, and a swivel lever having first and second ends is mounted on the swivel pin by a gimbal bearing. A movable refractory plate has therethrough a discharge opening and is supported at the first end of the swivel lever by a movable housing to enable pivoting of the movable refractory plate with respect to the swivel lever. The swivel lever is rotated about the swivel pin to move the movable refractory plate between positions enabling and blocking discharge of molten metal from a metallurgical vessel and also to a replacement position. A rolling element is mounted on the stationary housing, and a raceway formed on the second end of the swivel lever abuts the rolling element.

Abstract: Sealing rings are provided for ladle preheaters. The rings are mounted for relative movement into a stable, suspended position over the primary lining. Refractory fiber insulation is provided in the form of modules on an outer support ring. The rings seal about the ladle rim adjacent burner and flue openings of the preheater. Since the sealing ring may move over the primary lining, the ladle rim forms a seal with the modules and also forces the support ring into a second seal with the primary lining when the lining is refractory ceramic fiber.

Abstract: Two sets of heater support members angularly distributed around a central vertical member are radially extendable individually or in groups to position heater elements within a preset distance of the cylindrical walls of any one of a series of pressure vessels having a range of diameters. A convex bottom heater support member is provided for each diameter vessel and is axially telescoped into the central vertical member so that an additional set of heater support members can be installed between the first mentioned two sets of heater support members and the bottom heater support member to accommodate for varying depths of the vessels in the series. Thermocouples are extended from the annealing device by actuators which use a spring or pneumatic pressure to press the thermocouple against the vessel wall with a preset constant force for accurate temperature measurements.