Plugging Or Tapping Patents (Class 266/45)
  • Patent number: 9360255
    Abstract: A method for reducing vortex formation in molten metal when bottom tapping the molten metal from a metallurgical vessel in a metal making process. The method includes the steps of tapping the molten metal via a tapping hole in the metallurgical vessel, and providing a flow of the molten metal in the metallurgical vessel while tapping via a time-varying electromagnetic field applied to the metallurgical vessel, the flow of the molten metal being such that it constantly moves vortices in the molten metal away from a tapping hole region during the tapping to thereby prevent accumulation of the vortices for vortex formation over the tapping hole. It is also presented an arrangement for carrying out the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: ABB Research Ltd.
    Inventors: Jan-Erik Eriksson, Tord Kroon, Mohamed Ali Rahmani, Ola Widlund, Xiaojing Zhang, Christer Carlsson, Hongliang Yang
  • Patent number: 9199305
    Abstract: The manufacturing method of the recycled plate performs, on a plate used for the sliding nozzle, recycling processing including impregnating a matrix of the plate that is formed by a refractory brick with liquid containing at least one of tar and pitch, heating the plate impregnated with the liquid to remove a volatile component, and filling a recess having an opening width and a depth of equal to or smaller than 1 mm, which is present on a surface of the plate after having been impregnated with the liquid and heated, with a thermal expandable refractory material of which volume is increased by at least one of generation reaction and change in a crystal structure with heating when the plate attached to the sliding nozzle is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: TYK CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hirokatsu Hattanda
  • Patent number: 9052144
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to automatic sanding hopper systems and methods for supplying sand to a tap hole in a furnace. The automatic sanding hopper system may automatically open a chimney door to provide access to a furnace through a chimney hole. A hopper assembly in the sanding hopper system may automatically move to a position in which a plunger may automatically actuate to clear or clean out the chimney hole. The hopper assembly may thereafter automatically move to a position in which a sand dispenser delivers sand through the chimney hole, into the furnace, and into the tap hole in the furnace. A sensor device may determine whether or not the tap hole is properly filled with sand. The hopper assembly may automatically retract and the chimney door may automatically close to begin another steelmaking heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: Nucor Corporation
    Inventors: Robert M. Kephart, Kenneth R. Phillips, Steven G. Huff, Kevin J. Defoor, Samuel R. Cox, Buford D. Lewis, Scotty R. Proctor
  • Publication number: 20150145184
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for opening and closing a tapping opening of a metallurgical smelting vessel in particular of an electric arc furnace, in the bottom region of which a wall section having an opening is arranged, wherein a device for moving block elements in a direction (T) perpendicular to the surface normal of the wall section in the area of the opening is arranged below the opening, wherein the device holds the block elements on the wall section in such a way that he block elements lie against the wall section in a sealing manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventor: Mathias Luettenberg
  • Publication number: 20150107797
    Abstract: In an electric arc furnace system for making steel, a method and structure (1) for eliminating teeming hang-ups and ensuring temperature homogeneity in a ladle which teems into an ingot mold by gas purging at all possible steps under both atmospheric and vacuum conditions, and (2) for preventing non-metallic inclusions from appearing in the final product by deflecting the granular material in the teeming ladle well block away from the ingot mold by a heat resistant but combustible deflector just prior to entry of the teeming stream into the ingot mold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventors: John A. Guliana, Guy A. Brada, Christian H. Ericksen, Bruce C. Liimatainen, Algirdas A. Underys
  • Patent number: 8906290
    Abstract: A container for molten metal has at least one opening in which a refractory nozzle brick is mounted. A refractory purge plug or a refractory sleeve defining an outlet opening is inserted in the nozzle brick opening. A defined gap is formed between the nozzle brick opening and the purge plug or the sleeve and is filled with a refractory mass, this mass consisting of a material which can be easily bored or milled out of the mass for the purpose of replacing the purge plug or the sleeve. In this manner, laborious cleaning steps can be avoided and the nozzle brick no longer risks being damaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Stopinc Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Michael Klikovich, Leopold Kneis
  • Publication number: 20140175715
    Abstract: A method for reducing vortex formation in molten metal when bottom tapping the molten metal from a metallurgical vessel in a metal making process. The method includes the steps of tapping the molten metal via a tapping hole in the metallurgical vessel, and providing a flow of the molten metal in the metallurgical vessel while tapping via a time-varying electromagnetic field applied to the metallurgical vessel, the flow of the molten metal being such that it constantly moves vortices in the molten metal away from a tapping hole region during the tapping to thereby prevent accumulation of the vortices for vortex formation over the tapping hole. It is also presented an arrangement for carrying out the method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2014
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Inventors: Jan-Erik Eriksson, Tord Kroon, Mohamed Ali Rahmani, Ola Widlund, Xiaojing Zhang, Christer Carlsson, Hongliang Yang
  • Patent number: 8696976
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for regulating the flow rate and for slowing down non-ferromagnetic, electrically conducting liquids and melt streams through magnetic fields, in particular in the tapping of metallurgical containers such as blast furnaces and melt furnaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: TMT Tapping-Measuring-Technology GmbH
    Inventor: Hans-Uwe Morgenstern
  • Patent number: 8658084
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for regulating the flow rate and for slowing down melt streams through magnetic fields in the tapping of metallurgical containers such as blast furnaces and melt furnaces. The method is characterized in that the melt stream is routed in a closed routing element using at least two magnetic fields disposed in series one after the other in the flow direction of the melt, said magnetic fields having a constant polarity opposite to one another, in such a way that the magnetic field lines transversally penetrate the melt flow across the entire cross section thereof and such that opposite voltages are induced in the melt stream by the magnetic fields, there being at least three eddy current fields produced thereby in the melt stream that are disposed axially one after the other, and that due to the interactions between the magnetic fields and the eddy currents forces are generated that can be used to reduce the flow rate of the melt stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: TMT Tapping-Measuring-Technology GmbH
    Inventor: Hans-Uwe Morgenstern
  • Publication number: 20130320601
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to automatic sanding hopper systems and methods for supplying sand to a tap hole in a furnace. The automatic sanding hopper system may automatically open a chimney door to provide access to a furnace through a chimney hole. A hopper assembly in the sanding hopper system may automatically move to a position in which a plunger may automatically actuate to clear or clean out the chimney hole. The hopper assembly may thereafter automatically move to a position in which a sand dispenser delivers sand through the chimney hole, into the furnace, and into the tap hole in the furnace. A sensor device may determine whether or not the tap hole is properly filled with sand. The hopper assembly may automatically retract and the chimney door may automatically close to begin another steelmaking heat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: NUCOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robert M. Kephart, Kenneth R. Phillips, Steven G. Huff, Kevin J. Defoor, Samuel R. Cox, Buford D. Lewis, Scotty R. Proctor
  • Patent number: 8591802
    Abstract: An improved vortex inhibitor 20 for separating slag from molten metal during the discharge of molten metal through a nozzle 14 includes a generally uniform castable refractory body 22 having a generally hemispherical or hemi-ellipsoid shape having a plurality of generally triangular shaped projection elements 30, 32, 34, 36, 38 and 40) defining a plurality of generally constant dimension grooves 42, 44, 46, 48, 50 and 52 extending downward from the top side 26 toward an apex 41 of the vortex inhibitor 20.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Tetron, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Koffron, Ross A. Jacobs, John W. Dresh
  • Patent number: 8545751
    Abstract: A refractory nozzle assembly comprising a vessel operable to contain a molten metal and having at least one outlet. The assembly includes an inner assembly having an aperture extending therethrough and an outer assembly having an aperture extending therethrough. The inner and outer assemblies are arranged in the outlet of the vessel and are arranged for relative lateral movement such that inner and outer assemblies are operable to move between an open configuration, where the apertures therethrough are generally overlapping, and a closed configuration, where the apertures are not overlapping. The junction between the inner and outer assemblies is located within a periphery of the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Inventor: Stephen David Mills
  • Patent number: 8506876
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method to control automatic pouring equipment that can pour molten metal in a desired sequence, and it also provides the system therefor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Sintokogio, Ltd.
    Inventors: Makio Suzuki, Yanyan Yang
  • Patent number: 8506880
    Abstract: An iron melting furnace has a refractory lined furnace body having a top opening through which raw materials including a raw material iron source, a carbonaceous material and a slag forming material may be introduced. A heating system is provided for injecting oxygen-containing gas into the furnace body to combust the carbonaceous material, whereby combustion heat can melt the raw material iron source to generate molten iron and molten slag to form a molten iron and slag bath. A plurality of tap holes penetrate the furnace body and are provided at positions different from one another in a height direction of the furnace body, and a refractory filling which is different from the refractory liner material fills at least one of the tap holes such that molten iron or slag in the furnace is unable to flow through the tap hole being filled with the refractory material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Kobe Steel, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideaki Fujimoto, Korehito Kadoguchi, Kiminori Hajika, Hiroshi Sugitatsu
  • Patent number: 8383032
    Abstract: An impact well configured to reduce the turbulence in a flowing fluid. The impact well has the shape of a frustum and includes an upper portion, an intermediate portion and a base portion. The base portion includes a domed portion that extends upwards into the intermediate portion. The upper portion, the intermediate portion and the base portion each included stepped areas configured to assist in the alignment of the portions and the assembly of the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Harrison Steel Castings Company
    Inventor: Stefan Drambarean
  • Patent number: 8366990
    Abstract: The invention relates to a recyclable slide shutter plate (1) and/or bottom nozzle brick (2). The invention comprises the slide shutter plate (1) and/or bottom nozzle brick (2), the outer part (6) and inner part (7) of which are connected to each other in a detachable manner. In addition, the invention comprises methods for the manufacture and repair of a repairable slide shutter plate (1) and/or bottom nozzle brick (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Indref Oy
    Inventors: Erkki Helanto, Mikael Silfvenius
  • Publication number: 20130001839
    Abstract: Spout-filling compositions and a method for protecting and facilitating free opening of a spout valve of a ladle are disclosed. The spout-filling compositions may comprise an iron-based ilmenite sand. More particularly, the compositions may comprise ilmenite sand in combination with a quartz and/or carbon black and/or chromite and zircon. The compositions described herein may be placed in a ladle to insulate the valve from molten metal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2010
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Inventor: James M. Britt
  • Patent number: 8343418
    Abstract: The embodiments of the invention relate to a tap hole plug gun for metallurgical furnaces, having a pressure cylinder for receiving the plugging compound, which has a closable filling opening for the plugging compound, and having a plugging piston for pressing the plugging compound out from a mouthpiece of the pressure cylinder pressed against the tap hole of a furnace. The pivotable safety flap for closing the filling opening of the pressure cylinder for the plugging compound is equipped with a stop, which is pivoted into the cylinder chamber of the pressure cylinder upon opening of the flap to decelerate an unintentional forward stroke of the plugging piston for pre-compression and expulsion of the plugging compound, and is pivoted out of the cylinder chamber upon closing of the safety flap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: TMT Tapping-Measuring- Technology GmbH
    Inventors: John Paul Vincent, Johannes Jacobus Goosen
  • Patent number: 8343416
    Abstract: A regulating device regulates the flow rate of non-ferromagnetic, electrically conducting liquids and melt streams through magnetic fields inducing eddy currents in the melt stream. In a preferred embodiment, the regulating device controls the melt stream using at least one stationary magnetic field with a constant polarity, at least one stationary magnetic alternating field or using a multi-poled magnetic travelling field, in such a way that the magnetic field lines transversally penetrate the melt flow across the entire cross section thereof and such that a voltage is induced in the melt stream by the magnetic fields.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: TMT Tapping-Measuring-Technology GmbH
    Inventor: Hans-Uwe Morgenstern
  • Patent number: 8313689
    Abstract: The filter of the type made out of fiberglass fabric is remarkable in that it includes an impregnation in an iron oxide enriched resin which confers a magnetization-based function and property upon it and allows the feeder head/filter unit to be recycled so that the metal and the waste filters can be recovered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Saint Jean Industries
    Inventor: Emile Marcelino
  • Patent number: 8236233
    Abstract: A taphole structure of a melting furnace includes: a sleeve made of a fire-resistant brick, which is disposed inside a tapping hole provided in a furnace wall brick; and a ramming material which fills a gap between the sleeve and the tapping hole for fixing the sleeve. In addition, a repair method of the taphole which has expanded due to wear of a first ramming material during tapping, includes: forming a dismantled surface having a straight line shape by dismantling and removing a worn portion of the first ramming material in a straight line from an outer surface side toward an inner surface side of a furnace wall; and then filling a second ramming material into a gap between the dismantled surface having the straight line shape and a first sleeve for sealing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Nippon Steel Corporation
    Inventors: Yasunari Matsumura, Kohji Taoka
  • Patent number: 8216954
    Abstract: A high-temperature, heat-resistant fill material is disclosed. The high-temperature, heat-resistant fill material includes an alumina refractory waste material having one or more of a used alumina-magnesium-carbon material, a used high-alumina material and a used fused-grain alumina material is disclosed. A method for method for manufacturing a material is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignees: Edw. C. Levy Co., Melt Solutions, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Thomas M. Dunn
  • Patent number: 8206642
    Abstract: A pivoting, liquid cooled slag door for metallurgical furnaces is disclosed. The slag door can pivot from the top using one or more robust mechanisms that enable the door to be moved into and stopped in any position between a closed position and an open position. The slag door can also incorporate wing walls disposed in close proximity to the sides of the slag door. The wing walls can minimize air infiltration into the furnace when the slag door is in an open position. The slag door can be disposed in close proximity to the hearth of the furnace to eliminate problems associate with conventional slag door tunnels. The slag door can be fitted with a furnace apparatus such as a burner or a lance and can be used to provide access to the interior of the furnace and to control the flow of material out of the furnace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Process Technology International
    Inventor: Valery Shver
  • Patent number: 8202472
    Abstract: A method for controlling a ladle to pour molten metal into a mold. The method comprises producing a mathematical model describing a relationship between a measured electrical voltage supplied to a servomotor for tilting the ladle and a flow rate of the molten metal flowing out of the ladle when the ladle is tilted; solving an inverse problem of the mathematical model; estimating the flow rate of the molten metal using a state observer having an exponential damping that uses an extended Kalman filter, based on the measured electrical voltage and a weight of the molten metal poured into the mold; processing the flow rate of the molten metal and a target flow rate of the molten metal with a gain-scheduled PI controller; obtaining a target electrical voltage to be supplied to the servomotor; and controlling the servomotor based on the target electrical voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignees: Sintokogio, Ltd., National University Corporation Toyohashi University of Technology
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Noda, Kazuhiko Terashima, Takanori Miyoshi, Kazuhiro Ota, Makio Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20120074620
    Abstract: A molten metal flow controller (10) for a metal melt furnace having a tap hole (T) to release the molten metal from the furnace, where the controller (10) is configured to controllably release the flow of molten metal through the tap hole (T) using an actuator (14) that controllably moves a plunger (110) into and out of the tap hole (T) in response the increase or decrease in the molten metal flow rate through the tap hole (t) as measured by a sensor (130).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Applicant: GILLESPIE + POWERS, INC.
    Inventors: Jon Richard Gillespie, Robert Alan Nash, II, Gregory Kurt Schroeder
  • Patent number: 8114185
    Abstract: A process for melting scrap metal for producing steel which includes the steps of combining a quantity of scrap metal and scrap rubber in an electric arc furnace. Energy is then applied to the quantity of steel and scrap rubber in the furnace to start the combustion of the scrap rubber to add additional heat for melting the scrap metal containing steel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Inventor: Franklin Leroy Stebbing
  • Patent number: 8083987
    Abstract: A method of initiating a pour of a liquid alloy comprises the steps of filling an interior of a crucible with a displacement plunger and the liquid alloy until a metal head of the liquid alloy exceeds a critical height. The crucible has a bottom pour opening with a plug inserted therein. The plug is configured to be buoyant within the liquid alloy when the liquid alloy is below the critical height. Pour is initiated by at least partially withdrawing the displacement plunger until the metal head drops below the critical height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce Corporation
    Inventors: Max Eric Schlienger, Paul Anthony Withey
  • Patent number: 8066935
    Abstract: An impact well configured to reduce the turbulence in a flowing fluid. The impact well has the shape of a frustum and includes an upper portion, an intermediate portion and a base portion. The base portion includes a domed portion that extends upwards into the intermediate portion. The upper portion, the intermediate portion and the base portion each included stepped areas configured to assist in the alignment of the portions and the assembly of the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: The Harrison Steel Castings Company
    Inventor: Stefan Drambarean
  • Publication number: 20110285066
    Abstract: An apparatus for centering a tap drill is provided herein. The device includes a body made of a refractory material that has a tapered shape and a connector secured to body configured to permit connection of the body to a tap drill bit. In addition, a method of operating a blast furnace is provided herein. The method includes providing a blast furnace plug having a refractory body having a tapered configuration. Securing the blast furnace plug to a tap drill bit. Aligning the blast furnace plug with a tap hole plugged with mud, and inserting the blast furnace plug into the mud to create an indentation in the mud having a tapered configuration. Removing the blast furnace plug from the tap drill bit, aligning the tap drill bit with the indentation and tapping the blast furnace.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2010
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicant: J.K. INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventor: JACK KENNING
  • Patent number: 8062578
    Abstract: A method for controlling a ladle to pour molten metal into a sprue of a mold. The method includes obtaining a mathematical model describing a locus of positions where the molten metal flowing from the ladle drops on an upper surface of the sprue. The method further includes solving an inverse problem of the mathematical model, estimating a position where the molten metal drops using a result of the solving of the inverse problem, and determining target voltages to be supplied to servomotors controlling the ladle. At least the target voltage to be supplied to one of the servomotors is determined based on the estimated position. The method also includes controlling the servomotors based on respective target voltages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignees: Sintokogio, Ltd., National University Corporation Toyohashi University of Technology
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Noda, Kazuhiko Terashima, Takanori Miyoshi, Kazuhiro Ota, Makio Suzuki
  • Patent number: 8062577
    Abstract: A high-temperature, heat-resistant fill material is disclosed. The high-temperature, heat-resistant fill material includes an alumina refractory waste material having one or more of a used alumina-magnesium-carbon material, a used high-alumina material and a used fused-grain alumina material is disclosed. A method for method for manufacturing a material is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignees: Edw. C. Levy Co., Melt Solutions, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Thomas M. Dunn
  • Publication number: 20110241268
    Abstract: A container for molten metal has at least one opening (4; 24) in which a refractory nozzle brick (5; 5?; 25; 25?) is mounted. A refractory purge plug (10; 10?) or a refractory sleeve (30; 30?) defining an outlet opening (31; 31?) is inserted in the nozzle brick opening (6; 6?; 26; 26?). A defined gap is formed between the nozzle brick opening (6; 6?; 26; 26?) and the purge plug (10; 10?) or the sleeve (30; 30?) and is filled with a refractory mass, said mass consisting of a material which can be easily bored or milled out of the mass for the purpose of replacing the purge plug (10; 10?) or the sleeve (30; 30?).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2009
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: STOPINC AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Michael Klikovich, Leopold Kneis
  • Publication number: 20110227262
    Abstract: A pivoting, liquid cooled slag door for metallurgical furnaces is disclosed. The slag door can pivot from the top using one or more robust mechanisms that enable the door to be moved into and stopped in any position between a closed position and an open position. The slag door can also incorporate wing walls disposed in close proximity to the sides of the slag door. The wing walls can minimize air infiltration into the furnace when the slag door is in an open position. The slag door can be disposed in close proximity to the hearth of the furnace to eliminate problems associate with conventional slag door tunnels. The slag door can be fitted with a furnace apparatus such as a burner or a lance and can be used to provide access to the interior of the furnace and to control the flow of material out of the furnace.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2010
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Inventor: Valery SHVER
  • Patent number: 8012405
    Abstract: A method for regulating metal melt throughflow through a melt throughflow aperture in a bottom nozzle of a metallurgical vessel is provided. The bottom nozzle has an upper nozzle arranged in a floor of the metallurgical vessel and a lower nozzle arranged below the upper nozzle. The method includes introducing inert gas through at least one inert gas inlet aperture into the melt throughflow aperture in the bottom nozzle, arranging a temperature sensor on or in the lower nozzle for determining a temperature in a wall of the bottom nozzle, and regulating an inert gas supply into the bottom nozzle using measurement signals from the sensor. A decrease in the temperature signals an increase of metal clogging and an increase in the temperature signals a decrease of metal clogging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Heraeus Electro-Nite International N.V.
    Inventor: Martin Kendall
  • Publication number: 20110174804
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for interrupting and restoring the melt stream of iron and metal melts in melt channels, in particular tap hole channels, of blast furnaces and drainage channels of melt furnaces. The method is characterized by a transition of the melt stream in the melt channels to the solidified state through cooling so that the melt stream can be interrupted, and by a melting of the solidified melt and a restoration of the melt stream through heating, in particular for re-establishing tapping of blast furnaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2009
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Inventors: Klaus Spies, Philippe Mallvoir, Laude Meisch, Luc Richartz, Peter Cramer, Han-Uwe Morgenstem, Jürgen Pithan, Ralf Taugerbeck
  • Publication number: 20110174457
    Abstract: A process for optimizing steel fabrication. The process includes optimization of treatment in the ladle based on accurate determination of steel weight, slag carryover and furnace heel. The unification of the dip test process together with ladle profiling using information from the slag, side and bottom regions of the ladle results in the quantitative determination of key factors to optimize steel composition with minimum slag carryover in the absence of scales to determine required masses of metal charge and ladle weight as examples. Caprices of the process include significant improvements in ladle refractory and specification steel quality.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2010
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Applicant: EVRAZ INC. NA CANADA
    Inventors: Sunday ABRAHAM, Shaojie CHEN
  • Patent number: 7858017
    Abstract: There is provided a method for melting a material rod in a material melting and holding apparatus of a metal molding apparatus where the material melting and holding apparatus provided for the metal molding apparatus includes a furnace body of a melting and holding furnace, and a melting cylinder for a material rod and a material supply cylinder for directly supplying the material rod into the furnace body provided in parallel with each other on the furnace body, upon startup of molding, the material rod is melted using the melting cylinder prior to supplying the molten material from the melting cylinder into the melting and holding furnace, and the material rod subsequently supplied from the material supply cylinder to a bottom portion of the furnace body is submerged and melted by the molten material, thereby maintaining the submersion melting in the melting and holding furnace after the startup of molding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Nissei Plastic Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaaki Minamimura, Yasuhiko Takeuchi, Toshiyasu Koda, Mamoru Miyagawa
  • Publication number: 20100201050
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for accessing a furnace melt are provided. Preferably, the method and apparatus provide for the safe and efficient access to the molten metal melt in a furnace. According to one aspect of the invention used in a steel making process in an electric arc furnace, a furnace aperture plug is reciprocated through a furnace aperture, the furnace aperture plug is retracted from the furnace aperture, access is provided to the molten metal melt in the furnace, and the furnace aperture plug is reinserted into the furnace aperture when the access is concluded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2010
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Inventor: Valery G. Shver
  • Patent number: 7749426
    Abstract: A method for controlling a molten metal material in an injection apparatus that includes a cylinder body with a nozzle at a front end, and a discharge opening on a bottom side of a rear portion. Heating means are provided on an outer periphery of the cylinder body and an injection cylinder is inserted onto an injection plunger for a forward and backward travel within a clearance inside the cylinder body. A material melting and supplying apparatus on a top portion of the injection cylinder has a bottom end outlet communicating with a cylinder body supply opening. Molten metal material accumulates from the supply opening in a cylinder front portion by backward plunge travel and is injected by a forward plunge travel. Heating means maintains the temperature of the molten metal material in front and middle cylinder portions and allows a lower temperature in a rear portion providing a seal metal as well as a lubricant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Nissei Plastic Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiyasu Koda, Mamoru Miyagawa
  • Patent number: 7700036
    Abstract: The invention relates to a launder construction for the conveyance of molten metal. The metal flows in the lower part of the launder construction in a channel defined by a refractory mass, the launder being heat-insulated so that, in operating conditions, the metal forms a solid zone in the porous refractory mass. The essential features of the launder construction include a cover part that is provided with electrical resistors, ensuring that the metal remains melted and the launder sufficiently hot throughout the process, and a gas burner that prevents the metal from cooling under the effect of the gas flowing in the launder channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Outotec Oyj
    Inventors: Jussi Sipila, Juha Lumppio
  • Patent number: 7687017
    Abstract: The present invention features a multi-functional pump for pumping molten metal, which includes a base that is submerged in molten metal having at least two impeller chambers. The base includes one or more inlet openings and one or more outlet openings. Each outlet opening leads from one of the impeller chambers. The invention enables the impeller to be moved to a position to rotate in either impeller chamber or while straddling impeller chambers. This enables the pump to have the versatility to operate in a circulation mode; a transfer mode; two or more circulation modes; two or more transfer modes; and a combination of transfer and circulation modes. The impeller chambers can be stacked over each other and the impeller can be moved vertically in and between impeller chambers. Also featured is a method of operating the multifunctional pump of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Inventor: Bruno H. Thut
  • Publication number: 20100019421
    Abstract: A mud gun cap is provided. The mud gun cap includes a flame resistant outer face, a ring and a mounting device wherein the mud gun cap connects to a mud gun nozzle to protect the mud gun nozzle from deterioration because of contact with molten iron and slag. The mud gun cap also prevents, or at least reduces the amount of, mud falling out of the nozzle while the mud gun nozzle is rotated into operation position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2009
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Applicant: J.K. INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Jack C. Kenning, John S. Korhel
  • Patent number: 7628952
    Abstract: Molten steel is conducted by a tubular shroud interconnecting a slide gate at a bottom tap hole of a ladle with the molten steel in an underlying tundish of a continuous caster. The flow path is confirmed to be isolated from contaminants in atmospheric air by applying a source of partial vacuum to the internal cavity of tubular shroud to allow prevailing atmospheric pressure acting on molten steel in a tundish to push molten steel upwardly in the internal cavity of the tubular shroud. A measure of the partial vacuum in the cavity of the shroud is used to assess the integrity of the gas tight seal. Before and after the integrity of the gas tight seal is determined, a three way valve is used to apply an inert gas to the volume in the cavity of the shroud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: SMS Demag, Inc.
    Inventor: Albert J. Klimas
  • Publication number: 20090256292
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for optimizing melting of titanium for processing into ingots or end products. The apparatus provides a main hearth, a plurality of optional refining hearths, and a plurality of casting molds or direct molds whereby direct arc electrodes melt the titanium in the main hearth while plasma torches melt the titanium in the refining chambers and/or adjacent the molds. Each of the direct arc electrodes and plasma torches is extendable and retractable into the melting environment and moveable in a circular pivoting or side to side linear motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2006
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Applicant: AJAX TOCCO MAGNETHERMIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Edward Scott Jackson, David O. Warren
  • Patent number: 7556765
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a tapping pipe for a metallurgical melting vessel, such as a converter or an arc furnace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Refractory Intellectual Property GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventors: Oliver Zach, Michael Klikovich, Michael Berger, Christian Rahm
  • Patent number: 7514034
    Abstract: A container capable of transferring molten metal from a factory that produces a molten metals such as molten aluminum alloys and so on to a factory that uses the molten metal while the molten metal being stored therein and supplying the molten metal to a use point using the pressure difference. The container comprises a frame 1a and a lining 2 having a passage for flowing the molten metal therein. The passage 34 is being provided at an inside of the frame and at least a part thereof is being surrounded by a member restricting a flow of a gas. The pipe 34 is, for example, made of a metal and inside thereof has a lining layer 34b formed with a refractory member. The pipe 34 may be structured with a ceramics. As such structure being adopted, even when a crack and the like is formed in the lining 2 of the container, the flow of a gas is shut off, resulting in stable supply of the molten metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Hoei Shokai Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Abe, Hitoshi Mizuno
  • Patent number: 7497989
    Abstract: An apparatus and process are provided for discharging a dose of a molten metal from a pressure pour furnace. A heating chamber of the furnace is used to keep the molten metal at a selected temperature. A sealing port between the heating chamber and a pressure chamber allows selectively filling of the pressure chamber with molten metal from the heating chamber by inserting or removing a sealing means from the sealing port. The sealing means inserted in the sealing port also provides a means for preventing back flow of the molten metal to the heating chamber when the pressure chamber is pressurized. Differential pressure sensing of the pressure of the molten metal in the pressure chamber and the pressure of the pressurizing gas in the pressure chamber can optionally be used to achieve an accurate measured discharge from the pressure chamber as the level of molten metal decreases from repeated discharges of doses from the furnace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: HI T.E.Q., Inc.
    Inventors: Gordon F. Kennedy, Mark G. Mohler
  • Patent number: 7468090
    Abstract: A method for tapping of steel from a steelmaking furnace to a receiving vessel comprising the steps of providing a steelmaking furnace comprising a tapping hole, and means for angular positioning of the furnace to vary the depth of molten steel and slag contained in the furnace above the tapping hole; determining a guidance profile for the tapping of the furnace, the guidance profile including the parameters of minimum tapping angle, maximum tapping angle, and time of rotation from the minimum tapping angle to the maximum tapping angle; performing an initial angular rotation of the furnace from an initial position to the minimum tapping angle; beginning the transfer of molten steel from the furnace through the tapping hole to a receiving vessel; rotating the furnace to the maximum tapping angle in accordance with the guidance profile; and ceasing the flow of molten steel through the tapping hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: Nupro Corporation
    Inventors: Frank L. Kemeny, David I. Walker, Jeremy A. T. Jones
  • Patent number: 7452400
    Abstract: An apparatus for melting a metal load includes a furnace having a melting chamber with a hearth and a molten metal outlet. The apparatus further includes non-regenerative burners that are operative to fire into the melting chamber, and regenerative burners that also are operative to fire into the melting chamber. The method includes the steps of firing non-regenerative burners into the chamber to provide heat for melting the load, and also firing regenerative burners into the chamber to provide heat for melting the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: The North American Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Thomas F. Robertson, John N. Newby
  • Publication number: 20080246195
    Abstract: Molten steel is conducted by a tubular shroud interconnecting a slide gate at a bottom tap hole of a ladle with the molten steel in an underlying tundish of a continuous caster. The flow path is confirmed to be isolated from contaminants in atmospheric air by applying a source of partial vacuum to the internal cavity of tubular shroud to allow prevailing atmospheric pressure acting on molten steel in a tundish to push molten steel upwardly in the internal cavity of the tubular shroud. A measure of the partial vacuum in the cavity of the shroud is used to assess the integrity of the gas tight seal. Before and after the integrity of the gas tight seal is determined, a three way valve is used to apply an inert gas to the volume in the cavity of the shroud.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventor: Albert J. Klimas