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.

Abstract: A system for filtering hard alpha inclusions from a reactive metal alloy, such as titanium, is provided. The system includes a vessel, a receptacle and a filter. The vessel is capable of holding the reactive metal alloy in a molten form, and can pour the molten reactive metal alloy. The receptacle is for receiving the molten reactive metal alloy poured from the vessel. And to prevent at least some hard alpha inclusions from entering the receptacle, the filter is disposed between the vessel and the receptacle such that the molten reactive metal alloy passes therethrough before being received by the receptacle. The filter includes a frame, and a porous surface that is disposed within the frame. The porous surface defines openings that are sized to permit the reactive metal alloy in molten form to pass therethrough while capturing hard alpha inclusions.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for enhanced metallurgical processing of molten metal includes an enclosable ladle chamber (23) for reducing the escape of heat during transport of the ladle from a manufacturing vessel such as a furnace (13) to an intermediate processing (15) or refining station or during processing or transport to a receptacle vessel such as a tundish (17). The method comprises introducing a refractory body into the ladle chamber (23), the body having an adjusted specific gravity having a reduced steel ballast to refractory material ratio that is less than required for a specific gravity required to buoyantly support the body in the molten metal. Preferably, the ratio provides a specific gravity greater than the specific gravity required to buoyantly support the body entirely in the slag layer.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring molten metal from a melting furnace to a casting furnace is provided. A sensing and control system for the transfer of molten metal from a transfer furnace to a casting furnace is also described. The combination of the transfer apparatus with the sensing and control system provides for the introduction of reduced oxide molten metal into a casting furnace.

Abstract: A method of determining disturbances when discharging molten metal from a metallurgical container having an outlet into a receiving container. In steps of this process, a real time video image of the teeming stream is monitored to detect the presence of a slag phase, or conditions conducive to the presence of such a phase in steel being transferred, the monitored images are processed to provide data used to assess the quantity of slag passed, parameters of data generated representing characteristics of the teeming stream image are compared with threshold values to generate at least one signal indicative of the passage of slag, and the threshold values are progressively adjusted responsive to data collected by monitoring plural parameters of the teeming operation selected from predicted teeming duration, weight of the receiving vessel, condition of means controlling teeming rate, and oxygen content of the molten steel.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a molten material from a reservoir of molten material includes a dispensing chamber in communication with the reservoir and a first valve adapted to regulate communication of the dispensing chamber with the reservoir. A riser communicates with the dispensing chamber for dispensing the molten material, and a second valve is adapted to regulate communication of the riser with the dispensing chamber. Also disclosed is a method for reducing the inclusion of oxides in a casting of a molten metal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for producing steel. The invention device comprises a container (1, 101, 201). The metal used is molten, blown and refined in said container which comprises an upper component (5, 205) having at least one opening, a lower component (2, 202) and means for tapping the melt and slag from the container. Electrodes (21) can be charged into the container through said opening. The aim of the invention is to improve said device in such a way that said device can be constructed in a more simple manner in comparison with known devices. A bottom tapping system is provided for tapping the melt and optionally the slag.

Abstract: A method of determining disturbances when discharging molten metal from a metallurgical container having an outlet into a receiving container. In the first step of this process, one directly or indirectly detects mechanical vibrations caused by the discharge of molten metal through the outlet. Thereafter, a second property is measured; the second property so measured varies during the discharge of molten metal from the first metallurgical container to the receiving container. Then, one calculates a sensitivity constant based upon the measuring of the second property. Thereafter, a comparison is made between the vibrations detected by the measuring device with a desired vibrational characteristic, wherein the desired vibrational characteristic is defined in part by the sensitivity constant; the comparison is analyzed to determine the existence of the disturbances within the outlet, and actions are then taken to cause the disturbance(s) to cease.

Abstract: An improved vortex inhibitor for separating slag from molten metal during the discharge of molten metal through a nozzle includes a uniform castable refractory body with a generally tapering shape, a hollow chamber within the body and an elongated sacrificial member. The hollow chamber receives the sacrificial member or a mount for the sacrificial member. The refractory body and the sacrificial member combination in molten metal has a specific gravity less than the specific gravity of molten metal and is positioned narrow end downward when supported in molten metal. The hollow chamber can fill with molten metal to form a core that aids in orienting the body in a narrow end downward position. The sacrificial member align the with the area in which the vortex forms and minimizes interference with the flow through the discharge nozzle. The body preferably includes swirl obstructing surfaces.

Abstract: An automatic control method for a taphole opener for opening a taphole by giving impact and rotation to a drill unit holding a drilling rod and driving the drill unit forward and backward by a hydraulically driven feed motor, which method comprises the steps of; detecting the driving load in the form of detected hydraulic pressure, stopping the driving but maintaining the rotation when said detected pressure reaches an upper limit set value beyond which buckling may occur, and resuming the driving when said detected pressure falls to a lower limit set value or below. The drilling rod of the drills unit is prevented from buckling and idle hitting and a quicker taphole opening operation and enhanced accuracy of taphole depth can be obtained. Thus remote operation is made possible through the automation of the taphole opening work.

Abstract: A method of, and apparatus for, recycling a metal by melting it to remove it from metal-containing scrap through the use of a tiltable, swivel rotary furnace, which is swiveled to a first station for receiving metal-containing scrap, tilted back and rotated while heating to melt the metal, swiveled to a second station where it is stopped and forward tilted to quickly pour off the molten metal into a holding apparatus. The furnace is swiveled to a third station where it is further forward tilted and rotated to discharge the residual scrap, and then leveled and swiveled to the first station while still hot to receive metal-containing scrap, thereby reducing the amount of energy required to reheat the furnace to melting temperature. The furnace comprises a hollow elongated drum having a tapered snout, a door closing the front opening, a power rotary drive to rotate the drum, which is mounted for tilting about a transverse axis, and for swiveling about a vertical axis, and a heater.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a dynamic control system that maintains an inert gas feed at a constant target gas flow rate sufficient to prevent or reduce alumina or alloy plugging within a slide gate discharge opening. The dynamic control system includes a gas feed line extending between an inert gas supply and the slide gate discharge passageway, a gas flow regulator, a pressure gauge; and a gas feed flow control that detects an amount of incoming inert gas lost through leaks in the system and adjusts the gas flow regulator in response to the detected amount of incoming gas flow loss so that the adjusted incoming gas feed continues to deliver the target inert gas flow rate to the discharge passageway.

Abstract: The invention relates to the emptying of melting vessels (1) by tipping. According to the invention, the melting vessel (1) is placed on column-shaped bases (6). During the tipping process, the melting vessel (1) is raised at the side and the base supports (7) of the opposite side are used as the pivot or axis of rotation. This ensures that the discharge opening (4) and the slag overflow edge (5) are not moved very far from their original position.

Abstract: A drawing-off device (18) is used to empty a molten material (28) such as glass contained in a cooled crucible (10), in which there is an elongated pour orifice (30), a cooled slide valve (32) and a bar (36) forming a thermal bridge between the molten material (28) and the bottom (24) of the crucible (10), along one end (30a) of the orifice (30).

Abstract: In a metallurgical vessel (1) having a tapping apparatus (5) for the slag-free withdrawal of liquid metal (3) from a molten metal bath (3) which is disposed in the vessel (1), a first leg (11) of a discharge duct (10) passes through the refractory vessel wall (15) and an overflow edge (14) in the connecting region of the two legs (11, 12) of the discharge duct (10) is higher than the upper edge (18) of the inlet opening (17) of the discharge duct. The molten metal (3) in the discharge duct is preferably inductively heatable.

Abstract: A method of dispensing or pouring molten metal, e.g., aluminum, from a container or vessel, the flow rate controlled to minimize splashing of the molten aluminum exiting the container, the method comprising the steps of providing a container for containing molten metal, the container having an outlet for dispensing molten metal therefrom and providing a body of molten aluminum in the container, the body having a top surface. A pressure lower than atmospheric pressure is maintained on the surface of the body in the container vessel for purposes of controlling the flow of molten metal through said outlet. Molten metal is dispensed through the outlet by increasing the pressure maintained in the container towards atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed to improve the metal yield by adjusting the tilt angle of a tilting vessel having a submerged tap hole. The tilt angle is adjusted in response to parameters inherent in the pouring process, i.e. the proximity of the vessel contents to the vessel lip, the age of the tap hole, the liquid head over the tap hole, etc. Additionally, methods are disclosed to enhance the metal yield by advancing or moving back the furnace without knowledge of the tilt angle. Moreover, such methods and apparatus can be implemented through the use of computer based algorithms. The methods can also be used to archive pouring parameter information for future uses such as training and reviewing.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a molten metal iron by charging a starting material at least comprising a carbonaceous reducing material and an iron oxide-containing material into a rotary hearth furnace, reducing under heating the charged starting material into a solid reducing iron, carburizing the metal iron in the solid reduced iron with the carbon ingredient in the carbonaceous reducing material, thereby melting the metal iron, separating the slag ingredient contained in the starting material by the melting, and discharging the molten metal alloy in the molten state as it is to the outside of the rotary hearth furnace for recovery, wherein a downward inclined surface is disposed at an angle 3 to 30° relative to the horizontal plane on the upper surface of a hearth of the rotary hearth furnace on which the starting material is placed, and the molten metal iron is discharged at the discharging position for the molten metal iron from the lowest portion of the inclined surface.

Abstract: A molten metal pump includes a base member submerged in the molten metal, a support member supported above the level of the molten metal by a post extending from the base member through a clearance bore in the support member and a coupling securing the post to the support member. The coupling is mounted to the support surface and includes gripping members operable to a locked position engaging the upper end of the post and to an unlocked position releasing the post. The coupling is aligned with the clearance bore in the support member to permit the post to be assembled or disassembled by axial movement through the clearance bore when the coupling is in the unlocked position.

Abstract: A method of dispensing or pouring molten metal, e.g., aluminum, from a container or vessel, the flow rate controlled to minimize splashing of the molten aluminum exiting the container, the method comprising the steps of providing a container for containing molten metal, the container having an outlet for dispensing molten metal therefrom and providing a body of molten aluminum in the container, the body having a top surface. A pressure lower than atmospheric pressure is maintained on the surface of the body in the container vessel for purposes of controlling the flow of molten metal through said outlet. Molten metal is dispensed through the outlet by increasing the pressure maintained in the container towards atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A method of slag-free teeming of metal melt includes arranging outside of the metal vessel and closely adjacent to the discharge edge of the vessel discharge opening, of a jetting lance an inclination of which relative to a bath surface in the vessel and spacing from the discharge edge is changeable and injecting, through the discharge opening of the melt vessel, immediately before start of the teeming process and during the teeming process, a fluid jet having a high kinetic pulse energy substantially parallel to the bath surface for forcing a slag melt, which is located in a discharge region of the vessel and covers the metal melt, back.

Abstract: A pouring device for metallurgic vessels, particularly for steel melts, with slide plates which can be adjusted and slid out again one behind the other in a row under a vessel opening and into which filters can be inserted, and with an immersion pipe projecting into a mold. The slide plates have a filter part which is provided with openings arranged in the casting direction and at least one solid web plate part actuators are provided by which the slide plates can be displaced in the conveying direction (x-direction) and, in addition, in the same plane, but vertical to the conveying direction (i.e., in the y-direction).

Abstract: In a method for sealing a tap opening in a metallurgical container a plug with a plug sleeve and a refractory flowable material is provided having a metal rod or pipe surrounded by a protective pipe connected thereto. The plug sleeve and the protective pipe are made of a material resistant to a molten mass of metal in the metallurgical container only for a short period of time. The material is a temporarily heat-insulating material which cokes within the molten mass of metal and is cardboard or wood. The time of introduction of the plug sleeve is controlled based on measured parameters of the molten mass. The plug is introduced into the tap opening by guiding the plug with the metal rod or pipe through the molten mass in the metallurgical container. The plug sleeve changes by temperature action of the molten mass of metal such that the flowable material is distributed in the tap opening and seals the tap opening.

Abstract: A system for transferring molten metal (12) from a ladle (11) to a tundish (14) includes a nozzle (18) carried by the ladle (11) and having a bottom edge (30). A tube (19) has an upper edge (33) adapted to be positioned adjacent to the bottom edge (30) of the nozzle (18). The bottom edge (35) of the tube (19) is received in the tundish (14) and the passageway (32) in the tube (19) may receive a plug (39) to prevent slag (16) in the tundish (14) from entering the passageway (32). Either the bottom edge (30) of the nozzle (18) or the upper edge (33) of the tube (19) is generally spherical and engages a generally conical surface of the edge (30, 33) which is not spherical to form a seal between the nozzle (12) and the tube (19) irrespective of their precise alignment. The molten metal (12) may then pass from the ladle (11), through the nozzle (18), and through the tube (19) to displace the plug (39) and be received in the tundish (14).

Abstract: In a method for closing and opening a tapping hole of a metallurgical vessel, in which method a closure body (4), which leaves clear an annular gap between the closure body (4) and the wall of the tapping hole, can be moved out of a waiting position (I) into a closure position (II), in which it covers the tapping hole, and back, and in which method, at least in the closure position (II), a pressurized gas is introduced into the tapping hole counter to the outflow direction of a molten material contained in the metallurgical vessel, in order to avoid skull formation, the closure body (4) is moved out of the waiting position (I) into the closure position (II) and back with directions of movement which lie in different areas.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for controlling casting parameters and in particular to the control of the metering of the molten metal in a casting chamber of a vacuum die-casting machine. Measurement devices connected to a computer determine the volume and condition of the molten material. An evacuation device and a vacuum valve are controlled in the form of a control circuit.

Abstract: Heat-treated products discharged from a discharge port of a movable hearth type heat treatment furnace, for example a rotary hearth type reduction furnace are discharged to a sorting means, the heat-treated products that foreign substances have been removed, are discharged through a seal leg into which anti-reoxidation gas is blown from a gas blowing nozzle, to a receiving recess of a receiving pan provided within a case having a hopper attached thereto which is a feeding means, and then a scraper is swung to discharge the heat-treated products deposited on the top surface of the receiving recess from the longitudinal ends of the receiving pan and simultaneously to quantitatively feed it to a molten iron-manufacturing furnace 8, which is a downstream side facility, from the bottom side discharge port of the casing having a hopper attached thereto, and in addition, dust removal/cooling means for produced gas of the molten iron-manufacturing furnace and means for regulating the amount of produced gas are provid

Abstract: A converter includes a side wall, and a tapping hole placed at the side wall to allow passage of molten steel. A refractory plug is axially spaced apart from the tapping hole with a predetermined distance. The distance between the refractory plug and the tapping hole is in the range of 3-5 d where d indicates the inner diameter of the tapping hole. The refractory plug has one or more heat resisting steel tubes. When the molten steel is discharged through the tapping hole of the converter to the ladle, 0.1-0.4 Nm3/min of inert gas is introduced into the converter through the refractory plug to prevent leakage of the carried over slag.

Abstract: Fume dust is prevented when molten metal is poured into a vessel, and water or water mist is sprayed into the vessel or onto the molten metal, creating a reduced level of oxygen concentration of about 12% by volume, preferably about 8% by volume, inside the vessel or at the molten metal surface.

Abstract: A method of slag-free teeming of metal melt includes arranging outside of the metal vessel and closely adjacent to the discharge edge of the vessel discharge opening, of a jetting lance an inclination of which relative to a bath surface in the vessel and spacing from the discharge edge is changeable and injecting, through the discharge opening of the melt vessel, immediately before start of the teeming process and during the teeming process, a fluid jet having a high kinetic pulse energy substantially parallel to the bath surface for forcing a slag melt, which is located in a discharge region of the vessel and covers the metal melt, back.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling the flow of molten material from a melt container. The apparatus includes a tubular insert sized for insertion into a tap hole formed in a sidewall of the melt container and a rod receivable within the insert. A cooling device is provided to cool the rod to a temperature below the temperature of the molten material. The rod is axially movable within the insert between a first position wherein the rod is positioned within the tubular insert for cooling a portion of the molten material located at the first end of the insert to form a plug and stop the flow of molten material through the passageway, and a second position wherein the rod is spaced from the first end of the insert to allow the plug to melt and start the flow of molten material through the passageway. A method for trapping gases emitted during the melt and tapping processes is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of relining a vessel that is used to carry out a direct smelting process that produces molten metal under conditions requiring molten bath temperatures of at least 1000° C. is disclosed. The vessel is of the type that has a floor that is refractory lined, a side wall that is at least partially refractory lined, and a top wall, and at least two access openings to the interior of the vessel. The relining method includes the steps of cooling down the vessel, gaining access to the interior of the vessel via the access openings, relining the vessel, and re-starting operation of the process in a period of time of 21 or less days.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing metal structures in which minute drops of a liquid metal are emitted from an acoustic device through an inert gas. The presence of the inert gas at the surface of the liquid metal prevent the formation of an oxide skin which would absorb acoustic energy and hinder droplet formation and emission. The droplets are then emitted towards a substrate, which may form as a carrier, where they may be used to form solder bumps, circuit traces, or accreted to form a three dimensional device.

Abstract: Clean metal pour form a tilting, side-tapped furnace containing metal and slag is maximized by determining metal residuum remaining in the furnace from measuring the liquid metal poured into the receiving ladle and adjusting the furnace tilt angle to minimize vortex formation and minimize slag entrainment. Measurement of the necessary parameters avoids the use of operator judgment. In a preferred embodiment, adjustment of the tilt angle is computerized based on data received from appropriate sensing devices, avoiding both operator judgment as well as operator control.

Abstract: This invention is an electric arc furnace that can be continuously charged with ferrous materials, that can continuously melt the incoming charged materials, and that can semicontinuously tap molten steel by tilting to tap one side of the furnace or another. Continuous melting and refining can occur in lateral shafts adjacent to the central melting zone, and molten steel can be tapped from either of these shafts or directly from the central melting zone if desired. The furnace can be operated and tapped continuously, which provides many distinct advantages over what is currently available in the art.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling the flow of molten material from a melt container. The apparatus includes a tubular insert sized for insertion into a tap hole formed in a sidewall of the melt container and a rod receivable within the insert. A cooling device is provided to cool the rod to a temperature below the temperature of the molten material. The rod is axially movable within the insert between a first position wherein the rod is positioned within the tubular insert for cooling a portion of the molten material located at the first end of the insert to form a plug and stop the flow of molten material through the passageway, and a second position wherein the rod is spaced from the first end of the insert to allow the plug to melt and start the flow of molten material through the passageway. A method for trapping gases emitted during the melt and tapping processes is also disclosed.

Abstract: A slide gate plate throttling mechanism for the continuous casting of molten metal includes a gate plate assembly. The gate plate assembly is connected to an upper nozzle disposed below a vessel for containing molten metal and is disposed above an elongated lower nozzle that directs flow of molten metal. Each plate of the gate plate assembly includes an opening that forms a portion of a passageway for the molten metal. The gate plate assembly comprises a gate plate that is moved so as to open and close the passageway, a lower plate connected to an upper surface of the nozzle, and a groove disposed in a bottom surface of the lower plate around the lower plate opening. The mechanism further comprises at least one control device for regulating flow of inert gas and graphite into the groove. The system may include a device for measuring back pressure in the groove to determine when to seal the groove by injecting graphite therein.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a metal formed product comprises a molten metal-holding furnace; a semisolidified metal-producing mechanism; a cooling member-restoring mechanism arranged adjacent to the semisolidified metal-producing mechanism, for applying a restoring treatment so that chillers have a desired function; a forming machine for forming semisolidified metal to have a predetermined shape; and an articulated robot capable of transporting a crucible to the molten metal-holding furnace, the semisolidified metal-producing mechanism, and the forming machine. The semisolidified metal-producing mechanism includes first to third agitators. The cooling member-restoring mechanism includes first to third treating sections. These components are arranged in a direction of back and forth movement of the articulated robot. Accordingly, it is possible to efficiently obtain the metal formed product having a high quality.

Abstract: A process and system for purifying molten metal utilize a filter holder which has a spring-loaded clasp for releasably engaging a filter component. The filter holder is particularly well-suited to engaging and releasing a fabric filter having a frame surrounding its perimeter. The process involves releasing the filter component from the filter holder by inserting the filter component into a tapered recess of a mold composite. Another mold composite is mated over the filter component and forms a molten metal flow path, across which the filter is disposed. Then, a feed stream of molten metal is introduced to the flow path and through the filter. An advantage of the filter holder is that the spring tension within the filter holder can be adjusted to allow secure travel before insertion into the tapered recess and easy release of the filter component after insertion is complete.

Abstract: A channel arrangement for discharging molten metal from a smelting furnace, includes a channel (2) with two sidewalls (4, 5) and a channel bottom (6) made of a fireproof material. The channel (2) is arranged within a formwork trough (3) having receiving spaces (14) abutting lateral formwork walls (12, 13). A respective transversely moveable push wall (7, 8) is associated with each of the formwork walls (12, 13), while the receiving space (14) can be filled with a fireproof material, thereby providing a replacement sidewall. As soon as a channel (2) is worn, the channel is taken out of service and the bottom region is exposed. The remaining portion of the sidewalls (4, 5) together with the replacement sidewalls positioned in the receiving space (14) is displaced by a predetermined distance, and subsequently a fireproof material is poured into the channel bottom (6) as well as into the new receiving space (14) created behind the replacement sidewalls.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a process and an apparatus for the discontinuous tapping of melts. An inductor surrounds a passage through which the melt is discharged from a vessel. The inductor applies radial electromagnetic energy to the passage to maintain the melt in a molten state. To stop flow of the melt through the passage, an outlet opening of the passage is closed and the inductor is electrically switched off while a cooling medium is flowed through the inductor. To begin flow of the melt, the outlet opening of the passage is opened and the inductor is electrically switched on.

Abstract: Melt delivery system and method including a first melting chamber and a laterally adjacent second melt pour chamber arranged side-by-side to one another with a suitable isolation valve therebetween. A melting/melt delivery system is includes a transport mechanism having a horizontally translatable carriage disposed on a carriage support frame. A shaft mechanism is disposed on the carriage for rotation relative thereto and for carrying a melting vessel in a manner that the melt-filled vessel can be horizontally translated from the melting chamber where a charge is melted in the vessel to the adjacent mold pour chamber where the melt is poured into a casting mold or vessel by rotation of the shaft mechanism. The carriage is translated by an actuator on the carriage support frame, and the shaft mechanism is independently rotated by an actuator on the carriage.

Abstract: A chamber for receiving a downward flow of liquid metal includes a generally horizontal base having a generally planar impact surface. A first faceted sidewall having a plurality of facets formed therein, generally extends upwardly from and encompasses the planar surface to define an interior space. The interior space has an upper opening for receiving the downward flow of liquid metal. A second wall extends inwardly and upwardly from the first faceted wall toward the upper opening. A plurality of buttresses are spaced along the first faceted wall. Each of the buttresses extends between the impact surface and the second faceted wall. The buttresses form a plurality of discrete pockets including at least one facet. The pockets are defined by the buttresses, the impact surface, the first faceted wall and the second wall. The buttresses laterally deflect and divide the radial outward flow into a plurality of discrete flow patterns associated with the plurality of pockets.

Abstract: The invention relates to an automatically opening tapping thimble made from a refractory material for casting crucibles which are used in aluminothermic reactions. This thimble consists entirely or partially of air-permeable graphite or metal whose melting point lies between 2100 and 3727.degree. C.

Abstract: The invention provides a remotely controlled furnace tap hole tapping system. The system is pneumatically driven and is able to tap holes placed at different heights, different positions, and different angles. The invention replaces an oxygen filled lance which is consumable, with a solid metal lance. The lance is carried by a carrier system, which moves long a track. The invention provides a gantry that is able to move the carrier system to different tracks. The pneumatic drive system cools the tapping system, in addition to driving the tapping system.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing a liquid material from a reservoir (12), the apparatus comprising a first vessel (11) which forms an intermediate chamber and which is arranged to receive material from the reservoir (12), a second vessel (10) which forms a dispensing chamber and which is arranged to receive material from the intermediate chamber (11), first pressurizing means whereby the intermediate chamber (11) can be pressurized, second pressuring means whereby the dispensing chamber (10) can be pressurized, first valve means (13) operable to permit material to be admitted into the intermediate chamber (11) from the reservoir (12), second valve means (14) operable to permit material to be admitted into the dispensing chamber (10) from the intermediate chamber (11) and a duct (19) extending from within the dispensing chamber (10) whereby material can be dispensed through the duct (19) from the dispensing chamber (10) by pressurization of the dispensing chamber (10)

Abstract: A tap hole drilling machine, a drill bit for use in it, and a drilling method are disclosed. A nitrogen gas supply line for pressurised nitrogen as a carrier gas and a cooling water supply line are provided to form water mist for cooling the drill bit, the drill rod, the main body of the drilling machine and the tap hole. Thus the drilling time period is markedly shortened, the molten iron discharge time period is significantly increased, and the net consumption rate of the refractory material is considerably decreased. Therefore, by properly adjusting the amount of the molten iron existing within the lower portion of the blast furnace, the condition of the blast furnace can be stabilized, and the productivity can be improved. Advantageous conditions can be provided for the operation even under a high pressure and a high temperature environment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving the yield of molten metal discharged from a metal production vessel limits the slag carryover by reducing turbulence of metal pouring through a discharge opening by inhibiting a vortex over the discharge opening, automatically sensing the presence of slag in the discharge opening, and terminating discharge through the opening in response to the detection of changing content through the discharged opening passage. Preferably, the inhibiting function includes inserting a slag reduction device, preferably a refractory body and maintaining the position of the device over the discharge nozzle. Preferably, the sensor is an electromagnetic coil that determines the change in content of the flow through the opening passage without direct contact with the contents of the opening. The combination of the slag vortex inhibitor and the flow content sensor is substantially improved metal pouring yield as demonstrated by actual slag reduction results.

Abstract: In a charge well for adding scrap metal pieces or particles to a molten metal bath, a stationary diverter is provided within a charge well for diverting the circular flow of molten metal, caused by the orientation of the inlet port, in a downward direction, thereby creating a downward flow of molten metal which results in quick and efficient submergence of incoming lightweight scrap metal pieces or particles. Preferably, the diverter includes a leading edge which extends in a generally radial direction within the charge well and a flat top surface which tapers from the leading edge to a point or narrowed trailing edge. A downward curved surface extends from the leading edge to facilitate the downward flow of molten metal. The diverter may be mounted on a support member extending above the charge well.

Abstract: The impact pad (10) comprises a body of refractory material capable of withstanding contact with molten steel in a tundish, the body comprising a base (12) having an impact surface (13), an outer sidewall (14) extending upwardly from the impact surface (13), an annular portion (15) providing a top surface (16) substantially parallel to the impact surface (13) and connected to the sidewall (14) and defining an opening (11) into the pad, the lower face (17) of the annular portion (15), the inner face (18) of the sidewall (14) and the upper surface (19) of the base (12) adjacent the sidewall (14) together providing a continuous curved surface, which surface adjacent its lower end defines a trough (20) around the perimeter of the impact surface (13) of the base (12).