Abstract: The present invention provides a new process and a new apparatus for the treatment of steel-mill slag in a vessel which allows a wet granulation of the slag without the risk of explosions. The slag is caused to flow through a taphole at the bottom of the vessel, and the flow rate of the slag is determined by means of a continuous check of the weight of the vessel. One or more jets of granulating water, the flow rate of which is adjusted as a function of the slag flow rate, are directed onto the stream of slag flowing from the vessel. The apparatus comprises a vessel containing molten slag. This vessel is equipped with weighing means, with a taphole, with a device for shutting off the taphole, with means for maneuvering the shut-off device between an operating position and a stored or parked position away from the taphole and with a device for opening or freeing the taphole, engageable through the latter in order to initiate the flow of slag.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for casting metal strip in which molten metal is introduced between a pair of parallel casting rollers via a metal delivery nozzle disposed above the nip between the rollers, wherein the delivery nozzle comprises an elongate trough to receive molten metal, a nozzle outlet slot extending longitudinally along the bottom of the trough, a baffle structure extending above the slot, and a pair of flow passage means spaced apart laterally of the trough, one to each side of the outlet slot and each providing for flow of molten metal from the trough interior above the baffle structure into the trough interior below the baffle structure.

Abstract: A method of continuously casting a liquid metal including the steps of providing an upper vessel and a lower vessel, providing a stream protection tube disposed between the upper vessel and the lower vessel, the stream protection tube being connected at an upper end thereof to a tap hole defined in a bottom portion of the upper vessel, the stream protection tube being open at a lower end thereof, at least one aperture being defined in a wall of the tube near the lower end. The method further includes disposing the upper vessel above the lower vessel, lowering the upper vessel until a lower portion of the tube disposed below the aperture is immersed in liquid metal contained in the lower vessel with the aperture being disposed above the liquid metal. Next, the tap hole is opened so that liquid metal disposed in the upper vessel flows into the stream protection tube, air contained in the tube is expelled through the aperture.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling slag in a tilting furnace are provided. The apparatus comprises a trough having a lateral opening, a discharge outlet, and a passage for defining a non-linear flow path between the lateral opening and the discharge outlet. The method comprises the steps of tilting the furnace to discharge molten metal and slag into the trough, directing the flow of the molten metal through the flow path in the trough, damming and retaining the slag in the trough while permitting the molten metal to flow out of the trough, and discharging the retained slag through the lateral opening in the trough.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for controlling slag in a tilting furnace is provided. The apparatus comprises a discharge trough, lateral opening, dam, weir, discharge passage, discharge passage gate, and slag gate. The method comprises tilting the furnace to discharge molten metal and slag into the discharge trough, damming and retaining slag in the discharge trough while allowing molten metal to flow through the discharge passage and out of the discharge trough, closing the discharge passage with the discharge passage gate, and opening the slag gate to allow slag to flow out of the discharge trough the lateral opening.

Abstract: A dart-assembly for piercing open a blockage in the opening of a ladle for holding and transporting molten steel is mounted in the outlet bore of a slide-gate associated with the ladle opening. The assembly has an outer steel housing; mounted within the housing is a dart-member having an elongated rod, which rod has a lower threaded end for receiving a threaded nut. The upper end of the rod is provided with a dart-like head-portion which actually contacts and pierces through the blockage in the opening of the ladle when the dart-member is fired. A compression spring is telescopingly mounted about most of the length of the elongated rod of the dart-member, between the enlarged dart-like head-portion and the upper, flat-surface of a stop member.

Abstract: Metal casting apparatus comprises a casting container having an outlet nozzle in the bottom wall thereof, and an upright stopper within the container having a lower nose end thereto, the stopper being selectively movable between an operative position in which the nose end thereof seats on, to close, the nozzle and an inoperative position in which said nose end is displaced from, to open, the nozzle. The apparatus further comprises a barrier member positioned between the nose end of the stopper and the outlet nozzle and of a refractory material such as ceramic fibre capable of withstanding temperatures associated with pre- and post-heating of the apparatus but which is combustible at temperatures associates with molten metal, the material of the barrier member also being deformable whereby, with the stopper in its operative position, the barrier member conforms with the shape of the nozzle and the nose end of the stopper.

Abstract: There is disclosed a metallurgical vessel, such as a steelworks converter, having a refractory brick lining and a probe opening passing a wall of the vessel for introducing a measuring and/or sampling probe. In order that the probe opening will get obstructed only minimally, if at all, and possible deposits of slag will be removed easily and quickly, the probe opening is provided with a lining of graphite or a graphite/alumina mixture.

Abstract: An insert 6 is pushed into an eroded tap hole 5 of a steel-making vessel. This insert has outer and inner plates 7 and 8 formed from relatively thin steel sheet or cardboard which will flex so as to adapt itself to the internal dimensions of the tap hole 5 as shown. Between the two plates 7 and 8 there is a tubular support member 9 defining a central passage-way 10 which has holes 11 formed on its side walls which communicate with the open volume 12 between the end plates 7 and 8. A supply hose 13 is connected to the tubular member 10, through which a settable material comprising a clay and binder in wet form is injected so that the whole volume between the end plates 7 and 8 is filled. At the temperatures experienced the clay material will set rapidly so as to block off the tap hole 5.

Abstract: A furnace system including a main furnace for melting and reducing material to form molten metal and slag which are to be continuously discharged therefrom and provided with an outlet port formed in an upper portion of the side wall thereof, and an auxiliary furnace connected to the main furnace and communicating with the interior of the main furnace through the outlet port. The molten metal and the slag are allowed to continuously flow from the main furnace into the auxiliary furnace while maintaining the melt level in the main furnace above the level of the outlet port so as to seal the outlet port. The molten metal and the slag are discharged from the auxiliary furnace at the same rate as the increase in the amount of the molten metal and the slag in the main furnace. The auxiliary furnace may be provided with temperature control device for independently controlling the temperatures of the molten metal and the slag in the auxiliary furnace.

Abstract: There is disclosed a metallurgical vessel, such as a steelworks converter, having a refractory brick lining and a probe opening passing a wall of the vessel for introducing a measuring and/or sampling probe. In order that the probe opening will get obstructed only minimally, if at all, and possible deposits of slag will be removed easily and quickly, the probe opening is provided with a lining of graphite or a graphite/alumina mixture.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for controlling the rate of pouring of molten metal. Examples are given of pouring metal onto a steel strip to form a coating having a uniform controlled thickness thereon. The method comprises the use of an intermediate holding dish having pouring means in the form of a generally vertical slot. The metal head presented to the slot is variable in response to signals from sensors measuring, for example, total strip thickness and the metal level within the holding dish. Signals from the sensors are also used to generate control signals to vary the rate of pouring from a holding furnace into the dish.

Abstract: A blast furnace tap hole drill is provided having an elongated feedshell which supports a percussion drill, drill rod assembly, and a centralizing drill rod support disposed between the percussion drill and a stationary forward end drill rod support, and a drive means for advancing the percussion drill and centralizing drill rod support in unison along the length of the feedshell such that the advancing motion of the centralizing drill rod support ceases as it nears the forward drill rod support without stopping the advancing motion of the percussion drill.

Abstract: In the manufacture of pig-iron in a shaft furnace, a taphole is closed with hardened plugging compound during making of the iron and is opened for the tapping of the iron and then resealed. The resealing of the taphole comprises inserting hardenable plugging compound into the taphole and, before hardening thereof, driving a hollow tube into the plugging compound. The hollow tube has an open front end. The tube is pulled out at the next tapping. The use of a tube avoids disturbance of the plugging compound and creates a smoother taphole, leading to improved flow of liquid iron.

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 regular pyramidal shape. The tapered body includes swirl obstructing surfaces extending along its length and is geometrically proportioned so that the center of gravity is closer to the apex than the center of buoyancy of the body. Preferably, the outermost parts of the base intersect a circle whose diameter is larger than the diameter of the nozzle opening and defining a base length dimensionally fixed with respect to the base length within a predetermined range. Preferably, the longitudinal height is in the range of 0.5 to 1.0 times the diameter of the circumscribed circle. A modified, spherically configured body which can be rolled into position also is geometrically proportioned to keep the center of gravity spaced from the center of buoyancy and closer toward the apex of the modified shape.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for accurately detecting an outflow of a slag into a stream of a molten steel when the molten steel is poured from a first vessel such as a refining furnace or a ladle into an intermediate vessel such as a ladle or a tundish through a melt-discharging hole or a nozzle. At that time, an inert gas is fed into the stream of the molten steel in the nozzle through a side portion of the melt-discharging hole or the nozzle, and the detection is made based on a change in a flow rate of the inert gas sucked into the stream of the molten steel and/or in a back pressure.

Abstract: A tap spout, particularly for allowing molten metal to be discharged from oxygen-steel converters, includes a replaceable unit including a tubular wear lining and a jointing layer secured thereto. An inner lining of the tap spout may thus be repaired with relatively simple maintenance work by removing the inner lining and subsequently inserting the replaceable unit into an outer lining of the tap spout to form a new inner lining of the tap spout. The replaceable unit is adapted to facilitate either a press fit, and in particular, a fit ensured by axial compression of the jointing layer, or an expansion fit with the outer lining to secure the replaceable unit therein.

Abstract: To open a furnace taphole that is closed by a body of plugging material and a tapping rod the tapping rod is driven into the interior of the furnace. Because the tapping rod is driven in and not withdrawn, it is not necessary to provide a second hammer striking blows in the opposite direction, but the hammer used to drive the tapping rod into the body of plugging material is again employed.

Abstract: A method for retaining slag in a ladle or similar vessel containing molten metal such as used in the steel industry. Lumps of a highly refractory material having a density between the density of the molten metal and the density of the slag are added to the vessel. As the molten metal is drained from the vessel, the lumps agglomerate around the drain orifice and block the discharge of the slag from the vessel.

Abstract: A spout-filling mass for casting ladles has a particulate filling mass for filling the pouring spout which consists essentially of 50 to 70% by weight of chromium ore sand, 0.03 to 0.2% by weight iron oxide and the balance quartz sand intimately mixed together.

Abstract: The invention provides a closure member for a taphole or closure of a metal and slag containing vessel comprising a plug including a temperature reactive component rapidly expandable when subjected to heat, and a component softening under the effect of heat whereby, in use, the closure member expands and fits the taphole to form a block thereto.

Abstract: Gas injection into a metal melt, accompanied if desired by powdered or solid treatment substances, is by way of a nozzle inserted into the wall of a melt-containing vessel. The nozzle bore initially has a stopper at its inner end and a delivery pipe smaller than the bore is movable therein. Before injection, the pipe and bore adjacent the stopper are cooled by gas. By thrusting the pipe against the stopper while sufficient gas flow and pressure is maintained, the stopper is dislodged and the gas will enter the melt as a jet which leaves the pipe at a injection cooling, then when injection is completed allowing the melt to enter and rapidly freeze locking the pipe safely in the bore.

Abstract: A drill shaft assembly for a blast furnace taphole-opening system includes a drill shaft adapted for receipt of a drill bit at its forward end and for coupling with a hollow drill tool piece at its rearward end. The drill shaft has a solid cross-section along substantially its entire length and is provided, beginning at its rearward end, with an air channel which is in communication with a source of pressurized air for clearing dust from the taphole as it is being drilled. A coupling means is provided so that the drill shaft may be detachably attached to the drill tool piece shaft so that it is readily replaceable.

Abstract: A device which allows for the easy mounting of a gripper for coupling a piercing rod to a working tool mounted on a sliding carriage of a piercing machine, and in which the gripper has a female thread designed to be screwed onto a threaded end piece of the working tool is presented. The device essentially comprises a supporting cage which is fixed to the carriage and which ensures the vertical and lateral support of the gripper and allows it to slide longitudinally.

Abstract: A method for implanting a tubular probe having a nose in a smelting furnace, the nose of the probe being temporarily closed off by a plug inserted therein, the plug including a substantially cylindrical body force fitted in the probe nose and an internal conduit extending through the plug. The method comprises implanting the probe into the smelting furnace; injecting a gas into the probe; controlling the flow rate of the injected gas until the probe nose has reached a required position; and regulating gas supplying pressure to keep the flow rate between a minimum value, under which furnace gas may penetrate into the probe, and a maximum value, above which the plug may be prematurely ejected. The plug may further include a head axially connected to the cylindrical body designed to cover the probe nose externally, and during the implanting step, the plug is placed on the probe so that an orifice of the internal conduit on an external face of the head is directed downwardly.

Abstract: The stopper (1) is intended to automatically stop the orifice (14) of the pouring hole (11) of a metallurgical container (8) at the end of pouring of liquid metal (12) before the passage of slag (13).It principally comprises an external envelope in a refractory insulating material which is capable of sintering inside the metallurgical container (8), and composed of inorganic refractory particles embedded in a binder and a heavy core (6) intended to give the stopper (1) a density such that it floats on the liquid metal (12) and is sufficiently submerged in the metal (12) in order to stop the orifice (14) of the pouring hole (11) before the passage of slag (13).

Abstract: A plug for the tap hole of a metallurgical vessel includes a canister containing refractory mortar between a pair of end plates, one of which is movable toward the other to squeeze or compress the mortar through an aperture in a generally radially outward direction to seal against the tap hole wall. A plunger is provided and has axially relatively movable sleeves. One sleeve connects with the plug, while the other sleeve has a pusher head engageable against the movable end plate of the plug. The plug is connected to the plunger and inserted into the opening. The sleeves are axially displaced to cause the disks to relatively move axially toward one another, displacing the mortar into sealing engagement with the tap hole walls. Upon location and sealing of the tap hole by the plug, the plunger is unscrewed from the plug and withdrawn for later use.

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: Apparatus for safely plugging a furnace adapted to hold and transfer substantial amounts of molten material, the apparatus including a linkage assembly comprised of generally parallel bars pivotly connected together. A fluid operated cylinder is mechanically connected to the linkage assembly. An elongated bar is supported by the linkage assembly, and a plug is located at one end of the bar for disposal against and removal from a spout structure of a furnace. The cylinder translates the linkage assembly and thereby translates the bar and plug such that the plug can be moved to and from the spout structure. The plug is held against the spout structure under a positive force exerted by the cylinder.

Abstract: A device for the separation of slag and its retention in a converter, ladle, or the like, consists of a closure commonly called a dart, adapted to be placed either manually or automatically in the tap hole of the converter or ladle during tapping of molten metal therefrom. The device may have smooth exterior surfaces or may include configurations enabling it to substantially close the tap hole and impart a swirling motion to the molten metal and slag therein. The device may be formed of material having a specific gravity lower than that of the metal in the converter or ladle, but higher than that of the slag thereon or alternately having a specific gravity higher than that of the metal to facilitate manual placement of the device in the tap hole.

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 rod chucking device for a perforator for perforating a pig iron discharge opening being adapted to mount exchangeably perforating rods for perforation work, such as drill rods, blanking rods and the like to the tip end of an impact rod. The chucking device has a cotter movable between an engage position and disengage position in order to fix the perforating rod inserted into a rod insert hole of a socket. A spring is engaged with the cotter for urging the cotter toward the engage position. In order to prevent deterioration of the spring through vibration and heat during the operation, chilling air passage from the impact rod to the perforating rod is separated to form an air passage to chill the spring.

Abstract: The tapping passage of a metallurgical furnace is disposed generally horizontally in a lower region of the furnace wall structure below the upper level of the liquid metal; a closure member is pivotally movable relative to an outer end of the tapping passage to open and close access to the passage; the closure has a gas injection nozzle for injecting air under low pressure into the tapping passage to remove temporary plugging material in said passage in preparation for discharge of the liquid metal.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for tapping molten metal furnaces using a rotary percussion drill include a drilling rod assembly having a replaceable drilling section initially to drill the plugged tap hole to the furnace skull before being removed from the drill and being replaced by a one piece poking rod assembly to break the skull to tap the furnace. A cage assembly is pivotally mounted to the drive box of the drill to assist in alternately mounting the drilling rod assembly or poking rod assembly to the drive box and in cooperating with the drive box to provide the drive connection to the drill.

Abstract: A vessel having a floor which includes a tap outlet through which liquid contents in the vessel can be drained. The tap outlet features a shallow aperture circumscribed by first and second drip lines. The second drip line circumscribes the first drip line and is substantially coplanar with the first drip line. The two drip lines are connected one to the other by an annular hollow surface.

Abstract: For the alternating opening and closing of a taphole in furnaces, especially those having high internal pressure, the taphole is sealed by a shutoff member. Thereafter a plugging gun is deployed at the opening of the taphole duct, and immediately after reopening of the shutoff member, the taphole duct is completely filled out by the plugging gun with plugging compound. After the taphole duct has been filled, but before the complete hardening of the plugging compound, a tapping rod can be driven conventionally by means of a drilling machine centrally through the plugging compound up into the furnace, and can be pulled out again for the subsequent tapping step.

Abstract: A non-conductive plugger foot is disclosed for breaking through a solidified crust of electrolyte on an electrolytic reduction cell. The plugger foot includes a cylindrical sleeve having at least one downwardly depending leg attached thereto. The opposite end of the sleeve is connected to a vertically movable rod attached to a fluid or air actuated apparatus. A hollow cylindrical shell, which is closed at one end, is designed to receive the sleeve in its opposite end. The sleeve is inserted into the shell such that the leg is completely enclosed therein. The shell is then filled with a heat resistant, non-conductive refractory material which forms a permanent bond between the sleeve, the leg and the shell.

Abstract: A taphole drilling device for shaft furnaces is presented which is controlled by hydraulic fluid means. The taphole drilling device is particularly suitable for use in conjunction with a drilling process wherein the opening and closing of the taphole comprises the positioning and extraction of a drill rod which is left inside the taphole between successive tappings. One embodiment of the present invention essentially comprises a bar, a uni-directional percussion instrument which slides along the bar under the action of a motor, a device for coupling the drill rod to the percussion instrument and a means provided at the front end of the bar for guiding and supporting the drill rod. It will be appreciated that the motor used to drive the percussion instrument is preferably a hydraulic motor.

Abstract: A vortex inhibitor for use in tundishes, ladles, or metal making furnaces prevents the contamination of high quality molten steel by the slag layer which rides atop the surface of molten metal within such receptacles comprises a tapered polygonal body of castable refractory material whose specific gravity is less than the specific gravity of the molten metal but greater than the specific gravity of the slag. The refractory body is buoyantly supported at the interface of the layer of slag and the molten metal and includes a weighted apex so that the apex depends toward nozzle opening within receptacle. Thus, the body centers itself within the swirl of fluid generated during discharge of the fluid through the nozzle, and the inertia of the body substantially deenergizes the vortex so as to avoid formation of a suction funnel which typically draws the slag layer into and through the nozzle with the molten metal below the previously known critical level within the receptacle.

Abstract: A housing of the grasping device is connected by way of a headpiece with a taphole drilling machine equipped with a counterblow hammer. A clamping mechanism which can be coupled in a force-locking fashion in the housing of the grasping device with the smooth-round end of the tapping rod by means of an operating device is provided, this mechanism being in operative connection with an installation enhancing the clamping force upon an increase in tensile force at the tapping rod. The clamping mechanism can be, for example, a tilting disk surrounding the smooth-round end of the tapping rod with a bore and being in operative connection on one side with a stop fixedly connected to the housing of the grasping device, this stop converting the tensile force at the tapping rod into a tilting moment at the tilting disk so that the clamping force is enhanced.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for repairing slide plates of metallurgical containers. These types of slide plates consist of refractory material and have a passage opening for the discharge of the liquid metal, which is usually steel. Owing to corrosion and radial cracks, which orginate at the passage opening, these slide plates 5 become worn after a lengthy operating time. In order to be able to further use them to a large extent, the invention provides a bore, in the area of the opening, extending as far as the edge of the rim 6 of the slide plate, while the remaining refractory material is retained. Into this bore there is poured a refractory casting mass, the grain structure of which has a particular relation to the pore size of the retained refractory material. The essential fact is that the solid bodies of the refractory casting mass are predominantly smaller than the open pores, cut by means of the boring process, of the retained refractory material and can penetrate into the pores.

Abstract: A steelmaking process and an article of manufacture for use therein, comprising the addition to the steelmaking vessel or caster tundish prior to the tapping of the finished steel of a heat-stable material having a density such that said material floats substantially at the interface between the slag and steel, said material being in the physical form of at least one annular disc. The heat-stable material may also be added to the vessel in the physical form of at least one discrete piece in addition to the annular disc.

Abstract: Apparatus for closing the discharge aperture of a metallurgical vessel is presented. This apparatus includes a closure element attached to a pivoted lever in order to prevent undesirable discharge of slag at the beginning and end of the casting process and during refining. The lever pivotally opens and closes the aperture by means of a piston rod and pressure cylinder. The closure element, preferably made from wood, is temporarily attached to the lever by a friction fit and is designed to be used only once.

Abstract: A hot metal car is used for the transport of molten pig iron from a blast furnace to a steel making plant, the car having an opening through which it is filled and emptied. To restrict heat loss from the car, the opening is closed during at least one of (a) the journey from the blast furnace station to the steel making plant and (b) the journey from the steel making plant back to the blast furnace by a disposable cover which is at least partly lost into the molten iron during the course of the emptying or filling of the car at the end of the journey concerned.

Abstract: A device for the separation of slag and its retention in a tapping converter which consists of a closure, sometimes referred to as a dart, arranged to be positioned, either manually or automatically, into the tap hole of the converter. The device may include configurations enabling it to seal the tap hole to prevent slag from entering the same or alternately indicate the level of the slag in the converter relative to the tap hole by restricting the tap hole and imparting a swirling motion to the molten metal and slag therein. The device may be formed of material having a specific gravity lower than that of the steel produced in the converter but higher than that of the slag or alternately having a specific gravity higher than that of the steel to facilitate manual placement of the device in the tap hole.

Abstract: A stopper plug for sealing the tap hole of a molten metal receptacle is formed of refractory materials, fibrous substances, and consumable-disintegrable materials in a hollow conical plug that is expandable in a tap hole by movement of a wedge-shaped member therein, the expanded stopper plug being capable of effectively sealing the tap hole for a predetermined time.

Abstract: The invention is of a method for minimizing slag carryover when draining molten metal from a furnace and an article for use in the method. This article is a polyhedral-shaped body having density intermediate that of the slag and metal. When thrown onto the surface of the slag within a restricted area over the taphole, the body will float at the slag-metal interface, and tend to lodge with one of its corners projecting into the taphole as the final portion of remaining metal drains out of the furnace. The shape of the body and its dimensions are selected so as to only partially block the taphole opening, causing flaring of the stream so as to signal a furnace operator of the impending flow of slag from the furnace. The operator then shuts off flow to prevent carryover of slag onto the molten metal already tapped. Since only the edges of the body contact the taphole of the body does not become welded to the wall of the taphole and therefore is easily dislodged without loss of time between heats.

Abstract: An improvement upon the apparatus and method disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,273,202. To avoid loss of the drilling bit, a quick-change coupling apparatus is provided between the striking bar, on the one hand, and either the drill rod or poking bar, on the other.

Abstract: Apparatus for tapping a wall of a metallurgical vessel wherein a drilling machine is carried by a mounting means for reversible displacement therealong on a track. The mounting means is suspended from a laterally extending boom which swings on a stationary support, and the boom is swung by a mechanism for selectively displacing the mounting means with its drill into an operative position for drilling a tap hole in a metallurgical vessel and an inoperative position. In one embodiment of the invention, the mounting means together with its guide track for carrying the drilling machine is pivotally connected to the boom and guide means are provided to guide the pivotal swinging of the mounting means relative to the boom to guide the mounting means over a predetermined path of movement when the boom is swinging.

Abstract: A taphole apparatus for a steel-making converter, which is comprised of a series of refractory blocks each defining a bore and the bores being aligned to define respective and successive sections of the taphole, the bore of a first one of the refractory blocks at a hot inlet end of the taphole being funnel-shaped and the bore of a last one of the refractory blocks at a cold outlet end of the tap hole having a smaller diameter than the funnel-shaped bore at the hot inlet end.