Abstract: Apparatus for determining in-blow % carbon content and/or the First Turn Down Carbon of a BOF heat includes a light sensor housed within a temperature regulated case having a sighting window including air wipe means to shield the light sensor from steelmaking dust and fume. The apparatus also includes a means to generate a signal that corresponds to the amount of oxygen blown into the BOF during a heat, and a programmable logic controller. The logic controller is programmed to continuously process oxygen blown signals from the signal generating means, and light intensity signals received from the light sensor. The program calculates continuous in-blow % carbon content of the heat based upon the difference in light intensity from a point of maximum light intensity emitted from the BOF vessel in relation to the amount of oxygen blown into the BOF vessel during the same period of time.

Abstract: An incineration kiln of the slagging mode, which has an outer shell and a protective layer inside the shell with quantum failure identifiers. The quantum failure identifiers recognizes one or more stages of increasing degree of failure of the protective layer, so that an operator may be warned and take suitable measures to protect further deterioration of the protective layer and restore the same.

Abstract: A method for heat treating a metal component uses a first heating system having a first high intensity heating portion to rapidly heat the component to a desired temperature and a second heating portion to maintain the component temperature for solution heat treatment. The heating system is an indexing-type system which includes a plurality of individual heating stations to effect solution heat treatment of the component. Following quenching, a second heating system having a first high intensity heating portion to rapidly heat the component to a desired temperature and a second heating portion to maintain the component temperature artificially ages the component.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of sequentially and continuously determining the concentrations of carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen in molten steel using a single apparatus. Disclosed also herein are a method and an apparatus for determining trace amounts of carbon in molten steel which are the specialized application of the principle used for the above-mentioned method.

Abstract: First and second electrodes are inserted into molten metal. A first pseudo random signal is transmitted to the first electrode, and at the same time the first pseudo random signal and a second pseudo random signal which has the same pattern as the first pseudo random signal but which is slightly different in frequency from the first pseudo random signal are multiplied by each other in a first multiplier to thereby calculate a first product value. A signal obtained from the second electrode and the second pseudo random signal are multiplied by each other in a second multiplier to thereby obtain a second product value. The displacement of the molten metal is calculated from the time difference between maximum correlation values respectively appearing in time series patterns of the first and second product values.

Abstract: An apparatus for metallurgically heat treating a plurality of discrete individually movable aluminum alloy parts includes a plurality of successive stations for heat treating the parts. The plurality of stations are arranged in a line of travel. Infrared radiation lamps are provided at each station. A conveyor mechanism places and holds a part in a station for heat treatment. The conveyor moves the part to a subsequent station for further heat treatment. The conveyor mechanism holds the part stationary relative to the line of travel while the part is in a station being heat treated.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for forming metallized iron by direct reduction of particulate iron oxide is disclosed. Spent reducing gas is recycled from the reduction furnace through a cooler-scrubber and a catalyst-containing stoichiometric gas reformer. Upon removing the process gas from the cooler-scrubber, it is contacted with a chlorine dioxide spray, then compressed and cooled, the sulfur compound removed, and the process gas recycled either into the furnace cooling zone, or directly into the reformer, or divided and directed into both uses. Thus, most of the sulfur containing components of the spent reducing gas are removed, thereby reducing the sulfur contamination of the gas reformer catalyst. Reducing sulfur contamination of the gas reformer catalyst improves the overall efficiency of the direct reduction process. Either high sulfur ores, or high sulfur process gas, or both can be utilized in the invented process.

Abstract: A temperature probe is disclosed for determining the temperature at which residual oils can be vaporized from cold rolled strip without producing free carbon. The probe includes an open ended first tubular member with a burner mounted at one end of the first tubular member for closing the end thereof so that the burner fires its products of combustion through the first tubular member and out the other end thereof. A closed end second tubular member concentrically receives the first tubular member to define an annular heat space therebetween and has an exhaust port in fluid communication with said annular heat space adjacent the burner.

Abstract: The present invention refers to an apparatus and a capsule for carrying out processes of directed crystallization, especially in cosmic space conditions. The apparatus comprises a first compartment forming a multizone furnace having an inner surface divided into heating zones for heating up material pieces to be processed, and a second compartment for receiving capsule holders bearing capsules for receiving the material pieces, the first and second compartments being connected with one another through a cooled neck part and determining together a common closed space, the second compartment includes an upper and a lower annular rims prepared with cutouts for capsule holders, the capsule holders and the rims forming together a magazine of capsules, and revolving manipulating means.

Abstract: Melt atomizing apparatus comprising a melt supply orifice for supplying the melt for atomization and gas supply orifices proximate the melt supply orifice for supplying atomizing gas to atomize the melt as an atomization spray. The apparatus includes a sensor, such as an optical and/or audio sensor, for providing atomization spray data, and a control unit responsive to the sensed atomization spray data for controlling at least one of the atomizing gas pressure and an actuator to adjust the relative position of the gas supply orifice and melt supply in a manner to achieve a desired atomization spray.

Abstract: The purpose of this invention is to present an apparatus consisting of a graphite rod, a vibration signal sensor, a signal processing unit, a data processing unit, and a data display unit to indicate the oxygen content of a copper melt. As such graphite rod is immersed into the molten metal it vibrates and the level of vibration is statistically correlated to the level of dissolved oxygen in the copper melt.

Abstract: A method for producing a cast aluminum vehicle wheel uses a high intensity electric infrared heating system to heat treat the wheel. The infrared heating system is an indexing-type system which includes a plurality of individual heating stations. A first group of heating stations effects solution heat treating of the wheel, while a second group effects artificial aging. The infrared system enables the solution heat treating and aging to be completed in less than 15 minutes.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for forming metallized iron by direct reduction of particulate iron oxide is disclosed. Spent reducing gas is recycled from the reduction furnace through a cooler-scrubber and a catalyst-containing stoichiometric gas reformer. Upon removing the process gas from the cooler-scrubber, it is contacted with a chlorine dioxide spray, then compressed and cooled, the sulfur compound removed, and the process gas recycled either into the furnace cooling zone, or directly into the reformer, or divided and directed into both uses. Thus, most of the sulfur containing components of the spent reducing gas are removed, thereby reducing the sulfur contamination of the gas reformer catalyst. Reducing sulfur contamination of the gas reformer catalyst improves the overall efficiency of the direct reduction process.

Abstract: A method for producing a cast aluminum vehicle wheel uses a high intensity electric infrared heating system to heat treat the wheel. The infrared heating system is an indexing-type system which includes a plurality of individual heating stations. A first group of heating stations effects solution heat treating of the wheel, while a second group effects artificial aging. The infrared system enables the solution heat treating and aging to be completed in less than 15 minutes.

Abstract: A method for heat treating an aluminum part is provided. The method includes heat treating the aluminum alloy part with direct radiation from a source of infrared energy until the part attains a desired state of heat treatment. The method and apparatus further include monitoring of the part and controlling the intensity of the radiation source through proportional control in response to the measured temperature.

Abstract: A stir plug of frusto-conical shape for introducing gas into a mass of molten metal and comprising a plug having an outer core formed of a first refractory material. A wear indicator in the form of a central core comprised of a second refractory material is located within a centrally located recess in the outer core adjacent the bottom end of the plug. The central core extends from the bottom end of the plug towards the top end of the plug and is of a predetermined height less than that of the outer core. The upper end of the central core when exposed by the erosion of the stirring plug provides a visual indication of when that plug should be replaced.

Abstract: A molten metal inclusion sensor intended for "continuous" use in the testing of steel, i.e. a useful life of at least about 30 minutes, comprises a probe which is detachably connected to a water-cooled support member (35). The probe comprises a tube (30) of heat resistant material, preferably silica, having an inner electrode (31) mounted on its interior wall and an outer electrode (32) mounted on its exterior wall, the molten metal entering the tube interior through an orifice (33) upon its immersion in the molten metal, whereupon the flow of metal with entrained inclusions is monitored by measuring the voltage between the electrodes (31, 32). The electrodes (31, 32) are preferably of graphite and are shaped to fit closely against the walls of the part of the tube (30) that is immersed in the metal and are of a material that retains enough mechanical strength to support the tube (30) as the metal is pumped into and out of interior, the metal remaining hot enough for this pumping to occur.

Abstract: There are disclosed a method and an arrangement for preventing the agglomeration of crusts in a lance opening passing a wall of a metallurgical vessel and provided for a lance carrying a measuring and/or sampling probe. During the metallurgical process proceeding within the metallurgical vessel and during the taking of a measurement and/or sample by means of a lance introduced into the metallurgical vessel through the lance opening, a gas that is inert relative to a melt bath contained in the metallurgical vessel, or air, is injected into the lance opening from outside, which gas produces a gas veil at the mouth of the lance opening facing the melt bath.

Abstract: A shaft furnace for melting copper solid into copper melt has been controlled by manual operation with reference to the actual storage quantity of the holding furnace so far. The burner air pressure of each zone of the shaft furnace is controlled by the actual storage quantity and the time change of it using Fuzzy Logic. The temperature of copper melt is adopted as another input signal. The proportion of burner air pressure of the zones is revised by the melt temperature. Automatic control basing upon the present invention decreases the fluctuation of storage quantity of the holding furnace.

Abstract: An arrangement for introducing and removing a lance into and out of a tiltable metallurgical vessel has drive means stationarily arranged in the direction of the lance axis and means for pivotal mounting of the drive means. The lance is designed as a guide and is guided by the drive means and is movable in the direction of its axis. In a method using the above arrangement for positioning the lance relative to the metallurgical vessel, the actual position of the vessel is taken up by a position transmitter on said vessel, and the drive means is actuated to position the lance in dependence on that actual position.

Abstract: A molten metal inclusion sensor comprises a single use disposable probe which is detachably connected to a support member. The probe may comprise a tube of heat resistant material having an inner electrode mounted on its interior wall and an outer electrode mounted on its exterior wall, the molten metal entering the tube interior through an orifice in its wall past a jet-preventer insert upon its immersion in the molten metal, whereupon the flow of metal with entrained inclusions is monitored by measuring the voltage between the electrodes. Alternatively the tube may be of electrically-conductive heat-resistant material and constitute the inner electrode. The flow may be assisted by a reduced pressure established within the tube, or may be slowed by a positive pressure to maintain the Reynolds number of the flow below 2000.

Abstract: A combustion piping system for a metal melting furnace is disclosed in which a sieve is used upstream of a flashback arrester to collect particulate matter carried in the fuel flow to the furnace so as to minimize maintenance of the flashback arrester. The sieve is mounted in a sieve holder that is arranged to be rapidly removed from and replaced in the piping system during furnace operation so as to minimize the pressure drop in the fuel flow to the furnace.

Abstract: An apparatus for the treatment of metal-laminated plastics scrap and/or radio, television or computer scrap, wherein the scrap is heated in a closed container to a temperature at which the metal-plastic bond is broken and the metal and plastics parts are segregated from each other. The apparatus comprises a heatable container which is provided with a closable scrap charging opening and a closable products removal opening. An inert feed conduit and inert gas removal conduit are connected to the container which is formed as a rotary tube. An inert gas washing chamber is provided between the inert gas removal conduit and the inert gas feed conduit.

Abstract: Temperature maintenance and metallurgical treatment furnace for a metal in liquid state, comprising a closed container for liquid metal provided with a burner of the oxygen-combustible type, a porous plug for the bottom of the container for injecting a neutral stirring gas, and openings for the introduction and/or the removal of metallurgical treatment products. The container is in the form of an insulated enclosure which is rockable about a support axis, with two ducts with vertical component, one which is in the form of a chimney opening in the enclosure close to the vault of the enclosure and serving for the introduction of liquid metal and metallurgical treatment products, the other which is in the form of a chute opening at the level of the bottom of the enclosure and in which the upper opening is in position of liquid metal removal in a rocked position of the enclosure. The burner is mounted in the vault of the enclosure.

Abstract: An installation for the thermal treatment of metallurgical products, such as, particularly, thin slabs, obtained from at least one continuous-casting line and to be subjected to a rolling operation, which comprises:an induction-heating furnace which is located at the exit of the continuous-casting line and the power of which is adjusted so as to increase the temperature of the slabs to a mean value determined by the rolling requirements, without correcting the local temperature heterogeneities of each slab and;an equalizing or homogenizing furnace or zone located at the exit of said heating furnace, in order to correct the thermal heterogeneities inherent in each slab.

Abstract: A method for operating a computer to control the manufacture process of zirconium tubes in a pilger mill operation, the computer including an electronic memory and being coupled to the pilger mill to receive, as input, data related to the operation of the mill. The method comprising, in one embodiment, the steps of storing in the computer memory respective test signals, each test signal corresponding to a signal obtained by inspecting a tube manufactured by the mill with a respective, known defective operation condition, inspecting a zirconium tube finished by the manufacture process and generating a signal representative of the physical dimensions and material configuration of the tube, comparing the generated representative signal of the zirconium tube with the stored test signals, alerting an operator if the generated representative signal of the zirconium tube correlates to a stored test signal, and identifying the defective operation condition which corresponds to the correlated stored test signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the detection with measuring techniques of the temperature course of a metal or metal alloy melt in a container (39) which is influenceable by a heating device (22 to 24) and a cooling device (33). The temperature course is herein detected via a thermal camera (49) which is directed toward the region of the solidification front (48) of the melt. The data supplied by the thermal camera (49) are used for the purpose of determining the thermal gradient along on a coordinate of the container (39) and to control the heating device (22 to 24) according to the thermal gradient. Moreover, the data supplied by the thermal camera (49) are used for the determination of the solidification velocity of the melt to regulate the cooling device (33) in accordance with this solidification velocity.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus as disclosed for example in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,555,662 and 4,600,880 for on-line particle determination in molten metals, wherein a sample of the molten metal is drawn by a vacuum through a calibrated passage in the side-wall of a heat-resistant tube while a current is established through the passage between two electrodes on either side thereof. The passage of non-conducting particles through the orifice produces pulses whose magnitude and rate indicate respectively their size and the number of particles per unit volume. The electrodes and their leads form an interference-receiving antenna so that the wanted test signal, whose signal/noise ratio is inherently low, is subject to interference from neighbouring sources, such as motors, fluorescent lamps and particularly induction furnaces.

Abstract: A torsion pendulum apparatus and a dialometer are combined for simultaneous measurement of the internal friction and the expansion of an alloy. The combination is controlled by a programmable controller so as to conduct in-situ measurements of the internal friction and the expansion of a metal during its phase transformation or specific heat treatment. The results of the internal friction measurement and the expansion measurement can be checked and assumed by one another so that more accurate and detailed information can be obtained for the study of metal alloys.

Abstract: Refractory, gas-permeable bubbling plugs for a vessel containing a molten metal have a cold end remote from the molten metal and a hot end facing the molten metal. The hot plug end is subject to wear by the heat radiated from the molten metal to leave a remaining plug size after wear, and such plugs comprise at least one measuring probe displaying the remaining plug size. According to the invention, the measuring probe comprises a small tube having a tip extending into the plug and spaced a predetermined distance from the cold plug end, and an end section protruding from the cold plug end, a wire movably mounted within the small tube, a spring preloading the wire, a connection connecting an end of the wire to the tip of the small tube and detachable by the effect of the radiated heat, and an optical display unit attached to the wire in the protruding end section of the measuring probe tube.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ceramic body suitable for use in molten metal filtration applications having a built-in preheat indicator and method for forming such a ceramic body. The preheat indicator comprises a dye having a burnoff temperature substantially equal to the desired preheat temperature applied to a surface of the ceramic body. In a preferred embodiment, the dye comprises an aniline dye such as Backmeier's crystal violet.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating a rotary retort heat treating furnace involves incorporating an outlet for withdrawing furnace atmosphere from the retort above the axis of rotation and conveying the withdrawn gas remotely form measurement at the temperature conditions where the heat treatment process occurs. The method and apparatus also involves introducing the treatment atmosphere and sampling the atmosphere at a point adjacent the retort product discharge outlet. The use of the above-center outlet and remote probe eliminate structural problems encountered in prior art attempts to measure and control the furnace atmosphere in rotary retort furnaces.

Abstract: A tunnel furnace height detector used for detecting ceiling heights of a tunnel furnace. The detector includes a plurality of detecting units arranged on a trolley traveling in the tunnel furnace in a manner such that their heights are progressively lowered by predetermined distances. Each of the detecting units includes a support base, and a solid piece pivotally connected to the support base automatically returnable from a pivotally moved position forced by an external force to an original position. The solid piece has one end in contact with a lowered ceiling and the other end closing and opening a measuring circuit system forming a closed circuit.

Abstract: A burden distribution monitoring apparatus, according to the present invention, includes a hollow cylindrical sonde having an inner end radially movable within the internal space of a furnace, such as a shaft furnace. The sonde carries a burden layer depth sensor and/or a burden grain distribution sensor for radially shifting working ends of the sensors. With the foregoing construction, burden depth and/or grading of the burden can be monitored in a plurality of radial points in the furnace.

Abstract: Apparatus for the continuous annealing of strip steel or the like, wherein the apparatus comprises a furnace having an annealing chamber and input and output strip feed structures located on opposite sides of the chamber near the top thereof. The rate at which the strip is feed through the feed structures is regulated by a feed controller which establishes a catenary loop of strip between the feed structures. The strip feed structure includes a mechanism for connecting the trailing end of a section of strip to the leading end of a succeeding strip, whereby a continuous supply of strip is provided to the furnace from a supply of coils of strip or the like. The feed controller is operatively coupled to the input and output strip feed structures for controlling the respective rates of the feed structures, and thereby controlling the size of the loop such that the furnace may be operated concurrently to anneal the strip and function as an accumulator.

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: A device for detecting slag flowing with a stream of molten metal dischar through an outlet opening in a metallurgical vessel includes a sensor positioned in the area of a base plate of the vessel to surround the stream of molten metal without being contacted thereby. The sensor has a sending coil and a receiving coil associated with a reference coil. At least the sending and receiving coils are positioned within a housing formed of a non-magnetic material. The housing encompasses the coils and defines therearound a protective casing that alters electromagnetic fields emanating from the base plate and the stream of molten metal and that is resistant to mechanical stresses.

Abstract: The device has a lance. The lance is moved towards said molten bath level. An antenna is provided at a downward end of the lance for coaction with the slag interface (interfaces), when the lance is moved towards the slag interface (interfaces). A sensitive detection circuit is connected to said antenna. The antenna is during its downward movement capacitively coupled to said slag layer, and the detection circuit detects a predetermined impedance change (predetermined impedance changes) at the antenna provided as it is moved towards the interface (interfaces).

Abstract: Device for determining the charge profile in a shaft furnace. In order to be able to scan the entire burden surface at least over a right-angle graticule, a radar unit is arranged at the front end of a tubular lance, which latter can be radially introduced into the furnace, the beam direction of this radar unit being pivotable about the longitudinal axis of the tubular lance bilaterally over a predetermined angle, as well as about a transverse axis extending perpendicularly thereto, approximately by the same angle in the forward direction. The device is suitable for scanning the entire burden surface in a graticule mode as well as line-by-line, and the scanning results of the device can be made visible and can also be used as input data for the automatic control of the shaft furnace.

Abstract: A protective device for a submersible lance to be used in a vessel of molten material, such as steel, prevents undesirable deposition of the material at the juncture of lance and probe by having in the lance a channel for gas, and by having between the lance and the probe a gas-conducting disk which projects this gas circumferentially onto the lower surface of the lance.

Abstract: A method and a device for monitoring combustion conditions in a metallurgical furnace which is effective and simple in structure and can provide a wide monitoring range of high accuracy. The combustion conditions in the furnace are monitored by a probe lying oblique to the axis of the blow pipe. Toward this end, the probe is inserted into the furnace through a tuyere. The tuyere has a through opening admitting the probe and allows the probe in an orientation oblique to the radii of the blow pipe.

Abstract: The bench for supporting and introducing an elongated rectilinear probe in a blast furnace comprises probe supporting and guiding means and probe driving means, constituted by a carriage guided according to a translatory movement on rails. The probe is held in position on the carriage at the level of the rails so that the thrusting force exerted by the carriage on the probe in order to cause its penetration into the furnace, is applied in the axis of said probe. The means for guiding the probe comprise articulated arms which are retractable in order to clear the path followed by the carriage when the latter is moved toward the furnace.

Abstract: A thermocouple selection switch for monitoring thermocouples positioned within tunnel furnace cars allows a plurality of thermocouples to be monitored, while, at the same time, avoiding the requirement of precisely aligning the tunnel furnace car with an external probe. The selection switch is comprised of a plurality of switch stations, each of which contain longitudinally extending contact rails which when contacted with an external probe at any point along the length of the contact rails establishes electrical contact with opposite sides or wires of thermocouple.

Abstract: A temperature controlling system for investigating thermal transformation having a program-controller operated furnace the temperature of which is changed with a predetermined speed, and into which a sample and a reference substance containing elements with identical thermal parameters are placed. The sample and the reference substance containing elements are coupled with temperature sensing elements detecting their temperature and both elements are connected to a temperature comparing unit forming the difference of the two temperatures. The output of the temperature comparing unit is coupled through a differentiating network, limit switches and an actuating unit with a quasi-static temperature input of the program controller.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the detection and measurement in a molten metal sample of suspended particulates comprises a container having a composite wall including concentric electrically conducting outer and inner walls (10) and (12) and a disc (14) of refractory material having a passage (16) of predetermined size therethrough providing communication between the inside and outside of the container. In use, molten metal is pumped through the passage (16) so as to establish a current path from the inner wall through the passage to the out wall. A current is passed along the current path, and voltage changes are measured as indicating passage of suspended particulates through the passage.

Abstract: The detection device comprises at least two electrically conductive elements (2, 4) arranged outside the refractory brick (1), at least one (4) of the two conductive elements from the rear face of the brick to a predetermined distance from the front face, in contact with the liquid metal, and the two conductive elements being connected to an electrical detection circuit (8, 9), in such a way that when the wear of the brick (1) reaches the end of the conductive element (4) the two conductive elements (2, 4) are put into contact with one another by the liquid metal, and this can be detected on the indicator instrument (9).The invention is used especially in steel metallurgy.

Abstract: A furnace probe is introduced transversely into a furnace through a support block and a sealing packing. In order to reduce the influence of distortions on the packing and support elements, a carriage is slidably mounted along a frame and is provided with at least one stirrup mounted thereon so as to be pivotable about a horizontal axis at right angles to the direction of a device for gripping the probe and driving it in the probe insertion direction when the carriage is moved in the direction of the furnace.

Abstract: Apparatus for introducing reactive and nonreactive gases through the refractory lining of a metallurgical vessel, such as bottom injection of such gases into a BOF to improve mixed blowing efficiency. The apparatus comprises one or more refractory blocks which may be set within a metal canister. The refractory blocks have a plurality of slots each containing one or more small diameter nonreactive metal tubes for conveying gases. The refractory block may also contain means for measuring the rate of wear of the refractory blocks in the canister.

Abstract: An improved slag sensor taphole nozzle assembly for a metallurgical vessel having electromagnetic coils protectively located in grooves in the nozzle sidewall, with the nozzle sidewall being (1) non-ferromagnetic and (2) having high electrical resistivity.

Abstract: A burden distribution monitoring apparatus, according to the present invention, includes a hollow cylindrical sonde having an inner end radially movable within the internal space of a furnace, such as a shaft furnace. The sonde carries a burden layer depth sensor and/or a burden grain distribution sensor for radially shifting working ends of the sensors. With the foregoing construction, burden depth and/or grading of the burden can be monitored in a plurality of radial points in the furnace.