Receptacle Patents (Class 266/275)
  • Patent number: 11268763
    Abstract: Electric arc, and ladle, furnaces 10 have components 14 with a high-emissivity/high reflectivity layer 18 disposed on the hot face 16. The component 14 includes a water-cooled panel 40, a duct 34, roof 12 frame 38, pipes, dry delta 36, water-cooled delta 28, fourth hole elbow 32, fourth hole roof 42, side walls 26 and combinations thereof. The high-emissivity/high-reflectivity layer 18 comprises, in dry admixture, from about 5% to about 40% of an inorganic adhesive, from about 45% to about 92% of a filler, and from about 1% to about 25% of one or more emissivity agents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignees: Emisshield, Inc., Melter S.A. de C.V.
    Inventors: John W. Olver, Timothy Wayne Wilson, Carlos Uribe, Alberto Rivera
  • Patent number: 10989473
    Abstract: A lining structure for a refractory vessel contains a first layer containing refractory material; a second layer, in communication with and parallel to the first layer, containing a metal layer or component; and a third layer, in communication with and parallel to the second layer, containing refractory material. The metal component in the second layer contains filled transverse passages, between the surface of the second layer in contact with the first layer and the surface of the second layer in contact with the third layer, producing support structures to maintain the structural integrity of the refractory vessel in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: Vesuvius U S A Corporation
    Inventors: Dominique Janssen, Jose Simoes, Roger Maddalena, Beda Mohanty
  • Patent number: 10563922
    Abstract: A method for detecting a leakage in the area of at least one cooling device of a furnace, wherein, in the event of a leakage, liquid coolant gets into a furnace chamber of the furnace from the at least one cooling device, and wherein a stream of exhaust gas is continuously removed from the furnace chamber over a period of time Z. The steps include dividing off a representative partial stream from the stream of exhaust gas during the period of time Z; condensing vaporous constituents contained in the partial stream; determining a stream of condensate obtained; comparing the stream of condensate obtained with a condensate-stream limit value; and indicating a leakage if the stream of condensate exceeds the condensate-stream limit value. Also a device for carrying out the method and a furnace with such a device are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: PRIMETALS TECHNOLOGIES AUSTRIA GMBH
    Inventors: Markus Abel, Markus Dorndorf, Mark Tratnig, Denis A. Vaillancourt
  • Patent number: 9964360
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a slag discharge door, which is provided separately from a molten-steel discharge opening in an electric furnace and opens and closes a slag discharge opening for discharging slag. The method of manufacturing the slag discharge door, which moves up and down on the slag discharge opening to open and close the slag discharge opening, includes the steps of: forming a door body by forging, forming a coolant passage, a coolant inlet, and a coolant outlet in the door body by drilling, and then finishing a passage that blocks a portion that is open toward an outer surface of the door body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignees: Hyundai Steel Company, Seoul Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Joon-Seong Ki, Hae-Yang Lee, Jin-Ill Hwang
  • Patent number: 9889503
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fireproof (refractory) ceramic impact pad (also called impact pot, German: Pralltopf), which is typically installed along the bottom of a vessel treating metallurgical melts at an area where the metal melt, poured into the vessel, normally hits the vessel bottom. Insofar the impact pot has the task to protect the refractory bottom of the metallurgical vessel (to reduce its wear) and/or to distribute the metal melt within the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: REFRACTORY INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Gernot Lukesch, Sarah Kohler, Gernot Hackl
  • Patent number: 9863029
    Abstract: A device installed between a surface of a coating bath and an air knife equipment to produce a hot dip metal coated steel sheet to form a non-oxidation atmosphere in a surface of a coated steel sheet ascending from the coating bath, the device comprising: lower gas discharge bars spaced apart from the surface of the coating bath by a predetermined distance and discharging a non-oxidation gas in a direction of the surface of the coating bath along the surface of the coated steel sheet; a side cover extending upwardly slopingly in a direction of the coated steel sheet from the sides of the lower gas discharge bars; and upper gas discharge bars formed at an upper end of the side cover and discharging a non-oxidation gas downwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Inventors: Byung-Sun Moon, Byung-Moon Lim, Young-Keun Song
  • Patent number: 9803923
    Abstract: Crucible compositions and methods of using the crucible compositions to melt titanium and titanium alloys. More specifically, crucible compositions having extrinsic facecoats comprising a rare earth oxide that are effective for melting titanium and titanium alloys for use in casting titanium-containing articles. Further embodiments are titanium-containing articles made from the titanium and titanium alloys melted in the crucible compositions. Another embodiment is a crucible curing device and methods of use thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Bernard Patrick Bewlay, Stephen Francis Bancheri, Joan McKiever, Brian Michael Ellis
  • Patent number: 9724756
    Abstract: In a metallurgical vessel used for handling molten metal, a preformed refractory component forms part of a refractory structure that covers the bottom wall and side wall of the metallurgical vessel. The preformed refractory component is generally cup-shaped and formed of high-temperature refractory materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: NORTH AMERICA REFRACTORIES COMPANY
    Inventor: Ronald L. Barrett
  • Patent number: 9616496
    Abstract: In a steel ladle used for handling molten steel, a precast ladle barrel ring forms part of a refractory structure that covers the bottom wall and side wall of the steel ladle. The precast ladle barrel ring is comprised of a monolithic annular ring formed of a high-temperature, cast refractory. The annular ring further includes means for positioning the precast ladle barrel ring in a steel ladle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: NORTH AMERICAN REFRACTORIES COMPANY
    Inventor: Ronald L. Barrett
  • Patent number: 9579634
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for preparing a metal catalyst having improved yield of alcohols. The method for preparing a metal catalyst for the production of alcohol from synthesis gas includes forming a metal catalyst; and irradiating the metal catalyst with gamma rays. The metal catalyst has improved yield of alcohols by stabilizing the metal catalyst through gamma ray irradiation to inhibit generation of hydrocarbons in catalytic reaction with synthesis gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Energy Research
    Inventors: Sun-Hwa Yeon, Dae-Hyun Shin, Nam-Sun Nho, Kyoung-Hee Shin, Chang-Soo Jin, Sung-Chan Nam, Je-Kyoung Woo, Kwang-Ho Kim
  • Patent number: 9511419
    Abstract: An impact pad for use in tundish of continuous casting steel during pouring out of molten steel (6) from the casting ladle into the tundish. The impact pad (1) has side walls (2) provided with barriers (3) distributed spaced apart and staggered in height and in length in the whole extension of the walls (2) or part thereof, the impact pad (1) still comprises an impact bottom (5) provided with corrugations (4) uniformly distributed and staggered in its entirety or part thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: MAGNESITA REFRATARIOS S/A
    Inventors: Thiago Augusto Avila, Bruno Augusto Batista Ribeiro, Herbert Amarildo Dos Santos
  • Patent number: 9498821
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the invention provide a vessel for containing or conveying molten metal therein. At least part of the outer surface of the vessel incorporates a web of metal wires embedded in the surface, the wires being mutually overlaid with openings formed therebetween. The refractory material penetrates into the openings. The web may comprise woven metal wires or non-woven wires or both. The web imparts resistance to cracking (or containment of cracks, once formed) and/or resistance to molten metal leakage if cracks develop. The invention also provides metal containment structures containing such vessels, and methods of producing the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: Novelis Inc.
    Inventors: Eric W. Reeves, James E. Boorman, Richard Scott Bruski
  • Patent number: 9005518
    Abstract: A refractory bottom lining for lining the bottom of a metallurgical vessel. The refractory bottom includes a stepped portion and an impact portion. The impact portion is formed of a first refractory material. The stepped portion is formed of a second refractory material and is disposed around the impact portion. The stepped portion includes an upper surface that has a plurality of discrete surface sections. The plurality of discrete surface sections includes an uppermost surface section, at least two intermediate surface sections and a lowermost surface section. Each surface section has a different elevation such that the uppermost surface section has a highest elevation and the lowermost surface section has a lowest elevation. The uppermost surface section, the at least two intermediate surface sections and the lowermost surface section define a continuously downward stepped path from the uppermost surface section to the lowermost surface section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: North American Refractories Co.
    Inventors: Ronald Barrett, Donald Abrino
  • Patent number: 8986601
    Abstract: A method of ironmaking using full-oxygen hydrogen-rich gas which includes hot transferring and hot charging the high-temperature coke, sinter and pellet into the ironmaking furnace through transferring and charging device, and injecting oxygen and hydrogen-rich combustible gas at a predetermined temperature into the ironmaking furnace through the oxygen tuyere and the gas tuyere disposed at the ironmaking furnace, respectively. It also provides an apparatus for ironmaking using full-oxygen hydrogen-rich gas which includes a raw material system, a furnace roof gas system, a coke oven gas injecting system, a dust injecting system, a slag dry-granulation and residual heat recovering system and an oxygen system. Additionally an apparatus and method for hot transferring and hot charging of ironmaking raw material is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignees: Central Iron & Steel Research Institute, Shandong Tiexiong Metallurgical Technology Co., Ltd, Shandong Coking Group Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuanhong Qi, Qingtao Wang, Dingliu Yan, Peimin Guo
  • Patent number: 8986603
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for producing low oxygen-content molybdenum powders by reducing MoO3. The apparatus includes a body, a cover to close an upper end of the body, a joint to couple the body with the cover, a bracket located in the body, and a micro-sieve located on an upper portion of the bracket. Metal Mo powders having the oxygen content of 3,000 ppm are obtained by using the apparatus for producing low oxygen-content molybdenum powders by reducing MoO3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources
    Inventors: Hyung-Seok Kim, Jung-Min Oh, Chang-Youl Suh, Back-Kyu Lee, Jae-Won Lim
  • Patent number: 8945465
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the invention relate to a compressive rod assembly for applying force to a refractory vessel positioned within an outer metal casing. The assembly includes a rigid elongated rod having first and second opposed ends, a threaded bolt adjacent to the first opposed end of the elongated rod, and a compressive structure positioned operationally between the elongated rod and the bolt. Compressive force applied by the bolt to the elongated rod passes through the compressive structure which allows limited longitudinal movements of the elongated rod to be accommodated by the compressive structure without requiring corresponding longitudinal movements of the bolt. Exemplary embodiments also relate to rod structure forming a component of the assembly, and to a metal containment structure having a vessel supported and compressed by at least one such assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Novelis Inc.
    Inventors: Eric W. Reeves, James E. Boorman, Jason D. Hymas, Robert Bruce Wagstaff, Randy Womack
  • Patent number: 8906292
    Abstract: Crucible compositions and methods of using the crucible compositions to melt titanium and titanium alloys. More specifically, crucible compositions having intrinsic facecoats that are effective for melting titanium and titanium alloys for use in casting titanium-containing articles. Further embodiments are titanium-containing articles made from the titanium and titanium alloys melted in the crucible compositions. Another embodiment is a crucible curing device and methods of use thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Bernard Patrick Bewlay, Stephen Bancheri, Joan McKiever, Brian Ellis, Robert A. Giddings
  • Patent number: 8858868
    Abstract: Disclosed is a temperature regulated vessel, and method for using the same, having a body configured to melt meltable material received therein, and one or more temperature regulating lines within the body configured to flow a liquid therein for regulating a temperature of the meltable material received in the melting portion. The vessel has a poor or low thermally conductive material on one or more of its parts, such as on the melting portion, on exterior surfaces of the body, and/or surrounding the temperature regulating lines to increase melt temperature of the material. The melting portion can also have indentations in its surface, and low thermally conductive material can be provided in the indentations. The vessel can be used to melt amorphous alloys, for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Crucible Intellectual Property, LLC
    Inventors: John Kang, Quoc Tran Pham, Theodore Andrew Waniuk, Sean Timothy O'Keeffe, Joseph W. Stevick
  • Patent number: 8568655
    Abstract: A thermally efficient cover for the molten metal held in a furnace, tundish, ladle, crucible or other containment vessel. Through substantially horizontal movement, this cover allows for periodic removal, particularly by retraction, for accessing contents of that furnace from a top aperture in the containment vessel. This invention further relates to a covered furnace system and methods of use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Inventor: C. Edward Eckert
  • Publication number: 20130221588
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an impact pad for use in tundish of continuous casting steel during pouring out of molten steel (6) from the casting ladle into the tundish. The impact pad (1) has side walls (2) provided with barriers (3) distributed spaced apart and staggered in height and in length in the whole extension of the walls (2) or part thereof, the impact pad (1) still comprises an impact bottom (5) provided with corrugations (4) uniformly distributed and staggered in its entirety or part thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Inventors: Thiago Augusto Avila, Bruno Augusto Batista Ribeiro, Herbert Amarildo Santos
  • Patent number: 8501085
    Abstract: An apparatus for bottom pouring into an investment cast includes a container that holds a melted casting material, where the container moves from a first container position to a second container position. In the first container position, holes on a stationary nozzle are not exposed to the interior of the container, and the melted casting material remains in the container. In the second container position, holes on the stationary nozzle are exposed to the interior of the container, and the melted casting material flows out the bottom of the container through the stationary nozzle. A temperature detection device determines the temperature of the melted casting material, and a heating device heats the melted casting material to a specified temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Rolls Royce Corporation
    Inventors: Max Eric Schlienger, John Sylvester Torpey, Paul Anthony Withey
  • Patent number: 8449814
    Abstract: A scrap submergence vessel for melting scrap metal is disclosed. The vessel comprises a front wall comprising an inlet, a back wall (opposite the front wall) comprising an outlet, and a flow direction member that causes molten metal flowing into the inlet to be directed at least partially upward against a portion of the back wall. The movement of molten metal through the vessel creates a downward pull that draws metal scrap placed above or within the vessel downward into the molten metal bath where it melts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Inventor: Paul V. Cooper
  • Patent number: 8372333
    Abstract: A vessel comprises a probe oriented downward from an outside surface of the vessel to an inside surface of the vessel. A method of operating a vessel, the vessel comprising a vessel wall having an inside surface and an outside surface, comprises: defining a hole extending through the vessel wall, the hole being oriented at a downward angle from the outside surface to the inside surface; and placing a probe in the hole; and preventing slag buildup around the probe during operation of the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Wade Albert Taber
  • Patent number: 8366993
    Abstract: A system for adding gas to and transferring molten metal from a vessel and into one or more of a ladle, ingot mold, launder, feed die cast machine or other structure is disclosed. The system includes at least a vessel for containing molten metal, an overflow (or dividing) wall, a device or structure, such as a molten metal pump, for generating a stream of molten metal, and one or more gas-release devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Inventor: Paul V. Cooper
  • Patent number: 8282904
    Abstract: A cylindrical vessel made of carbon is used in the production of silicon. The inner surface of the vessel comes into contact with a silicon melt, wherein the permeation with silicon melt is reduced, formation of SiC is suppressed, and the vessel is resistant to deformation even when volumetric expansion ascribable to silicon is brought about. The carbon-made cylindrical vessel is made of a carbon material having a bulk specific gravity of 1.8 or more. The thermal expansion coefficient of the carbon material at 350 to 450° C. is preferably 3.5×10?6/° C. to 6.0×10?6/° C. A process for producing silicon uses said vessel wherein a chlorosilane is reacted with hydrogen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Tokuyama Corporation
    Inventors: Junichirou Nakashima, Satoru Wakamatsu, Manabu Sakita
  • Patent number: 8158056
    Abstract: An arrangement producing metal nanoparticles includes a ?-ray irradiator installed in a radioactive shielding room, a reactor that is disposed to oppose the ?-ray irradiator, and a power supply installed outside the radioactive shielding room to supply power to the reactor. The reactor includes a container receiving reaction materials and transmitting the energy of ?-rays to reaction materials arranged inside of the reactor, an agitator that is installed in the container to be capable of rotating, and a driving source for receiving the power from the power supply to drive the agitator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Geun-Seok Chai, Myoung-Ki Min, Soon-Ki Kang
  • Patent number: 8124006
    Abstract: The molten metal-transferring ladle including a ladle body having a storage space for melted metal, and an opening on the top; a large lid having an inlet in the middle, and covering an upper opening of the ladle body; an openable small lid covering the inlet; a tapping portion communicating the interior with the exterior of the storage space; and a pressurizing gas supplying means supplying a pressurizing gas to the storage space; the large lid having a supplying means installing hole communicating the interior with the exterior of the storage space; and the pressurizing gas supplying means being detachably mounted to the supplying means installing hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignees: Nippon Crucible Co., Ltd., Daiki Aluminium Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsuyoshi Mukai, Toshiyuki Matsumoto, Kiyohumi Kawai
  • Patent number: 8114339
    Abstract: A high temperature evaporator is made using an electrically insulating crucible and a heating element made of woven graphite fibers. The crucible is manufactured out of an electrically insulating block to the required shape, and channels are machined on the walls of the crucible. The woven graphite cord is threaded through the channels and is used as heating elements. Since the heating cords are made of woven graphite, they are very flexible and do not embrittle. They can be manufactured to various resistivity as needed, allowing for relatively inexpensive power supplies and low current power delivery. The cords are not fragile and do not break due to thermal shock or vibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Intevac, Inc.
    Inventors: Arthur C. Wall, Terry Bluck
  • Patent number: 8110142
    Abstract: A refractory bottom for a metallurgical vessel comprised of a bottom lining having a bottom surface that is dimensioned to overlay a bottom of a metallurgical vessel and an upper surface. The upper surface is comprised of a plurality of discrete sections that include an uppermost section, an intermediate section and a lowermost section. Each section has an upper surface at a discrete elevation such that the upper surface of the uppermost section has a highest elevation and the upper surface of the lowermost section has a lowest elevation. The upper surface of the uppermost section, the intermediate section and the lowermost section comprise a series of successive stepped sections that define a stepped path from the uppermost section downward to the lowermost section. Each successive section of the upper surface is lower than a preceding section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: North American Refractories Co.
    Inventors: Ronald Barrett, Donald Abrino
  • Patent number: 8062581
    Abstract: Refractory crucibles capable of managing thermal stress and suitable for melting highly reactive alloys having a facecoat, a backing, and at least one retaining ring applied about at least a portion of the backing of the crucible, the retaining ring comprising a composition selected from the group consisting of conductive materials, non-conductive materials, and combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Inventors: Bernard Patrick Bewlay, Michael Francis Xavier Gigliotti, Mohamed Rahmane, Thomas Joseph Kelly, Michael James Weimer, Sairam Sundaram
  • Patent number: 8048365
    Abstract: Crucibles for melting titanium alloys having a facecoat including at least one facecoat layer containing an oxide selected from scandium oxide, yttrium oxide, hafnium oxide, a lanthanide series oxide, and combinations thereof, and a backing including at least one backing layer where the crucible has a backing to facecoat thickness ratio of from about 6.5:1 to about 20:1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Bernard Patrick Bewlay, Brian Michael Ellis, Michael Francis Xavier Gigliotti, Thomas Joseph Kelly, Mohamed Rahmane, Stephen Francis Rutkowski, Michael James Weimer, Joseph Carl Wukusick
  • Patent number: 8007712
    Abstract: Reinforced crucibles for melting titanium alloys having a facecoat including at least one facecoat layer, a backing including at least one backing layer, and at least one reinforcing element applied to at least a portion of one or more of the facecoat layer, the backing layer, or a combination thereof where the reinforcing element includes at least one composition selected from ceramic compositions, metallic compositions, and combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Bernard Patrick Bewlay, Michael Francis Xavier Gigliotti, Thomas Joseph Kelly, Mohamed Rahmane, Stephen Rutkowski, Michael James Weimer, Sairam Sundaram
  • Publication number: 20110140322
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the invention relate to a compressive rod assembly for applying force to a refractory vessel positioned within an outer metal casing. The assembly includes a rigid elongated rod having first and second opposed ends, a threaded bolt adjacent to the first opposed end of the elongated rod, and a compressive structure positioned operationally between the elongated rod and the bolt. Compressive force applied by the bolt to the elongated rod passes through the compressive structure which allows limited longitudinal movements of the elongated rod to be accommodated by the compressive structure without requiring corresponding longitudinal movements of the bolt. Exemplary embodiments also relate to rod structure forming a component of the assembly, and to a metal containment structure having a vessel supported and compressed by at least one such assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventors: Eric W. Reeves, James E. Boorman, Jason D. Hymas, Robert Bruce Wagstaff, Randy Womack
  • Patent number: 7828873
    Abstract: A direct smelting vessel (3) for operating a molten bath-based direct smelting process under pressure conditions in the vessel is disclosed. The vessel includes a forehearth (67) for tapping molten metal continuously from the vessel. The forehearth includes an open connection (97) that extends through a side wall of the vessel into the interior of the vessel. The open connection is formed to dampen the impact of sudden changes in pressure in the vessel on molten metal flow in the forehearth that could result in an undesirable surge of molten metal from the forehearth. The open connection is also formed so that molten metal does not freeze in the connection for at least 6 hours when molten metal is not being discharged from the vessel into the forehearth via the open connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Technological Resources Pty. Limited
    Inventor: Matthew John Gurr
  • Patent number: 7799270
    Abstract: Electromagnetic device for fusion and interfacial agitation of diphase systems, particularly for the acceleration of metallurgic or pyrochemical processes, which includes for example a crucible to contain a diphase system, an inductor surrounding this crucible, and a circuit for the supply of the inductor by a current with two components, namely a high frequency component which melts the phases of the system and a low frequency component which agitates the interface of the phases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique
    Inventors: Roger Boen, Xavier Deschanels, Florent Lemort, René Piccinato, Yves Fautrelle, Jacqueline Etay, Damien Perrier, Roland Ernst
  • Patent number: 7790101
    Abstract: Articles for use with highly reactive alloys that include a graphite crucible having an interior, and at least a first protective layer applied to the interior of the graphite crucible in which the graphite crucible having the first protective layer is used for melting highly reactive alloys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Thomas Joseph Kelly, Michael James Weimer, Bernard Patrick Bewlay, Michael Francis Xavier Gigliotti, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20100171245
    Abstract: A vessel comprises a probe oriented downward from an outside surface of the vessel to an inside surface of the vessel. A method of operating a vessel, the vessel comprising a vessel wall having an inside surface and an outside surface, comprises: defining a hole extending through the vessel wall, the hole being oriented at a downward angle from the outside surface to the inside surface; and placing a probe in the hole; and preventing slag buildup around the probe during operation of the vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2009
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventor: Wade Albert Taber
  • Patent number: 7662336
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vessel (1) for the metallurgical treatment of pig iron, steel melts and similar, in particular a converter vessel, mounted on a support ring (3), arranged at a separation by means of pivot pins, whereby the vessel (1) rests on the top flange (3a) of the support ring (3) by means of claws (6) on the vessel wall (1b) and a support (4) is detachably embodied with additional fixing elements on the top flange (3a) of the support ring (3). According to the invention, the disadvantage of having to work in hot, restricted regions which are difficult for the personnel to access can be avoided, whereby the support on the top flange (3a) of the support ring (3) comprises opposing vessel brackets (7) and support ring brackets (8) which can be tensioned together in a closing direction (10) by means of a hinged closure (9) until a secure closed position is achieved and which may be easily opened in the opposing operating direction (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: SMS Demag AG
    Inventors: Bernd Schubert, Winfried Laubach
  • Patent number: 7648674
    Abstract: A single treatment compartment has a liquid metal inlet and outlet and a connection to a liquid metal-input trough. A treatment gas is injected into the liquid metal arranged in at least one sidewall of a ladles. The liquid metal inlet and outlet have an orifice positioned so as to be entirely underneath a level of the liquid metal during the treatment, in order to prevent entry of ambient air into the compartment during treatment. The treatment compartment includes an upstream part and a downstream part. The gas injection is accomplished in the upstream part. The compartment further has a filter located in the downstream part for degassing and filtering the liquid metal. Injection and filtration occur in close proximity to one another and within the same single treatment compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Novelis Technology AG
    Inventors: Jacques Charpientier, Jean-Marie Château
  • Patent number: 7611664
    Abstract: A molten metal supplying container, comprising a container capable of storing a molten metal and loading the molten metal to the inside thereof or supplying the molten metal to the outside thereof by controlling a difference in pressure between inside and outside of the container, a passage allowing the inside and outside of the container to communicate with each other to have the molten metal flow therethrough, a lid disposed to cover the first opening having a second opening with a diameter smaller than the first opening and a hatch provided at the second opening capable of being opened and closed, having a passage communicating inside and outside the container. The passage is used, for example, to control inner pressure of the container and to insert the electrode for detecting the surface level of the molten metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Hoei Shokai Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hitoshi Mizuno, Kouji Iyoda, Tsuyoshi Abe, Narumi Ichikawa, Kazunori Suzuki, Kenji Noguchi
  • Patent number: 7611665
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a ladle block for use in a bottom of a molten metal ladle. The ladle block reduces the amount of contaminants, particularly slag, exiting the ladle during casting operations. The ladle block includes a floor defining an outlet and sidewalls substantially orthogonal to the floor. The floor and sidewalls define a channel having dimensions of length, width and height. Channel dimensions are determined from the Froude number, which is based at least partially on the casting flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Vesuvius Crucible Company
    Inventors: Johan Richaud, Lawrence J. Heaslip, James D. Dorricott
  • Patent number: 7582252
    Abstract: A plant is provided for the melting of primary and secondary aluminium, provided with a rotating furnace, internally equipped with a spiral element (11), that causes the melting of the aluminium not requiring use of a salty bath. The plant includes a pouring channel (13) adjacent an exit hole (4) of the rotating furnace and material from the pouring channel enters the spherical store basin (16) positioned below if, the spherical store being equipped with a rotating joint (17) having a common inclination with the pouring channel (13) so that what is obtained is the direct and continuous flow of the fused metal in the spherical store without interruption of the process of melting. The plant is also equipped with an automatic and continuous system of selection and recovery of the slag of fusion, integrated in the same plant, and a double system of canalization of the gases that allows cleaning of the pollutant agents and energy conservation in the melting furnace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Hitech S.R.L.
    Inventor: Antonio Spoleto
  • Patent number: 7582133
    Abstract: Methods for reducing carbon contamination when melting highly reactive alloys involving providing a graphite crucible having an interior, applying at least a first protective layer to the interior of the graphite crucible, placing a highly reactive alloy into the crucible having the first protective layer, and melting the highly reactive alloy to obtain a melted alloy having reduced carbon contamination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Thomas Joseph Kelly, Michael James Weimer, Bernard Patrick Bewlay, Michael Francis Xavier Gigliotti, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7556764
    Abstract: A fused silica crucible having a nozzle is formed by first inserting a preformed silica glass tube into the lower portion of a graphite mold. The tube is aligned with a vertical axis about which the mold is rotated while silica grain is poured into the mold and shaped in the form of the crucible. A graphite plug inserted into the top of the tube keeps the grain out of the tube. Electrodes create a plasma gas ball that fuses the grain and forms it to the tube. Although the graphite plug is covered with grain, the molten silica recedes from the top of the plug during fusion thus forming the nozzle to the crucible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Heraeus Shin-Etsu America, Inc.
    Inventors: Katsuhiko Kemmochi, Yasuo Ohama
  • Publication number: 20090160108
    Abstract: The present invention relates to refractory articles in general having improved surface properties. The objective of the invention is to propose an improvement of the refractory articles comprised of a fused silica matrix which will overcome the some of the defects while keeping the excellent known properties of the fused silica matrix. This objective is reached when a sintered ceramic phase is present in the porosity of at least a portion of at least a surface of the matrix. The present invention also relates to a process for producing such an article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2007
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Applicant: VESUVIUS CRUCIBLE COMPANY
    Inventors: Nathalie Niveau, Gilbert Rancoule
  • Patent number: 7550108
    Abstract: Metallurgical vessel for iron and steel making including a bottom portion, a sidewall and a lance arrangement of at least two lances for supplying oxygen containing gas to the interior of the vessel in operation. Each lance includes an end portion for emitting oxygen containing gas. The lance arrangement is configured so as to achieve in operation a substantially downwardly directed flow of post-combusted gases at the side wall of the vessel and a substantially upwardly directed flow of post-combusted gases in the center of the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Corus Technology BV
    Inventors: Mark Bernard Denys, Hendrikus Koenraad Albertus Meijer
  • Publication number: 20090140473
    Abstract: Refractory crucibles capable of managing thermal stress and suitable for melting highly reactive alloys having a facecoat, a backing, and at least one retaining ring applied about at least a portion of the backing of the crucible, the retaining ring comprising a composition selected from the group consisting of conductive materials, non-conductive materials, and combinations thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Inventors: BERNARD PATRICK BEWLAY, Michael Francis Xavier Gigliotti, Mohamed Rahmane, Thomas Joseph Kelly, Michael James Weimer, Sairam Sundaram
  • Patent number: 7531127
    Abstract: A molten metal container that, even when an openable lid is made larger, can be easily opened and closed at a high safety level. The container includes a container main body that has a first opening in an upper portion and can store a molten metal, a first lid that can cover the first opening and is rotatably disposed in a horizontal direction against the first opening, a pressurized gas introduction port for introducing a pressurized gas into the container main body and a flow path that supplies the molten metal stored inside of the container main body outside thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Hoei Shokai Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hitoshi Mizuno
  • Patent number: 7514034
    Abstract: A container capable of transferring molten metal from a factory that produces a molten metals such as molten aluminum alloys and so on to a factory that uses the molten metal while the molten metal being stored therein and supplying the molten metal to a use point using the pressure difference. The container comprises a frame 1a and a lining 2 having a passage for flowing the molten metal therein. The passage 34 is being provided at an inside of the frame and at least a part thereof is being surrounded by a member restricting a flow of a gas. The pipe 34 is, for example, made of a metal and inside thereof has a lining layer 34b formed with a refractory member. The pipe 34 may be structured with a ceramics. As such structure being adopted, even when a crack and the like is formed in the lining 2 of the container, the flow of a gas is shut off, resulting in stable supply of the molten metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Hoei Shokai Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Abe, Hitoshi Mizuno
  • Patent number: 7507366
    Abstract: A container (1) and method of manufacturing, capable of preventing unexpected rise of pressure inside the container (1) caused by problems pertaining to the lining. The container has a structure such that the insulating wall (8) is laid on the inner side of the frame body (6), and the refractory storing bath (9) is detachably inserted through the opening (5) of the frame body into the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Hoei Shokai Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hitoshi Mizuno, Tsuyoshi Abe