Vesuvius Crucible Company

The Penn State Research Foundation

Yesuvius Crucible Company

Paul M Benson

Eric Hanse

Richard E Tressler

Quentin K Robinson

Duane L DeBastiani

Phillipe Dumas

John Prentiss Sanders, Iii

Darryl Butt

David Stephenson

Vincent Leroux

Martin Fuehrer

Douglas J Pysher

The invention describes an article and method comprising a refractory article having an outer surface covered by an insulating coating over which a protective glaze is applied. The method includes applying a suspension of an insulating coating to a refractory piece, drying the suspension, applying a glaze slip over the coating, and drying the slip to form a protective glaze. In one embodiment, the article comprises a carbon-bonded alumina-graphite nozzle, an insulating coating containing hollow microspheres, and a protective glaze formed from a fusible frit. The invention is described as improving wetting to the refractory piece, reducing delamination of the glaze and insulating coating from the piece, and reducing oxidation of the piece.

Externally glazed article

A refractory shape is described for transferring molten metal in a continuous casting operation. The shape includes an inner surface made from an unfired composition comprising a calcium rich grain, a hydration-resistant grain, 6-28 wt. % carbon, and a binder. The unfired composition may also include an antioxidant and silica. The inner surface resists spalling and alumina deposition.

Anti-buildup liner

Disclosed is a fiber testing apparatus which permits creep and strength testing of one or more fibers in a controlled environment, including a vacuum, at high temperatures. Components of the fiber tester provide for accurate measurement of the effects on the fiber(s) being tested when exposed to a chosen environment. The fiber tester includes a furnace system, fiber testing system, a fixed sample, a environmental control system, a mass flow control system, a Computer Data Acquisition and Control (CDAC) system, and a support system. Most of these systems are contained in a test chamber which is part of the environmental control system. These systems of the fiber tester allow various types of mechanical tests to be performed on one or more fibers under a variety of environmental conditions not previously achievable.

Fiber tester

A dense carbon free surface is provided on a carbon bonded refractory shape which is particularly useful as a pouring tube liner to prevent the formation and build-up of alumina particles which may cause blockage of the tube. The carbon free, dense layer is also hard and erosion resistant making it ideal for use in other applications such as stopper rod noses. The material comprises a refractory mix having a major component of refractory oxides such as alumina and zirconia-mullite. Less than 10 wt. % carbon in the form of graphite and binder is in the mix plus about 2-5 wt. % of a metal such as silicon and an effective mount of sintering aids is also present. The pressed shape is preheated to a temperature of 1000.degree. -1400.degree. C. in air to oxidize the exposed surface of the shape and then to sinter the oxidized surface to form the desired dense, carbon free surface over the entire shape or on selected surface portions thereof.

Method and compositions for making refractory shapes having dense,

A fired carbon-bonded, oxide refractory body for use in casting aluminum-killed steel has a metal contacting surface which is resistant to both steel erosion and buildup of alumina. The layer is formed by first firing the pressed body in an oxidizing atmosphere to form a porous oxidized zone on selected steel contacting surfaces. The remaining surface portions of the body are protected against oxidation during firing by a glaze applied prior to firing. A carbon free refractory slip or slurry is infiltrated into the porous oxidized zone to create the erosion and buildup resistant surface layer. A preferred infiltrant material is alumina.

Liner for submerged entry nozzle

Growing community of inventors

Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America

Paul M Benson