Novelis, Inc.

Randal Guy Womack

Robert Bruce Wagstaff

Eric W Reeves

James E Boorman

James Boorman

Richard Scott Bruski

Richard Allen Wayment

An exemplary embodiment of the invention provides a method of preparing a reinforced refractory joint between refractory sections of a vessel used for containing or conveying molten metal, e.g. a metal-contacting trough. The method involves introducing a mesh body made of metal wires into a gap between metal-contacting surfaces of adjacent refractory sections of a vessel so that the mesh body is positioned beneath the metal conveying surfaces, and covering the mesh body with a layer of moldable refractory material to seal the gap between the metal-contacting surfaces. Other embodiments relate to a vessel formed by the method and a vessel section with a pre-positioned mesh body suitable for preparing a sealed joint with other such sections.

Method of forming sealed refractory joints in metal-containment vessels, and vessels containing sealed joints

A vessel used for containing molten metal has a refractory liner with an exterior surface and a metal-contacting interior surface and is made of at least two refractory liner units abutting at a joint. A housing at least partially surrounds the exterior surface of the refractory liner with a gap present between the exterior surface and the housing. Molten metal confinement elements, impenetrable by molten metal, are positioned within the gap to partition the gap into a molten metal confinement region between the elements and at least one other region. For example, the other region may be used to hold equipment such as electrical heaters that may be damaged by contact with molten metal. A drain outlet positioned in the housing allows molten metal entering the gap to drain out of the gap at the drain outlet.

Molten metal leakage confinement and thermal optimization in vessels used for containing molten metals

A curvilinear metal transfer device with support and compression assemblies that help maintain a constant force on the transfer device's metal outer casing and refractory as the outer casing and refractory expand and contract due to temperature fluctuations. In one embodiment, the support assemblies are configured to apply force to the refractory to keep the refractory in tension with the outer casing to suspend the refractory relative the outer casing. Also disclosed are clamp plates that help hold the refractory in place, and nested lids that cover the curvilinear metal transfer device.

Support and compression assemblies for curvilinear molten metal transfer device

A vessel used for containing molten metal, e.g. a trough section for conveying molten metal from one location to another. In some embodiments, the vessel employs refractory liner units of different thermal conductivity to maximize heat penetration into the molten metal from heaters in the gap, but to minimize heat loss at the inlet and outlet of the vessel where the end units contact the housing.

A vessel used for containing molten metal, e.g. a trough section for conveying molten metal from one location to another. The vessel has a refractory liner made of at least two refractory liner units positioned end to end, with a joint between the units, the units each having an exterior surface and a metal-contacting interior surface. A housing at least partially surrounds the exterior surfaces of the refractory liner units with a gap present between the exterior surfaces and the housing. Molten metal confinement elements, impenetrable by molten metal, are positioned on opposite sides of the joint within the gap, at least below a horizontal level corresponding to a predetermined maximum working height of molten metal held within the vessel in use, to partition the gap into a molten metal confinement region between the elements and at least one other region that may be used to hold equipment such as electrical heaters that may be damaged by contact with molten metal. Another embodiment employs refractory liner units of different thermal conductivity to maximize heat penetration into the molten metal from heaters in the gap, but to minimize heat loss at the inlet and outlet of the vessel where the end units contact the housing.

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Spokane Valley, WA, United States of America

Randal Guy Womack