Tetron, Inc.

Seltet LLC

Ross A Jacobs

Robert J Koffron

John W Dresh

Anatoly I Babushkin

Vladimir M Vorobeichik

Ilya V Vorobeichik

Jeffrey D Jacobs

An improved vortex inhibitorfor separating slag from molten metal during the discharge of molten metal through a nozzleincludes a generally uniform castable refractory bodyhaving a generally hemispherical or hemi-ellipsoid shape having a plurality of generally triangular shaped projection elementsand) defining a plurality of generally constant dimension groovesandextending downward from the top sidetoward an apexof the vortex inhibitor

Vortex inhibitor

A method and an apparatus for enhanced metallurgical processing of molten metal includes an enclosable ladle chamber () for reducing the escape of heat during transport of the ladle from a manufacturing vessel such as a furnace () to an intermediate processing () or refining station or during processing or transport to a receptacle vessel such as a tundish (). The method comprises introducing a refractory body into the ladle chamber (), the body having an adjusted specific gravity having a reduced steel ballast to refractory material ratio that is less than required for a specific gravity required to buoyantly support the body in the molten metal. Preferably, the ratio provides a specific gravity greater than the specific gravity required to buoyantly support the body entirely in the slag layer. The method includes enclosing the ladle () for example, with a lid () and maintaining said refractory body in said ladle until substantially termination of the discharge of the molten metal from the vessel. Preferably, the method also includes intermediate refining such as introducing a balancing composition to the ladle before enclosing. The ratio of steel ballast and refractory material used to achieve the preferred specific gravity may also be adjusted in conjunction with other temperature-resistant or corrosion-resistant changes to the refractory body. For example, high temperature alumina may be used as a refractory material in a higher degree than in previously known bodies, a high temperature cement may be used to join the refractory material and ballast components, and a non-wetting agent made of carbonaceous or siliceous material may reduce deterioration of the body during the extended period of steel and slag contact in the ladle.

Method and apparatus for delivering metallurgically improved molten metal

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 generally tapering shape, a hollow chamber within the body and an elongated sacrificial member. The hollow chamber receives the sacrificial member or a mount for the sacrificial member. The refractory body and the sacrificial member combination in molten metal has a specific gravity less than the specific gravity of molten metal and is positioned narrow end downward when supported in molten metal. The hollow chamber can fill with molten metal to form a core that aids in orienting the body in a narrow end downward position. The sacrificial member align the with the area in which the vortex forms and minimizes interference with the flow through the discharge nozzle. The body preferably includes swirl obstructing surfaces.

Vortex inhibitor with sacrificial rod

A method and apparatus are provided for rapidly and accurately processing the chemical composition of a molten metal bath within a furnace. The apparatus includes a robotically-controlled probe which operates to obtain a sample from any predetermined depth of the vessel. The probe is moved from the vessel to a thermostabilized atomic emission spectrometer in nearby proximity to the vessel wherein a part of the probe containing the sample is joined with an upper chamber housing to form an excitation chamber. Within the excitation chamber, the optical emission spectrum of the sample is excited by an excitation source. The optical spectrum is transmitted to an analyzer where the elemental concentration of the sample is determined. Immediately responsive to this analysis, adjustments are made in processing to achieve the target grade of steel.

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Snowmass, CO, United States of America

Ross A Jacobs