Stationary injection block and injection slide plate for use with an

Abstract

A multiple orifice injection valve having a stationary block which communicates between the vessel and a sliding plate. The sliding plate is provided with at least one injection port and drive means for rotatably indexing the same in and out of register with the various orifices in the stationary block. Both the stationary block and sliding plate may have special wear features. The sliding plate is held by means of a carrier, and the same urged by a plurality of spring-loaded rockers into pressure face-to-face relationhip with the stationary block. The valve can be open by a toggle latch and toggle hinge assembly thereby permitting removal of the sliding plate and/or the stationary block. Injection is provided by a quick disconnect coupling having two injection ports. The one port receives wire or other metallic material in wire form, and the second port injects gas, powdered metals, or other fluid-like materials. The method contemplates the steps of providing a multiple orifice connection between the inside of the vessel and a shut-off plate, with the shut-off plate having a single orifice or more orifices for indexing in and out of position with the orifices in the stationary block. Also blocking plugs are provided in the stationary block which, according to the method, are forceably removed prior to the ladle metallurgical treatment applied.