The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 20, 1993
Filed:
Oct. 15, 1991
Robert G Petrushka, Brecksville, OH (US);
Franklin E Rote, Bay Village, OH (US);
LTV Steel Company, Inc., Cleveland, OH (US);
Abstract
The present invention provides a new and improved method and apparatus for tapping molten metal through the tap hole of a metallurgical vessel. The apparatus utilizes a ladle or a BOF furnace or other metallurgical vessel used for the containment of molten metal. At least one extension drive mechanism is attached to the support structure to position the distal end of a lance within the vessel a predetermined distance above the surface of its contents. The lance is connected to an inert gas source such as Argon. Once the lance is properly positioned, the inert gas is directed onto the surface of the molten metal to prevent the slag from entering the tap hole. An alignment drive can also be attached to the support structure to adjust the position of the extension drive relative to the vessel so that the lance may be properly positioned within the vessel above the tap hole. The extension and alignment drives are operatively controlled by a computerized controller which interfaces with the sensors to monitor the physical characteristics of the vessel. The controller operatively controls the drives to position the lance a predetermined distance above the tap hole of the vessel.