Selective circulation and transfer in a molten metal furnace

Abstract

A kit enables selective circulation and transfer of molten metal of a furnace. The kit includes a transfer block of refractory material adapted to be disposed downstream of a refractory pump wall of a pump well. The block includes a transfer passageway that extends from alignment with an opening in the pump wall toward an exterior vessel outside the furnace. A support structure can be adapted to be fixed over the furnace. Pulleys can be carried by the support structure. An actuator can be positioned outside of the furnace. A cable can be fastened at one end portion to the transfer block and at another end portion to the actuator and extends around the pulleys. When actuated in one stroke the actuator moves the cable so as to move the block upward out of alignment with the pump wall opening to cause molten metal circulation. When actuated in another stroke the actuator moves the cable to permit the transfer block to move downward into alignment with the pump wall opening to carry out transfer of molten metal to the vessel. Also featured is a furnace including a kit or a selective transfer and circulation device, and a method of installing the kit or device in a furnace.