GB1323598A - Suppling molten metal to a continuous casting mould - Google Patents

Abstract

1323598 Tundishes SCHLOEMANN AG 30 Oct 1970 [30 Oct 1969 13 Nov 1969] 51832/70 Heading F4B [Also in Division B3] The flow of molten metal from the nozzle 2 of a tundish 1 is controlled, e.g. by a slide valve 3, Fig. 1, and pours into a continuous casting mould 4 through a pipe 5 held against the nozzle 2 by an arrangement which holds a replacement pipe 5<SP>1</SP> so that the pipes are movable along a path past the nozzle and the pipe 5 can be replaced without interruption of casting, while the nozzle is temporarily closed. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the pipes 5, 5<SP>1</SP> are held by catches 10 in holders 7, 7<SP>1</SP> pivoted on a chain 12 which has rollers 13 so that it can move in a U-shaped guideway 14 secured to the casting machine framework 15. A spring 11 urges the holder 7 upwards so that the pipe 5 is urged against the nozzle 2. The tundish 1 is lifted while the pipes 5, 5<SP>1</SP> are moved by mechanical or hydraulic drive. If the mould is broad enough to permit the arcuate movement of the pipes, they may dip into the melt bath as shown. In another embodiment, the tundish (closable by a stopper rod) is connected to a circular guideway 90 degrees apart. A preheating sleeve can be moved over the replacement pipe. In the embodiment of Fig. 4, the nozzle 2 is supplied with metal from the tundish 1 by gas entering through a porous brick 41 to carry the metal up a pipe 43 to overflow into a downpipe 42. Cessation of gas flow stops the metal flow. The pipes 5, 5<SP>1</SP> are swung into position by rotation of a shaft 46 which is also movable vertically by a lever 58. The pipes are mounted in ;he ends of sleeves 53 which by means of cross-bars 54, 54<SP>1</SP> can be rotated about arms 49, 49<SP>1</SP> so that the pipes can be swung horizontal for the rotational movement of the shaft. Alternatively the shaft may be mounted on the side of the mould 4 or there may be a shaft associated with each pouring pipe so that they travel in separate paths. In a further embodiment, the pouring pipe and a flow control plate are replaceable as a unit. The pouring rate is controlled by swinging the operating pipe sideways so that its bore is obturated by the plate at its upper end while the unit is in a guideway beneath the tundish nozzle. Extension guideways, pivoted at the ends of the horizontal guideway at the nozzle, are swingable to align with that guideway to permit a fresh unit to push the old one out of position.