CA1197065A - Slide gate tundish flow control - Google Patents

Slide gate tundish flow control

Info

Publication number
CA1197065A
CA1197065A CA000434479A CA434479A CA1197065A CA 1197065 A CA1197065 A CA 1197065A CA 000434479 A CA000434479 A CA 000434479A CA 434479 A CA434479 A CA 434479A CA 1197065 A CA1197065 A CA 1197065A
Authority
CA
Canada
Prior art keywords
spout
molten metal
plate
tundish
aperture
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired
Application number
CA000434479A
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Dennis W. Miles
David A. Waters
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Southwire Co LLC
Original Assignee
Southwire Co LLC
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Southwire Co LLC filed Critical Southwire Co LLC
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of CA1197065A publication Critical patent/CA1197065A/en
Expired legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B22CASTING; POWDER METALLURGY
    • B22DCASTING OF METALS; CASTING OF OTHER SUBSTANCES BY THE SAME PROCESSES OR DEVICES
    • B22D41/00Casting melt-holding vessels, e.g. ladles, tundishes, cups or the like
    • B22D41/14Closures
    • B22D41/22Closures sliding-gate type, i.e. having a fixed plate and a movable plate in sliding contact with each other for selective registry of their openings
    • B22D41/24Closures sliding-gate type, i.e. having a fixed plate and a movable plate in sliding contact with each other for selective registry of their openings characterised by a rectilinearly movable plate
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B22CASTING; POWDER METALLURGY
    • B22DCASTING OF METALS; CASTING OF OTHER SUBSTANCES BY THE SAME PROCESSES OR DEVICES
    • B22D11/00Continuous casting of metals, i.e. casting in indefinite lengths
    • B22D11/10Supplying or treating molten metal

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Casting Support Devices, Ladles, And Melt Control Thereby (AREA)

Abstract

ABSTRACT
A novel combination tundish, slide gate flow control valve, pour spout and spout mounting arrangement are disclosed wherein accurate molten metal flow is provided along with a uniquely rapid spout replacement method.

Description

~L~o9~ 6S
~l--SLIDE GATE TUNDISH FLOW CONTROL

TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to the continuous casting arts, and especially to tundish apparatus employing flow control means and spout means. More particularly, this invention is intended to replace the tundish spout and flo~
control means of the metering pin type. Unlike conventional slide gate tundish valves, the embodiment of the present apparatus disclosed is adapted for tundish end-wall mounting in combination with a particular spout mounting method.

BACKGROUND ART
An important advance in the art of casting molten metals wherein the molten metal was poured via a tundish was made with the advent of refractory sliding gate valve assemblies~
U.S. patents number 3,997,090; 4,000,837; ~,003,561;
4,017,010; 4t037,762; 4,042,207; 4,051,589; 4,055,217;
~,063,668; 4,076,153; 4,07~,154; 4,077,457; 4,077,5~2;
4,079,869; 4,031,971; 4,096,976; 4,108,675; 4,116,372; and 4,131,219 are illustrative of the prior art, indicating a relatively crowded artO Other patents of interest include U.S. patents number 4,22~,506; 4,227,630; 4,234,036; and 4,257,542. Generally, the foregoing describe various arrangements showing a sliding gate valve assembly intended for use in controlling the flow of molten metals in which an apertured sliding gate member is used to open and close a molten metal flow path in which the sliding gate member is composed of a refractory material. Straight nozzles are always included to direct the flow o molten metal; they are generally of a rather short length in comparison to their diameters and are generally further characterized in that they are relatively permanent elements of the flow control apparatus, not intended for easy removal and replacementO
Such a configuration is quite satisfactory for the intended '7~6~

uses of the prior art, where the molten metals ar~
discharged into large ladles, large molds, or tundishes fro~
which the metal flow is further directed to one or mote casting molds. Such apparatus is unsuitable to situations where the tundish nozzle must intrude into a small castin~
mold cross-section at complex angles and still remain capable of movement, as by manipulating the tundish.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
The present invention contemplates a three-element slide gate control valve apparatus sealingly engaged to a panel member portion of a tundish or the like, wherein the three elements each have a major aperture providing communicat;~
between the tundish and the valve outlet such that the molten metal flowing out of the tundish may be controlled as to the flow rate by restriction of the aperture area through which the metal flows. The three elements are generally planar, with the first and third being fixed in position and the second being moveable therebetween such as by a fluid cylinder or other equivalent manipulator means~ The third or outer element includes quick release fastener means by which a spout moun~ing plate may be rapidly removed and replaced; the spout mounting plate fits over the sli~de gate apparatus such that the spout aperture (and thus the spout entrance) communicates with the tundish through the flo~
control valve. The spout may be rapidly changed by actuating the sliding member to interrupt molten metal flow, then the quick release fastener means are released, freeing the old spout by freeing the spout mounting plate. The old spout and its mounting plate are removed and replaced by a new spout and mounting plate assemblyO The quick release fasteners are then replaced, the slide gate path is opened, and operations recommenced.

O~

It is contemplated by this inventiOn that a permeable plug area may be incorporated into the sliding member to permit interposing a permeable material between the two fixed elements of the slide gate valve such that when a short term interruption is required, a gas (such as nitrogen, argon, or oxygen) may be bubbled through the permeable material to avoid unwanted ~etal solidification in the flow control apparatus. In an alternate embodiment, multiple positions may be selected such that the sliding gate element may present different sized communicating passageways or combinations thereof with permeable metal flow passageway obstructions throuyh which the gas may pass.
A tapered flat cotter key inserted in an elongated eye in the spout mounting plate fastening pin, for example, is one of many quick release fasteners which may be used to secure the spout mounting plate. O~ course, the fastening pin is preferably attached to the fixed portion of the slide gate valve, the tundish, or both, as desired.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 is a plan view of the apparatus comprising the present invention; and Fig. 2 is an end elevation view of a tundish apparatus incorporating the present invention.

BEST MODE OF CARRYI~iG OUT THE I~IVENl'ION
Turning now to Fig. 1 the slide gate tundish flow control apparatus 10 may be seen in detail in a partial plan view. The tundish 11 is seen in a configuration in which the molten ~etal contained therein is permitted to pass through an aperture 22 in an end or side wall of the tundish 11, which wall is in this example substantially vertical.
It is to be understood that the mechanism of the invention is readily adaptable to other side or bottom walls or walls not substantially either vertical or horizontal~

~Lg7~Ç;5 The slide gate mechanism as shown comprises first plate 12, second plate 14, slide gate 13, clevis 21, and fasteners 15 and 16. First and second plates 12, 1~ individually have major apertures therethrough 23, 27, while slide gate 13 may have at least one and preferably a plurality of apertures 24/ ~5, 26, which may be tapered or otherwise restricted in cross-section (not shown) or filled with a gas permeable material which is molten metals impermeable. This invention contemplates that the slide gate may be adapted such that the aperture or apertures are arranged to provide for manipulation thereof in either a linear or rotary fashion.
A tundish spout 20 is mounted securely to mounting plate 17, in which mounting plate aperture 28 communicates with spout passageway ~9 to provide free mo~ement of the molten metal therethrough.
First plate 12 is ~aintained in sealing engagement with tundish 11 as is hereinafter described. Second plate 1~ is urged into contact with slide gate 13 by fasteners 15, 16 which may as de~ired be spring loaded (not shown). This may be accomplished by including compression springs between the heads of fasteners lS, 16 and second plate 14 to permit a modest degree of free relative movement between plates 12, 1~ and slide gate 13 while maintaining sealing contact along the molten metal pathO The apertures 27; 23 of pl~ates 1~
and 12 are maintained in constant, fixed coaxial alignment with tundish aperture 22. ~ plurality of bolt ~asteners extend through plates 14, 1~ into the tundish 11 wall to ensure maintenance of this coaxial alignment only two of which 15, 16 are shown in this view. ~s shown in this view, the slide gate 13 includes a plurality of major apertures which can be manipulated into coaxial alignment with the spout-to-tundish passageway through manipulation of slide ~ate 13 by clevis 21 which is affixed to s]ide gate 13. In contemplated substitute embodiments, the slide gate 13 may be rotated about a point in a circular manner to position the gate as desired.

The spout ~0 and spout mounting arrangement on plate 17 over alignmen~jquick-release fastening eye pins 18, 19 is especially useful in the configuration disclosed in this document, as spout changes have been discovered to be inconvenient according to prior art mounting methods, and due to the peculiar operating conditions in small cross section casting on machines having moving narrow mold entry approaches, spouts may require relatively frequent replacement. The spout mounting plate 17 includes a major metal flow aperture 28 and at least two mountinq pin apertures through which quick release fasteners such as guide and mounting eye pins 18, 19 protrude. The eye pins have elongated rectangular eyes (30) therein adapted to receive tapered cotter keys such that the spout mounting plate 17 may be sealingly and securely fastened to the outer slide gate plate 14. The tapered cotter keys are driven into the elongated eye slot (30) of -the eye pins 18, 19 firmly, as with a hammer, to achieve the foregoing sealing engagement.
Spout replacement is rapid and efficient; the slide gate 13 is actuated to block molten metal flow therethrough, either by a refractory area of the gate or by a gas-permeable material through which a stirring gas may be bubbled, then the tapered keys are tapped free with~hammer.
The spout 20 and its mounting plate 17 are easily removed, a replacement spout 20 and mounting plate 21 placed over the eye pins, and the tapered cotter keys inserted into the elongated eyes (30) and hammered gently but firmly in place to lock the mounting plate 17 in operating position. The slide gate 13 is then actuated to permit molten metal flow, and casting may be resumed. The arrangement disclosed by this invention permits the entire spout change operation to be performed extremely rapidly.
Referring now to FigO 2 an end vie~ of a typical tundish 11 having the slide gate tundish Elow control apparatus 10 of the present invention mounted thereon is shown~ Note ~ ~'7~36S

that a portion of the pouring spout ~0 is deleted ~r clarity of certain fastener parts otherwise hidden from view. The outer, or second plate 14 of the slide gate val~e is shown, which is fas~ened in place by a plurality ~f fastener means 15, 16 such as threaded fasteners or ~e like, only two of which are shown; any larger number may ~e used as required. The spout mounting plate 17, shown as circular but which may be of any convenient shape, is attached to second plate 14 by means of a plurality (two aFe shown for example) of quick release fasteners. These may be of any desired type, such as threaded, twist-to-lock, or ~s shown) eyepins 18, 19 having elongated rectangular eyes (30r Fig. 1) into which tapered cotter keys 31 are tapped into place, as shown. The slide gate, hidden from view in thiis figure, includes a clevis eye 21 attached thereto f~r manipulation thereof~ A fluid operated cylinder 35 attached to the front of tundish 11 includes a rod 34 and rod eye 33 which rod eye is pivotably attached within the clevis bifurcations by a pin 32. Note that this arrangement is exemplary in nature and not intended to limit the configuration of the invention. For example, an alternate arrangement might include manual or motor-driven manipulation means In this configuration a slide gate is shown which is linearly operated; while in al~ternate conigurations the slide gate may be operated in a rotary fashion to maneuver the desired face, element, or aperture of the slide gate into the desired position in the molten metal flow path. The various elements in contact wi~h the molten metal may be formed of refractory material or may be protected with refractory coatings.
Spout change i5 effected by operating the slide gate 13 (shown in Fig~ 1) into the closed position, or into a slide gate position permitting a gas to be bubbled through a gas-permeable element, and in which molten metal flow is stopped. The tapered cotter keys (31, etc.) are dislodged from their respective eye pin 18, 19 apertures (30, etc.) 7~~5 freeing the spout mounting plate 17 for rernoval. The spout mounting plate 17, to which the spout 20 is mounted, is remoYed by extracting same from mounting eye pins 18, l9. A
new spout and mounting plate is guided into place over eye pins 18, l9 and tapered cotter keys 32 are inserted therein to lock the new spout 20 and mounting plate 17 in place.
While the foregoing description o the present invention is related in terms of molten metal flow control in the metallurgical arts, it is clear that with only minor changes and simple experimentation within the range of skills possessed by an artisan, the invention is adaptable for use with other flowable high temperature materials~

INDUSTRIAL APPLICA~ILITY
The slide gate flow control apparatus as herein described is useful in the high temperature flowable materials arts, such as the metal casting arts, and more particularly in those situations where accurate molten metal ~low control and relatively frequent spout replacement are required. Frequent spout replacement is often required with continuous casting apparatus wherein one or more of the casting mold surfaces moves in contact with the solidifying metal, and where the mold cross section is small, where spout manipulation is desired, and/or where high temperature metals are being cast.

Claims (17)

WE CLAIM:
1. A molten metal tundish sliding gate flow control apparatus comprising:
a. tundish means for holding molten metal;
b. a first, fixed position plate having a first surface thereof in sealing contact with said tundish, a second surface and having at least one major aperture therethrough, an outer second, fixed position plate having at least one major aperture therethrough, and a sliding gate means having an aperture therethrough, said sliding gate means being disposed between said first and second plates for control of the flow of molten metal from the tundish;
c. spout means having an internal passageway therethrough for directing the metal flow, said spout means being attached to a spout mounting plate means; and d. fastener means for detachably mounting said spout mounting plate to said second fixed position plate.
2. In a molten metal tundish sliding gate flow control mechanism comprising:
a. a tundish means for holding molten metal;
b. a mechanism mounted to said tundish and including inner and outer, fixed position plates and a sliding gate therebetween, said slide gate flow control mechanism being adapted to regulate the flow of molten metal therethrough;
c. spout means having an internal passageway therethrough for directing the metal flow, said spout means being attached to a spout mounting plate means;

d. fastener means for detachably mounting said spout mounting plate in sealing engagement with said outer slide gate mechanism fixed position plate.
3. In a molten metal tundish system, a sliding gate flow control apparatus comprising:
a. at least three panel members joined to form a tundish means for holding flowable molten metal, including at least one panel member having an aperture therein;
b. a first plate means having a major aperture for molten metal flow and a plurality of minor apertures therethrough, surrounding said major aperture, said plate being in sealing contact with said first panel member and the major aperture being substantially coaxial with said tundish panel member aperture;
c. an outer second plate means having a major aperture for molten metal flow and a first group and a second group of minor apertures therethrough surrounding said major aperture, said second plate means being spaced apart from and parallel to said first plate means and disposed such that all the apertures of the first plate means are coaxial with the major aperture and the first group of apertures of the second plate means;
d. a spout means having an internal passageway therethrough for directing molten metal flow, said spout means being attached to a mounting plate having a major aperture communicating with said spout means passageway for molten metal flow and having a plurality of minor apertures spaced to match the second group of minor apertures in the second plate means;

e. fastener means to releasably attach the spout mounting plate to said second plate means;
f. fastener means for releasably securing said second plate means in a parallel relationship to said first plate means and to said tundish panel member;
g. slide gate means having at least one aperture therethrough, said slide gate means having an aperture therethrough and being sealingly interposed between said first and second plate means and between the fastener means securing the first and second plate means to each other and to said tundish panel member such that said slide gate means aperture may displaced to a closed position from a position coaxial with the major apertures of said first and second detachable stationary plate means permitting molten metal flow, and h. manipulating means to place and displace said slide gate means from a first position such that the slide gate aperture is coaxial with the major apertures of the first and second plate means to permit molten metal flow therethrough, through an intermediary position in which the flow of metal is restricted to a third position in which molten metal flow is completely stopped.
4. Apparatus as in Claims 1, 2, or 3 in which the slide gate means includes a plurality of apertures therethrough.
5. Apparatus as in Claims 1, 2, or 3 in which the slide gate means includes at least one aperture therethrough which is tapered from its first, inlet area to its second, outlet area to restrict the flow of molten metal therethrough.
6. Apparatus as in Claim 1, 2, or 3 in which at least one aperture therethrough is restricted as too area and is substantially untapered.
7. Apparatus as in Claims 1, 2, or 3 in which the slide gate means includes at least one aperture therethrough which is gas permeable and which is molten metal impermeable.
8. Apparatus as in Claims 1, 2, or 3 in which the molten metal flow control path begins through an aperture in a substantially vertical wall of the tundish.
9. Apparatus as in Claims 1, 2, or 3 in which the spout mounting plate means is substantially vertical.
10. Apparatus as in Claims 1, 2, or 3 in which the spout means is bent along its molten metal flow path.
11. Apparatus as in Claims 1, 2, or 3 in which the spout means is replaceable on the spout mounting plate means.
12. Apparatus as in Claim 1, 2, or 3 in which the spout means passageway is substantially longer than the internal diameter of the spout passageway.
13. Apparatus as in Claim 1, 2, or 3 further characterized by spring means resiliently urging the outer plate against the sliding gate means and in turn the sliding gate means against the first, inner plate to seal the parallel surfaces of the flow control apparatus.
14. Apparatus as in Claims 1, 2, or 3 in which the slide gate means is linearly actuated.
15. Apparatus as in Claims 1, 2, or 3 in which the slide gate means is adapted to at least partial rotary actuation.
16. Apparatus as in Claims 1, 2, or 3 in which the spout mounting plate fasteners are of the twist to lock quick release type.
17. Apparatus as in Claims 1, 2, or 3 in which the spout mounting plate fasteners are quick release fasteners of the eyepin and tapered key type.
CA000434479A 1982-08-27 1983-08-12 Slide gate tundish flow control Expired CA1197065A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US41231782A 1982-08-27 1982-08-27
US06/412,317 1982-08-27

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
CA1197065A true CA1197065A (en) 1985-11-26

Family

ID=23632510

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CA000434479A Expired CA1197065A (en) 1982-08-27 1983-08-12 Slide gate tundish flow control

Country Status (3)

Country Link
BE (1) BE897514A (en)
CA (1) CA1197065A (en)
GB (1) GB2128519B (en)

Family Cites Families (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE2557726C3 (en) * 1975-12-20 1980-09-11 Stopinc Ag, Zug (Schweiz) Device for changing pouring pipes

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
BE897514A (en) 1983-12-01
GB8322502D0 (en) 1983-09-21
GB2128519A (en) 1984-05-02
GB2128519B (en) 1986-07-09

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