EP0305426B1 - Installation for pouring liquid metal, and process for its implementation - Google Patents

Installation for pouring liquid metal, and process for its implementation Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0305426B1
EP0305426B1 EP88901871A EP88901871A EP0305426B1 EP 0305426 B1 EP0305426 B1 EP 0305426B1 EP 88901871 A EP88901871 A EP 88901871A EP 88901871 A EP88901871 A EP 88901871A EP 0305426 B1 EP0305426 B1 EP 0305426B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
orifice
liquid metal
casting
elongated element
pouring
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 - Lifetime
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EP88901871A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0305426A1 (en
Inventor
Jean Daussan
Gérard Daussan
André Daussan
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Daussan SAS
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Daussan SAS
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Publication date
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Priority to AT88901871T priority Critical patent/ATE61532T1/en
Publication of EP0305426A1 publication Critical patent/EP0305426A1/en
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B22—CASTING; POWDER METALLURGY
    • B22D—CASTING OF METALS; CASTING OF OTHER SUBSTANCES BY THE SAME PROCESSES OR DEVICES
    • B22D41/00—Casting melt-holding vessels, e.g. ladles, tundishes, cups or the like
    • B22D41/14—Closures
    • B22D41/16—Closures stopper-rod type, i.e. a stopper-rod being positioned downwardly through the vessel and the metal therein, for selective registry with the pouring opening
    • B22D41/18—Stopper-rods therefor
    • B22D41/186—Stopper-rods therefor with means for injecting a fluid into the melt
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F27—FURNACES; KILNS; OVENS; RETORTS
    • F27D—DETAILS OR ACCESSORIES OF FURNACES, KILNS, OVENS, OR RETORTS, IN SO FAR AS THEY ARE OF KINDS OCCURRING IN MORE THAN ONE KIND OF FURNACE
    • F27D3/00—Charging; Discharging; Manipulation of charge
    • F27D3/15—Tapping equipment; Equipment for removing or retaining slag
    • F27D3/1509—Tapping equipment

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a liquid metal casting installation comprising a metallurgical container intended to contain liquid metal, provided with a pouring orifice and comprising under this orifice a main device for closing and opening said orifice according to the preambule of the claim 1.
  • the invention also relates to the method for implementing this installation.
  • any metallurgical container such as a ladle or a continuous pouring distributor, mainly with slab or bloom, comprises a device for closing the pouring orifice to allow it to be closed, before and during the start of the pouring of the liquid metal into this container, then the release of this orifice to allow the pouring of the liquid metal into a second metallurgical container, for example in a continuous casting mold.
  • Such a device must also allow partial or total sealing of this orifice if it is necessary to limit the flow rate or interrupt the pouring of the liquid metal.
  • the most well-known sealing devices are the stopper rods fitted with a conventional refractory lining requiring heating before the metal is poured to avoid any risk of solidification of the metal in contact with its surface. These cattails are heavier and difficult to handle.
  • the closure devices currently used are drawer nozzles. These give full satisfaction with regard to the sealing function before and during casting and at the end of it. On the other hand, it may happen that, despite the care taken to prepare the pouring container before a pouring, a plug of various debris, slag and / or solidified metal is formed in the pouring opening preventing the pouring of the metal. liquid or severely limiting it.
  • the solution generally consists in trying to burn with oxygen the incandescent magma forming the plug which obstructs the pouring orifice.
  • a metal tube is introduced into this orifice through the lower part of the metallurgical vessel, into which a jet of oxygen is supplied.
  • a flame is formed on contact with the magma, the heat of which melts the latter.
  • This operation is always very delicate. In fact, it often happens that by melting the magma, the pouring orifice and / or the drawer device are damaged. In addition, this operation is dangerous for the personnel who perform it.
  • cattails of metallurgical vessels consisting of a hollow metal central tube covered with a refractory protection.
  • These cattails are intended to inject into the liquid steel baths purifying gases, whether or not added with powders, in order to purify the steel bath, in order to cool it, to purge it, and to reduce its flow through the orifice exit.
  • gases and powders are also intended to cool these cattails. They are not designed to achieve the objectives of the present invention and have a method of use opposite to the present invention.
  • the object of the present invention is to remedy the aforementioned drawbacks by creating a liquid metal pouring installation of the aforementioned simple and efficient type, allowing the preheating, the sealing and the unblocking of a pouring orifice of the metallurgical container, which allows in particular, for a low cost, the rapid and effective removal of a plug obstructing the pouring orifice.
  • the installation is characterized in that it also comprises an auxiliary device for preheating, closing and unblocking the pouring orifice, placed above said orifice, and comprising an elongated element intended to be partially immersed in the liquid metal and made of a refractory and / or refractory insulating material which can be sintered on contact liquid metal, means for holding the elongated element on the pouring orifice so as to close it before and during the start of the pouring of liquid metal into the container and for lifting this element above the orifice casting, this element comprising at least one longitudinal duct opening at right angles and / or in the vicinity of the pouring orifice and which is connected to at least one source of pressurized gas allowing the preheating and / or unclogging of said orifice.
  • an auxiliary device for preheating, closing and unblocking the pouring orifice placed above said orifice, and comprising an elongated element intended to be partially immersed in the liquid metal and made of a refractory
  • This device which is only used as an auxiliary for preheating and / or closing the pouring orifice at the start of casting, can be simple and therefore light and economical.
  • This device by its mere presence on the pouring orifice before the arrival of the liquid metal, also considerably limits the risk of debris of any kind falling into the pouring orifice to obstruct it.
  • this device which is placed on the pouring orifice and is lifted slightly above it, allows, in the event of the presence of a possible plug, to send directly to this plug at very short distance, therefore with great precision, an oxidizing gas, such as for example oxygen or any other gas enriched with oxygen, oxidizing and / or reducing, to melt this plug.
  • an oxidizing gas such as for example oxygen or any other gas enriched with oxygen, oxidizing and / or reducing
  • the refractory insulating material, sinterable in contact with the liquid metal is composed of refractory inorganic particles, such as silica and / or alumina and / or magnesia, and optionally organic and / or refractory fibers, agglomerated using an organic and / or inorganic binder, capable of sintering on contact with the liquid metal.
  • this material Since this material has a density and a thermal conductivity significantly lower than that of conventional refractories, this material does not require any preheating and does not risk causing solidification of the liquid metal on contact.
  • this material remains slightly malleable after sintering, which is favorable for good sealing of the pouring orifice.
  • the duct is constituted at least by a metal tube disposed longitudinally inside the elongated element and emerging at the end of this element located above the orifice of pouring, the end of this tube opposite the pouring opening being connected at least by a tube to a source of oxygen and / or similar oxidizing gas and / or reducing gas under pressure, bubbling gas, a powder feed mechanism, grains, metallic wire.
  • a metal tube arranged longitudinally inside the elongated element allows a very simple construction of this element to which the tube serves as a frame.
  • the jet of oxygen or enriched gas emerging at the end of the tube and of the elongated element situated above the pouring orifice forms a flame in contact with the liquid metal and attacks at very low distance and therefore with great precision the magma obstructing the pouring orifice without damaging the walls of this orifice or the elements of the slide or rotary shutter.
  • the thickness of this material around the metal tube can be reduced and this elongate element can thus be very light compared to a traditional stopper rod.
  • a metallurgical container constituted by a distributor 1 of a continuous casting installation.
  • This distributor 1 containing liquid metal 2 such as molten steel comprises an outer steel casing 3, internally lined with a permanent refractory coating 4 which is itself preferably protected by a refractory insulating coating 5.
  • the casting distributor 1 comprises a pouring orifice 6 formed in a pouring nozzle 7 usually made of refractory material. Under the pouring orifice 6 of the distributor 1 is installed a main shutter device 8 with a drawer 9.
  • the main shutter device with drawer 8 may include a tube 10 allowing the blowing of argon in the nozzle 7 which in this case is made of porous refractory material.
  • Under the drawer closure device 8 is mounted a pouring tube 11.
  • the pouring orifice 6 of the distributor 1 is equipped with an auxiliary preheating and / or obturation and uncorking device 12, which mainly comprises an elongated element 13 disposed substantially vertically on the pouring orifice 6 so that the '' seal.
  • Element 13 is axially traversed by a tube 23 which serves as a frame.
  • the elongate element 13 can be lifted above the pouring orifice 6 by any known manual or remote-controlled system.
  • this control device comprises a lever 14 articulated at 16 on a stand 17 carried by the casing 3 of the distributor 1.
  • the lever 14 is articulated on the one hand to a collar 15 which encloses the upper part of the tube 23 above the element 13 and on the other hand to a link 18 guided by a sheath 20.
  • the link 18 is controlled in translation by an operating lever 21 articulated at 22 on the casing 3.
  • this element has inside its metal tube 23, generally of ordinary steel, for example a standardized tube with nominal diameter 1 ⁇ (25.4 mm).
  • the tube 23 is externally threaded at its lower end and screwed into a threaded sleeve 24.
  • the end of the sleeve 24 opposite the tube 23 is for example welded to a washer 25 provided in its center with a circular orifice 26 in which is welded along the axis of the tube 23 a tubular element 27 of diameter smaller than that of the tube 23.
  • a layer of insulating material covering the surface of the bath of liquid steel.
  • the elongated element 13 is composed of several annular parts 13a, 13b, 13c fitted one on the other around the metal tube 23. These parts 13a, 13b, 13c can be joined to each other for example by means of a refractory adhesive. It is possible to interpose between the annular parts 13c one or more parts 13e of a larger diameter, in particular in the region of the slag and / or of the layer of insulating material 35 covering the surface of the bath of liquid steel (FIG. 1).
  • the part 13a adjacent to the pouring orifice 6 has a spherical surface 13d determined to be able to be applied in a sealed manner on the frustoconical edge 31a of the seat brick 31 and on the edge of the nozzle 7 housed in that -this.
  • the end 28 of the tube 23 opposite the pouring orifice 6 is connected to a source of oxygen 30 under pressure by means of a flexible tube 29.
  • the elongate element 13 can be produced in several ways.
  • the tube 23 and the sleeve 24 are assembled, to which the washer 25 and the tube section 27 have been previously fixed, to which a porous plug allowing the gases to pass is added, and the insulating coating is produced in a single operation.
  • the material 34 constituting the different parts 13a, 13b, 13c of the element 13 is a refractory and / or refractory thermal insulating material composed of particles refractory inorganics, such as silica and / or alumina, and / or magnesia, ... and optionally organic and / or refractory fibers, the whole being agglomerated using organic binders and / or inorganic, liable to sinter on contact with liquid metal 2.
  • composition of the refractory thermal insulating material and the particle size of its constituents are adjusted so that sintering occurs, in the case of steel metallurgy, between 800 ° C and 1500 ° C.
  • addition of a mineral binder frees the composition from the sintering constraints.
  • the specific mass of this material can vary between 0.5 and 2.9 kg / dm3 depending on the composition and the particle size of its constituents.
  • the outer walls of the tube 23, the sleeve 24, the washer 25 and the tube section 27 can be coated beforehand with an adhesive facilitating the adhesion of the material 34 to metal.
  • Another way of making the element 23 consists in separately preparing the end part 13a having substantially the shape of a hemisphere extended by a cylinder, then screwing the tube 23 into the sleeve 24 and then threading onto the tube 23 the various prefabricated tubular parts 13b, 13c.
  • the lower part 13a intended to close the pouring orifice 6, which supports the pressure hydrostatic of the liquid metal and rests on the periphery of the pouring orifice 6 has the maximum thickness of refractory and / or refractory insulating material 34. It has for example an outside diameter of 132 mm and a total height of 100 mm which includes the height of the frustoconical recess allowing the nesting, for example 15 mm, and the height of the threaded sleeve 24, or for example 52 mm, the upper part of the sleeve flush with the level of the refractory and / or refractory insulating material .
  • the upper tubular parts 13b, 13c which support less effort, can have a thinner thickness of material 34 and have, for example, an outside diameter of around 75 mm for an inside diameter of the order of 35 to 40 mm, and a height 150 mm unit.
  • Parts 13a, 13b, 13c can be produced, for example, by press or by accelerated filtration under pressure or by suction. They can be refractory and / or insulating refractory. They may have a larger diameter in the slag area than the elements 13b and 13c.
  • the new elongated element 13 is fixed to the arm 14.
  • the element 13 rests by its own weight on the bottom of the distributor 1 and care is taken to center the lower spherical part 13a on the pouring orifice 6.
  • the element 13 being in place, the device is placed at drawer 8 in closed position. The mere presence of the element 13 on the pouring orifice 6 will therefore prevent the introduction of undesirable foreign matter into this orifice.
  • the cohesion of the material is maintained, despite the decomposition of the binder.
  • the liquid metal does not wet the surface of the material of the element 13, so that the behavior of this element is not likely to be disturbed by undesirable metal adhesions.
  • the material of the element 13 being insulating, there is no metal solification against its surface.
  • the material 34 of the element 13 remains slightly malleable even after sintering, which further improves the sealing conditions of the pouring orifice 6.
  • the surface of the bath of liquid steel is covered with an insulating material. then the main shutter valve device 8 is opened, then, using the levers 21 and 14, the element 13 is slightly raised above the pouring orifice 6, as shown in FIG. 2. If the metal flows normally, element 13 can be lifted to its upper release position and kept there by any blocking device (not shown).
  • the element 13 is lowered again on this orifice 6 and oxygen is blown through the tube 23 and the tube section 26 which forms a nozzle. Upon contact with the liquid metal, a flame 32 is immediately formed which will melt and disappear any magma 33 of metal and foreign matter obstructing the pouring orifice 6.
  • the element 13 is raised to its upper release position and held there. Then one can, when a blowing of argon is planned, open the arrival of argon by the pipe 10 in the nozzle 7 to drive out of the vicinity of the orifice 6 possible impurities.
  • the element 13 is dismantled and replaced by a new element.
  • the invention is not limited to steel metallurgy and can be used for all liquid metals, in particular aluminum, copper and their alloys, provided that the composition and the particle size of the materials constituting the material the element 13 whose parts 13a or 13b or 13c or 13e are refractory insulators are adapted to allow sintering of this material in contact with the liquid metal.
  • This refractory insulating material can at will be acidic, basic or neutral depending on the composition chosen according to the intended use.
  • the total charge of the refractory component (s) of this material can reach 99.5%, the percentage of fibers being able to reach 20%.
  • the refractory insulating parts not subjected to sintering contain an inorganic binder.
  • the installation according to the invention can be adapted for example to a ladle and / or to each pouring orifice of a distributor, the length of the element 13 being adapted to the conditions of use.
  • the drawer nozzle can be replaced by a barrel nozzle.
  • tube 23, the sleeve 24, the washer 25, the section of the tube 27 can be replaced by equivalent elements assembled by any known means.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Continuous Casting (AREA)
  • Furnace Charging Or Discharging (AREA)

Abstract

Installation for pouring liquid metal, comprising a metallurgical receptacle (1), designed to contain liquid metal (2), provided with a pouring hole (6) and under said hole (6) a principal closing and opening device (8) for same (6). Also an auxiliary device (12) for preheating, sealing and unsealing said pouring hole (6), disposed thereabove (6) and comprising an elongated element (13) designed for partial immersion in the liquid metal (2) and made of a refractory and/or insulating material (34) which sinters on contact with the liquid metal; also means (14, 15, 17, 18, 21) for holding the elongated element (13) over the pouring hole (6), so sealing it before and during the first stage of the pouring of the liquid metal (2) into the receptacle (1) and for lifting said element (13) from the pouring hole (6), said element consisting of at least one longitudinal pipe (23) issuing aft right angles with, or/in the vicinity of the pouring hole (6) and connected with at least one pressurized gas source (30), enabling the preheating and/or unsealing of the hole (6). Application particularly in preheating and/or unsealing of the pouring hole (6) of a metallurgical receptacle (1).

Description

La présente invention concerne une installation de coulée de métal liquide comprenant un récipient métallurgique destiné à contenir du métal liquide, muni d'un orifice de coulée et comportant sous cet orifice un dispositif principal de fermeture et d'ouverture dudit orifice selon le preambule de la revendication 1.The present invention relates to a liquid metal casting installation comprising a metallurgical container intended to contain liquid metal, provided with a pouring orifice and comprising under this orifice a main device for closing and opening said orifice according to the preambule of the claim 1.

L'invention concerne également le procédé pour la mise en oeuvre de cette installation.The invention also relates to the method for implementing this installation.

On sait que tout récipient métallurgique tel qu'une poche de coulée ou un répartiteur de coulée continue, principalement à brame ou à bloom, comporte un dispositif d'obturation de l'orifice de coulée pour permettre l'obturation de celui-ci, avant et pendant le début de la coulée du métal liquide dans ce récipient, puis le dégagement de cet orifice pour permettre la coulée du métal liquide dans un second récipient métallurgique, par exemple dans une lingotière de coulée continue.It is known that any metallurgical container such as a ladle or a continuous pouring distributor, mainly with slab or bloom, comprises a device for closing the pouring orifice to allow it to be closed, before and during the start of the pouring of the liquid metal into this container, then the release of this orifice to allow the pouring of the liquid metal into a second metallurgical container, for example in a continuous casting mold.

Un tel dispositif doit également permettre l'obturation partielle ou totale de cet orifice s'il faut limiter le débit ou interrompre la coulée du métal liquide.Such a device must also allow partial or total sealing of this orifice if it is necessary to limit the flow rate or interrupt the pouring of the liquid metal.

Les dispositifs d'obturation les plus connus sont les quenouilles garnies d'un revêtement réfractaire classique nécessitant un chauffage avant la coulée du métal pour éviter tout risque de solidification de celui-ci au contact de sa surface. Ces quenouilles sont de plus lourdes et difficiles à manipuler.The most well-known sealing devices are the stopper rods fitted with a conventional refractory lining requiring heating before the metal is poured to avoid any risk of solidification of the metal in contact with its surface. These cattails are heavier and difficult to handle.

Les dispositifs d'obturation utilisés actuellement sont les busettes à tiroir. Celles-ci donnent toute satisfaction pour ce qui concerne la fonction obturation avant et pendant la coulée et à la fin de celle-ci. Par contre, il peut arriver que, malgré les soins apportés à préparer le récipient de coulée avant une coulée, il se forme dans l'orifice de coulée un bouchon de débris divers, de scories et/ou de métal solidifié empêchant la coulée du métal liquide ou limitant fortement celle-ci.The closure devices currently used are drawer nozzles. These give full satisfaction with regard to the sealing function before and during casting and at the end of it. On the other hand, it may happen that, despite the care taken to prepare the pouring container before a pouring, a plug of various debris, slag and / or solidified metal is formed in the pouring opening preventing the pouring of the metal. liquid or severely limiting it.

Un tel incident peut perturber gravement l'exploitation de l'atelier de coulée de métal liquide, en retardant la coulée du métal pendant le temps nécessaire à déboucher l'orifice de coulée obstrué, ou en prolongeant la durée de la coulée comme par exemple dans le cas d'une installation de coulée continue de métal liquide à plusieurs lignes, si le responsable de la coulée décide de renoncer à utiliser la ligne obstruée et de n'utiliser que les autres lignes disponibles.Such an incident can seriously disrupt the operation of the molten metal casting workshop, by delaying the pouring of the metal for the time necessary to unblock the blocked pouring orifice, or by extending the duration of the pouring as for example in in the case of a continuous casting installation of liquid metal with several lines, if the casting manager decides to give up using the obstructed line and to use only the other available lines.

Si toutes les lignes sont obstruées, il peut arriver que le métal doive être coulé dans des lingotières de secours permettant sa solidification en lingots qui seront ensuite refondus.If all the lines are obstructed, it can happen that the metal must be poured into emergency ingot molds allowing its solidification into ingots which will then be remelted.

Les incidents de non-débouchage sont donc toujours générateurs de coûts supplémentaires par perte de productivité.Incidents of unclogging are therefore always generating additional costs by loss of productivity.

La solution consiste d'une manière générale à essayer de brûler à l'oxygène le magma incandescent formant le bouchon qui obstrue l'orifice de coulée. Pour cela, on introduit dans cet orifice par la partie inférieure du récipient métallurgique, un tube métallique dans lequel on fait arriver un jet d'oxygène. Il se forme au contact du magma une flamme dont la chaleur fait fondre celui-ci. Cette opération est toujours très délicate. En effet, il arrive souvent qu'en faisant fondre le magma on détériore l'orifice de coulée et/ou le dispositif à tiroir. De plus, cette opération est dangereuse pour le personnel qui l'exécute.The solution generally consists in trying to burn with oxygen the incandescent magma forming the plug which obstructs the pouring orifice. For this, a metal tube is introduced into this orifice through the lower part of the metallurgical vessel, into which a jet of oxygen is supplied. A flame is formed on contact with the magma, the heat of which melts the latter. This operation is always very delicate. In fact, it often happens that by melting the magma, the pouring orifice and / or the drawer device are damaged. In addition, this operation is dangerous for the personnel who perform it.

Un tel mode de débouchage est rendu encore plus délicat lorsqu'on utilise sous le récipient métallurgique un tube de coulée destiné à éviter au métal liquide le contact de l'air et le risque d'oxydation, tout en limitant les projections. On a bien essayé de concevoir des tubes de coulée munis sensiblement dans leur axe d'un tuyau métallique par lequel on fait arriver de l'oxygène si le métal liquide ne coule pas par l'orifice de coulée lorsqu'on ouvre le dispositif à tiroir. Mais le débouchage par le dessous du récipient métallurgique n'a jamais donné entière satisfaction.Such a method of unblocking is made even more delicate when a pouring tube is used under the metallurgical receptacle intended to prevent the liquid metal from contacting the air and the risk of oxidation, while limiting projections. An attempt has been made to design pouring tubes provided substantially in their axis with a metal pipe through which oxygen is supplied if the liquid metal does not flow through the pouring opening when the drawer device is opened. . But unclogging the underside of the metallurgical vessel has never been entirely satisfactory.

Une autre solution est également proposée dans le US-A-4 667 858 pour éviter le bouchage de l'orifice de coulée d'un récipient métallurgique équipé d'un dispositif d'obturation du type busette à tiroir. Cette solution consiste à mettre du sable dans l'orifice de coulée au-dessus du tiroir. Toutefois, lorsque l'on ouvre le tiroir, le sable coule et pollue le métal du récipient inférieur.Another solution is also proposed in US-A-4 667 858 to avoid blockage of the pouring orifice of a metallurgical container equipped with a closure device of the nozzle nozzle type. This solution consists in putting sand in the pouring opening above the drawer. However, when the drawer is opened, the sand flows and pollutes the metal of the lower container.

Il est également connu dans la manière d'élaborer des aciers d'utiliser des quenouilles de récipients métallurgiques constituées d'un tube central creux métallique recouvert d'une protection réfractaire. Ces quenouilles sont destinées à injecter dans les bains d'acier liquide des gaz purifiants additionnés ou non de poudres afin de purifier le bain d'acier, afin de le refroidir, de le purger, et de réduire son écoulement à travers l'orifice de sortie. Ces gaz et ces poudres ont également pour but de refroidir ces quenouilles. Elles ne sont pas conçues pour réaliser les objectifs de la présente invention et ont un procédé d'utilisation à l'opposé de la présente invention.It is also known in the way of developing steels to use cattails of metallurgical vessels consisting of a hollow metal central tube covered with a refractory protection. These cattails are intended to inject into the liquid steel baths purifying gases, whether or not added with powders, in order to purify the steel bath, in order to cool it, to purge it, and to reduce its flow through the orifice exit. These gases and powders are also intended to cool these cattails. They are not designed to achieve the objectives of the present invention and have a method of use opposite to the present invention.

Le but de la présente invention est de remédier aux inconvénients précités en créant une installation de coulée de métal liquide du type précité simple et efficace, permettant le préchauffage, l'obturation et le débouchage d'un orifice de coulée du récipient métallurgique, qui permette notamment, pour un faible coût, l'élimination rapide et efficace d'un bouchon obstruant l'orifice de coulée.The object of the present invention is to remedy the aforementioned drawbacks by creating a liquid metal pouring installation of the aforementioned simple and efficient type, allowing the preheating, the sealing and the unblocking of a pouring orifice of the metallurgical container, which allows in particular, for a low cost, the rapid and effective removal of a plug obstructing the pouring orifice.

Suivant l'invention, l'installation est caractérisée en ce qu'elle comprend également un dispositif auxiliaire de préchauffage, d'obturation et de débouchage de l'orifice de coulée, placé au-dessus dudit orifice, et comportant un élément allongé destiné à être partiellement immergé dans le métal liquide et réalisé en un matériau réfractaire et/ou isolant réfractaire frittable au contact du métal liquide, des moyens pour maintenir l'élément allongé sur l'orifice de coulée de façon à l'obturer avant et pendant le début de la coulée du métal liquide dans le récipient et pour soulever cet élément au-dessus de l'orifice de coulée, cet élément comportant au moins un conduit longitudinal débouchant au droit et/ou dans la proximité de l'orifice de coulée et qui est raccordé à au moins une source de gaz sous pression permettant le préchauffage et/ou le débouchage dudit orifice.According to the invention, the installation is characterized in that it also comprises an auxiliary device for preheating, closing and unblocking the pouring orifice, placed above said orifice, and comprising an elongated element intended to be partially immersed in the liquid metal and made of a refractory and / or refractory insulating material which can be sintered on contact liquid metal, means for holding the elongated element on the pouring orifice so as to close it before and during the start of the pouring of liquid metal into the container and for lifting this element above the orifice casting, this element comprising at least one longitudinal duct opening at right angles and / or in the vicinity of the pouring orifice and which is connected to at least one source of pressurized gas allowing the preheating and / or unclogging of said orifice.

Ce dispositif, qui n'intervient qu'à titre auxiliaire pour le préchauffage et/ou l'obturation de l'orifice de coulée en début de coulée, peut être simple et donc léger et économique. Ce dispositif par sa seule présence sur l'orifice de coulée avant l'arrivée du métal liquide, limite également considérablement le risque de voir des débris de toute sorte tomber dans l'orifice de coulée pour l'obstruer. De plus, ce dispositif qui est placé sur l'orifice de coulée puis est soulevé légèrement au-dessus de celui-ci, permet, en cas de présence d'un éventuel bouchon, d'envoyer directement sur ce bouchon à très faible distance, donc avec une grande précision, un gaz oxydant, tel que par exemple de l'oxygène ou tout autre gaz enrichi à l'oxygène, oxydant et/ou réducteur, pour faire fondre ce bouchon. Le fait que l'élément allongé soit de préférence en matériau susceptible de fritter au contact du métal liquide permet à celui-ci de conserver sa cohésion mécanique pendant toute la durée de son séjour dans ce métal liquide.This device, which is only used as an auxiliary for preheating and / or closing the pouring orifice at the start of casting, can be simple and therefore light and economical. This device by its mere presence on the pouring orifice before the arrival of the liquid metal, also considerably limits the risk of debris of any kind falling into the pouring orifice to obstruct it. In addition, this device, which is placed on the pouring orifice and is lifted slightly above it, allows, in the event of the presence of a possible plug, to send directly to this plug at very short distance, therefore with great precision, an oxidizing gas, such as for example oxygen or any other gas enriched with oxygen, oxidizing and / or reducing, to melt this plug. The fact that the elongated element is preferably made of a material capable of sintering on contact with the liquid metal allows the latter to maintain its mechanical cohesion throughout the duration of its stay in this liquid metal.

Selon un mode de réalisation avantageux de l'invention, le matériau isolant réfractaire, frittable au contact du métal liquide, est composé de particules inorganiques réfractaires, telles que de la silice et/ou de l'alumine et/ou de la magnésie, et éventuellement de fibres organiques et/ou réfractaires, agglomérées à l'aide d'un liant organique et/ou inorganique, susceptibles de fritter au contact du métal liquide.According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the refractory insulating material, sinterable in contact with the liquid metal, is composed of refractory inorganic particles, such as silica and / or alumina and / or magnesia, and optionally organic and / or refractory fibers, agglomerated using an organic and / or inorganic binder, capable of sintering on contact with the liquid metal.

Etant donné que ce matériau a une densité et une conductibilité thermique nettement inférieures à celles des réfractaires classiques, ce matériau ne nécessite aucun préchauffage et ne risque pas d'entraîner une solidification du métal liquide à son contact.Since this material has a density and a thermal conductivity significantly lower than that of conventional refractories, this material does not require any preheating and does not risk causing solidification of the liquid metal on contact.

De plus, ce matériau reste légèrement malléable après frittage, ce qui est favorable à une bonne obturation de l'orifice de coulée.In addition, this material remains slightly malleable after sintering, which is favorable for good sealing of the pouring orifice.

Enfin ce matériau est très économique et d'utilisation aisée.Finally, this material is very economical and easy to use.

Selon un mode de réalisation préféré de l'invention, le conduit est constitué au moins par un tube métallique disposé longitudinalement à l'intérieur de l'élément allongé et débouchant à l'extrémité de cet élément située au-dessus de l'orifice de coulée, l'extrémité de ce tube opposée à l'orifice de coulée étant raccordée au moins par une tubulure à une source d'oxygène et/ou de gaz oxydant analogue et/ou de gaz réducteur sous pression, de gaz de barbotage, à un mécanisme d'amenée de poudres, de grains, de fil métallique.According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the duct is constituted at least by a metal tube disposed longitudinally inside the elongated element and emerging at the end of this element located above the orifice of pouring, the end of this tube opposite the pouring opening being connected at least by a tube to a source of oxygen and / or similar oxidizing gas and / or reducing gas under pressure, bubbling gas, a powder feed mechanism, grains, metallic wire.

La présence d'un tube métallique disposé longitudinalement à l'intérieur de l'élément allongé permet une construction très simple de cet élément auquel le tube sert d'armature. Comme signalé plus haut, le jet d'oxygène ou de gaz enrichi débouchant à l'extrémité du tube et de l'élément allongé située au-dessus de l'orifice de coulée forme une flamme au contact du métal liquide et attaque à très faible distance et donc avec une grande précision le magma obstruant l'orifice de coulée sans détériorer les parois de cet orifice ni les éléments de l'obturateur à tiroir ou rotatif. On peut également enflammer le gaz sortant de l'élément allongé à l'aide d'une torche afin de préchauffer l'orifice de sortie ou à l'aide de tout autre dispostif d'allumage, tel que, par exemple, par un système d'électrodes.The presence of a metal tube arranged longitudinally inside the elongated element allows a very simple construction of this element to which the tube serves as a frame. As indicated above, the jet of oxygen or enriched gas emerging at the end of the tube and of the elongated element situated above the pouring orifice forms a flame in contact with the liquid metal and attacks at very low distance and therefore with great precision the magma obstructing the pouring orifice without damaging the walls of this orifice or the elements of the slide or rotary shutter. It is also possible to ignite the gas leaving the elongated element using a torch in order to preheat the outlet or using any other ignition device, such as, for example, by a system. of electrodes.

Le matériau dont est réalisé de préférence l'élément allongé étant à la fois réfractaire et isolant, l'épaisseur de ce matériau autour du tube métallique peut être réduite et cet élément allongé peut ainsi être très léger comparé à une quenouille traditionnelle.The material of which the elongate element is preferably made being both refractory and insulating, the thickness of this material around the metal tube can be reduced and this elongate element can thus be very light compared to a traditional stopper rod.

Selon un autres aspect de l'invention, le procédé pour la mise en oeuvre d'une installation conforme à l'invention comprend les étapes suivantes:

  • a) on met en place sur l'orifice de coulée l'élément allongé du dispositif auxiliaire ou principal de préchauffage, d'obturation et de débouchage,
  • b) on commence à remplir le récipient de métal liquide,
  • c) lorsque le métal liquide atteint dans le récipient le niveau voulu, on ouvre le dispositif principal d'obturation, puis
  • d) on soulève légèrement l'élément allongé du dispositif auxiliaire au-dessus de l'orifice de coulée,
  • e) si le métal liquide ne s'écoule pas normalement par l'orifice de coulée, on commande l'arrivée du gaz oxydant dans le conduit de l'élément pour éliminer par fusion le bouchon formé dans l'orifice de coulée,
  • f) dès que le métal s'écoule normalement par l'orifice de coulée, on relève complètement l'élément allongé.
According to another aspect of the invention, the method for implementing an installation according to the invention comprises the following steps:
  • a) the elongate element of the auxiliary or main preheating, sealing and uncorking device is placed on the pouring orifice,
  • b) one begins to fill the container with liquid metal,
  • c) when the liquid metal reaches the desired level in the container, the main closure device is opened, then
  • d) the elongate element of the auxiliary device is slightly raised above the pouring orifice,
  • e) if the liquid metal does not flow normally through the pouring orifice, the arrival of the oxidizing gas is controlled in the conduit of the element to remove by fusion the plug formed in the pouring orifice,
  • f) as soon as the metal flows normally through the pouring orifice, the elongated element is completely raised.

D'autres particularités et avantages de l'invention apparaîtront encore dans la description ci-après.Other features and advantages of the invention will appear in the description below.

Aux dessins annexés donnés à titre d'exemples non limitatifs:

  • la figure 1 est une vue en coupe transversale d'une installation conforme à un mode de réalisation de l'invention;
  • la figure 2 est une vue en coupe analogue à la figure 1, l'élément allongé de l'installation selon l'invention étant soulevé au-dessus de l'orifice de coulée, et étant différent de celui représenté à la figure 1;
  • la figure 3 est une vue en coupe axiale longitudinale de l'élément allongé d'une installation conforme à l'invention.
In the appended drawings given by way of nonlimiting examples:
  • Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of an installation according to an embodiment of the invention;
  • Figure 2 is a sectional view similar to Figure 1, the elongated element of the installation according to the invention being lifted above the pouring orifice, and being different from that shown in Figure 1;
  • Figure 3 is an axial sectional view longitudinal of the elongated element of an installation according to the invention.

Dans le mode de réalisation de l'installation représenté à la figure 1, on voit en 1 un récipient métallurgique constitué par un répartiteur 1 d'une installation de coulée continue. Ce répartiteur 1 renfermant du métal liquide 2 tel que de l'acier fondu comprend une enveloppe extérieure en acier 3, garnie intérieurement d'un revêtement réfractaire permanent 4 qui est lui-même protégé de préférence par un revêtement isolant réfractaire 5.In the embodiment of the installation shown in FIG. 1, we see at 1 a metallurgical container constituted by a distributor 1 of a continuous casting installation. This distributor 1 containing liquid metal 2 such as molten steel comprises an outer steel casing 3, internally lined with a permanent refractory coating 4 which is itself preferably protected by a refractory insulating coating 5.

Le répartiteur de coulée 1 comprend un orifice de coulée 6 ménagé dans une busette de coulée 7 habituellement en matière réfractaire. Sous l'orifice de coulée 6 du répartiteur 1 est installé un dispositif principal d'obturation 8 à tiroir 9. Dans l'exemple représenté, le dispositif principal d'obturation à tiroir 8 peut comporter une tubulure 10 permettant l'insufflation d'argon dans la busette 7 qui dans ce cas est en matière réfractaire poreuse. Sous le dispositif d'obturation à tiroir 8 est monté un tube de coulée 11.The casting distributor 1 comprises a pouring orifice 6 formed in a pouring nozzle 7 usually made of refractory material. Under the pouring orifice 6 of the distributor 1 is installed a main shutter device 8 with a drawer 9. In the example shown, the main shutter device with drawer 8 may include a tube 10 allowing the blowing of argon in the nozzle 7 which in this case is made of porous refractory material. Under the drawer closure device 8 is mounted a pouring tube 11.

L'orifice de coulée 6 du répartiteur 1 est équipé d'un dispositif auxiliaire de préchauffage et/ou d'obturation et de débouchage 12, qui comprend principalement un élément allongé 13 disposé sensiblement verticalement sur l'orifice de coulée 6 de manière à l'obturer.The pouring orifice 6 of the distributor 1 is equipped with an auxiliary preheating and / or obturation and uncorking device 12, which mainly comprises an elongated element 13 disposed substantially vertically on the pouring orifice 6 so that the '' seal.

L'élément 13 est traversé axialement par un tube métallique 23 qui lui sert d'armature.Element 13 is axially traversed by a tube 23 which serves as a frame.

L'élément allongé 13 peut être soulevé au-dessus de l'orifice de coulée 6 par un système connu quelconque manuel ou télécommandé.The elongate element 13 can be lifted above the pouring orifice 6 by any known manual or remote-controlled system.

Dans l'exemple représenté, ce dispositif de commande comprend un levier 14 articulé en 16 sur une béquille 17 portée par l'enveloppe 3 du répartiteur 1. Le levier 14 est articulé d'une part à un collier 15 qui enserre la partie supérieure du tube 23 au-dessus de l'élément 13 et d'autre part à une biellette 18 guidée par un fourreau 20. La biellette 18 est commandée en translation par un levier de manoeuvre 21 articulé en 22 sur l'enveloppe 3.In the example shown, this control device comprises a lever 14 articulated at 16 on a stand 17 carried by the casing 3 of the distributor 1. The lever 14 is articulated on the one hand to a collar 15 which encloses the upper part of the tube 23 above the element 13 and on the other hand to a link 18 guided by a sheath 20. The link 18 is controlled in translation by an operating lever 21 articulated at 22 on the casing 3.

Selon un mode de réalisation particulièrement simple de l'élément allongé 13 représenté à la figure 3; cet élément comporte en son intérieur le tube métallique 23, en général en acier ordinaire, par exemple un tube normalisé de diamètre nominal 1˝ (25,4 mm). Le tube 23 est fileté extérieurement à son extrémité inférieure et vissé dans un manchon fileté 24. L'extrémité du manchon 24 opposée au tube 23 est par exemple soudée à une rondelle 25 munie en son centre d'un orifice circulaire 26 dans lequel est soudé suivant l'axe du tube 23 un élément tubulaire 27 de diamètre inférieur à celui du tube 23. En 35, on a représenté une couche de matière isolante recouvrant la surface du bain d'acier liquide.According to a particularly simple embodiment of the elongated element 13 shown in Figure 3; this element has inside its metal tube 23, generally of ordinary steel, for example a standardized tube with nominal diameter 1˝ (25.4 mm). The tube 23 is externally threaded at its lower end and screwed into a threaded sleeve 24. The end of the sleeve 24 opposite the tube 23 is for example welded to a washer 25 provided in its center with a circular orifice 26 in which is welded along the axis of the tube 23 a tubular element 27 of diameter smaller than that of the tube 23. At 35, there is shown a layer of insulating material covering the surface of the bath of liquid steel.

Dans l'exemple représenté à la figure 3, l'élément allongé 13 est composé de plusieurs parties annulaires 13a, 13b, 13c emboîtées les unes sur les autres autour du tube métallique 23. Ces parties 13a, 13b, 13c peuvent être jointoyées les unes aux autres par exemple au moyen d'une colle réfractaire. On peut intercaler entre les parties annulaires 13c une ou plusieurs parties 13e d'un diamètre plus important, notamment dans la zone des scories et/ou de la couche de matière isolante 35 recouvrant la surface du bain d'acier liquide (figure 1).In the example shown in FIG. 3, the elongated element 13 is composed of several annular parts 13a, 13b, 13c fitted one on the other around the metal tube 23. These parts 13a, 13b, 13c can be joined to each other for example by means of a refractory adhesive. It is possible to interpose between the annular parts 13c one or more parts 13e of a larger diameter, in particular in the region of the slag and / or of the layer of insulating material 35 covering the surface of the bath of liquid steel (FIG. 1).

Par ailleurs, la partie 13a adjacente à l'orifice de coulée 6 présente une surface sphérique 13d déterminée pour pouvoir s'appliquer de façon étanche sur le bord tronconique 31a de la brique de siège 31 et sur le bord de la busette 7 logée dans celle-ci.Furthermore, the part 13a adjacent to the pouring orifice 6 has a spherical surface 13d determined to be able to be applied in a sealed manner on the frustoconical edge 31a of the seat brick 31 and on the edge of the nozzle 7 housed in that -this.

L'extrémité 28 du tube 23 opposée à l'orifice de coulée 6 est reliée à une source d'oxygène 30 sous pression par l'intermédiaire d'une tubulure souple 29.The end 28 of the tube 23 opposite the pouring orifice 6 is connected to a source of oxygen 30 under pressure by means of a flexible tube 29.

On peut réaliser l'élément allongé 13 de plusieurs manières. Par exemple on assemble le tube 23 et le manchon 24, auquel ont été préalablement fixés la rondelle 25 et le tronçon de tube 27, auquel on ajoute, éventuellement un bouchon poreux laissant passer les gaz, et on réalise en une seule opération le revêtement isolant réfractaire à la presse ou par filtration accélérée sous pression ou par aspiration à l'aide d'un matériau adéquat 34 décrit ci-dessous. Le matériau 34 constituant les différentes parties 13a, 13b, 13c de l'élément 13 est un matériau réfractaire et/ou isolant thermique réfractaire composé de particules inorganiques réfractaires, telles que de la silice et/ou de l'alumine, et/ou de la magnésie,... et éventuellement des fibres organiques et/ou réfractaires, le tout étant aggloméré à l'aide de liants organiques et/ou inorganiques, succeptibles de fritter au contact du métal liquide 2.The elongate element 13 can be produced in several ways. For example, the tube 23 and the sleeve 24 are assembled, to which the washer 25 and the tube section 27 have been previously fixed, to which a porous plug allowing the gases to pass is added, and the insulating coating is produced in a single operation. refractory to the press or by accelerated filtration under pressure or by suction using a suitable material 34 described below. The material 34 constituting the different parts 13a, 13b, 13c of the element 13 is a refractory and / or refractory thermal insulating material composed of particles refractory inorganics, such as silica and / or alumina, and / or magnesia, ... and optionally organic and / or refractory fibers, the whole being agglomerated using organic binders and / or inorganic, liable to sinter on contact with liquid metal 2.

La composition du matériau isolant thermique réfractaire et la granulométrie de ses constituants sont ajustées de manière que le frittage se produise, dans le cas de la métallurgie de l'acier, entre 800°C et 1500°C. Cependant, l'adjonction d'un liant minéral libère la composition des contraintes de frittage. La masse spécifique de ce matériau peut varier entre 0,5 et 2,9 kg/dm³ en fonction de la composition et de la granulométrie de ses constituants.The composition of the refractory thermal insulating material and the particle size of its constituents are adjusted so that sintering occurs, in the case of steel metallurgy, between 800 ° C and 1500 ° C. However, the addition of a mineral binder frees the composition from the sintering constraints. The specific mass of this material can vary between 0.5 and 2.9 kg / dm³ depending on the composition and the particle size of its constituents.

Pour faciliter la réalisation de l'élément allongé 13 en une seule opération, on peut revêtir au préalable les parois extérieures du tube 23, du manchon 24, de la rondelle 25 et du tronçon de tube 27 d'une colle facilitant l'adhérence du matériau 34 au métal.To facilitate the production of the elongated element 13 in a single operation, the outer walls of the tube 23, the sleeve 24, the washer 25 and the tube section 27 can be coated beforehand with an adhesive facilitating the adhesion of the material 34 to metal.

Une autre manière de réaliser l'élément 23 consiste à préparer séparément la partie d'extrémité 13a ayant sensiblement la forme d'une demi-sphère prolongée par un cylindre, puis à visser le tube 23 dans le manchon 24 et à enfiler ensuite sur le tube 23 les diverses parties tubulaires préfabriquées 13b, 13c.Another way of making the element 23 consists in separately preparing the end part 13a having substantially the shape of a hemisphere extended by a cylinder, then screwing the tube 23 into the sleeve 24 and then threading onto the tube 23 the various prefabricated tubular parts 13b, 13c.

La partie inférieure 13a destinée à obturer l'orifice de coulée 6, qui supporte la pression hydrostatique du métal liquide et s'appuie sur la périphérie de l'orifice de coulée 6 comporte l'épaisseur maximale de matériau réfractaire et/ou isolant réfractaire 34. Elle a par exemple un diamètre extérieur de 132 mm et une hauteur totale de 100 mm qui comprend la hauteur de l'évidement tronconique permettant l'emboîtement, soit par exemple 15 mm, et la hauteur du manchon fileté 24, soit par exemple 52 mm, la partie supérieure du manchon affleurant le niveau du matériau réfractaire et/ou isolant réfractaire.The lower part 13a intended to close the pouring orifice 6, which supports the pressure hydrostatic of the liquid metal and rests on the periphery of the pouring orifice 6 has the maximum thickness of refractory and / or refractory insulating material 34. It has for example an outside diameter of 132 mm and a total height of 100 mm which includes the height of the frustoconical recess allowing the nesting, for example 15 mm, and the height of the threaded sleeve 24, or for example 52 mm, the upper part of the sleeve flush with the level of the refractory and / or refractory insulating material .

Les parties tubulaires supérieures 13b, 13c qui supportent un effort moindre, peuvent avoir une épaisseur plus faible de matériau 34 et avoir par exemple un diamètre extérieur de 75 mm environ pour un diamètre intérieur de l'ordre de 35 à 40 mm, et une hauteur unitaire de 150 mm.The upper tubular parts 13b, 13c which support less effort, can have a thinner thickness of material 34 and have, for example, an outside diameter of around 75 mm for an inside diameter of the order of 35 to 40 mm, and a height 150 mm unit.

Les parties 13a, 13b, 13c peuvent être réalisées par exemple à la presse ou par filtration accélérée sous pression ou par aspiration. Elles peuvent être réfractaires et/ou isolantes réfractaires. Elles peuvent présenter un diamètre plus important dans la zone des scories que les éléments 13b et 13c.Parts 13a, 13b, 13c can be produced, for example, by press or by accelerated filtration under pressure or by suction. They can be refractory and / or insulating refractory. They may have a larger diameter in the slag area than the elements 13b and 13c.

On va maintenant décrire en référence aux figures 1, 2 et 3 le procédé pour la mise en oeuvre de l'installation selon l'invention dans le cas représenté où le récipient est un répartiteur de coulée continue.We will now describe with reference to Figures 1, 2 and 3 the method for implementing the installation according to the invention in the case shown where the container is a continuous casting distributor.

Lorsque le répartiteur 1 comportant un dispositif auxiliaire 12 et un dispositif principal 8 est prêt pour une nouvelle coulée, on fixe l'élément allongé 13 neuf au bras 14. L'élément 13 repose par son propre poids sur le fond du répartiteur 1 et on prend bien soin de centrer la partie inférieure 13a sphérique sur l'orifice de coulée 6. L'élément 13 étant en place, on place le dispositif à tiroir 8 en position fermée. La seule présence de l'élément 13 sur l'orifice de coulée 6 va donc empêcher l'introduction de matières étrangères indésirables dans cet orifice.When the distributor 1 comprising an auxiliary device 12 and a main device 8 is ready for a new casting, the new elongated element 13 is fixed to the arm 14. The element 13 rests by its own weight on the bottom of the distributor 1 and care is taken to center the lower spherical part 13a on the pouring orifice 6. The element 13 being in place, the device is placed at drawer 8 in closed position. The mere presence of the element 13 on the pouring orifice 6 will therefore prevent the introduction of undesirable foreign matter into this orifice.

On commence à remplir le répartiteur 1 de métal liquide. Au contact de ce dernier, ou du fait du rayonnement du métal liquide, le matériau isolant réfractaire 34 entourant l'élément 13 commence à fritter. Ce frittage se poursuit à l'intérieur du matériau, au fur et à mesure de l'augmentation de la température à l'intérieur des parties 13a, 13b, 13c.We begin to fill the distributor 1 with liquid metal. On contact with the latter, or due to the radiation of the liquid metal, the refractory insulating material 34 surrounding the element 13 begins to sinter. This sintering continues inside the material, as the temperature inside the parts 13a, 13b, 13c increases.

Grâce à ce frittage, la cohésion du matériau est maintenue, malgré la décomposition du liant. De plus, il a été constaté que le métal liquide ne mouille pas la surface du matériau de l'élément 13, de sorte que le comportement de cet élément ne risque pas d'être perturbé par des adhérences de métal indésirables. Le matériau de l'élément 13 étant isolant, il n'y a pas solification de métal contre sa surface. En outre, le matériau 34 de l'élément 13 reste légèrement malléable même après frittage, ce qui améliore encore les conditions d'obturation de l'orifice de coulée 6.Thanks to this sintering, the cohesion of the material is maintained, despite the decomposition of the binder. In addition, it has been found that the liquid metal does not wet the surface of the material of the element 13, so that the behavior of this element is not likely to be disturbed by undesirable metal adhesions. The material of the element 13 being insulating, there is no metal solification against its surface. In addition, the material 34 of the element 13 remains slightly malleable even after sintering, which further improves the sealing conditions of the pouring orifice 6.

De préférence lorsque le métal liquide dans le répartiteur 1 atteint le niveau requis, on recouvre la surface du bain d'acier liquide d'une matière isolante 35 puis on ouvre le dispositif principal d'obturation à tiroir 8 puis, à l'aide des leviers 21 et 14 on soulève légèrement l'élément 13 au-dessus de l'orifice de coulée 6, comme représenté sur la figure 2. Si le métal s'écoule normalement, on peut lever l'élément 13 jusqu'à sa position supérieure de dégagement et l'y maintenir par un dispositif quelconque de blocage (non représenté).Preferably when the liquid metal in the distributor 1 reaches the required level, the surface of the bath of liquid steel is covered with an insulating material. then the main shutter valve device 8 is opened, then, using the levers 21 and 14, the element 13 is slightly raised above the pouring orifice 6, as shown in FIG. 2. If the metal flows normally, element 13 can be lifted to its upper release position and kept there by any blocking device (not shown).

Si le métal ne s'écoule pas du tout on ne s'écoule pas normalement dans l'orifice de coulée 6, on abaisse de nouveau l'élément 13 sur cet orifice 6 et on souffle de l'oxygène par le tube 23 et le tronçon de tube 26 qui forme buse. Au contact du métal liquide, il se forme immédiatement une flamme 32 qui va faire fondre et disparaître tout magma 33 de métal et de matières étrangères obstruant l'orifice de coulée 6.If the metal does not flow at all, it does not flow normally in the pouring orifice 6, the element 13 is lowered again on this orifice 6 and oxygen is blown through the tube 23 and the tube section 26 which forms a nozzle. Upon contact with the liquid metal, a flame 32 is immediately formed which will melt and disappear any magma 33 of metal and foreign matter obstructing the pouring orifice 6.

Dès que le métal s'écoule normalement, on relève l'élément 13 dans sa position supérieure de dégagement et on l'y maintient. Puis on peut, lorsqu'un soufflage d'argon est prévu, ouvrir l'arrivée d'argon par la conduite 10 dans la busette 7 pour chasser du voisinage de l'orifice 6 d'éventuelles impuretés.As soon as the metal flows normally, the element 13 is raised to its upper release position and held there. Then one can, when a blowing of argon is planned, open the arrival of argon by the pipe 10 in the nozzle 7 to drive out of the vicinity of the orifice 6 possible impurities.

Lorsque la coulée est presque terminée, il est possible d'obturer l'orifice de coulée 6 au moyen de l'élément allongé avant de commander la fermeture de la busette à tiroir 8. Si l'on ferme directement la busette à tiroir, on risque l'accumulation au-dessus du tiroir 9 dans l'orifice 6 d'un magma d'acier et/ou de scorie et de poudre isolante qui risque de se solidifier dans l'orifice 6 et de rendre plus difficile le remplacement de la busette à tiroir 8 et celui de la busette 7. Au contraire, en procédant comme indiqué ci-dessus, on ferme la busette à tiroir 8 alors que l'orifice 6 est complètement dégagé. On peut ainsi interrompre la coulée avant le passage de scorie dans la busette sans risquer de compliquer la remise en état de l'installation avant une nouvelle coulée.When the pouring is almost finished, it is possible to close the pouring orifice 6 by means of the elongated element before ordering the closing of the drawer nozzle 8. If the drawer nozzle is closed directly, risk the accumulation above the drawer 9 in the orifice 6 of a puddle of steel and / or slag and powder insulator which risks solidifying in the orifice 6 and making it more difficult to replace the drawer nozzle 8 and that of the nozzle 7. On the contrary, by proceeding as indicated above, the drawer nozzle 8 is closed. that the orifice 6 is completely cleared. It is thus possible to interrupt the casting before the passage of slag in the nozzle without risking complicating the restoration of the installation before a new casting.

En fin de coulée, on déconnecte l'arrivée d'oxygène ou de gaz enrichis, et/ou oxydant et/ou réducteur du tube 23, on démonte l'élément 13 et on le remplace par un élément neuf.At the end of casting, the arrival of oxygen or enriched gas, and / or oxidant and / or reducing agent is disconnected from the tube 23, the element 13 is dismantled and replaced by a new element.

L'invention n'est pas limitée à la métallurgie de l'acier et peut être utilisée pour tous les métaux liquides, en particulier l'aluminium, le cuivre et leurs alliages, pourvu que la composition et la granulométrie des matières constituant le matériau de l'élément 13 dont les parties 13a ou 13b ou 13c ou 13e sont isolantes réfractaires soient adaptées pour permettre un frittage de ce matériau au contact avec le métal liquide.The invention is not limited to steel metallurgy and can be used for all liquid metals, in particular aluminum, copper and their alloys, provided that the composition and the particle size of the materials constituting the material the element 13 whose parts 13a or 13b or 13c or 13e are refractory insulators are adapted to allow sintering of this material in contact with the liquid metal.

Ce matériau isolant réfractaire peut à volonté être acide, basique ou neutre en fonction de la composition choisie suivant l'utilisation prévue. La charge totale du ou des constituants réfractaires de ce matériau peut atteindre 99,5%, le pourcentage de fibres pouvant de son côté atteindre 20%. De préférence, les parties isolantes réfractaires non soumises au frittage contiennent un liant minéral.This refractory insulating material can at will be acidic, basic or neutral depending on the composition chosen according to the intended use. The total charge of the refractory component (s) of this material can reach 99.5%, the percentage of fibers being able to reach 20%. Preferably, the refractory insulating parts not subjected to sintering contain an inorganic binder.

L'installation selon l'invention peut être adaptée par exemple à une poche de coulée et/ou à chaque orifice de coulée d'un répartiteur, la longueur de l'élément 13 étant adaptée aux conditions d'utilisation. La busette à tiroir peut être remplacée par une busette à barillet.The installation according to the invention can be adapted for example to a ladle and / or to each pouring orifice of a distributor, the length of the element 13 being adapted to the conditions of use. The drawer nozzle can be replaced by a barrel nozzle.

Par ailleurs, le tube 23, le manchon 24, la rondelle 25, le tronçon du tube 27 peuvent être remplacés par des éléments équivalents assemblés par tous moyens connus.Furthermore, the tube 23, the sleeve 24, the washer 25, the section of the tube 27 can be replaced by equivalent elements assembled by any known means.

Il va de soi, que l'on peut profiter du dispositif 12 pour introduire dans le bain d'acier par le tube 23 tous gaz et matériaux de traitement utiles (gaz de barbotage, poudres, grains, fils métalliques, etc.).It goes without saying that one can take advantage of the device 12 to introduce into the steel bath through the tube 23 all gases and useful treatment materials (bubbling gas, powders, grains, metallic wires, etc.).

Claims (9)

1. Installation for casting liquid metal, comprising a metallurgical receptacle (1) adapted to contain liquid metal (2), provided with a casting orifice (6) and comprising below this orifice (6) a principal device (8) for closing and opening said orifice (6), characterized in that it also comprises an auxiliary device (12) for preheating, closing and unplugging the casting orifice (6), disposed above said orifice (6), and comprising an elongated element (13), adapted to be partially immersed in the liquid metal (2) and made of a refractory and/or insulating refractory material (34) which is sinterable when in contact with the liquid metal (2), means (14, 15, 17, 18, 21) to maintain the elongated element (13) on the casting orifice (6) so as to close it before and during the beginning of casting of the liquid metal (2) into the receptacle (1) and to raise this element (13) above the casting orifice (6), this element (13) comprising at least one longitudinal conduit (23) opening opposite or in proximity to the casting orifice (6) and which is connected to at least one source of gas (30) under pressure permitting the preheating and/or the unplugging of the orifice (6).
2. Installation according to claim 1, characterized in that the insulating refractory material (34) sinterable in contact with the liquid metal (2) comprises inorganic refractory particles such as silica and/or alumina and/or magnesia, and if desired organic and/or refractory fibers, held together by an organic and/or inorganic binder, adapted to sinter in contact with the liquid metal.
3. Installation according to one of claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the conduit or conduits provided in the elongated element (13) are constituted by one or more metallic tubes (23) disposed longitudinally within the elongated element (13) and opening at the end of this element located above and/or in proximity to the casting orifice (6), the extremity or extremities (28) of this or these tubes (23) opposite the casting orifice (6) being connected by one or more conduits (29) to a source of oxygen and/or similar oxidizing gas and/or reducing gas under pressure (30), bubbling gas, to a mechanism for supplying powders, particles, metallic wire.
4. Installation according to claim 3, characterized in that the elongated element (13) is comprised by several members (13a, 13b, 13c, 13e) interfitting within each other about the metallic tube (23).
5. Installation according to claim 4, characterized in that the member (13a) of the elongated element (13) adjacent the casting orifice (6) comprises a metallic sleeve (24) which is axially connected by screwing to the end of the metallic tube (23).
6. Installation according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the end of the elongated element (13) adjacent the casting orifice (6) comprises a metallic tubular element (27) of a diameter less than that of the metallic tube (23) and connected axially to this latter.
7. Installation according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the end (13a) of the elongated element (13) adjacent the casting orifice (6) has a substantially spherical surface.
8. A process for using an installation according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it comprises the following steps:
a) the elongated element (13) of the auxiliary device (12) for closing and unplugging is put in place on the casting orifice (6),
b) the filling of the receptacle (1) with liquid metal (2) is begun,
c) when the liquid metal (2) achieves in the receptacle (1) the desired level, the principal closure device (8) is opened, then
d) the elongated element (13) of the auxiliary device (12) is raised slightly above the casting orifice (6),
e) if the liquid metal (2) does not flow normally through the casting orifice (6), oxidizing and/or reducing gas (30) is fed through the conduit (23) of the element (13) to eliminate by melting the plug (33) formed in the casting orifice (6),
f) as soon as the metal flows normally through the casting orifice (6) the elongated element (13) is raised completely.
9. Process according to claim 8, characterized in that after step a) and before step b), the outlet region (6) of the metallurgical receptacle (1) is preheated.
EP88901871A 1987-02-20 1988-02-19 Installation for pouring liquid metal, and process for its implementation Expired - Lifetime EP0305426B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AT88901871T ATE61532T1 (en) 1987-02-20 1988-02-19 METHOD AND DEVICE FOR CASTING LIQUID METAL.

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR8702225 1987-02-20
FR8702225A FR2611151B1 (en) 1987-02-20 1987-02-20 DEVICE FOR PREHEATING AND / OR SEALING AND UNCOUPLING A CASTING ORIFICE AND METHOD FOR ITS IMPLEMENTATION

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0305426A1 EP0305426A1 (en) 1989-03-08
EP0305426B1 true EP0305426B1 (en) 1991-03-13

Family

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EP88901871A Expired - Lifetime EP0305426B1 (en) 1987-02-20 1988-02-19 Installation for pouring liquid metal, and process for its implementation

Country Status (5)

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US (1) US4909421A (en)
EP (1) EP0305426B1 (en)
CA (1) CA1329977C (en)
FR (1) FR2611151B1 (en)
WO (1) WO1988006068A1 (en)

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BE1004282A6 (en) * 1989-06-27 1992-10-27 Centre Rech Metallurgique Warming device of casting nozzle for metal fusion and casting plant of metal equipped with this device.
US5203909A (en) * 1991-10-15 1993-04-20 Ltv Steel Company, Inc. Method and apparatus for slag free casting
GB9316270D0 (en) * 1993-08-05 1993-09-22 Foseco Int Improvements in molten metal handling vessels
DE19543058C2 (en) * 1995-11-10 2001-01-04 Sms Demag Ag Method and device for closing a tap hole
DE10111273A1 (en) * 2001-03-09 2002-09-12 Sms Demag Ag Method and device for replacing a slide assembly on a metallurgical vessel, in particular on an electric melting furnace
GB2407287A (en) * 2003-10-24 2005-04-27 Pyrotek Engineering Materials Stopper rod made from reinforced ceramic
JP5805030B2 (en) * 2012-08-09 2015-11-04 株式会社神戸製鋼所 Stopper
CN103008636B (en) * 2013-01-21 2015-01-07 河北联合大学 Gun insertion type stopper rod device and method using same for absorbing inclusions at gate
CN106521282B (en) * 2016-11-16 2018-05-01 攀钢集团攀枝花钢铁研究院有限公司 Cascade ring stopper
CN112449546A (en) * 2019-08-27 2021-03-05 华硕电脑股份有限公司 Liquid metal radiating paste coating method and radiating module

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LU56046A1 (en) * 1968-05-09 1970-01-14
EP0084416B1 (en) * 1982-01-18 1986-09-03 Stephen David Mills Stopper support mechanism for casting containers
JPS6036386A (en) * 1983-08-05 1985-02-25 東芝セラミツクス株式会社 Filler for sliding nozzle
JPS6082256A (en) * 1983-10-07 1985-05-10 Toshiba Ceramics Co Ltd Stopper for molten metal
US4791978A (en) * 1987-11-25 1988-12-20 Vesuvius Crucible Company Gas permeable stopper rod

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Title
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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US4909421A (en) 1990-03-20
FR2611151A1 (en) 1988-08-26
CA1329977C (en) 1994-06-07
WO1988006068A1 (en) 1988-08-25
FR2611151B1 (en) 1991-06-14
EP0305426A1 (en) 1989-03-08

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