METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REMOVING A BLOCKAGE FROM THE PORE OPENING OF A MOLTEN METAL CONTAINMENT VESSEL

摘要

Apparatus is provided for removing or disrupting a blockage from the pour opening of a molten metal containment vessel. The vessel has an elongated conduit extending from the pour opening outwardly of the vessel for passage of molten metal from the vessel via the pour opening and the conduit to an outlet of the conduit: and the apparatus comprises a gas conduit connectible to a supply of pressurised gas (e.g. oxygen or an inert gas) and extending into the molten metal conduit through the outlet of said conduit to provide a barrel which is secured in said conduit and aimed at the pour opening; and a projectile loaded in the barrel and, on admission of pressurised gas to the gas conduit, propellable towards the pour opening to impact on any blockage therein. The projectile may comprise a leading end portion comprising material adapted to generate a chemical reaction to facilitate removal or disruption of the blockage.