Slag control shape release apparatus for molten metal vessels

摘要

A slag control shape is releasably mounted on a cover for a molten metal vessel. An actuator is connected to a slag control shape release member to retract the release member from a first position engaged with the slag control shape to a second position separated from the slag control shape to allow the slag control shape to freely drop into the molten metal receptacle. The actuating end of the actuator is located at an easily accessible operator position for remote actuation of the release member. In another embodiment, one end of a cable wound in a plurality of turns about a rotatable shaft mounted in a reel is attached to the slag control shape. A spring biasingly engages the shaft to control the rate of rotation of the shaft and thereby the rate of payout of the cable and the rate of descent of the slag control shape into the molten metal vessel. In another embodiment, the release member is mounted on a lid removably mountable in a bore in the cover and the actuator is mounted on the cover and releasibly connected to the release member. In yet another embodiment, the release member is mounted on a base which is in turn removably mounted in the bore in the cover. The hanger of a slag control shape extends through an aperture in the base and is engaged by the release member on the base.