METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SLAG FREE CASTING

摘要

The present invention provides a new and improved method and apparatus for tapping molten metal tbrough the top hole of a metallurgical vessel (2). The apparatus utilizes a ladle or a BOF furnace or other metallurgical vessel (2) used for the containment of molten metal. At least one extension drive mechanism (24) is attached to the support structure (6) position the distal end of a lance (32) within the vessel (2) a predetermined distance above the surface (16) of its contents. The lance (32) is connected to an inert gas source (26) such as Argon. Once the lance is properly positioned, the inert gas is directed onto the surface (16) of the molten metal to prevent the slag from entering the tap hole (4). An alignment drive (30) can also be attached to the support structure (6) to adjust the position of the extension drive (24) relative to the vessel (2) so that the lance (32) may be properly positioned within ohe vessel (2) above the tap hole (4). The extension (24) and alignment (30) drives are operatively controlled by a computerized controller (22) which interfaces with the sensors to monitor the physical characteristics of the vessel (2). The controller (22) operatively controls the drives to position the lance (32) a predetermined distance above the tap hole (4) of the vessel (2).