METHOD OF PLUGGING TAPHOLES IN PHOSPHORUS FURNACES

摘要

A method of plugging phosphorus tapholes with a plug of matted ceramic fibers such as alumina-silica fibers wherein closure is effected by placing the ceramic plug, in the shape of a hollow cone, over a backing plug which is then inserted into the furnace taphole by means of a long handle attached to the base of the backing plug. The backing plug is maintained in place until molten furnace material solidifies against the plug thereby sealing off the taphole. Before the furnace is ready to be tapped, the backing plug is removed and the ceramic plug burned out with an oxygen lance.