Process and device for closing a tap hole

Details Process and device for closing a tap hole Process and device for closing a tap hole

1998-05-11

1999-06-22

Kastler, Scott

Metallurgical apparatus

Process

Plugging or tapping

266272, 222590, 222602, B22D 4146, B22D 4114

Patent

active

059140879

DESCRIPTION:

BRIEF SUMMARY
BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a process for closing a tap hole in the bottom of a vessel filled with a metal melt, especially a vessel for a steel melt, with a tubular closing element that is vertically movable toward and away from the entrance of the tap hole, and with a cut-off device below the vessel bottom. The invention also relates to a device for implementing a process for closing the tap hole.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The pool method for tapping a metallurgical vessel, especially a vessel for steel, uses closing systems that allow a residue of metal melt and slag to be retained in the vessel. As a rule, such vessels are designed to be tiltable, so that the closing system is not exposed to wear from the molten metal or slag.
For example, reference DE 34 37 810 discloses a closing device for a tap hole in the bottom of a metallurgical vessel, wherein a cut-off device is provided outside of and below the metallurgical vessel wherein the lower cut-off device can be moved against the tap hole from the outside. In the vessel interior, a tube is lowered from a release position into the closing position. The mouth of the tube rests against the edge of the tap hole. When the tube is in the lowered, closing position, pourable filling material is passed through the tube into the tap hole.
It is further proposed in DE 34 37 810 that the tube be closed at the foot end and that a gas be introduced into the interior to prevent the melt from entering the tube through the lower tube mouth.
In addition to experiencing high wear, the above closing device has the disadvantage of low imperviousness. In rough steel mill operation, erosion occurs at the entrance of the tap hole. Furthermore, the aggressive slag and the high melt temperatures destroy the lower edge of the closing device irregularly.


SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The object of the invention is to create a process and a suitable device for repeatedly closing a tap hole of a metallurgical vessel which has a high overall useful life and ensures reliable cut-off without requiring the vessel to be tilted as in the pool method.
The object is attained by a device for closing a tap hole in the bottom of a metallurgical vessel with a tubular closing element having a forked groove, the opening of which faces the vessel bottom. The blind end of the groove is filled with a compressible material and the remainder of the interior of the groove is fillable with a gas. The walls of the groove includes a material which does not resist the pressing of the closing element against the vessel bottom.
The object is further attained by a process for closing a tap hole in the bottom of a metallurgical vessel including the steps of bringing a compressible fire-resistant material to the mouth of a closing element, providing a medium in front of the fire-resistant material in the closing direction to substantially prevent contact between the fire resistant metal and the melt, passing the mouth of the closing element through the melt and pressing the closing element against the vessel bottom with such force that the fire resistant material is compressed, and moving a cut-off device in front of the outside of the tap hole such that the tap hole is fillable with a pourable compound via the closing element.
According to the invention, a compressible material is provided on the face of the closing element and, for the purpose of sealing, is compressed during contact with the vessel bottom in the region of the tap hole.
During passage of the closing element through the melt, which has temperatures between 1500 and 1700.degree. C., the compressible sealing material is protected against the effects of the melt and the molten metal. Thus, the compressible material used for sealing is a fire-resistant material, and this material is introduced into a groove located on the face of the closing device, specifically, into the inner area of the groove directed away from the mouth. The remaining interior of the groove is left free and serves as a chamber for a g

REFERENCES:
patent: 4736930 (1988-04-01), Weber et al.

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