Metallurgical apparatus – Means sealing or opening aperture in vessel
Reexamination Certificate
1999-11-15
2001-04-24
Kastler, Scott (Department: 1742)
Metallurgical apparatus
Means sealing or opening aperture in vessel
C266S287000, C266SDIG001
Reexamination Certificate
active
06221313
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an apparatus for removing a taphole sleeve from a furnace wall, and more particularly to a pneumatic operated device that imparts a percussive action on the taphole sleeve.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A taphole is an opening through a wall of a furnace for allowing molten metal within the furnace to exit therefrom. A taphole is defined by a taphole sleeve, which is basically a nozzle formed of special refractory material. The furnace wall is typically comprised of an outer metal shell, the interior of which is lined with a refractory material. The taphole opening is defined by either a single elongated taphole sleeve, or by a plurality of axially aligned, shorter sleeves. A concentric wall of refractory bricks or blocks typically surrounds the taphole sleeve(s), and a refractory material, i.e., a filler material, such as mortar, a castable or a dry sintered material fill the void or space between the concentric wall and the taphole sleeve(s).
Molten metal, slag and other impurities that flow through the taphole sleeve(s) have abrasive properties and eventually wear away the bore of the taphole sleeve(s) until there is insufficient wall thickness to sustain the flow of metal without the metal burning through the sleeve(s) into the filler material. At this point, removal and replacement of the taphole sleeve(s) is required. At the present time, taphole sleeves are generally removed by a worker using a jackhammer to chisel away the filler material and sleeve. Because of energy costs, the furnace is normally not allowed to cool and removal of the taphole sleeve generally occurs while the furnace is still hot. In this respect, the inner portion of the furnace may still be at temperatures in excess of 2,000° F., presenting a dangerous situation for a worker removing the taphole sleeve(s).
The present invention relates to a device for removing a taphole sleeve from within the furnace, which device does not require an individual in the vicinity of the taphole sleeve.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention there is provided a knockout device for removing a taphole sleeve from the furnace wall. The device is comprised of a pneumatic hammer having an elongated body and a weight that is reciprocally movable by air pressure along the body. The body has a first end with an inlet for receiving air under pressure from an external source and a second end. A metal block is attached to said second end of the body. The block has a planar surface dimensioned to rest upon an upper end of the taphole sleeve. A locating pin extends from the block and is dimensioned to be received within an axial bore defined by the taphole sleeve. A protective housing surrounds the pneumatic hammer and defines a cavity thereabout. The protective housing has openings therethrough to allow air from the pneumatic hammer to vent from the cavity.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a device for removing a taphole sleeve from a furnace wall.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a device as described above that is operable within a furnace maintained at an elevated temperature.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a device as described above that does not require manual manipulation or the presence of a worker near the taphole sleeve.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a device as described above that utilizes a reciprocal hammer to impart a percussive action to the taphole sleeve.
A still further object of the present invention is to provide a device as described above that includes a protective housing wherein the pneumatic hammer is shielded from the elevated furnace temperature.
A still further object of the present invention is to provide a device as described above that is designed to utilize airflow from the pneumatic hammer to maintain a cooling effect thereon.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2535932 (1950-12-01), Kemock
patent: 2902832 (1959-09-01), Levy et al.
patent: 4030554 (1977-06-01), Kammerer, Jr. et al.
patent: 4155541 (1979-05-01), Zorzi
patent: 4344652 (1982-08-01), Archenholtz et al.
patent: 4582302 (1986-04-01), Mailliet et al.
patent: 4715585 (1987-12-01), Simko
patent: 5110237 (1992-05-01), Hesse
patent: 5115717 (1992-05-01), Roemer
patent: 5133534 (1992-07-01), Gortan et al.
patent: 5332047 (1994-07-01), Hignite
patent: 5662175 (1997-09-01), Warrington et al.
Holte Mfg. Co., flyer titled “Extractor Hammer,” undated, known prior to invention.
Kastler Scott
Kusner Mark
North American Refractories Co.
LandOfFree
Taphole knockout device does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Taphole knockout device, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Taphole knockout device will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2512419