GB1565911A

GB1565911A – Refractory structures
– Google Patents

GB1565911A – Refractory structures
– Google Patents
Refractory structures

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Publication number
GB1565911A

GB1565911A
GB1473777A
GB1473777A
GB1565911A
GB 1565911 A
GB1565911 A
GB 1565911A
GB 1473777 A
GB1473777 A
GB 1473777A
GB 1473777 A
GB1473777 A
GB 1473777A
GB 1565911 A
GB1565911 A
GB 1565911A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
launder
formations
elements
refractory
undercuts
Prior art date
1977-12-20
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)

Expired

Application number
GB1473777A
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)

Acme Marls Ltd

Original Assignee
Acme Marls Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
1977-12-20
Filing date
1977-12-20
Publication date
1980-04-23

1977-12-20
Application filed by Acme Marls Ltd
filed
Critical
Acme Marls Ltd

1977-12-20
Priority to GB1473777A
priority
Critical
patent/GB1565911A/en

1980-04-23
Publication of GB1565911A
publication
Critical
patent/GB1565911A/en

Status
Expired
legal-status
Critical
Current

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Classifications

B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING

B22—CASTING; POWDER METALLURGY

B22D—CASTING OF METALS; CASTING OF OTHER SUBSTANCES BY THE SAME PROCESSES OR DEVICES

B22D41/00—Casting melt-holding vessels, e.g. ladles, tundishes, cups or the like

B22D41/02—Linings

C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY

C21—METALLURGY OF IRON

C21B—MANUFACTURE OF IRON OR STEEL

C21B7/00—Blast furnaces

C21B7/14—Discharging devices, e.g. for slag

F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING

F27—FURNACES; KILNS; OVENS; RETORTS

F27D—DETAILS OR ACCESSORIES OF FURNACES, KILNS, OVENS, OR RETORTS, IN SO FAR AS THEY ARE OF KINDS OCCURRING IN MORE THAN ONE KIND OF FURNACE

F27D1/00—Casings; Linings; Walls; Roofs

F27D1/04—Casings; Linings; Walls; Roofs characterised by the form, e.g. shape of the bricks or blocks used

Description

(54) REFRACTORY STRUCTURES
(71) We, ACME MARLS LIMITED, a British Company of Clough Street, Hanley, Sroke on Trent, in the County of Stafford, do hereby dedare the invention for which we pray that a Patent may be granted to us and the method by which it is ;to be performed to be particularly described in and by the following statement:- This invention relates to the construction of refractory stares such as vessels for use with molten metal and in particular to launders or ,refwactory linings for ladles or dnnels for example. In this specification, the expression “refractory structures” will be used for vessels or linings intended to be directly coslted by molten metal.
liberto, such refractory structures have been made either by the use of fire bricks oe,ieiied together or by the use of so called “monobthics” which comprise a day mixed to a paste with a refractory powder and built up sillto a continuous or monolithic structure.
With the first mentioned alternative, the cement at the joints between the fire brocks tends to be vulnerable to attack by molten metal causing leakage, and rhe bricks themselves can be abraded by the metal, thereby intoducing impurities into the pineal.
The monolithic refractories used as the second mentioned alternative are usually unfired. The manner in which they are applied or niade makes for an irregular rough surface oootaciaig the metal which may readily be abraded, causing impurities in the melt.
Alternatively, the vessel may be cast or pressed in one piece and may tend to crack under the influence of rhe hot metal.
In each case, the assembly or formation of s refractory structure is a skilled job and takes a substantial amount of time.
It is an object of the invention to provide a refractory structure capable of being used in contact with molten metal, for example as a vessel or a lining, which overcomes or reduces the abovementioned disadvantages.
According to the invention there is provided a refractory structure comprising a plurality of fired ceramic elements having interengageable edge formations whereby the elements may be assembled together to form the structure, each element being formed by a die pressing process (as herein defined) with the dimensions of said interengageable formations being precisely predetermined by the dimensions of dies used in said die pressing process, said formations each including a pair of angularly inclined surfaces engageable face to face with a corresponding pair of surfaces of an adjacent element and extending along substantially the entire length of an edge of the element.
The formations may be interengageable re bates, tongue and groove or interengageable Vformations for example, formed along the cooperafing edges of adjacent elements.
According to a more particular aspect of the invention, there is provided a launder comprising a plurality of generally V-shaped elements, each as specified above, interengaged to form a generally V-shaped crosssection channel.
The launder may be provided with one or more end plates, having an elongate formation interengaged with an edge formation at an end of said channel.
At least some of the elements may be provided with attachment formations on their inwardly directed faces by means of which transverse members may be secured within the channel. The attachment formations preferably comprise undercuts in said in wardly directed faces, by means of which transverse members may be secured within the channel.
The undercuts are preferably provided in said inwardly directed faces at positions contiguous with said edges having the interengaging formations.
The transverse members preferably have co operating undercuts in their edges whereby they are (non-floatably) retained in position against upward movement.
The invention will now be described in more detail by way of example only with reference to rhe accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is an isometric view of a launder embodying the invention and having one end panel removed.
Figure 2 is a front elevational view of a weir capable of use in the launder.
Figure 3 is a front elevational view of a sluice.
Figure 4 is a front elevational view of an alternative sluice.
Referring firstly to Figure 1, this shows a launder comprising a number of generally V < haped elements 10, each of which is formed by a die pressing operation in which a ceramic material is pressed under a high pressure in a die box having parallel side walls and upper and lower dies at least one of which is slidable within the side walls of the die box. Such an operation will be referred to as "a die pressing process as herein defined." Upon application of pressure, the ceramic material is compressed by movement of one or borh of the dies in a direction parallel with the walls of the die box, ensuring that the dimensions of the com- ponents are precisely controlled except so far as the thickness of the component is concerned. The form.ions provided by the dies themselves have the exact dimensions of the dies and the width of the component in planes perpendicular to the direction of pressing is also precisely defined by the dimensions of the die box. The thickness may vary somewhat in the direction of pressing owing to factors such as the compressibility of the ceramic material and the pressure exerted. The ceramic material may, for example, be in dust form. In the launder shown in Figure 1, the inwardly directed surfaces 11 and the out- wardly directed surfaces 12 are formed by the walls of the die box, whilst the edges of the elements 10 are formed by the dies themselves. At one edge, each element 10 has a tongue 13 extending along the full length of the edge. The tongue has three angularly inclined surfaces as generally indicated at 14 in the drawings. At the other edge of each element there is provided a cooperating groove generally indicated at 15. In addition to the tongue 13 and groove 15 rhe dies are used to form undercut attachment formations 16 contiguous with rhe edges of the elements 10. The attachment formations are provided to enable transverse members to be non-floatably secured across the channel defined by the elements 10. Referring to Figures 2 to 4 of the drawings these transverse members may include a weir such as that indicated at 17 in Figure 2 and/or a sluice such as those shown at 18 and 19 in Figures 3 and 4. Each of these transverse members is provided with undercut attachment formations 20 in its edges which can co-operate with the undercut s 16 in the walls of the elements 10. Since it is intended to use the launder for rhe passage of molten metal, the density of the metal will be greater than that of the ceramic material and, if it were not for the undercuts 16 and 20 being interengaged, the transverse walls would float upwardly when the metal started to flow. Clearly, the undercuts are so shaped as to prevent the transverse members from being moved in a direction parallel to the axis of the assembled launder. The launder is assembled by interengaging the tongue and groove formations of successive elements 10, transverse members 17, 18, 19 being interposed at suitable positions by interengagement of their undercut formations 20 with the undercut 16 of the V-shaped elements 10. In addition 'to the components previously referred to, an end panel 21 is engaged at each end of the channel constituting the launder. The end panel 21 has elongate tongue and groove formations 22 and 23, the construction of each end panel being identical for simplicity. At each end of the channel there will either be a projecting tongue 13 or a groove 15, with which the appropriate formation of the end panel 21 is engaged. When the channel has been fitted with its end panels the whole assembly is firmly clamped together so that the tongue and groove formations throughout the length of the launder become very firmly engaged together. In use, the metal to be purified is poured into the launder at 24 and passes under the sluices 19 and 18 and over the V-shaped cutout 25 of the weir 17. A plug 26 is provided for draining the metal from the launder. Impurities in the metal remain trapped after the metal has been withdrawn through the plug 26. Because the launder is assembled from a number of prefabricated components, without the use of cement, it is possible to use relatively unskilled labour for assembling the launder and the time taken is relatively short. The weirs and sluices can be positioned as desired for the pour, depending on the quantity of metal and the amount of impurity present. Although the joints between rhe elements are not cemented, little or no leakage of metal occurs because any metal which starts to seep between the elements 10 does so in a very thin film which has to pass between the mutually angled surfaces of the tongue and groove formations and tends to have solidified before any metal appears at the outer surface of the launder. If any leakage of metal is likely to occur, a gasket of ceramic fibre can be placed inside the groove so as to contact the end of the tongue only. No fibre is exposed on the inside of 'the launder and the fibre therefore cannot contaminate the metal. It will be appreciated that the method of forming the elements which make up the launder by the use of dies under high pressure make the surfaces of the launder extremely smooth so that the metal can flow readily over the surfaces with the minimum amount of refractory material being abraded from rhe surfaces. The undercuts 16 have been found to help prevent turbulence in the molten mel:al which again reduces any tendency for abrasion of the refractory. This also enables impurities in the melt to flow more easily to the top where the V-shape of the launder ensures that a large surface area exists. The narrow base of the launder ensures that the minimum aiouat of metal is left in the launder after pouring. Although the invention has been described with reference to a launder, the same principle of forming pre-fired precision die pressed com ponents which can be assembled without cement can be applied to other refractory structures for example linings for ladles, channels or the like. Where such items are normally re-usable, it will be found that the smooth surface of 'the components extends the life of the refractory structure, compared with cemented brick or monolithic alternatives. WHAT WE CLAIM IS: 1. A refractory structure comprising a plurality of fired ceramic elements having interengageable edge formations whereby the elements may be assembled together to form the structure, each element being formed by a die pressing process (as herein defined) with the dimensions of said interengageable for mations being precisely determined by the dimensions of dies used in said die pressing prowess, said formations each including a pair of angularly inclined surfaces engageable face to face with a corresponding pair of surfaces of an adjacent element and extending along substantially the entire length of an edge of the element. 2. A refractory structure according to Claim I wherein the formations are interengageable rebates. 3. A refractory structure according to Claim 1 wherein the formations are tongue and groove formations. 4. A refractory structure according to Claim 1 wherein the formations are interengageable V-formations. 5. A launder comprising a plurality of generally V-shaped elements according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, the elements being interengaged to form a generally V-shaped cross-section channel. 6. A launder according to Claim 5 wherein one or more end plates are provided, each having an elongate formation interengaged with an edge formation at the end of said channel. 7. A launder according to Claim 5 or Claim 6 wherein at least some of the elements are provided with attachment formations on their inwardly directed faces by means of which transverse members are secured within the channel. 8. A launder according to Claim 7 wherein the attachment formations comprise undercuts in said inwardly directed faces. 9. A launder according to Claim 8 wherein the undercuts are provided in said inwardly directed faces at positions contiguous with said edges having the interengaging for matins. 10. A launder according to any one of Claims 7 to 9 wherein the transverse members have co-operating undercuts in their edges witereby they are retained in position against upward movement. 11. A launder subsantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. **WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **. Claims (11) **WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. It will be appreciated that the method of forming the elements which make up the launder by the use of dies under high pressure make the surfaces of the launder extremely smooth so that the metal can flow readily over the surfaces with the minimum amount of refractory material being abraded from rhe surfaces. The undercuts 16 have been found to help prevent turbulence in the molten mel:al which again reduces any tendency for abrasion of the refractory. This also enables impurities in the melt to flow more easily to the top where the V-shape of the launder ensures that a large surface area exists. The narrow base of the launder ensures that the minimum aiouat of metal is left in the launder after pouring. Although the invention has been described with reference to a launder, the same principle of forming pre-fired precision die pressed com ponents which can be assembled without cement can be applied to other refractory structures for example linings for ladles, channels or the like. Where such items are normally re-usable, it will be found that the smooth surface of 'the components extends the life of the refractory structure, compared with cemented brick or monolithic alternatives. WHAT WE CLAIM IS: 1. A refractory structure comprising a plurality of fired ceramic elements having interengageable edge formations whereby the elements may be assembled together to form the structure, each element being formed by a die pressing process (as herein defined) with the dimensions of said interengageable for mations being precisely determined by the dimensions of dies used in said die pressing prowess, said formations each including a pair of angularly inclined surfaces engageable face to face with a corresponding pair of surfaces of an adjacent element and extending along substantially the entire length of an edge of the element. 2. A refractory structure according to Claim I wherein the formations are interengageable rebates. 3. A refractory structure according to Claim 1 wherein the formations are tongue and groove formations. 4. A refractory structure according to Claim 1 wherein the formations are interengageable V-formations. 5. A launder comprising a plurality of generally V-shaped elements according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, the elements being interengaged to form a generally V-shaped cross-section channel. 6. A launder according to Claim 5 wherein one or more end plates are provided, each having an elongate formation interengaged with an edge formation at the end of said channel. 7. A launder according to Claim 5 or Claim 6 wherein at least some of the elements are provided with attachment formations on their inwardly directed faces by means of which transverse members are secured within the channel. 8. A launder according to Claim 7 wherein the attachment formations comprise undercuts in said inwardly directed faces. 9. A launder according to Claim 8 wherein the undercuts are provided in said inwardly directed faces at positions contiguous with said edges having the interengaging for matins. 10. A launder according to any one of Claims 7 to 9 wherein the transverse members have co-operating undercuts in their edges witereby they are retained in position against upward movement. 11. A launder subsantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. GB1473777A 1977-12-20 1977-12-20 Refractory structures Expired GB1565911A (en) Priority Applications (1) Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title GB1473777A GB1565911A (en) 1977-12-20 1977-12-20 Refractory structures Applications Claiming Priority (1) Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title GB1473777A GB1565911A (en) 1977-12-20 1977-12-20 Refractory structures Publications (1) Publication Number Publication Date GB1565911A true GB1565911A (en) 1980-04-23 Family ID=10046590 Family Applications (1) Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date GB1473777A Expired GB1565911A (en) 1977-12-20 1977-12-20 Refractory structures Country Status (1) Country Link GB (1) GB1565911A (en) Cited By (3) * Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title EP0289295A1 (en) * 1987-04-28 1988-11-02 Alcan International Limited Liquid metal launder US20200360989A1 (en) * 2019-05-17 2020-11-19 Molten Metal Equipment Innovations, Llc Molten metal controlled flow launder US11759854B2 (en) 2007-06-21 2023-09-19 Molten Metal Equipment Innovations, Llc Molten metal transfer structure and method 1977 1977-12-20 GB GB1473777A patent/GB1565911A/en not_active Expired Cited By (6) * Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title EP0289295A1 (en) * 1987-04-28 1988-11-02 Alcan International Limited Liquid metal launder US4869750A (en) * 1987-04-28 1989-09-26 Alcan International Limited Liquid metal launder US4958809A (en) * 1987-04-28 1990-09-25 Alcan International Limited Liquid metal launder US11759854B2 (en) 2007-06-21 2023-09-19 Molten Metal Equipment Innovations, Llc Molten metal transfer structure and method US20200360989A1 (en) * 2019-05-17 2020-11-19 Molten Metal Equipment Innovations, Llc Molten metal controlled flow launder US11759853B2 (en) 2019-05-17 2023-09-19 Molten Metal Equipment Innovations, Llc Melting metal on a raised surface Similar Documents Publication Publication Date Title CA1089178A (en) 1980-11-11 Lining slabs US3800014A (en) 1974-03-26 Method of constructing a refractory wall in a float glass furnace DE2627896C2 (en) 1984-07-12 Bottom drain for an intermediate container for liquid metals US5018710A (en) 1991-05-28 Method and devices for removing alumina and other inclusions from steel contained in tundishes GB1565911A (en) 1980-04-23 Refractory structures US5064175A (en) 1991-11-12 Method and devices for removing alumina and other inclusions from steel contained in tundishes US3603050A (en) 1971-09-07 Ladle lining US5054749A (en) 1991-10-08 Tundish for continuous casting of steel CA1211284A (en) 1986-09-16 Refractory brick with expansion allowance US4991825A (en) 1991-02-12 Injection device EP0729800B1 (en) 2003-10-29 Method of repairing the refractory lining of a steel ladle US5118085A (en) 1992-06-02 Steel ladle lip closure apparatus US4158939A (en) 1979-06-26 Lining slabs JPS632539A (en) 1988-01-07 Molten metal vessel having molten metal flowing-out hole CA1077673A (en) 1980-05-20 Containers for molten metal US4328957A (en) 1982-05-11 Prefabricated multiple density blast furnace runner CA1091423A (en) 1980-12-16 Lining slabs for molten metal containers JPS5770216A (en) 1982-04-30 Method of constructing converter using trapezoidal brick US6428743B1 (en) 2002-08-06 Trough having an erosion-resistant precast shape US5499798A (en) 1996-03-19 Refractory retaining apparatus GB1571297A (en) 1980-07-09 Glass tnak furnace US4564175A (en) 1986-01-14 Molten metal transfer crucible with external filter JPS59174267A (en) 1984-10-02 Brick for vessel for molten metal JPH0747166Y2 (en) 1995-11-01 Tandatsushiyu GB2085133A (en) 1982-04-21 Refractory linings for metallurgical vessels Legal Events Date Code Title Description 1980-07-09 PS Patent sealed 1993-08-18 PCNP Patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee Effective date: 19921220
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