EP0471757B1 - PERMEABLE MgO NOZZLE - Google Patents

PERMEABLE MgO NOZZLE Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0471757B1
EP0471757B1 EP90907721A EP90907721A EP0471757B1 EP 0471757 B1 EP0471757 B1 EP 0471757B1 EP 90907721 A EP90907721 A EP 90907721A EP 90907721 A EP90907721 A EP 90907721A EP 0471757 B1 EP0471757 B1 EP 0471757B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
nozzle
nozzle body
housing
mesh
channels
Prior art date
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 - Lifetime
Application number
EP90907721A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0471757A4 (en
EP0471757A1 (en
Inventor
Bruce Dunworth
Gary Mccorkle
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.)
Vesuvius Crucible Co
Original Assignee
Vesuvius Crucible Co
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.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Vesuvius Crucible Co filed Critical Vesuvius Crucible Co
Publication of EP0471757A1 publication Critical patent/EP0471757A1/en
Publication of EP0471757A4 publication Critical patent/EP0471757A4/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0471757B1 publication Critical patent/EP0471757B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

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
    • B22D41/50—Pouring-nozzles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B22—CASTING; POWDER METALLURGY
    • B22D—CASTING OF METALS; CASTING OF OTHER SUBSTANCES BY THE SAME PROCESSES OR DEVICES
    • B22D11/00—Continuous casting of metals, i.e. casting in indefinite lengths
    • B22D11/10—Supplying or treating molten metal

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to components for foundry and steel mill applications, and more particularly to submerged nozzles typically found in ladles and tundishes used for teeming molten metals.
  • Ladles and tundishes used for teeming molten steel require an outlet or outlets at the bottom thereof to direct the flow of the molten metal into a subsequent stage, e.g. a tundish, inner mold, or continuous casting molds. These outlets are typically formed by special nozzles made of refractory material having good corrosion resistance. Control of the casting rates of the molten metal is generally carried out by either a stopper rod assembly or a slide gate system, both of which include similar refractory materials. Conventional nozzles are typically alumina-silica, chrome-alumina, alumina-graphite or zirconia-graphite refractories.
  • a problem with such materials is that they have an affinity for impurities in steel, especially in aluminum killed steels.
  • deposits are apt to chemically and/or mechanically attach to the inner bore surface of the nozzles and form deposits thereon. These deposits build-up to a point where they restrict flow, and sometimes block the orifice to such a degree that flow stops.
  • Preamble nozzles known heretofore generally include a refractory and a metal jacket or housing spaced therefrom, wherein an air space or manifold is defined therebetween. Gas is introduced into the space or manifold through a fitting in the metal jacket. Pressure builds up between the refractory and the jacket, until it reaches a pressure sufficient to overcome the resistance inherent in the permeable refractory, at which point the inert gas flows through the refractory into the nozzle bore.
  • the introduction of the inert gas creates a gas film along the inner surface of the bore to retard deposit build-up.
  • inert gas creates a positive pressure which prevents introduction of air into the molten metal. This prevents oxidation of the metal.
  • these devices are not capable of directing greater gas flow to specific locations in the bore where the build-up of deposits is most prevelant.
  • maintaining an inert gas film on the bore of the nozzle increases nozzle life by retarding the build-up of deposits thereon, it does not completely eliminate the chemical and/or mechanical attraction between conventional nozzle refractory material and the impurities in the molten steel.
  • magnesium oxide MgO
  • MgO magnesium oxide
  • GB-A-2157210 describes a refractory immersion nozzle for pouring steel into ingot moulds comprising a ceramic oxide tube within a sheet metal shell. A porous ceramic ring extends around the tube at the upper end through which flushing gas may be supplied.
  • WO 84/02670 describes a nozzle for use in the continuous casting of molten metals in which molten metal flow is controlled by fluid pressure applied through a fluid permeable nozzle wall.
  • Magnesium oxide is one of several materials mentioned as possible materials for the nozzle.
  • the present invention in its preferred forms, provides a nozzle for teeming molten steel having a substantially reduced affinity for alumina and other impurities within the molten metal, which nozzle is porous and has a high degree of gas permeability and which provides greater gas flow to specific areas within the nozzle.
  • the present invention provides a gas permeable nozzle for submersion in a molten metal, said nozzle comprising an elongated nozzle body of porous refractory material, said nozzle body having an outer surface, an inner surface and a bore extending longitudinally through said nozzle body, wherein said bore defines said inner surface, and a metal housing having port means and encasing said outer surface of said nozzle body, said nozzle being connectable to a source of inert gas so that said gas flows through said nozzle body from said outer surface to said inner surface, characterised in that
  • the invention also provides a method of forming an immersion nozzle comprising:
  • an immersion nozzle for continuous metal casting which includes an elongated nozzle body formed from a porous, gas permeable refractory material.
  • the nozzle body has a conduit extending longitudinally therethrough and an inner surface which defines the conduit.
  • the nozzle body also includes an outer surface defining a predetermined body profile, and channel means formed along the nozzle body.
  • a metallic housing encases the nozzle body.
  • the housing has an inner surface dimensioned to substantially conform to the profile of the nozzle body.
  • Means for securing the housing to the nozzle body are provided, which means for securing forms a rigid, relatively air-tight layer between the housing and the nozzle body, wherein the channel means form internal passages within the nozzle.
  • Port means are provided on the housing in registry with the channel means in the nozzle body.
  • the port means are connectable to a source of inert gas, which is operable to force the gas into the passages and into said porous refractory material.
  • the elongated nozzle body is preferably formed of a mixture of magnesium oxide (MgO) particles of several different grain sizes, wherein the nozzle body has a "fine open porosity".
  • Fine open porosity means that the passages or interstices between the magnesium oxide (MgO) particles are relatively small such that inert gas passing through the nozzle body provides a uniform layer of microscopic gas bubbles along the inner surface of the nozzle bore.
  • the fine porosity also requires a greater back pressure to force the inert gas through the small passages and interstices between the magnesium oxide (MgO) particles.
  • this relatively-high back pressure also assists in maintaining a uniform, relatively thick layer of inert gas along the inner surface of the nozzle bore thereby deterring contact between the molten metal and the conduit surface.
  • This uniform layer of inert gas together with the use of magnesium oxide (MgO) which has no affinity for alumina build-up and is generally more inert to other impurities and alloying agents found in molten steel, produces an immersion nozzle which is less susceptible to deposit build-up along the inner surface thereof.
  • MgO magnesium oxide
  • the present invention provides means for directing the flow of the inert gas into the nozzle bore or conduit to areas in which impurity build-up would be most severe.
  • channel means comprised of annular channels or grooves are formed in the outer surface of the nozzle body. Each channel is preferably located adjacent a site within the nozzle bore where impurity build-up is most severe, thereby providing a pressurized source of inert gas immediately adjacent a bore site susceptible to deposit build-ups. It has been found that with such an arrangement, increase flow of the inert gas occurs through the nozzle wall adjacent the channel. Thus, with the present invention, increased flow of the inert gas may be directed to specific locations within the nozzle bore by selective positioning of the channels along the outer surface of the nozzle body.
  • the metal housing of the present invention is secured directly to the nozzle body.
  • This direct attachment provides several advantages.
  • the housing acts as a barrier or seal to prevent the inert gas from escaping outside the surface of the nozzle body, thereby confining and directing the gas flow through the wall of the refractory nozzle toward the conduit therein.
  • the housing serves as a reinforcing sleeve to hold the refractory nozzle body together, preventing the opening of any thermal-shock cracks which would allow steel to penetrate into the nozzle.
  • the present invention therefore allows the use of materials such as magnesium oxide (MgO) which have a tendency, or perceived tendency, for cracking.
  • MgO magnesium oxide
  • the direct housing-to-refractory nozzle arrangement facilitates the increased back-pressure requirements created by the fine open nozzle porosity preferred in the present invention.
  • Conventionally known permeable nozzles having manifold (spacing) designs would be subjected to intrinsically higher hoop stresses which can cause the manifold jacket to rupture.
  • FIG. 1 shows a nozzle 10 for use in a tundish for teeming molten metal.
  • Nozzle 10 is generally comprised of a body or core 12 of porous refractory material surrounded by a housing 14.
  • core 12 is generally cylindrical in shape and has an outer surface 16 and an elongated bore or opening 18 extending longitudinally therethrough along the axis thereof. Bore or opening 18 defines an inner surface 20.
  • opening 18 is generally cylindrical in shape and includes a conical or flared portion 22 at the upper end of core 12. Conical portion 22 is provided to facilitate passage of the molten metal through opening 18.
  • the outer surface 16 of core 12 is provided with a plurality of axially-spaced, annular channels or grooves 24, 26 and 28 which extend about the periphery of core 12.
  • a slightly larger vertical channel 30 connects channels 24, 26 and 28 to each other.
  • the position of channels 24, 26 and 28 may vary depending upon the size, configuration and function of the nozzle itself, as will be better understood from the description of the operation of the invention set forth below.
  • core 12 is comprised of magnesium oxide (MgO) particles.
  • MgO magnesium oxide
  • a chemical analysis of a nozzle according to the present invention manufactured from sea-water produced magnesium oxide (MgO) would be: MgO 97.9% CaO 0.8% SiO 2 1.2% Al 2 O 3 0.9% Fe 2 O 3 0.5%
  • nozzle core 12 is comprised of a combination of magnesium oxide (MgO) particles of several different sizes.
  • MgO magnesium oxide
  • An example of a nozzle core having sufficiently fine-sized pores and good wear resistance, yet being porous enough to provide good gas flow is as follows: Particle Size Composition % Coarsest Fraction - 0.125 " + U.S. 40 Mesh 10% Coarser Fraction - U.S. 40 Mesh + U.S.
  • the magnesium oxide (MgO) particles are thoroughly blended, then mixed with sufficient organic binder and/or water to retain a fixed shape after forming.
  • the forming operation may be air-ramming, vibration-casting, mechanical or isostatic pressing or other means well known to those skilled in the art of refractory fabrication.
  • the formed article is then dried or cured and subsequently fired to a temperature sufficiently high to sinter the magnesium oxide particles together to produce a strong shape.
  • the drying and firing is also accomplished by conventionally known methods.
  • core 12 may be machined or shaped to a desired dimension or shape. Channels 24, 26, 28 and 30 may be molded into core 12 during the forming process, but according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, are machined into core 12 after firing.
  • core 12 is 14 1/2 inches (36.8 cm) in length and has an outer diameter which varies from 7 3/16 inches (18.3 cm) in diameter at one end to 7 7/16 inches (18.9 cm) in diameter at the other end. Bore or opening 18 is approximately 3 inches (7.6 cm) in diameter.
  • core 12 is not critical to the present invention which can find advantageous application in numerous and varied sizes and shapes. It being understood that the overall shape of nozzle 10 and/or core 12 is determined by the particular casting machine or system with which it is to be used. As indicated by the dimensions set forth above, core 12 is slightly conical in shape, i.e. flaring outwardly slightly from top to bottom. This shape is provided to facilitate assembly or nozzle 10 as will be described below, but is not critical to the present invention.
  • Housing 14 is generally cylindrical in shape and has an inner surface 32 dimensioned to closely match and conform to the outer profile of core 12.
  • a threaded fitting 34 is provided on housing 14.
  • An aperture 36 extends through fitting 34 and housing 14.
  • Housing 14 and core 12 are preferably dimensioned such that a uniformed space or gap 38 of approximately .06 to .20 inches (1.5-5.1 mm) is defined therebetween.
  • a thin, uniform layer of a cementitious refractory mortar 40 is provided in space or gap 38 to secure housing 14 to refractory core 12.
  • a conventionally known air-drying mortar or a phosphoric-acid containing mortar may be used.
  • Fitting 34 is positioned on housing 14 such that when housing 14 is secured to core 12, aperture 36 is aligned with one of channels 24, 26, 28 or 30.
  • Housing 14 basically encases core 12 and together with mortar 40 structurally reinforces core 12 as will be discussed in more detail below. Housing 14 and mortar 40 also produce a seal around core 12 and over the open portion of channels 24, 26, 28 and 30. In other words, housing 14 and mortar 40 form a generally air-tight barrier over each channel as best seen in FIG. 3.
  • housing 14 is formed from a low carbon steel and has a uniform wall thickness of .05 inches (1.3 mm). Housing 14 is 14 1/2 inches (36.8 cm) in length and has an outer diameter which varies from 7 1/2 (19.0 cm) inches on one end to 7&3/4 inches (19.7 cm) on the other.
  • nozzle 10 An important feature is the assembly of nozzle 10. In this respect, as will be appreciated from a further reading of the specification, it is important to the operation of nozzle 10 that channels 24, 26, 28 and 30 remain "open” and do not become obstructed by mortar 40 during assembly.
  • the simplest method of assembling nozzle 12 would be to coat nozzle 12 with mortar and slide housing 14 thereover. A problem with such process, however, is that due to the relatively small gap between housing 14 and core 12, movement of housing 14 over core 12 creates a large hydraulic pressure in mortar 40 which tends to force the mortar into the channels 24, 26, 28 and 30 formed in nozzle 12.
  • channels 24, 26, and 28 are approximately 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) wide and 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) deep, and channel 30 is 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) wide and 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) deep.
  • An elongated, T-shaped may be inserted in channel 30 as a bridging member to prevent tape 42 from being forced into channel 30.
  • core 12 and inner surface 32 of housing 14 are slightly conical, as set forth above and as best seen in FIG. 3. After the assembly is completed, and refractory mortar 40 has set, aperture 36 is cleared by machining any mortar 40 or tape 42 which would obstruct its communication with channels 24, 26, 28, and 30.
  • nozzle 10 is adapted for use in a tundish to direct the flow of molten metal to a subsequent stage of operation in a steel making progress.
  • Nozzle 10 may include flanges or other locating surfaces to facilitate assembly in the tundish in a conventionally known fashion, it being understood that present invention is not limited to a specifically shaped or sized nozzle. In this respect, it is well known that the physical dimensions and configuration of a nozzle are determined by the particular casting machine' or system with which it is used.
  • Fitting 34 is adapted to be secured to a source of inert gas in a conventionally known fashion. The inert gas flows through fitting 34 into channel 24, and into channels 26, 28 via channel 30.
  • the pressure of the inert gas When the pressure of the inert gas is sufficient to overcome the resistance inherent in the impermeable magnesium oxide (MgO) core 12, gas flows through the core 12 into the nozzle opening or bore 18.
  • the usual flow rate of the inert gas in a nozzle as described above is approximately 15 Standard Cubic Feet (0.42 m 3 ) per Hour (SCFH) with back pressures of 5 to 10 psi (34 to 69 kPa).
  • the flow of the inert gas may be directed to a specific desired site within nozzle opening 18 by locating the channels 24, 26 and 28 in the outer surface of core 12 at location adjacent the desired sites. In this respect, it has been found that flow of the inert gas through the nozzle wall is greater adjacent the location of a channel.
  • the nozzle may be designed (i.e. the channels may be positioned on core 12) to direct the flow of the inert gas to areas in which impurity build-ups within bore or opening 18 would be most severe.
  • the specific location of channels 24, 26, 28 and 30 in core 12 allows for a high degree of control of the regions in opening 18 where it is desirable to have the greatest gas pressure. It has been found that while the greatest gas pressure in bore 18 is adjacent the location of the channels in core 12, an extremely uniform distribution of the inert gas is also provided throughout opening 18 of nozzle 10 due to the fine, open porosity of the refractory core 12 heretofore described.
  • a nozzle according to the present invention has been shown to provide increased operational life and substantially improve the erosion resistance. Moreover, such a nozzle shows a significant improvement against the build-up of alumina, titania and/or other deposits. The remarkable characteristics of the nozzle are the result of several factors.
  • the application of magnesium oxide in forming the core provides a core having no affinity for alumina or other impurities found in steel.
  • the excellent porosity characteristics of the core, i.e. the fine-open porosity is believed to generate small, fine bubbles which maintain a miniscule gas gap between the molten metal and surface 20 of bore 18.
  • the relatively high back pressure helps maintain a uniform layer of gas bubbles between the molten metal and surface of the refractory.
  • the ability of the disclosed nozzle to direct the greatest flow of gas to specific locations within the nozzle bore provides maximum gas flow at sites having a susceptibility to deposit build-up.
  • An additional advantage of the nozzle is that the attachment of housing 14 to core 12, in addition to sealing core 12, makes the nozzle less susceptible to catastrophic failure due to cracking.
  • housing 14 holds the magnesium oxide (MgO) refractory material together much like a reinforcing band, thus preventing the opening of any cracks which may be produced in the refractory material as a result of thermal shock.
  • MgO magnesium oxide

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Continuous Casting (AREA)
  • Casting Support Devices, Ladles, And Melt Control Thereby (AREA)
  • Nozzles (AREA)
  • Nozzles For Spraying Of Liquid Fuel (AREA)
  • Percussion Or Vibration Massage (AREA)
  • Cosmetics (AREA)
EP90907721A 1989-05-01 1990-04-30 PERMEABLE MgO NOZZLE Expired - Lifetime EP0471757B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US34639789A 1989-05-01 1989-05-01
US346397 1989-05-01
PCT/US1990/002331 WO1990013379A1 (en) 1989-05-01 1990-04-30 PERMEABLE MgO NOZZLE

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0471757A1 EP0471757A1 (en) 1992-02-26
EP0471757A4 EP0471757A4 (en) 1992-12-30
EP0471757B1 true EP0471757B1 (en) 1997-03-19

Family

ID=23359187

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP90907721A Expired - Lifetime EP0471757B1 (en) 1989-05-01 1990-04-30 PERMEABLE MgO NOZZLE

Country Status (11)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0471757B1 (ru)
JP (1) JPH04507377A (ru)
KR (1) KR920702644A (ru)
AT (1) ATE150348T1 (ru)
AU (1) AU5661690A (ru)
CA (1) CA2063994C (ru)
DE (1) DE69030256T2 (ru)
DK (1) DK0471757T3 (ru)
ES (1) ES2101697T3 (ru)
RU (1) RU2070474C1 (ru)
WO (1) WO1990013379A1 (ru)

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB9222453D0 (en) * 1992-10-26 1992-12-09 Shaw Richard D Improved device for use in continuous casting
FI121008B (fi) 2005-02-03 2010-06-15 Metso Paper Inc Menetelmä rullan vaihtamiseksi kuitumateriaalirainan rullausprosessissa ja rullan vaihtolaitteisto

Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS5945066A (ja) * 1982-09-08 1984-03-13 Nippon Steel Corp 連続鋳造用浸漬ノズル

Family Cites Families (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4360190A (en) * 1981-03-16 1982-11-23 Junichi Ato Porous nozzle for molten metal vessel
JPS57199550A (en) * 1981-06-03 1982-12-07 Toshiba Ceramics Co Ltd Nozzle for casting
EP0130988A4 (en) * 1983-01-03 1985-06-26 Vesuvius Crucible Co CONTROL NOZZLE FOR THE CASTING PROCESS IN CONTINUOUS CASTING.
WO1984004893A1 (en) * 1983-06-13 1984-12-20 Vesuvius Crucible Co Continuous casting apparatus and a method of using the same
US4588112A (en) * 1984-02-06 1986-05-13 Akechi Ceramics Kabushiki Kaisha Nozzle for continuous casting
DE3412388C2 (de) * 1984-04-03 1986-10-02 Didier-Werke Ag, 6200 Wiesbaden Feuerfester Eintauchausguß
JPS61206548A (ja) * 1985-03-09 1986-09-12 Kobe Steel Ltd 連続鋳造用ポ−ラス鋳型
JPH0224510Y2 (ru) * 1985-07-10 1990-07-05
JPH07227B2 (ja) * 1985-08-29 1995-01-11 黒崎窯業株式会社 浸漬ノズル及びその製造方法
US4898226A (en) * 1987-06-01 1990-02-06 Nkk Corporation Immersion nozzle for continuous casting of steel

Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS5945066A (ja) * 1982-09-08 1984-03-13 Nippon Steel Corp 連続鋳造用浸漬ノズル

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO1990013379A1 (en) 1990-11-15
KR920702644A (ko) 1992-10-06
ATE150348T1 (de) 1997-04-15
DK0471757T3 (da) 1997-09-22
CA2063994C (en) 2001-06-12
AU5661690A (en) 1990-11-29
DE69030256T2 (de) 1997-10-23
RU2070474C1 (ru) 1996-12-20
ES2101697T3 (es) 1997-07-16
JPH04507377A (ja) 1992-12-24
CA2063994A1 (en) 1990-11-02
EP0471757A4 (en) 1992-12-30
EP0471757A1 (en) 1992-02-26
DE69030256D1 (de) 1997-04-24

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US4791978A (en) Gas permeable stopper rod
US5100035A (en) Permeable MgO nozzle
US4836508A (en) Ladle shroud with co-pressed gas permeable ring
US4640447A (en) Molten metal immersion pouring spout
GB2200311A (en) Molten metal discharging device
US4583721A (en) Molten metal discharging device
US4510191A (en) Casting nozzle
JPH0224510Y2 (ru)
US4423833A (en) Refractory immersion spout
EP0471757B1 (en) PERMEABLE MgO NOZZLE
JPS6250071A (ja) 浸漬ノズル及びその製造方法
US4588112A (en) Nozzle for continuous casting
US5885473A (en) Long nozzle for continuous casting
US4792070A (en) Tubes for casting molten metal
US5188689A (en) Method of forming a porous refractory immersion nozzle
US6491190B1 (en) Permeable refractory nozzle and manufacturing method
CA2073811C (en) Plug for molten metal refining vessel
KR100393233B1 (ko) 기체에불침투성인층을형성할수있는외부층을갖는캐스팅과그것의제조공정
US10926320B2 (en) Transition plate
JP2938746B2 (ja) 溶融金属排出用プレート
EP0150549B1 (en) Nozzle for continuous casting
WO2004022267A1 (en) Gas purged nozzle
JPS5919716Y2 (ja) ガス吹込用成形体
EP3827912B1 (en) An exchangeable nozzle for a nozzle changer system, a method for manufacturing such a nozzle, a nozzle changer system comprising such a nozzle and a tundish comprising such a nozzle changer system
JPS6195757A (ja) 連続鋳造用浸漬ノズル

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 19911118

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH DE DK ES FR GB IT LI LU NL SE

RIN1 Information on inventor provided before grant (corrected)

Inventor name: MCCORKLE, GARY

Inventor name: DUNWORTH, BRUCE

A4 Supplementary search report drawn up and despatched

Effective date: 19921110

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A4

Designated state(s): AT BE CH DE DK ES FR GB IT LI LU NL SE

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 19950808

GRAG Despatch of communication of intention to grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS AGRA

GRAH Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS IGRA

GRAH Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS IGRA

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

RAP1 Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred)

Owner name: VESUVIUS CRUCIBLE COMPANY

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH DE DK ES FR GB IT LI LU NL SE

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 150348

Country of ref document: AT

Date of ref document: 19970415

Kind code of ref document: T

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: NV

Representative=s name: ARNOLD & SIEDSMA AG

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 69030256

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 19970424

ET Fr: translation filed
ITF It: translation for a ep patent filed

Owner name: NOTARBARTOLO & GERVASI S.P.A.

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FG2A

Ref document number: 2101697

Country of ref document: ES

Kind code of ref document: T3

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DK

Ref legal event code: T3

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed
PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CH

Payment date: 19980331

Year of fee payment: 9

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LU

Payment date: 19980422

Year of fee payment: 9

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Payment date: 19990422

Year of fee payment: 10

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 19990430

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 19990430

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 19990430

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20000330

Year of fee payment: 11

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Payment date: 20000331

Year of fee payment: 11

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20000331

Year of fee payment: 11

Ref country code: NL

Payment date: 20000331

Year of fee payment: 11

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: AT

Payment date: 20000403

Year of fee payment: 11

Ref country code: DK

Payment date: 20000403

Year of fee payment: 11

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20000403

Year of fee payment: 11

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: THE PATENT HAS BEEN ANNULLED BY A DECISION OF A NATIONAL AUTHORITY

Effective date: 20000503

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20010430

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: THE PATENT HAS BEEN ANNULLED BY A DECISION OF A NATIONAL AUTHORITY

Effective date: 20010430

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20010430

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20010430

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20010501

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20011101

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20010430

NLV4 Nl: lapsed or anulled due to non-payment of the annual fee

Effective date: 20011101

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20020201

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: ST

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FD2A

Effective date: 20020304

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20050430

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Payment date: 20060516

Year of fee payment: 17

BERE Be: lapsed

Owner name: *VESUVIUS CRUCIBLE CY

Effective date: 20070430

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20070430