GB1598740A - Oxygen lance assembly - Google Patents

Description

(54) OXYGEN LANCE ASSEMBLY (71) We, PULLMAN BERRY COMPANY, a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of Delaware, United States of America, of Route 68, Harmony, State of Pennsylvania, United States of America, do hereby declare 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:- The invention relates to lances for use in steel-making operations. More specifically it relates to an oxygen lance for use in a B.O.F.

basic oxygen steelmaking furnace.

The present invention relates to an improved oxygen steelmaking lance which can easily be disconnected from its top support member for change over of the lance so that only a single lance support carriage is required. The support member includes a first connector plate assembly which is provided with a plurality of openings in communication with the oxygen, water inlet and outlet pipes provided on the support member. The first plate assembly includes a lower flat surface. A second connector plate assembly is clamped to the first connector plate assembly by means of a pair of hinged bolts on the upper support which engage outwardly projecting ears provided on the second connector plate assembly. By merely loosening up the nuts on the bolts and swinging them outwardly the second connected plate assembly can be disconnected and by reverse procedure can be connected.The second connector plate assembly also includes an upper flat plate surface having openings which when the surfaces are clamped to goethe; provide for registry of the openings.

The openings are slots of generally arcuate shape disposed in circumferentially spaced relation in radially spaced rows from a central oxygen opening. Each slot is spaced from an adjacent slot by a solid portion of the plate assembly thus forming a number of circumferentially spaced radially extending webs. One of the flat surfaces of the plate assemblies is provided with annular grooves radially spaced between the slots, the same containing O-rings for effectively sealing one row of slots from the other rows and the central oxygen opening.

The lower connector plate assembly which comprises the upper flat plate includes an integral downwardly projecting sleeve. The oxygen pipe of the top support member projects downwardly through the central opening of the upper connector plate assembly and is provided at its lower end with an enlarged circumferential shoulder. The lower end of the oxygen tube projects through the flat surface ofthe second connector plate into the sleeve and is in relative sliding engagement with the upper end of a lower oxygen pipe. The lower oxygen pipe upper end includes an enlarged tubular portion which is disposed about and in telescoping engagement with the circumferential shoulder of the upper oxygen pipe. The enlarged tubular portion is also in telescoping sliding engagement with the inner wall surface of the sleeve.

The arrangement provides for an upper slip joint adjacent the connection of the upper and lower connector plate assemblies.

The lower connector plate assembly supports the lower oxygen pipe and includes water inlet and outlet pipes providing for passages which communicate with the aligned or registering slots of the connector plate assemblies.

The slip joint connection provided by the oxygen pipes and sleeve include double 0ring seals which effectively seal the slip joints. Between the sleeve and the oxygen pipes a vent chamber is provided which communicates with vent passages provided in the flat plate portion of the sleeve. The vent passages are disposed specifically in the radially disposed outwardly extending webs provided between the arcuate dots The upper connector plate is also provided ivith a peripherally downwardly extending flange overlapping the plate of the lower connector plate assembly. This arrangement assures proper alignment of the plates in clamping relation.The peripheral flange is also prb vided with openings communication with the vent passages to provide for communication with the atmosphere.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1, is a perspective view of an improved oxygen lance; FIG. 2, is a side elevational view of the upper portion of an oxygen lance disclosing an improved connect and disconnect arrangement; FIG. 3, is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 3-3 of FIG. 1; FIG. 4, is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the connection of an upper and lower connector plate assembly and a slip joint and venting arrangement; FIG. 5, is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 5-5 of FIG. 3; FIG. 6, is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 66 of FIG. 3; FIG. 7, is similar to FIG. 3 but showing a modified top support arrangement; and FIG. 8, is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the modified embodiment shown in FIG.

7.

FIG. 9, is a perspective view of a lance arrangement; FIG. 10, is an enlarged elevational view of the upper portion of the lance of FIG. 9; FIG. 11, is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 11-11 of FIG. 9; FIG. 12, is a cross-sectional view, enlarged and in detail showing the connection of a pair of connector assemblies; FIG. 13, is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 13--13 of FIG. 11; and FIG. 14, is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 14--14 of FIG. 11; FIG. 15, is a perspective view of an improved oxygen lance; FIG. 16, is an enlarged elevational view of an upper lance portion; FIG. 17, is a cross-sectioned view taken along the line 17-17 of FIG. 15; FIG. 18, is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a connecting and sealing arrangement for a connector plate assembly; FIG. 19, is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 19-19 of FIG. 17; and FIG. 20, is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 2O20 of FIG. 17;; FIG. 21, is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 21-21 of FIG. 17; FIG. 22, is a perspective view of an improved lance assembly; FIG. 23, is an elevational view of a top portion of the lance assembly shown in FIG, 22; FIG. 24, is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 24--24 24 of FIG. 22; FIG. 25, is a partial cross-sectional view of a pair of connector plate assemblies; FIG. 26, is a cross-sectional view disclosing portions of a slip joint at the lower end of a lance assembly; FIG. 27, is a view similar to FIG. 24 showing another form of the invention; FIG. 28, is a detail view in cross-section of a connector plate assembly; FIG. 29, is a detail cross-sectional view of a slip joint at the lower end of the lance shown in FIG. 27;; and FIGS. 30 and 31 are plan sections taken at lines 3o30 and 31-31 in FIG. 24; FIG. 32, is a perspective view of an improved oxygen lance; FIG. 33, is a side elevational view of the upper portion of an oxygen lance disclosing an improved connect and disconnect arrangement; FIG. 34, is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 34--34 of FIG. 32; FIG. 35, is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the connection of an upper and lower connector plate assembly and a slip joint and venting arrangement; FIG. 36, is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 3--36 of FIG. 34; and FIG. 37, is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 37-37 of FIG. 34; FIG. 38, is a cross-sectional view of a nozzle assembly connected to the lance disclosing a slip joint connection.

FIG. 39, is a perspective view of an improved oxygen lance; FIG. 40, is an elevational view of the upper end of the lance of FIG. 39; FIG. 41, is a cross-sectional view of an upper portion of the oxygen lance; FIG. 42, is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 42--42 of FIG. 41; FIG. 43, is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 43--43 of FIG. 41; FIG. 44, is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 44--44 of FIG. 39; and FIG. 45, is a cross-sectional view of a modified lance disclosing the upper portion thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT FIGS. 1 and 3 disclose an improved lance 10 comprising a top support or head 11 including a top plate 12 having an opening 13 connected to an oxygen supply source or pipe 14. A second top plate 15 is cofinected to the top plate 12 by means of bolt and nut fasteners 16. A first oxygen pipe 17 communicates with the supply source pipe 14 through the plate 15.

A first upper connector plate assembly 18 includes a plate 19 having a lower flat surface 20 and a downwardly extending peripheral flange 21. The plate assembly 19 and top plate 15 have connected thereto a second pipe 22, to which a second water inlet connector 23 is connected. A third water outlet pipe 24 is disposed outwardly of the second pipe and communicates a water outlet connection 25.

A quick connect and disconnect clamping arrangement includes a pair of hinged bolts 26 hingedly suspended from outwardly projecting bosses 27 provided on the third pipe 24.

The plate 19 of the first connector plate assembly 18 includes a central oxygen opening 28 through which the first oxygen pipe 17 projects. The plate 19, as best shown in FIG.

3, includes slots or first openings 29 and 30 which are of arcuate shape, disposed in radially spaced rows to register with slots in the lower connector plate assembly to be described. The slots 29 communicate with the water inlet connection 23 and second water inlet pipe 22. The slots 30 communicate with the third water outlet pipe 24 which communicates with the water outlet connection 25.

A second or lower connector plate assembly is designated at 31 and includes a sleeve 32 having an annular flange or plate 33 provided with an upper annular flat surface 34. The flat surface 34 is provided with two rows of circumferentially disposed second slots 35 and 36 relatively radially spaced with respect to each other. The definition of "circumferentially spaced" as used in this description is meant to include that the slots are spaced in a circle or annulus, and that they are also disposed inwardly from the other circumference of the lance. The slots are of arcuate shape and adjacent ends of the lots 35 and 36 provide solid radially extending circumferentially spaced solid webs 37 as best shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 which separate the adjacent slots.

As best shown in FIG. 4, a ring plate 38 having a flat upper surface 39 conforms to the lower flat surface 40 of the plate or flange 33 and is connected thereto by screws 41.

The second connector plate assembly 31 supports a fourth oxygen pipe 42, a fifth water inlet pipe 43, and a sixth water outlet pipe 44.

The water outlet pipe 44 has connected thereto wing projections 45 provided with slots 46 for receiving the bolt clamping members 26 in securing relation.

The pipes 42, 43 and 44 extend downwardly and are connected to a lance nozzle designated at 47. The nozzle 47 of the present design includes a discharge orifice 48 communicating with a stub extension pipe 49 communicating with the oxygen pipe 42. The nozzle also includes a water outlet stub pipe 44' connected to the pipe 44. It also includes a stub pipe 43' connected to the lower end of pipe 43 to provide a mechanical slip joint therewith. As indicated at 50, Baffle walls 51 are connected to the lower ends of the stub pipe 43' to direct the incoming water from the inlet to the outlet pipes.

The present invention is particularly directed to the arrangement of the sealing and venting arrangements disclosed.

As best shown in FIG. 4 and 5 the flat surface is provided with ring shaped grooves 52 within which seals in the form of O-rings 53 are secured. The O-rings 53 effectively seal the water inlet and water outlet passages from one another at the connection of the flat surfaces of the connector plate assemblies. At atmospheric or zero pressure vent space or annular chamber 54 is provided by the sleeve 32 and the outer wall of the first oxygen pipe 17. The innermost O-ring 53 seals this space 54 from the water inlet slots 29 and 35; however, in the event water should seep past the innermost O-ring 53, it will be safely vented from the lance.

The sleeve 32 projects downwardly and the lower oxygen pipe 42 is provided at its upper end with an enlarged diameter tube or second sleeve 55 which at its upper end has a further enlarged outer diameter portion 56 which supports two vertically spaced O-rings 57 in sliding sealing contact with the inner wall of the sleeve 32.

The lower end of the first oxygen pipe 17 is provided with an enlarged outer diameter portion, or piston like element 58 having two O-rings 59 vertically spaced relatively and in sliding, sealing, and telescoping relation with the inner wall of the second sleeve 55.

As best shown in FIG. 3, 4, 5 and 6, vent bores or passages 60 are provided in the webs 37 and project radially horizontally outwardly. The peripheral flange 21 is provided with outlet bores 61 communicating with the passages 60 and the atmosphere. It should be noted that the bores 61 are shown to extend radially; however, they may extend downwardly to vent through the lower surface 21' of the peripheral flange 21.

The ring 38 and upper surface 39 also include a cylindrical O-ring 62.

THE OPERATION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The operation of the lance disclosed is conventional in that oxygen supplied from the supply pipe 14 flows downwardly through pipe 42, stub pipe 49 and through one or more discharge orifices 48 into a basic oxygen furnace vessel. Water flows from the water inlet connection 23 through arcuate passages 29 and 35 downwardly along pipe 43 to the lower end of the nozzle 47 to cool the same whereupon it is directed upwardly along pipe 44 through the slots 30 and 36 outwardly through the water outlet connection 25. Thus the lance nozzle is effectively cooled.

The present invention resides in the quick disconnect and connect feature afforded by the first and second connector assemblies with their unique disposition of the arcuate aligned slots when the assemblies are connected together in clamping relation. The unusual dispostion of the O-rings in the fiat contacting surfaces of the connector plates assures the positive sealing required to provide a quick clamp type disconnect arrangement. Thus the support assembly to which the upper connector plate assembly is attached can remain in place on the support carriage which is provided adjacent a B.O.F.

vessel and a lance can be replaced or interchanged within a short period. The support head can be used over and over again with new or repaired'assemblies. The lance of the present design can be of shorter length and thus is easier to handle and transport.

The present sealing arrangement and venting assures the continued operation without interruption of the oxygen blowing process.

In disassembly of the lower connector plate from the upper, it is a simple matter to disconnect the same.

Upon disconnection the sleeve can readily be replaced by merely loosening the cap screws 41 and inserting a new sleeve. This assures interchangeability of parts and eliminates oversizing the O-ring piston in the event of damage, and also the O-ring is easily replaced.

The arrangement of the sleeve 32 with the upper and lower oxygen pipe slip joint arrangement also provides an effective connection, to absorb the telescoping sliding movement of the pipes during expansion and contraction caused by high temperature variations.

THE MODIFIED EMBODIMENT FIG. 7 and 8 disclose a modified top support arrangement. Wherever the parts are the same as disclosed in the preferred embodiment the same reference characters are utilized.

In the modification a top support 70 includes an upper plate 71 having an oxygen inlet connection to which the oxygen pipe 17 (more elongated) is connected. A ring or flange 73 is connected to the plate 71 by means of bolts and nuts (not shown). A water inlet connection 74 is connected to an inlet water pipe 75. The inlet water pipe 75 has connected thereto a ring plate 76' to which is connected a connector ring 77 by suitable bolts and nuts (not shown). The water pipe 75 has a slip joint connection 76 with a short water pipe section 77' to accommodate temperature differentials between incoming and outgoing cooling water to prevent the development of excessive internal stresses. The short pipe section 77' is connected to the first connector plate assembly 18 and communicates with the arcuate slots 29 and 35.An outlet pipe 78 is also connected to the first upper connector plate assembly 18. Water outlet connection 79 discharges water from the outlet pipe 78.

The operation of the modification is similar to the preferred embodiment the primary difference being the vertical offset of the water inlet and outlet connections as well as the mechanical slip joint arrangement 76 which may be desired in some applications.

The unique sealing arrangement and the venting assemblies are similar and the same advantages as enumerated before are achieved.

In both embodiments, water cannot leak into the oxygen pipes, nor can oxygen leak into the water pipes.

DESCRIPTION OF ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENT Referring to Figures 9 to 12 of the accompanying drawings, a lance 110 comprises a top support or head member 111, first and second connector assemblies 112 and 113, and a lance nozzle 114.

The head or support member 111 comprises a top plate 115 which supports the upper end of a first central oxygen pipe 116 communicating with an oxygen supply pipe connection 117. A connector plate 118 is connected to the plate 115 by means of bolts 119. A gas inlet connection 120 communicates with a second gas pipe 121 concentric with oxygen pipe 116. A third water inlet pipe 122 is concentric with the second pipe and a fourth water oulet pipe 123 concentric with pipe 122, is in communication with a water outlet connection 124. A water inlet connection 125 provides water to the third pipe 122.

The first oxygen pipe 116 projects through an opening 126 provided in a plate 127 of the first connector plate assembly 112. The plate 127 includes an outer peripheral downwardly projecting flange 127'. The second, third, and fourth pipes 121, 122, and 123 are connected at their lower ends to the plate 127 and communicates with first gas, water inlet, and water outlet openings respectively 132, 133, and 134.

The second connector assembly 113 comprises a flat plate 129 having a peripheral downwardly projecting flange 130. The first oxygen pipe 116 projects through a central opening 131. The plate 129 includes a second gas opening 135, a water inlet opening 136, and water outlet opening 137 communicating with the first openings of plate 127. The second connector assembly includes a third plate or flange portion 138 which is con nected to a sleeve 139. The third plate 138 includes three openings, respectively a gas opening 140, water inlet opening 141 and water outlet opening 142. All of the gas openings, water inlet openings, and outlet openings therefore are in communication in the connected assembly of the first and second connector plates.

The sleeve 139 includes an inner surface 143 spaced from the outer surface of pipe 116 to provide an annular space 144 therebetween.

A fifth oxygen pipe 145 includes an upward piston portion 146 which includes spaced O-rings 147 in relative sliding or slip joint engagement with the inner surface 143 of sleeve 139. This telescoping or slip joint connector includes a piston portion on the lower end of pipe 116 which includes O-rings 148 in sliding engagement with the inner surface 149 of piston portion 146. The annular space 144 provides at its upper end a chamber communicating with a vent passage 150 extending outwardly horizontally in the flange plate 138 and communicating with the atmosphere through a connected passage 151 in the flange 130.

A second sleeve portion 152 on the sleeve 139 and plate 138 is concentric and spaced outwardly of sleeve 139. The sleeve portion 152 includes an inner surface 153 which is engaged in slip joint relation by means of the upper end 154 of a lower sixth gas pipe 155 projecting downwardly toward the nozzle.

A connector ring 156 disposed below the flange or plate 438 is connected thereto by bolts 157'. A lower seventh water inlet pipe 158 and water outlet pipe 159 is connected to said ring 156. The connector ring 156 includes O-rings 157 in engagement with the underneath surface of plate 138.

The upper end 154 of gas pipe 155 includes O-ring seals 158. Referring now to FIG. 13 the openings 135, 136 and 137 are disclosed as individual rows of slots with adjacent ends of each slot in spaced relation relative to the other slots to provide a plurality of webs 160.

O-rings 161, 162, 163 and 164 are disposed in suitable recess within the surface of plate 129 for sealing one row of arcuate slots from the other.

Referring now to FIG. 14, the openings 140, 141 and 142 are also of arcuate shape and adjacent opposite ends of each slot are spaced to provide solid portions or webs 165 within which the vent passage 150 extend.

The upper surfaces of the sleeve flange or plate portion 138 also includes O-rings 166, 167, and 168 which are disposed between adjacent openings 142, 141, and 140 for sealing them against leakage.

The nozzle 114 includes a plurality of orifices 170 at the lower ends of the pipe 145.

The gas pipe 155 provides for the flow of gas with the oxygen as desired. The lower end of the water inlet pipe has a slip joint connection with an inlet pipe stub 171 and the water outlet pipe 159 is connected at its lower end to the gas pipe 155.

Quick disconnect of the connector plate assemblies is achieved by the hinged bolts 172 hinged on bases 173 supported on the outer pipe 122. The bolts 172 and nuts 174 are adapted to engage slotted ears 175 mounted on the water outlet pipe 155 to clamp the connector plates in assembly and to quickly disconnect the source.

In the operation oxygen and gas can flow through the oxygen and gas pipes in conventional fashion. The invention is primarily in the connector plate assemblies, the disposition of the slots and the effective sealing arrangements provided by the O-rings. The sleeves and plates of the second connector assembly can easily be dismounted and the sleeve replaced. The O-rings can easily be replaced and provides an effective seal to prevent the mixture of oxygen with gas.

In the event of leakage the novel vent passage arrangement and its disposition provides for venting to the atmosphere.

The slip joint connections accomodate the expansion and contraction occasioned by high temperature variations. Thus the present gas and oxygen lance can quickly be disconnected at the site, and the major portion of the lance can be removed for repairs, replacement, transport or other service and again assembled.

DESCRIPTION OF ANOTHER EMBODIMENT Referring to Figures 15 to 18, an oxygen lance assembly 210, includes a top support member 211 having an upper plate 211' connected to an oxygen supply pipe 212. An annular plate 213 is connected to the plate 211' by means of bolts and nuts 214. The top support member may be rigidly mounted on a lance carriage (not shown) adapted to be moved for operation adjacent to a basic oxygen vessel. The support member 211 includes a first oxygen pipe 215 and second and third water inlet and outlet pipes respectively 216 and 217. The outlet pipe 217 is connected to an outlet connector 219, and the inlet 216 is connected to an inlet connector 218.

An upper connector plate assembly is designated at 220 and includes a flat plate 221 having a lower flat surface 222 provided with a central opening 223 communicating with the oxygen pipe 215. The flat 221 includes a plurality of circumferentially disposed arcuate slots 224 and 225 positioned in radially spaced rows. The term "circumferentially disposed" for the present disclosure is to indicate that the slots above and hereafter further described are spaced in an angular ring like or cylindrical manner in the flat plates. The slots 224 and 225 communicate respectively with the water inlet and outlet pipes 216 and 217.

A second connector plate assembly 226 includes a sleeve 227 which projects downwardly and is provided with an upper bore 228 communicating with the opening 223 and the first oxygen pipe 215. The sleeve 227 includes an upper flange or annular plate 229 having two rows of radially spaced circum ferentially disposed arcuate slots 230 and 231 respectively communicating with the arcuate slots 224 and 225. The upper flat surface 232 of the plate 229 is in sealing relation relative to the lower flat surface 222 by means of a pair of radially spaced annular wrings 233.

As best shown in FIGS. 18 and 21, an annular chamber 266 communicating with the atmosphere through radial passages 267 is provided in the plate 221 between the 0rings 233.

The upper connector plate assembly 220 includes a peripheral downwardly extending flange 234 overlapping the outer peripheral surface of the plate 229. The flange 234 is releasably connected for replacement purposes to the lower surface 222 of the first connector plate assembly by means of cap screws 235, one of which is shown in FIG. 17.

The second connector plate assembly 226 includes a ring 236 having an annular inner surface 237 in telescoping engagement with the outer cylindrical surface 238 of the sleeve 227. The ring 236 includes an upper annular flat surface 239 in sealing engagement with the flat surface 232 of the plate 229. The ring includes a plurality of arcuate slots 240 and 241, communicating respectively with the slots 230 and 225 and slots 231 and 225.

The disposition of the circumferentially disposed slots 240 and 241 is disclosed in FIGS. 19 and 20.

Each of the slots are circumferentially spaced to provide in the ring member 236 a plurality of radially extending webs 242 which separate, or provide solid intervening walls in said number 236.

Vent passages 243 are positioned within the webs 242 and extend outwardly for communication with the atmosphere. The vent passages 243 communicate with a peripheral passage 243' and vent passages 243" in sleeve 227.

All of the slots in the ring 236, the plate 229 and the plate 221 are the same shape and spacing and register with one another in the clamped or connected position of the lance assembly.

As best shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the upper flat surface of the ring 236 is provided with two annular rows of recesses 244 and 245 containing O-rings 246 and 247 which are positioned adjacent the annular openings 240 and 241 to effectively seal against the leakage of water. The surface 237 and outer surface 238 of the sleeve are also effectively sealed by an O-ring 248.

A lower fourth oxygen pipe 249 includes an upper enlarged piston-like member 250 in relative telescoping or slip joint connection with the inner annular surface 251 of the sleeve 227. Pairs of upper and lower O-rings respectively 252 and 253 are supported on the member 250 and a vent chamber or annulous 254 is provided in the member 250 which communicates with the bores or passages 243' and 243".

A fifth water inlet pipe 255 and sixth water inlet pipe 256 are connected to the ring 236, project downwardly with respect thereto and communicate with the slots 241 and 240 respectively.

A lance nozzle 257 is welded to the lower pipes and includes an outlet orifice 258 communicating with an oxygen stub pipe 259 which communicates with the oxygen pipe 249. An outer stub pipe 260 is connected to the pipe 256. The pipe 255 is in telescoping relation at its lower end with a stub pipe position 261 to provide a mechanical slip joint connector therebetween. The telescopic ing relation of the fourth oxygen pipe with the sleeve 227 accommodates a relative sliding movement occurring when the pipe contracts and expands lengthwise due to heat variations. The slip joint between pipe 255 and stub pipe 261 also provides for this occurrence.

FIG. 16 discloses the quick disconnect and connect and connect arrangement which includes a pair of bosses 262 which are mounted on the pipe 217. Bolts 263 are hingedly connected to the bosses 262 and are placed in clamping relation with slotted keeper members or ears 264 mounted on the ring 36 by means of nuts 265.

THE OPERATION The flow of oxygen through the lance nozzle and water through the inlet pipe, water chamber of the nozzle and through the outlet pipes is conventional.

The unique features of the present invention reside in the quick disconnect of the main portion or barrel lance from the top support member 211 when the lance is to be serviced and portions have to be replaced.

Release of the swinging bolts 263 from the keeper 264 permits the lower portion of the lance and lower pipes to be dropped downwardly whereupon access is easily provided to replace seals, etc., and to conduct other repairs. The sleeve 227 which may be of brass or similar material can easily be replaced by disconnecting the cap screws 235.

The arrangement disclosed provides for effective sealing of all areas where leakage is possible and any leakage from the oxygen pipes through the slip joint connector of the piston member 250, or of water from the inlet pipe 255, or of water or oxygen from the connector assembly, is easily and safely vented into the atmosphere. Thus all important and necessary surfaces are effectively sealed. Water cannot leak into the oxygen pipe nor can oxygen leak into the water pipes.

The circumferential slots are easily and quickly registered upon reassembly of the lance.

DESCRIPTION OF A FURTHER EMBODIMENT An oxygen lance 310 includes an upper head or support member 311, an upper and lower connector plate assembly 312 and 313 and a discharge nozzle 314 as best shown in FIG. 22.

The support member 311 is adapted to be rigidly connected to a lance carriage which supports the lance adjacent to a B.O.F.

furnace in the steelmaking process. The head 311 includes a top plate 315, an attaching plate ring 316, connected by bolts 317 to the top plate 315.

A first oxygen pipe 318 communicates with an oxygen source 319 and is connected to the top plate 315 and to a first connector plate assembly 320. The assembly 320 includes a flat plate 21 having a lower flat surface 322.

The head further includes second water inlet and third water outlet concentric pipes respectively 323 and 324.

The water inlet connection 325 communicates with the t inlet pipe 323 and outlet connection 326 communicates with the outlet pipe 324. The connector plate assembly 320 includes a central oxygen opening 327 and is provided with a plurality of slots 328 and 329 supported on and through the plate 321. A second connector plate assembly 330 includes a flat plate 331 having an upper flat surface 332 which engages the lower flat surface 322 in relative clamping sealing relation. The plate 331 also includes openings or slots 333 and 334 respectively in registry with the slots 328 and 329.

A fourth oxygen pipe 335 is connected to the plate 331 and a central opening 336 in the plate 331 communicating with the first oxygen pipe 318. A fifth water inlet pipe 336' is supported on the plate 331 and a sixth water outlet pipe 337 is also supported on the plate 331. The pipes are concentric and the water inlet pipe 336' communicates with openings 328 and 333 and the water outlet pipe 337 communicates with opening 329 and 334.

Figure 31 discloses the positioning of openings or slots 328 and 329. FIG. 30 discloses the positioning of the complementary slots 333 and 334 which register with slots 328 and 329. The slots disclosed are of arcuate formation, annularly, or circumferentially spaced with their adjacent ends spaced horizontally to provide a plurality of spaced webs 338 in the plate 321, and 339, in the plate 331. The upper plate 321 also includes a peripheral downwardly extending flange 336 overlapping the plate 331.

The plate 331 also includes four radially spaced ring grooves containing O-rings 340, 341, 342, and 343 to seal the flat surfaces of the upper and lower plates, and particularly the areas between the openings 333 and 334 and 328 and 329.

As best shown in FIG. 31 the plate 321 is provided with a plurality of vent passages 345 extending horizontally and then vertically as indicated at 346 through the flange 336" to the atmosphere. The inner ends of the passage end in a vent chamber 347 which communicates with a bore 348 extending through the plate 331 whereupon it communicates with a shroud or vent pipe 349 having its upper end connected to a connector ring 350 which is also connected to pipes 336' and 337. The connector ring 350 is connected to the plate 331 by means of cap screws 350' which are easily removable to disengage ring 350 from plate 331.

The upper ends of pipes 336', 337 and vent pipe 349 are connected to the ring 350 by welding. The shroud pipe 349 envelopes the oxygen pipe 335 and extends downwardly adjacent the nozzle 314. The lower end of the pipe 335 is provided with an enlarged outer projecting sleeve or piston member 351 which includes a pair of vertically spaced 0rings 352 engaging and sealing the lower end of the shroud pipe 349.

The nozzle includes an orifice 353, a stub oxygen pipe 354 having a reduced outer diameter portion 354' which is in slip joint or telescoping relation with the piston member 351 at the oxygen pipe 335. The reduced diameter portion 354' includes two pairs of vertically spaced O-rings 355 and 356 engaging the piston portion 351 in sliding sealing relation.

An annular vent chamber 357 between the O-rings 355 and 356 is in communication with a bore 358 which communicates with the shroud pipe 349 venting leakage through the passage 348, 347, 345 and 346 to the atmosphere. Vertical contraction and expansion of the pipes 335 and 349 are achieved by the slip joint arrangement disclosed and which is occasioned by the variations in temperature. The nozzle 314 also includes a slip joint pipe stub 360, having a mechanical slicing connection with the lower end of the inlet pipe 336'. An O-ring 367 on ring 350 adjacent the connection of the shroud 349 to the ring is in seal relation with the plate 331.

The quick connect and disconnect arrangement is disclosed in FIG. 23 and includes a pair of bosses 361 supported on pipe 324 which hingedly support bolts 362 having nuts 363 thereon.

The bolts 362 and nuts 363 engage slotted locking ears 364 to releasably lock the connector assemblies together.

DESCRIPTION OF ANOTHER EMBODIMENT FIGS. 27, 28, and 29 show another form of the invention wherein the shroud pipe 349 at its upper end is slidingly connected to a sleeve 370 suitably connected to the ring 350.

The sleeve 370 has its upper surface 371 in sealing engagement by means of an O-ring 372. The upper end of the shroud 349 is provided with a piston end 373 having 0rings 374 in sliding relation with the sleeve 370. The lower end of the oxygen pipe 335 is provided with an enlarged piston portion 376 in sliding relation with the stub pipe 354 and having an annular venting groove or chamber 377 slidingly sealed against the stub pipe 354 by upper and lower O'ring pairs 352 and 356, respectively, and including a passage 378 communicating with the shroud pipe 349 which is secured to the upper portion of the piston portion 376.

This arrangement again permits expansion and contraction of the lower oxygen and vent pipes.

The same reference characters will apply where the parts are similar. Additional parts have above been additionally identified.

In the present invention in both instances the lances of both designs operate similarly in flowing oxygen to the nozzle. They are both of the quick disconnect type which can quickly be removed from the top support members for service. The venting arrangement provides for venting of the lowermost slip joint to vent any leakage of oxygen and water while at the same time providing for quick removal, repair or replacement of the top assembly. The novel sealing arrangements are designed to prevent leakage of oxygen into the water or water into oxygen.

If it does occur the novel vent arrangement disclosed will provide proper and immediate discharge to the atmosphere.

DESCRIPTION OF ANOTHER EMBODIMENT FIGS. 32 and 34 disclose an improved lance 410 comprising a top support or head 411 including a top plate 412 having an opening 413 connected to an oxygen supply source or pipe 414. A second top late 415 is connected to the top plate 412 by means of bolt and nut fasteners 416. A first oxygen pipe 417 communicates with the supply source pipe 414 through the plate 415.

A first upper connector plate assembly 418 includes a plate 419 having a lower flat surface 420 and a downwardly extending peripheral flange 421. The plate assembly 419 and top plate 415 have connected thereto a second pipe 422, to which a second water inlet connector 423 is connected. A third water outlet pipe 424 is disposed outwardly of the second pipe and communicates a water outlet connection 425.

A quick connect and disconnect clamping arrangement includes a pair of hinged bolts 426 hingedly suspended from outwardly projecting bosses 427 provided on the third pipe 424.

The plate 419 of the first connector plate assembly 418 includes a central oxygen opening 428 through which the first oxygen pipe 417 projects. The plate 419, as best shown in FIG. 34, includes slots or first openings 429 and 430 which are of arcuate shape, disposed in radially spaced rows to register with slots in the lower connector plate assembly to be described. The slots 429 communicate with the water inlet connection 423 and second water inlet pipe 422. The slots 430 communicate with the third water outlet pipe 424 which communicates with the water outlet connection 425.

A second or lower connector plate assembly is designated at 431 and includes a sleeve 432 having an annular flange or plate 433 provided with an upper annular flat surface 434. The flat surface 434 is provided with two rows of circumferentially disposed second slots 435 and 436 relatively radially spaced with respect to each other. The definition of "circumferentially spaced" as used in this description is meant to include that the slots are spaced in a circle or annular, and that they are also disposed inwardly from the outer circumference of the lance. The slots are of arcuate shape and adjacent ends of the slots 35 and 36 provide solid radially extending circumferentially spaced solid webs 37 as best shown in FIGS. 36 and 37 which separate the adjacent slots.

As best shown in FIG. 35, a ring plate 438 having a flat upper surface 439 conforms to the lower flat surface 440 of the plate or flange 433 and is connected thereto by screws 441.

The second connector plate assembly 431 supports a fourth oxygen pipe 442, a fifth water inlet pipe 443, and a sixth water outlet pipe 444.

The water outlet pipe 444 has connected thereto wing projections 445 provided with slots 446 for receiving the bolt clamping members 426 in securing relation.

The pipes 442, 443 and 444 extend downwardly and are connected to a lance nozzle designated at 447. The nozzle 447 of the present design includes a discharge orifice 448 communicating with a stub extension pipe 449 communicating with the oxygen pipe 442. The nozzle also includes a water outlet stub pipe 444' connected to the pipe 444. It also includes a stub pipe 443' connected to the lower end of pipe 443 to provide a mechanical slip joint therewith. As indicated at 450, baffle walls 451 are con nected to the lower ends of the stub pipe 443' to direct the incoming water from the inlet to the outlet pipes.

The present invention is particularly directed to the arrangement of the sealing and venting arrangements disclosed.

As best shown in FIG. 35 and 36 the flat surface is provided with ring shaped grooves 452 within which seals in the form of O-rings 453 are secured. The O-rings 453 effectively seal the water inlet and water outlet passages from one another at the connection of the flat surfaces of the connector plate assemblies. A vent space or annular chamber 454 is provided by the sleeve 432 and the outer wall of the first oxygen pipe 417. The innermost 0ring 453 seals this space 454 from the water inlet slots 429 and 435.

The sleeve 432 projects downwardly and the lower oxygen pipe 442 is provided at its upper end with an enlarged diameter tube or second sleeve 455 which at its upper end has a further enlarged outer diameter portion 456 which supports two vertically spaced O-rings 457 in sliding sealing contact with the inner wall of the sleeve 432.

The lower end of the first oxygen pipe 417 is provided with an enlarged outer diameter portion, or piston like element 458 having two O-rings 459 vertically spaced relatively and in sliding, sealing, and telescoping relation with the inner wall of the second sleeve 455.

As best shown in FIGS. 34, 35, 36 and 37, vent bores or passages 460 are provided in the webs 437 and project - radially horizontally outwardly. The peripheral flange 421 is provided with outlet bores 461 communicating with the passages 460 and the atmosphere.

The ring 438 and upper surface 439 also include a cylindrical O-ring 462.

As best shown in FIG. 35 the first sleeve is provided at its lower end with an annular inwardly extending flange 470 which engages the projecting surface presented by the second sleeve 455 and which thus suspends the pipe 442 relative to the nozzle 447.

As best shown in FIG. 38 the lower end of the suspended pipe 442 is in telescoping relation with the inner surface of the stub pipe 449 to provide a slip joint as indicated at 471.

Double annular O-rings 472 effectively seal the slip joint connection.

THE OPERATION The operation of the lance disclosed is conventional in that oxygen supplied from the supply pipe 414 flows downwardly through pipe 442, stub pipe 449 and through one or more discharge orifices 448 into a basic oxygen furnace vessel. Water flows from the water inlet connection 423 through arcuate passages 429 and 435 downwardly along pipe 443 to the lower end of the nozzle 447 to cool the same whereupon it is directed upwardly along pipe 444 through the slots 430 and 436 outwardly through the water outlet connection 425. Thus the lance nozzle is effectively cooled.

The present invention resides in the quick disconnect and connect feature afforded by the first and second connector assemblies with their unique disposition of the arcuate aligned slots when the assemblies are connected together in clamping relation. The unusual disposition of the O-rings in the flat contacting surfaces of the connector plates assures the positive sealing required to provide a quick clamp type disconnect arrangement. Thus the support assembly to which the upper connector plate assembly is attached can remain in place on the support carriage which is provided adjacent a B.O.F.

vessel and a lance can be replaced or interchanged within a short period. The support head can be used over and over again with new or repaired assemblies. Also no longer is it necessary to have two carriages adjacent to the vessel. By merely disconnecting the bolts, the lower connector assembly and major portion of the lance can be removed for repairs, replacement, transport or other service.

The present sealing arrangement and venting assures the continued operation without interruption of the oxygen blowing process.

In disassembly of the lower connector plate from the upper, it is a simple matter to disconnect the same.

Upon disconnection the sleeve can readily be replaced by merely loosening the cap screws 41 and inserting a new sleeve. This assures interchangeability of parts and eliminates oversizing the O-ring piston in the event of damage, and also the double O-rings are also easily replaced.

In the present lance design the oxygen pipe 442 is suspended and supported on the sleeve 432 and during disconnection of the second connector plate assembly this pipe can easily be removed and the lower seal member 472 replaced if desired, similarly, by providing a slip joint at the lower end of the oxygen pipe, the invention accommodates quick removal, repair, and replacement of the top assembly.

DESCRIPTION OF A FURTHER EMBODIMENT An oxygen lance assembly 510 comprises a top support member 511 including a top plate 512 having an oxygen connector fitting 513 adapted to connect to an oxygen source.

An annular plate 514 is connected by means of bolts and nuts 515 to the plate 512. The annular plate 514 and a first connector plate assembly 516 have connected thereto a first oxygen pipe 517, a second inlet water pipe 518. and a third outlet water pipe 519. A water inlet connector 520 communicates with the pipe 518 and an outlet connection 521 communicates with the outlet pipe 519. The first connector plate assembly 516 includes a flat plate 522 to which the lower ends of the pipes 517, 518 and 519 are connected. The plate 522 includes vertical circumferentially disposed arcuate slots 523 and 524. The term "circumferentially disposed" means annulously positioned or positioned in ring-like manner. The slots are arcuate in shape and have adjacent ends positioned from other adjacent ends in laterally spaced relation.

A second connector plate assembly 525 includes a flat plate 526 having an upper flat surface 527 which includes slots 528 and 529 communicating with slots 523 and 524 respectively.

A fourth oxygen pipe 530 is connected to the plate 526 and communicates with the pipe 517 through opening 531 in plate 526 and opening 532 in plate 522. A fifth water inlet pipe 533 communicates with slots 528 and a sixth water outlet pipe 534 communicates with slots 529.

A nozzle for the lance is designated at 535 and includes an outlet orifice 536 communicating with an oxygen stub pipe 537 which at its upper end is in telescoping slip fit connection with the lower end of pipe 530. A pair of O-rings 538 in engagement with the oxygen stub pipe provide for sealing of the slipjoint.

A water chamber 539 is in communication with an inlet stub pipe 540 having a slip fit relation with the lower ends 541 of the water inlet pipe.

The plate 522 is provided with a flat lower surface 542 and includes a peripheral flange 543 which extends around and overlaps the plate 526.

As indicated in FIG. 42 the inlet and outlet slots are of arcuate shape and adjacent ends of a pair of slots are separate by radially extending webs 544. A plurality of radially spaced O-rings 545, 546, are provided in suitable ring recesses inwardly of the slots 528. Another O-ring 547 is placed in a surface recess ring in the surface 527 between slots 528 and 529, and another O-ring 548 is disposed outwardly of the slot 529 in a suitable O-ring recess. Thus all of the critical leakage areas are protected by the O-rings described.

As best shown in FIGS. 41 and 43, a vent passage 550 is provided in each of the webs 544 and extend outwardly in the plate 526 to the atmosphere. The inward end of the vent passage is connected to a vertical bore 550 extending to the surface 527 between the slots 545 and 546. Thus any leakage of oxygen or water is vented to the atmosphere.

Thus oxygen leaks cannot leak into water and water cannot leak into the oxygen.

The quick connect disconnect arrangement for the lance includes a pair of bosses 551 connected to pipe 519 which hingedly support bolts 552 having lower threads and nuts 553. Slotted keeper ears 554 are supported on the pipe 534 and are adapted to securely clamp the connector plates in firm connected relation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A MODIFIED EMBODIMENT FIG. 45 discloses a cross sectional view of a modified form of the invention wherein the same reference characters are applied to similar parts. In this improvement a separate ring 560 is connected to the upper ends at the pipes 533 and 534, said ring being attached to the plate 526 by means of cap screws 561.

The ring is also provided with arcuate slots 562 communicating with slots 529 to direct water outwardly through said water outlet connector.

THE OPERATION The operation of directing oxygen and water through the lance is conventional. The improvement resides in the arrangement of the upper and lower connector assemblies with the slots which are placed in alignment or registry when the plates are connected in clamped relation by the improved clamping arrangement. By merely disconnecting the bolts the lower connecter assembly and major portion of the lance can be removed for repairs, replacement, transport or other service; and similarly, by providing a slip joint at the lower end of the oxygen pipe, the invention accomodates quick removal, repair, and replacement of the tip assembly.

Thus only one lance carriage need be employed with the top support head remaining in position. O-rings and other parts can be easily replaced. The slots are easily registerable and the vent arrangement is positive in the event leakage would occur.

WHAT WE CLAIM IS: 1. A steel making lance assembly including a top support member having a first central oxygen supply pipe and second and third water inlet and outlet pipes, a first connector plate assembly on said top support member, the first pipe being connected to said first connector plate assembly and said first connector plate assembly having a lower flat surface including a plurality of first openings communicating with said second and third pipes, a second connector plate assembly having an upper flat surface including a plurality of second openings adapted to register with the said first openings respectively, a fourth oxygen pipe connected to said second connector plate assembly and communicating with the first oxygen supply pipe, fifth and sixth water inlet and outlet pipes communicating with said second openings respectively, a lance nozzle con

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims (74)

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. water inlet connector 520 communicates with the pipe 518 and an outlet connection 521 communicates with the outlet pipe 519. The first connector plate assembly 516 includes a flat plate 522 to which the lower ends of the pipes 517, 518 and 519 are connected. The plate 522 includes vertical circumferentially disposed arcuate slots 523 and 524. The term "circumferentially disposed" means annulously positioned or positioned in ring-like manner. The slots are arcuate in shape and have adjacent ends positioned from other adjacent ends in laterally spaced relation. A second connector plate assembly 525 includes a flat plate 526 having an upper flat surface 527 which includes slots 528 and 529 communicating with slots 523 and 524 respectively. A fourth oxygen pipe 530 is connected to the plate 526 and communicates with the pipe 517 through opening 531 in plate 526 and opening 532 in plate 522. A fifth water inlet pipe 533 communicates with slots 528 and a sixth water outlet pipe 534 communicates with slots 529. A nozzle for the lance is designated at 535 and includes an outlet orifice 536 communicating with an oxygen stub pipe 537 which at its upper end is in telescoping slip fit connection with the lower end of pipe 530. A pair of O-rings 538 in engagement with the oxygen stub pipe provide for sealing of the slipjoint. A water chamber 539 is in communication with an inlet stub pipe 540 having a slip fit relation with the lower ends 541 of the water inlet pipe. The plate 522 is provided with a flat lower surface 542 and includes a peripheral flange 543 which extends around and overlaps the plate 526. As indicated in FIG. 42 the inlet and outlet slots are of arcuate shape and adjacent ends of a pair of slots are separate by radially extending webs 544. A plurality of radially spaced O-rings 545, 546, are provided in suitable ring recesses inwardly of the slots 528. Another O-ring 547 is placed in a surface recess ring in the surface 527 between slots 528 and 529, and another O-ring 548 is disposed outwardly of the slot 529 in a suitable O-ring recess. Thus all of the critical leakage areas are protected by the O-rings described. As best shown in FIGS. 41 and 43, a vent passage 550 is provided in each of the webs 544 and extend outwardly in the plate 526 to the atmosphere. The inward end of the vent passage is connected to a vertical bore 550 extending to the surface 527 between the slots 545 and 546. Thus any leakage of oxygen or water is vented to the atmosphere. Thus oxygen leaks cannot leak into water and water cannot leak into the oxygen. The quick connect disconnect arrangement for the lance includes a pair of bosses 551 connected to pipe 519 which hingedly support bolts 552 having lower threads and nuts 553. Slotted keeper ears 554 are supported on the pipe 534 and are adapted to securely clamp the connector plates in firm connected relation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A MODIFIED EMBODIMENT FIG. 45 discloses a cross sectional view of a modified form of the invention wherein the same reference characters are applied to similar parts. In this improvement a separate ring 560 is connected to the upper ends at the pipes 533 and 534, said ring being attached to the plate 526 by means of cap screws 561. The ring is also provided with arcuate slots 562 communicating with slots 529 to direct water outwardly through said water outlet connector. THE OPERATION The operation of directing oxygen and water through the lance is conventional. The improvement resides in the arrangement of the upper and lower connector assemblies with the slots which are placed in alignment or registry when the plates are connected in clamped relation by the improved clamping arrangement. By merely disconnecting the bolts the lower connecter assembly and major portion of the lance can be removed for repairs, replacement, transport or other service; and similarly, by providing a slip joint at the lower end of the oxygen pipe, the invention accomodates quick removal, repair, and replacement of the tip assembly. Thus only one lance carriage need be employed with the top support head remaining in position. O-rings and other parts can be easily replaced. The slots are easily registerable and the vent arrangement is positive in the event leakage would occur. WHAT WE CLAIM IS:

1. A steel making lance assembly including a top support member having a first central oxygen supply pipe and second and third water inlet and outlet pipes, a first connector plate assembly on said top support member, the first pipe being connected to said first connector plate assembly and said first connector plate assembly having a lower flat surface including a plurality of first openings communicating with said second and third pipes, a second connector plate assembly having an upper flat surface including a plurality of second openings adapted to register with the said first openings respectively, a fourth oxygen pipe connected to said second connector plate assembly and communicating with the first oxygen supply pipe, fifth and sixth water inlet and outlet pipes communicating with said second openings respectively, a lance nozzle con

nected to the fifth and sixth pipes and including an outlet orifice connected to said fourth pipe, and an arrangement quick releasably connecting said first and second connector plate assemblies in clamped relation with said first and second openings being in registry and communication, the upper end portion of said fourth oxygen pipe being vertically spaced from the first and second connector plate assemblies to provide a vent chamber which is vented to atmosphere by a passage defined in one of the connector plate assemblies.

2. An assembly as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said vent passage is formed in a flange defining the upper flat surface of said second connector plate assembly and the first connector plate assembly includes a second flange which extends downwardly from said lower surface so as to overlap the firstmentioned flange, and second flange including a further vent passage communicating with the first-mentioned vent passage.

3. An assembly as claimed in Claim 2, wherein the first pipe is connected to said first connector plate assembly so as to project downwardly therefrom into an uper end portion of the fourth oxygen pipe, the second connector plate assembly includes a sleeve member having said flange defining said upper flat surface of the second connector plate assembly, the upper end portion of the fourth pipe being adapted to engage said sleeve member in relative telescoping relationship, and first and second sealing arrangements are provided respectively between said upper end portion of the first pipe and said sleeve member and between said first pipe and said upper end portion of said fourth pipe.

4. An assembly as claimed in Claim 3, wherein all said pipes are concentric.

5. An assembly as claimed in Claim 4, wherein each of said first and second openings comprises a plurality of circumferentially spaced, arcuately shaped slots, each of said first and second connector plate assemblies including circumferentially spaced web portions separating adjacent ends of said slots.

6. An assembly as claimed in Claim 5, wherein the slots defined by each connector plate assembly are disposed in radially spaced pairs.

7. An assembly as claimed in Claim 5 or Claim 6, wherein the flat surface of one of the connector plate assemblies is formed with annular recesses adjacent said slots, with ring-type seals being located in the recesses respectively.

8. An assembly as claimed in any one of Claims 3 to 7, wherein said second connector plate assembly includes a ring supported around said sleeve member and means for releasably connecting the ring to a lower flat surface of the first-mentioned flange.

9. An assembly as claimed in Claim 8, wherein said fifth and sixth water inlet and outlet pipes are connected to said ring.

10. An assembly as claimed in any preceding Claim, wherein said top support member includes on one side thereof a water inlet connection communicating with said second water inlet pipe, and on the opposite side thereof a water outlet connection extending in the same horizontal plane as said water inlet connection and communicating with said third water outlet pipe.

11. An assembly as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 9, wherein said top support member includes on one side thereof a water inlet connection communicating with said second water inlet pipe, and on the opposite side thereof a water outlet connection disposed below said water inlet connection and communicating with said third water outlet pipe, said second water inlet pipe comprising upper and lower pipe sections disposed in relative telescoping relationship.

12. An assembly as claimed in Claim 11, wherein said top support member includes a first top attachment plate to which said first central oxygen supply pipe is connected, and a second top attachment plate which is disposed below said first top attachment plate and to which said third outlet pipe is connected, said water inlet connection being disposed between said first and second top attachment plates, and said water outlet connection being disposed below said second top attachment plate.

13. An assembly as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the top support member includes a seventh gas pipe arranged so that said first, second, third and seventh pipes are concentric, the first connector plate assembly includes a central opening through which said first oxygen pipe projects and a first gas opening communicating with said seventh gas pipe, said second connector plate assembly includes a central opening which receives said first oxygen pipe and a second gas opening communicating with the first gas opening, said second connector plate assembly also includes a first central sleeve which is circumferentially spaced from said first oxygen pipe to define therewith an annular space which receives said fourth oxygen pipe in telescoping relationship with said first sleeve and said first oxygen pipe, and said second connector plate assembly has a second sleeve which is concentric with said first sleeve and which has an inneer diameter larger than the outer diameter of the first sleeve, an eighth gas pipe being in telescoping engagement with the second sleeve and communicating with the gas openings in the first and second connector plate assemblies and with the outlet orifice of said lance nozzle, and said lance nozzle having a water chamber providing for circulation of water between said second, third, fifth and sixth pipes.

14. An assembly as claimed in Claim 13, wherein said annular space defines said vent chamber and said vent passage communicates with said annular space and provides for communication of said chamber with atmosphere.

15. An assembly as claimed in Claim 14, wherein said vent passage extends horizontally in said second connector plate assembly.

16. An assembly as claimed in any one of Claims 13 to 15, wherein said fourth oxygen pipe includes at its upper end portion a piston sleeve in relative contacting and sliding engagement with the lower portion of the first oxygen pipe and with said first sleeve.

17. An assembly as claimed in Claim 16, wherein said piston sleeve includes sealing means engaging said first sleeve and said first oxygen pipe.

18. An assembly as claimed in any one of Claims 13 to 17, wherein said lance nozzle includes a stub pipe separating said water chamber, the lower end of one of said fifth and sixth water pipes being connected to said stub pipe in telescoping relationship.

19. An assembly as claimed in any one of Claims 13 to 18, wherein each of said first and second openings includes a row of three openings spaced radially outwardly from said central opening and said first oxygen pipe.

20. An assembly as claimed in any one of Claims 13 to 19, wherein said first sleeve has a flanged upper surface including third gas, water inlet and water outlet openings communicating with said first and second openings.

21. An assembly as claimed in any one of Claims 13 to 20, and including sealing means between said connector plate assemblies for sealing each row of openings from the remaining openings.

22. An assembly as claimed in Claim 20, and including a connector ring connecting said second connector plate assembly and the flanged upper surface of said first sleeve, the connector ring having connected thereto said fifth and sixth water pipes, and a fastening arrangement removably connecting said connector ring to said flanged upper surface of said first sleeve.

23. An assembly as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said lower flat surface of the first connector plate assembly includes a first central opening communicating with said first oxygen supply pipe, the flat upper surface of the second connector plate assembly is defined by a flange of a sleeve member and is provided with a second central opening communicating with said first central opening, a fastening arrangement releasably connects the flange of said sleeve member to the lower flat surface of the first connector plate assembly with said sleeve member projecting downwardly with respect thereto, a connector ring extends around said sleeve member and has a plurality of third spaced openings registering with said first and second openings, said fourth oxygen pipe has its upper end projecting into said sleeve member in telescoping sliding relationship, said fifth and sixth water inlet and outlet pipes are concentric with said fourth pipe and are connected to said connector ring so as to communicate with said first, second and third openings, and wherein said quick release arrangement connects said ring to said first and second connector assemblies whereby said ring may be quickly removed with said fourth, fifth and sixth pipes from said sleeve member and said flange of the second connector plate assembly.

24. An assembly as claimed in Claim 23, wherein said fourth oxygen pipe includes an annular top head provided with O-ring seals engaging the inner wall of said sleeve member.

25. An assembly as claimed in Claim 24, wherein said annular top head is provided with upper O-ring seals, lower O-ring seals and said vent passage communicates through said sleeve with said head between the seals.

26. An assembly as claimed in Claim 25, wherein said annular top head is provided between said O-ring seals with a vent chamber communicating with said vent passage.

27. An assembly as claimed in Claim 25 or Claim 26, wherein said vent passage includes a bore extending through said connector ring to atmosphere.

28. An assembly as claimed in any one of Claims 25 to 27, wherein said third openings are provided in said connector ring and are spaced to provide a plurality of radially extending solid webs in said ring, said vent passage including a plurality of vent passages extending through vent webs.

29. An assembly as claimed in any one of Claims 23 to 28, wherein said flat upper surface of said sleeve member has an O-ring seal spaced outwardly from said central openings so as to be disposed between said central openings and said first and second openings.

30. An assembly as claimed in any one of Claims 23 to 29, wherein said connector ring has a flat upper surface within which said third openings are located, said flat upper surface of the connector ring supporting a pair of O-rings engaging the lower surface of the flange of said sleeve member in sealing relationship relative to said third dpenings.

31. An assembly as claimed in any one of Claims 23 to 30, wherein said sleeve member has an outer surface engaging an inner surface of said connector ring, with an O-ring being disposed between said surfaces for sealing the same.

32. An assembly as claimed in any one of Claims 23 to 31, wherein said openings comprise arcuate slots.

33. An assembly as claimed in Claim 32, wherein said arcuate slots are positioned in radially spaced pairs.

34. An assembly as claimed in any one of Claims 23 to 33, wherein said first connector plate assembly includes a peripheral flange projecting downwardly in overlapping relationship relative to the flange of the second connector plate assembly.

35. An assembly as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said second and third pipes are concentric with said first pipe, said first connector plate assembly includes a central opening communicating with said central oxygen pipe, and wherein said lance nozzle includes a central oxygen stub pipe communicating with said outlet orifice, an inner water inlet stub pipe and an outer water outlet stub pipe communicating with said fifth and sixth pipes respectively, the lower end portion of said fourth oxygen pipe and the oxygen stub pipe being interconnected to provide a telescopic connection, a vent pipe connected to said second connector plate assembly, said vent pipe extending around said fourth oxygen pipe and being concentric therewith, and vent passage means in one of said connector plate assemblies providing for communication of said vent pipe with atmosphere,

the vent pipe extending adjacent said oxygen stub pipe and the lower end of said vent pipe being positioned relative to the telescopic connection between said fourth oxygen pipe and said stub pipe to receive any leakage of oxygen from said telescopic connection and vent the same to atmosphere.

36. An assembly as claimed in Claim 35, wherein the lower end of said fourth oxygen pipe engages said vent pipe in sealing relationship and passage means in said telescopic connection communicates with the lower end of said vent pipe.

37. An assembly as claimed in Claim 36, wherein the passage means in said telescopic connection includes said vent chamber communicating with a vent opening and said vent pipe.

38. An assembly as claimed in any one of Claims 35 to 37, wherein the lower end of said fourth oxygen pipe has an outer projecting circumferential shoulder and the lower end of said vent pipe engages said shoulder, with sealing means being provided between said shoulder and said vent pipe.

39. An assembly as claimed in any one of Claims 35 to 38, wherein said first connector plate assembly has an outer peripheral flange projecting downwardly and overlapping said second connector plate assembly, said vent passage means includes said vent passage which is formed in said second connector plate assembly and communicates with said vent pipe, and a further vent passage communicating with the firstwmentioned vent passage and extending horizontally within said first connector plate assembly.

40. An assembly as claimed in Claim 39, wherein said further vent passage includes a vertical portion projecting downwardly within said peripheral flange adjacent said second connector plate assembly.

41. An assembly as claimed in any one of Claims 35 to 40, wherein said second connector plate assembly is provided with an annular ring plate having a flat upper surface and a central opening through which said fourth pipe projects, said ring plate including a plurality of third water inlet and outlet openings communicating with said first and second water inlet and outlet openings respectively, and means connecting said ring plate to a flat lower surface of said second connector plate assembly.

42. An assembly as claimed in Claim 41, wherein said means connecting said ring plate to said flat lower surface of said second connector plate assembly includes removable fasteners.

43. An assembly as claimed in Claim 41 or Claim 42, wherein said vent pipe has its upper end portion connected to said ring plate.

44. An assembly as claimed in any one of Claims 41 to 43, wherein sealing means is provided between the flat upper surface of said ring plate and the lower surface of said second connector plate assembly.

45. An assembly as claimed in any one of Claims 35 to 44, wherein said second connector plate assembly includes a sleeve connected thereto and projecting downwardly in overlapping relationship with respect to the upper portion of said vent pipe, said vent pipe having a collar with an outer peripheral wall engaging said sleeve in relative sliding relationship.

46. An assembly as claimed in Claim 45, wherein sealing means is provided between said collar and said sleeve.

47. An assembly as claimed in any one of Claims 35 to 46, wherein the lower end of said fourth oxygen pipe has an outer projecting circumferential shoulder engaging the inner surface of said oxygen stub pipe in relative sliding relationship, and said lower end of said vent pipe has an annular second shoulder engaging said inner surface of said oxygen stub pipe in sliding relationship.

48. An assembly as claimed in Claim 47, wherein sealing means is provided between said circumferential shoulder and said inner surface of the oxygen stub pipe.

49. An assembly as claimed in Claim 47 or Claim 48, wherein said annular second shoulder of said vent pipe has an inner surface laterally spaced from the outer pe ripheral surface of said fourth oxygen pipe adjacent the lower portion thereof.

50. An assembly as claimed in Claim 49, wherein sealing means is provided between said second annular shoulder and the inner surface of said oxygen stub pipe.

51. An assembly as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said first pipe is connected to said first connector plate assembly so as to project downwardly with respect thereto, the second connector plate assembly includes a first sleeve member having a flange defining said upper flat surface, said fourth oxygen pipe has an upper section and a lower section which are disposed in relative telescoping and sliding relationship, the upper section having connected thereto a second sleeve member which is disposed in telescoping sliding relationship with said first pipe, the outlet orifice of the lance nozzle communicates with the lower section of said fourth oxygen pipe, and the second connector plate assembly includes an arrangement suspending the upper section of said fourth oxygen pipe.

52. An assembly as claimed in Claim 51, wherein a sealing arrangement is provided between said upper and lower sections of the fourth oxygen pipe.

53. An assembly as claimed in Claim 52, wherein said sealing means includes O-rings.

54. An assembly as claimed in any one of claims 51 to 53, wherein said second sleeve member engages said first sleeve member in telescoping sliding relationship.

55. An assembly as claimed in any one of Claims 51 to 54, wherein said arrangement suspending the upper section of said fourth oxygen pipe comprises a support ledge on said first sleeve member engaging said second sleeve member.

56. An assembly as claimed in Claim 55, wherein said second sleeve member has a larger outside diameter than the upper section of said fourth oxygen pipe to define an annular projection, and said ledge on said first sleeve member defines an annular flange overlapping said annular projection.

57. An assembly as claimed in any one of Claims 51 to 56, wherein a seal is provided between said first and second sleeve members.

58. An assembly as claimed in any one of Claims 51 to 57, wherein a seal is provided between said second sleeve member and a lower portion of said first oxygen pipe.

59. An assembly as claimed in any one of Claims 51 to 58, wherein said first sleeve member and said first oxygen pipe define said vent chamber below said first connector plate assembly and a venting arrangement venting said chamber to atmosphere.

60. An assembly as claimed in Claim 59, wherein said venting arrangement comprises said vent passage which is formed in the flange of said first sleeve member.

61. An assembly as claimed in any one of Claims 51 to 60, wherein the fifth and sixth water inlet and outlet pipes are connected to the second connector plate assembly by an arrangement including a ring having a flat surface connected to the flange of said first sleeve member.

62. An assembly as claimed in any one of Claims 51 to 61, wherein said nozzle includes a stub oxygen pipe communicating with said outlet orifice, the lower section of said fourth oxygen pipe engaging said stub oxygen pipe in telescoping sliding relationship to provide a slip joint.

63. An assembly as claimed in Claim 62, wherein sealing means is provided between the lower section of said fourth oxygen pipe and said stub oxygen pipe.

64. An assembly as claimed in Claim 63, wherein said sealing means comprises 0rings.

65. An assembly as claimed in any one of Claims 51 to 64, wherein said nozzle includes a stub outlet pipe engaging said fifth water inlet pipe in telescoping slip joint relationship.

66. An assembly as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the first connector plate assembly includes a central opening communicating with said first oxygen supply pipe, the second connector plate assembly includes a second central opening registering with said first central opening, said fourth oxygen pipe has an upper end portion communicating with said second central opening and said first oxygen pipe, said fifth and sixth water inlet and outlet pipes communicate with said second opening, the lance nozzle includes a water chamber communicating with said fifth and sixth pipes and an oxygen stub pipe communicating with said outlet orifice, the stub pipe and the lower portion of said fourth oxygen pipe being positioned in relative telescoping sliding relationship, and said vent passage terminates at one end of the flat upper surface of said second connector plate assembly.

67. An assembly as claimed in Clam 66, wherein said vent passage is provided in said first connector plate assembly.

68. An assembly as claimed in Claim 67, wherein said vent passage extends horizontally to one peripheral edge of said first connector plate assembly.

69. An assembly as claimed in any one of Claims 66 to 68, wherein said first openings are of arcuate configuration and terminate at their ends in spaced relationship to define therebetween spaced webs in the first connector plate assembly, and said vent passage is disposed in said spaced webs.

70. An assembly as claimed in any one of Claims 66 to 69, wherein said first and second openings comprise a plurality of radially spaced, concentric slots.

71. An assembly as claimed in any one of Claims 66 to 70, wherein said first connector plate assembly has a downwardly projecting peripheral flange overlapping said second connector plate assembly.

72. An assembly as claimed in any one of Claims 66 to 71, and including an arrangement for removably connecting said fifth and sixth pipes to said second connector plate assembly.

73. An assembly as claimed in Claim 72, wherein said arrangement comprises a ring connecting member rigidly connected to the upper ends of said fifth and sixth pipes and a screw-type fastener connecting said connecting member to said second connector plate assembly.

74. A steel making lance assembly as claimed in Claim 1 comprising the combination and arrangement of parts substantially as hereinbefore described, and as shown in, Figures 1 to 6, or Figures 7 and 8, or Figures 9 to 14, or Figures 15 to 21, or Figures 22 to 31, or Figures 32 to 38, or Figures 39 to 45 of the accompanying drawings.