GB2238495A

GB2238495A - Splash-guard for Tundish

Info

Publication number: GB2238495A
Application number: GB8926831A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Richard John Hawkins; Timothy Jones
Original assignee: British Steel PLC
Current assignee: British Steel PLC
Priority date: 1989-11-28
Filing date: 1989-11-28
Publication date: 1991-06-05
Also published as: GB8926831D0

Abstract

The present invention consists in the provision of a grid-like baffle structure (4) in, eg. a tundish, spaced above a pad (1) on to which liquid metal impacts on discharge from a vessel the structure restraining splash of said metal on impact with the pad. Preferably, the structure is consumable, eg. it may be made from wood or cardboard. <IMAGE>

Description

LIQUID METAL SPLASH REDUCTION This invention relates to apparatus for reducing splash on impact of a stream of liquid metal discharged from a vessel, eg. as occurs in processing molten metal. Such impact occurs for example when a stream of molten steel is teemed from a ladle into an empty tundish, the ensuing metal splash being a danger to personnel and a source of ignition for material in the vicinity.

It is an object of this invention to mitigate these drawbacks.

The present invention consists in the provision of a grid-like baffle structure spaced above a pad on to which liquid metal impacts on discharge from a vessel, the structure restraining splash of said metal on impact with the pad.

Preferably, the structure is consumable, eg. it may be made from wood or cardboard or the like.

The structure is particularly applicable for use in tundishes, as mentioned above, the splashes on initial impact being contained by the baffle walls defining the grid section into which the metal is teemed and the "pool" rapidly built up within this section then effectively cushioning the teeming stream.

In order that the invention may be fully understood, one embodiment thereof will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawing (Figure 1) which schematically illustrates a structure according to this invention.

Referring now to the Figure a conventional refractory impact pad 1 has end walls 2, 3 and this is cemented into the base of the tundish, not shown, the end walls lying transversely of the tundish. With the side walls of the tundish itself lying closely alongside the 'open' sides of the impact pad a pool of metal has hitherto been rapidly built up within this component but there has been practically no constraint of the splashes on initial impact.

In accordance with this invention baffle plates in the form of a grid 4 are now slotted into position in the end plates, being 'suspended' between these plates a short distance from the upper side of the impact pad 1.

In one practical embodiment with a tundish having a bath height of about 75 cms and a width of 60 cms the structure shown has been used with baffles 9 cms deep and spaced 4i cms from the impact pad. A most significant reduction in splash was recorded with molten steel termed via a pouring tube dependent from the ladle.

Although the invention has been described with reference to the specific embodiment illustrated, it is to be understood that various changes may readily be made without departing from the scope of this invention. For example, the dimensional relationships may clearly be changed to suit local conditions for optimum splash containment and the manner in which the baffle plates are distanced from the impart pad may also be different from that shown, eg they may be supported on pillars or supported from the sides of the tundish - in this case the end walls 2 and/or 3 may be dispensed with in the splash pad, the grid structure largely making these redundant.

Vessels other than a tundish may alternatively be used eg moulds. Further, although the grid 4 has been described as being made from a fibrous carbonaceous material any low heat capacity, consumable material compatible with the melt may be utilised, in some instances it may even consist of or include desired reactants or alloying additions.

Claims

We claim:

1. A grid - like baffle structure spaced above a pad on to which liquid metal impacts on discharge from a vessel, the structure restraining splash of said metal on impact with the pad.

2. A structure according to claim 1, in which the material from which it is made is consumable within the liquid metal.

3. A structure according to claim 2, in which the material comprises wood or cardboard.

4. A structure according to claim 2 or 3, in which the material incorporates a mould powder, a reactant or an alloying addition.

5. A structure according to any one of claims 1 to 4, sited in a tundish.

6. A grid - like baffle structure, substantially as herein described and as illustrated in the accompanying drawing.