RU2819598C2 - Tool for determining state of plates - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: metallurgy.

SUBSTANCE: tool (3) for determining the state of plates (2u, 2L, 2m) of a sliding gate for measuring data on the state of plates (2u, 2L, 2m) of sliding gate (2) of metallurgical vessel (1) in the form of a ladle comprises main housing (4) with sealing device (5), device for injecting gas into collector cup (2n) through sealing device (5) equipped with pressure regulator (6), device (7) for measuring the flow rate of injected gas or a device for measuring gas pressure in the header cup and controller (8), which receives data on the position of plates. Device (5) comprises holder (51) of the collector cup, movable relative to the housing. Tool (3) is equipped with a system for anchoring the housing to container (1) or near it, which presses the seal of the collector sleeve along the axis X1 of the housing to the collector sleeve, when the housing is anchored, and the seal holder faces the sleeve-collector in the plane of the slide gate. Tool (3) comprises device (9) connected to housing (4) and holder (51) for movement of holder (51) relative to housing (4) along axis X1.

EFFECT: enabling assessment of the state of the slide gate plates when they are connected to the vessel.

19 cl, 23 dwg

Description

Technical field

[1] The present invention relates to an instrument for measuring the condition of gate plates of a metallurgical vessel such as a ladle.

State of the art

[2] Gate valves have been known since 1883. Gate valves are used to control the flow of molten metal poured from an upstream metallurgical vessel into a downstream vessel. For example, from a furnace to a ladle, from a ladle to a tundish, or from a tundish to a mold. For example, US-A-0311902 or US-A-0506328 discloses gate valves located on the bottom of a ladle, in which a pair of refractory gate valve plates, provided with a through hole, are moved relative to each other. When the pouring holes are in register or partially overlapped, molten metal can flow through the gate (the "casting channel" is open), while when there is no overlap between the pouring holes, the flow of molten metal stops completely (the "casting channel" is closed). Partial overlap of the pouring holes allows you to regulate the flow of molten metal by throttling the flow of molten metal. Although gate valves have undergone significant changes in recent decades, the principle of their operation remains the same: one plate moves relative to the other to control the level of overlap between the through holes of the two plates.

[3] When installed in a gate valve, gate valve plates operate under harsh conditions and wear out over time, so they must be replaced frequently. Thus, at regular intervals, the metallurgical vessel is emptied of its contents, moved away from the foundry, and inspected for signs of excessive wear. To assess the condition of the sliding plates, including bore wear and choke channel wear, the operator can simply operate the slide gate (open to closed) and visually observe the condition of the plates and casting channel. Another method is to install a mechanical gauge, a so-called "L-gauge", in the casting channel. This gauge is operated by the operator at the interface between the sliding plates to assess the wear condition of their sliding surfaces. This human-controlled method has an accuracy highly dependent on operator experience and is inherently error-prone.

[4] JP 2008221271 discloses an apparatus and method in which gas is injected through a manifold nozzle (CNT) of a ladle casting channel while slide gate plates are slid relative to one another, the movable plate being slid relative to a stationary plate, from an open gate configuration to closed gate configuration. Said gas is injected by means of an injection hose through the main body of the measuring instrument. The main body is sealed to said cup by means of an adhesive material, such as heat-resistant padding or mortar. The main body is also connected to a suction hose to suck in the air returning from the cup. The air pressure supplied to the injection hose is regulated by the regulator, and the air pressure drawn into the suction hose is controlled by a pressure sensor. The controller simultaneously monitors the suction hose pressure and the displacement status of the moving plate measured by the measuring tool. The controller's job is to determine when the pressure measured in the suction hose matches the gas pressure injected into the injection hose and the corresponding position of the moving plate. This position of the sliding plate corresponds to the closure length L at which the sliding plates have entered a closed shutter configuration because there is no longer overlap between their pouring holes. The controller determines the degree of wear of the sliding plate holes along the closing length L.

[5] With the method described in this prior art document, the wear status of the sliding plates is summarized by a single value, the closing length L. Even if such a value is useful for determining the enlargement of casting holes due to wear, this method does not allow for a more global assessment degree of wear of sliding plates. Indeed, reliable information cannot be obtained, for example, about the erosion of the sliding plate choke channel, although this may be the source of molten metal leakage in the gate valve. Moreover, the method of this prior art document does not provide a method for assessing the quality of the seal between the main body of the measuring tool and the manifold cup. In this regard, the reliability of the method and apparatus described above is limited.

The essence of the invention

[6] An object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for assessing the condition of gate valve plates of a metallurgical vessel such as a ladle. The specified apparatus must provide reliable measurements and be able to globally assess the wear state of the moving plates.

[7] The present invention is defined in the accompanying independent claims. Preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent claims. More particularly, the invention relates to a plate condition instrument for measuring the condition of gate plates connected to the gate valve of a metallurgical vessel, such as a ladle, wherein said gate valve includes a collector cup protruding from an outer wall of said gate gate along a major axis. a collector glass parallel to the first axis X1' of the slide valve, wherein said first axis X1' of the slide valve defines an orthonormal reference system together with the second axis X2' and the third axis X3' of the slide valve, wherein said slide valve is switchable between open and in a closed configuration by sliding at least two gate valve plates relative to each other, wherein said collector nozzle is in fluid communication with the casting channel of said metallurgical container, when said gate valve is in an open configuration, wherein said tool for determining the state of the plates contains:

a) a main body containing a sealing device for at least partially sealing the collector cup;

b) a gas injection device comprising a pressure regulator for injecting gas into the collector nozzle through the sealing device at a target pressure;

c) a gas flow measuring device for measuring the flow of gas injected by the gas injection device, or a pressure measuring device for measuring the gas pressure in the manifold cup;

d) a controller connected in communication with the gas flow measuring device or with the pressure measuring device and configured to receive input data related to the relative position of the gate valve plates;

wherein the sealing device comprises a seal holder for holding a seal of the manifold cup, wherein said seal holder is movable relative to said main body at least along a front axis X1 of said main body, wherein said front axis defines an orthonormal reference frame of said main body together with the second axis X2 and the third axis X3 of the main body, and moreover:

i. the tool for determining the state of the slabs contains an anchor system for anchoring the main body to the anchor part of the metallurgical container or to a site in close proximity to the metallurgical container, and the distance between the base point of the main body and the base point of the outer wall of the gate valve cannot exceed the maximum distance D_max relative to the specified first axis X1' of the slide valve, when said main body is offset relative to the slide valve along said first axis X1' of the slide valve,

ii. The anchor system is designed in such a way that when the main body is anchored to a metallurgical container or on a platform in close proximity to a metallurgical container, the seal holder faces the collector glass in the plane X2'X3' of the gate valve in such a way that the seal of the collector glass can be pressed along the front axis X1 of the main body to the manifold cup to seal said manifold cup; And

iii. the tool for determining the state of the slabs contains a mechanical actuator, wherein said mechanical actuator is connected to the main body and the seal holder, wherein said mechanical actuator is configured to move the seal holder relative to the main body, at least along said front axis X1 of the main body, so as to press the manifold nozzle seal a against the manifold nozzle when (i) the main body is anchored to the metallurgical vessel or on a site in close proximity to the metallurgical vessel and (ii) located at a maximum distance D_max.

[8] In an advantageous embodiment, the anchor system comprises at least one anchor rod extending along a front axis X1 of the main body, wherein said anchor rod comprises a distal end and a proximal end, wherein said proximal end is secured to the main body, wherein said anchor rod the rod contains a rotating anchor head at its distal end, wherein said anchor head is rotatable about the front axis X1 of the main body for anchoring in the anchor passage of the gate valve.

[9] In an advantageous embodiment, the anchor system includes at least one passage hole in the front wall of the body of the main body for receiving a pin protruding from the outer wall of the gate valve, wherein said pin includes at least one groove on its outer surface, wherein said the anchor system contains a connecting element inside the housing, and the specified connecting element contains a concave profile in the X2X3 plane and is configured to move during linear movement along the specified X2 axis or along the specified X3 axis of the main body so that the connecting element can be lifted into position, wherein its concave profile is capable of being locked into at least one groove of the pin after said pin has been inserted into the passage hole.

[10] In an advantageous embodiment, the anchor system includes a leg for supporting the main body, said leg being adjustable in length and rigidly connected to the support base, and the anchor system includes fastening means for attaching the support base to a site in close proximity to the metallurgical vessel .

[11] In an advantageous embodiment, the mechanical actuator comprises a closed air chamber with a deformable wall, the closed air chamber being inflated to a variable pressure, said closed air chamber being located between the seal holder and the rear wall of the main body.

[12] In an advantageous embodiment, the elastic elements are arranged in the main body so as to exert a restoring force against the expansion of the closed inflatable chamber.

[13] In an advantageous embodiment, the tool for determining the condition of the slabs includes a gas flow measuring device for measuring the gas flow rate injected by the gas injection device, and the controller is configured to store in a memory the specified gas flow rate (GF) controller necessary to achieve the target pressure, and relative position (RP) of gate valve plates as a function of time variable.

[14] In an advantageous embodiment, the controller is configured to process a gas flow function (GF) so as to extract a first value by calculating the derivative of said function and a second value by calculating the integral of said function.

[15] In an advantageous embodiment, the controller is communicatively connected to a pressure regulator.

[16] In an advantageous embodiment, the controller is configured to control the relative sliding movement of the gate valve plates.

[17] In an advantageous embodiment, the tool for determining the condition of the plates contains a range finder, wherein the range finder is mounted on the main body and is configured to measure the distance between said range finder and a target mounted on a stationary part of the metallurgical container, wherein said range finder is connected in communication with said controller.

[18] The invention also relates to a kit of parts containing a tool for determining the condition of slabs and a slide valve, wherein the anchor system is configured to be anchored to the anchor portion of the specified slide valve.

[19] In an advantageous embodiment, the anchor system of the tool for determining the condition of the slabs in the specified set of parts is configured to anchor to at least one anchor passage in the outer wall of the specified slide valve, and the specified at least one anchor passage comprises an inlet part and a lower part , while the cross section in the plane X2'X3' of the lower part is larger than the cross section in the plane X2'X3' of the inlet part and overlaps it.

[20] In an advantageous embodiment, the anchor system of the tool for determining the condition of the slabs in the set of parts is configured to anchor to at least one pin protruding from the outer wall of the gate valve, wherein said at least one pin includes at least one groove located on the outer surface of said at least one pin, or contains a portion with a reduced cross-section in the X2'X3' plane compared to the cross-section of the distal end of the pin, wherein the distal end is shaped like the anchor head of said pin.

[21] The invention also relates to a set of parts containing (i) a tool for determining the condition of slabs and (ii) an anchor system containing a leg configured to be attached to said tool for determining the condition of slabs, a support base configured to be attached to said leg and fasteners for securing the support base to the platform.

[22] The invention also relates to a set of parts containing a tool for determining the condition of the slabs and a heat shield to be attached to the outer wall of the gate valve, wherein said heat shield contains a through hole for receiving the collector glass of the gate gate, and wherein the anchor system of the tool for determining the state of the slabs is made with the possibility of anchoring to the anchor part of the specified heat shield.

[23] In an advantageous embodiment, the anchor system of the slab condition tool is configured to anchor to at least one anchor passage in the heat shield, wherein said at least one anchor passage comprises an inlet portion and a bottom portion, wherein a cross-section in a plane X2'X3' of the lower part is larger than the cross section in the plane of X2'X3' of the inlet part and overlaps it.

[24] In an advantageous embodiment, the anchor system of the slab condition tool is configured to anchor to at least one heat shield pin, wherein said at least one pin comprises at least one groove located on an outer surface of said at least one pin, or contains a portion with a reduced cross-section in the X2'X3' plane compared to the cross-section of the distal end of the pin, wherein the distal end is shaped like the anchor head of said pin.

[25] The invention also relates to a method of operating a plate condition tool according to the present invention, wherein the gate valve is initially installed in a closed configuration and the gate plate is moved from the closed configuration to the open configuration.

[26] In an advantageous embodiment of the method of operation of the tool for determining the condition of the slabs, a preliminary stage of setting the compaction is performed, and the specified preliminary stage includes:

• operation of the mechanical actuator in such a way as to press the collector cup seal against the collector cup;

• operation of the gas injection device in such a way as to achieve the target pressure in the collector nozzle;

• measurement of the flow rate of residual gas required to maintain such a target pressure in the collector nozzle;

• increasing the force applied by the mechanical actuator if the measured residual gas flow rate exceeds a preset threshold value.

Brief description of graphic materials

[27] These and other aspects of the invention will be explained in more detail by example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

in fig. 1 is a perspective view of the bottom of a ladle containing a gate valve;

in fig. 2(a) shows a two-slab, and Fig. 2(b) three-plate gate valve of a metallurgical container;

in fig. 3 is a perspective view of the bottom of a ladle containing a gate valve to which is connected a tool for determining the condition of slabs according to the invention;

fig. 4 is a schematic view of the main components of a slab condition tool according to the invention coupled to a gate valve;

in fig. 5 is a more detailed perspective view of a slide valve in front of a slab condition tool according to the invention;

in fig. 6 is a side view of the interior of a slab condition tool according to the invention connected to a gate valve;

in fig. 7 is a first perspective view of the inside of a tool for determining the condition of slabs according to the invention;

in fig. 8 is a second perspective view of the interior of the slab condition tool according to the invention;

in fig. 9 is a third perspective view of the interior of the slab condition tool according to the invention;

in fig. 10 is a first perspective view of the outer part of a tool for determining the condition of slabs according to the invention;

in fig. 11 is a second perspective view of the outer part of the tool for determining the condition of slabs according to the invention;

in fig. 12(a) shows the pneumatic circuit formed by the tool for determining the condition of slabs according to the invention and the manifold cup of the gate valve;

in fig. 12(b) is an enlarged view of the pneumatic circuit formed by the slab condition tool in accordance with FIG. 12(a);

in fig. 13(a) and 13(b) show graphs of parameters monitored by the tool for determining the condition of slabs according to the invention;

in fig. 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view and a schematic front view of the front portion of a gate valve containing an anchor passage in accordance with the first embodiment of the invention;

in fig. 15 is a schematic side view and a schematic front view of a slab condition tool in accordance with the first embodiment of the invention with its anchor head angled for insertion into the gate anchor passage;

in fig. 16 is a schematic side view and a schematic front view of a slab condition tool in accordance with the first embodiment of the invention with its anchor head oriented at an angle for anchoring into the anchor passage of a gate valve;

in fig. 17 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a tool for determining the condition of slabs before and after anchoring on a gate valve in accordance with the first embodiment of the invention;

in fig. 18 is a schematic cross-sectional view and a schematic front view of the front portion of a gate valve containing an anchor rod in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention;

in fig. 19 is a schematic side view and a schematic front view of a slab condition tool according to a second embodiment of the invention with its locking fork in a position for receiving a slide gate anchor rod into the anchor passage of the slab condition tool;

in fig. 20 is a schematic side view and a schematic front view of a slab condition test tool according to a second embodiment of the invention with its locking fork in position for locking the anchor head of a slide gate connecting rod in the anchor passage of the slab condition test tool;

in fig. 21 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a tool for determining the condition of slabs before and after anchoring to a gate valve, in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention;

in fig. 22 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment for implementing a slab condition tool seal holder according to the invention;

in fig. 23 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a slab condition determination tool anchored to a site in close proximity to a metallurgical vessel, in accordance with a third embodiment of the invention.

The figures shown are not to scale.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments

[28] In FIG. 1 shows the bottom of the bucket 1 lying on its side in the workshop, where it is checked for worn elements and for restoration. The ladle 1 includes a gate valve 2 for controlling the flow through the collector nozzle 2n of said ladle 1. As explained above, such a gate valve 2 includes gate valve plates. The gate valve can be a two- or three-plate gate valve. As shown in FIG. 2(a), the double-plate gate valve includes an upper gate plate 2u and a lower gate plate 2L, and a three-plate gate valve, as shown in FIG. 2(b) further includes a middle gate valve plate 2m located between the upper and lower gate valve plates 2u, 2L.

[29] The gate plate includes a sliding surface 2s separated from the second surface 2d by the thickness of the gate plate and connected to each other by a peripheral edge. It also contains a through hole 2b running normal to the sliding surface. The second surface 2d of the middle plate of the gate valve 2m is also a sliding surface. Each of the top, bottom and optionally middle plates of the gate valve are connected to a receiving cradle 2c of a corresponding support frame of the top, bottom and optionally middle plate 21t, 21L, 21m, wherein at least one sliding surface 2s of one plate is located in sliding contact with the sliding surface 2s of the second plate.

[30] The support frame of the upper plate 21u is fixed relative to the metallurgical vessel, and the upper plate of the gate valve 2u is generally connected to the inner shell of the metallurgical vessel. In a double plate gate valve (see FIG. 2(a)), the support frame of the bottom plate 21L is a movable carriage that can be linearly moved driven by a pneumatic or hydraulic piston 27 so that the sliding surface of the bottom plate of the gate valve slides in contact with the sliding surface surface of the top plate of the gate valve and relative to it. In a three-plate gate valve, the support frame of the lower plate 21L is fixed relative to the support frame of the upper plate and the metallurgical vessel. The middle plate support frame 21m is a movable carriage suitable for sliding two sliding surfaces of the gate valve middle plate over and relative to the sliding surfaces of the gate valve upper and lower plates, respectively. As is known in the art, sliding linear movement of the sliding surface of the gate valve plate relative to the sliding surface of the upper gate plate and, optionally, the lower gate plate in a three-plate gate valve allows the level of overlap between the through holes 2b of the two (or three) plates to be controlled.

[31] As explained above, gate valve plates must be replaced at short intervals due to the mechanical and thermal limitations under which they operate. In particular, after several casting operations, their sliding surfaces 2s can wear out. Their through holes 2b can also be enlarged and/or their edges rounded. In order to decide whether it is necessary to replace the gate valve plates, it is necessary to first assess their wear state. The present invention provides a tool for determining the condition of the plates 3 for assessing the wear state of the gate plates while they are still connected to a metallurgical vessel such as the ladle 1.

[32] As shown in FIG. 4-5, the tool for determining the condition of the boards 3 in accordance with the present invention has a main body 4 containing a sealing device 5 for sealing at least partially the collector cup 2n. The function of the sealing device is to counteract the resistance, sometimes inaccurately called "back pressure", to the displacement of gas attempting to flow out of the collector cup 2n. As shown in FIG. 6-10, the sealing device 5 may include a seal holder 51 for holding the seal pressed against the manifold cup 2n. In another embodiment, the sealing device 5 may be a cap screwed onto the threads of the collector cup 2n. In yet another embodiment, the sealing device may comprise a cap, chemically sealed, for example by cement, with a collector cup 2n. In a preferred embodiment, the sealing device is designed to seal the collector cup 2n perfectly hermetically. However, a perfect seal is not necessary to perform a slab condition test using the slab condition tester of the invention. The tool for determining the state of the plates 3 can be used, for example, even if the collector cup 2n is damaged, to which the sealing device can no longer be sealed.

[33] One of the essential features of the present invention is a gas injection device comprising a pressure regulator 6 for injecting gas into the manifold cup 2n through the sealing device 5 at a target pressure. A pressure regulator 6 may be located on a plate at the rear of the tool to determine the condition of the plates 3, as shown in FIG. 6-9. A pressure regulator is a control valve configured to accept gas at an inlet pressure and reduce such inlet pressure to a desired target pressure value upon its outlet. In the present invention, the pressure regulator 6 may be, for example, an electronic proportional pressure regulator configured to receive compressed air at a pressure of 6 bar from a high pressure air source and regulate the gas flow between its inlet and outlet so as to maintain a target pressure of 1.5 bar upon his exit. The gas injection device is advantageously configured to inject gas into the passage opening of the sealing device 5 through a supply channel 61 which may be in fluid communication with the outlet 6s of the pressure regulator 6 (see FIG. 12(b)).

[34] Another essential feature of the present invention is the presence of a gas flow measuring device 7, or a flow meter 7, configured to measure the flow of gas injected by the gas injection device into the collector nozzle 2n. As shown in FIG. 4, such a gas flow measuring device 7 is advantageously installed between the pressure regulator 6 and the sealing device 5, so that the gas coming from the outlet of the pressure regulator 6 flows through the gas flow measuring device 7 before entering the collector nozzle 2n. As an alternative to the gas flow measuring device 7, a pressure measuring device can be used to measure the pressure inside the manifold nozzle in order to be able to compare the actual pressure value in the manifold nozzle with the set target pressure value of the pressure regulator in order to determine whether the passage holes of the plates are blocked or not. gate valve, similar to that disclosed in the prior art document JP 2008221271. The pressure measuring device is then advantageously installed on the manifold cup through the sealing device 5.

[35] A third essential feature of the present invention is a controller 8 coupled to a gas flow measuring device 7 or a pressure measuring device and configured to receive input data relating to the relative position of the gate valve plates. Such a controller is advantageously an electronic controller, for example a PLC, configured to store in said controller's memory values of (i) gas flow and (ii) the relative position of the gate plates at successive time intervals. In an advantageous embodiment, the controller 8 is connected in communication with the pressure regulator 6. The controller 8 is a central unit that controls the pressure regulated by the pressure regulator 6, the gas flow measured by the flow meter 7, and the relative position of the gate plates 2u, 2L, 2m. In an advantageous embodiment, the controller 8 is further configured to control the relative sliding movement of the gate plates 2u, 2L, 2m by actuating the pneumatic or hydraulic piston 27. In such a configuration, the controller 8 will be able to independently initiate the relative sliding movement of the gate plates 2u, 2L, 2m required to conduct a full inspection of the condition of the slabs. In an advantageous embodiment, the controller 8 is configured to check the state of the plates during movement of the gate valve 2 from a closed configuration to an open configuration. The advantages of this configuration of controller 8 will be discussed in the next section of this text.

[36] By processing the gas flow measurement data or the pressure measurement data, as well as the relative position data of the gate valve plates 2u, 2L, 2m, the controller 8 can estimate the indicators related to the wear status of the gate valve plates 2u, 2L, 2m. The gas flow rate measured by the flow meter 7 during the relative displacement of the gate valve plates is indeed highly correlated with the amount of gas flowing through the gate gate. As explained above, when the gate plates are in an ideal condition (no wear), fluid can flow through the gate valve only when there is at least partial overlap between the through holes 2b of the gate plates 2u, 2L, 2m. Since the through holes 2b of the gate valve plates in an ideal state have a known diameter, the gas flow profile has a shape with a sharp change at a known relative position of the gate valve plates. Such a sudden change in gas flow is actually observed at the position at which the through holes 2b begin or stop closing, depending on whether the gate valve was initially in a closed valve (sharp increase) or open valve (sharp decrease) configuration.

[37] Such a sudden change in gas flow is illustrated in FIG. 13(a), which shows a graph of gas flow rate GF versus a time variable when the relative position RP of the gate valve plates 2u, 2L, 2m changes from a closed gate configuration to an open configuration. The initial peak S1 corresponds to the gas flow required to increase the pressure in the collector glass 2n. The sharp increase S2 in gas flow corresponds to the relative position of the gate valve, at which the through holes 2b begin to overlap. The NP graph shows the gas pressure controlled by pressure regulator 6, which reaches its target value of 1.5 bar after the initial peak of gas flow S1.

[38] In FIG. 13(b) shows the same graphs as in FIG. 13(a), but this time for worn slabs. Worn plates are characterized by eroded sliding surfaces 2s and/or enlarged through holes 2b. In the case of eroded surfaces 2s, the sharp increase S2 in gas flow is preceded by a slight increase in M1, reflecting the leakage that occurs when the through holes 2b are in fluid communication before they begin to close. A shift to the left from a sharp increase in S2 can also be observed when the through holes 2b in the worn plates have widened. The slab condition tool 3 with its controller 8 allows these GF plot changes to be detected and quantified.

[39] In one embodiment, the controller 8 may be configured to quantify leakage due to erosion of the sliding surfaces 2 by calculating the area under the gas flow rate graph GF, or in other words, the integral of the gas flow rate with respect to the time variable. To obtain a meaningful physical indicator relating to leakage due to erosion, it is advantageous to put such an integral into perspective, for example, normalize it with the sliding speed of the sliding gate plate during said test, so as to obtain an indicator of leakage due to erosion. On the other hand, the increase in the through holes 2b in these plates can be quantified by estimating the offset of the sharp increase S2. In one embodiment, the position of the sharp increase in S2 can be found by calculating the derivative of the gas flow rate GF plot and looking for local maxima of this derivative. The relative position of the gate plates 2u, 2L, 2m, called the "opening point", can be related to this sharp increase in S2 by using the RP plot. The controller 8 or a computing device receiving data stored in the controller 8 may be configured to determine that the gate valve plates 2u, 2L, 2m must be replaced (NO PASS decision) when the leakage due to erosion exceeds a predetermined threshold value and/or when the S2 surge offset exceeds a predetermined threshold value. Preferably, the controller 8 or a computing device receiving the data stored in the controller 8 determines that the gate plates 2u, 2L, 2m are not to be replaced (a "GO" decision) when both erosion leakage and sudden increase displacement S2 do not exceed the corresponding specified threshold values. Appropriate predetermined threshold values can be determined in advance through numerical simulations and/or experimental measurements.

[40] In order to plot RP of the relative position of the gate plates 2u, 2L, 2m and extract the physical indicators described above, the controller 8 must obtain an electronic signal associated with the specified relative position. In one embodiment, such an electronic signal may be provided by a range finder configured to measure the displacement of the movable gate plate 2L, 2m. Alternatively, such an electronic signal may be obtained directly from the control system of the pneumatic or hydraulic piston 27 driving the movable carriage 21L, 21m of the gate valve 2. However, this embodiment is only advantageous if the control system can determine with reasonable accuracy position of the movable plate of the gate valve 2L, 2m. In the embodiment according to FIG. 5-11, the controller 8 is connected with the ability to communicate with a range finder 13 located in the main body 4 of the tool to determine the condition of the plates 3. The range finder 13 is configured to measure the distance to a target located on a stationary part of the metallurgical container 1. This configuration is possible because fig. 1, 3, 5-11, the gate valve 2 is of the type described in FIG. 2(a). In this type of gate valve, the glass 2n and the outer surface 2w, preferably made of a heat shield, are mounted on a movable carriage 21L. Since the plate condition tool 3 is connected to this movable carriage 21L, its movement relative to the stationary part of the metallurgical container 1 corresponds to the relative movement of the movable gate plate 2L relative to the stationary gate plate 2u. In the embodiment according to FIG. 5-11 rangefinder 13 is a laser triangulation sensor. Alternatively, rangefinder 13 may be a laser time-of-flight sensor or an ultrasonic sensor. When such a rangefinder 13 is installed inside the housing 41 of the main body 4, the housing 41 includes a frame 13a for passing the laser beam, as shown in FIG. 10-11.

[41] In embodiments of the tool for determining the condition of the plates 3 shown in FIG. 5-12 and 14-22, the sealing device 5 includes a seal holder 51 for holding a manifold cup seal 52, which is preferably an annular seal and is preferably a high temperature seal, so that the plate condition tool 3 can be used even when the metallurgical container is still at high temperature, for example shortly after filling operations. The main body 4 of the tool for determining the condition of the slabs 3 contains an anchor system for anchoring to the metallurgical container 1, as shown in FIG. 5-12 and 14-21, or to a site in close proximity to the metallurgical vessel 1, as shown in FIG. 22. It is important to note that in this text, the slide valve 2 is considered as an integral part of the metallurgical container 1. The anchoring system is designed in such a way that when anchored, the front axis X1 of the main body 4 is parallel to the first axis X1' of the slide valve 2, parallel to the main axis 2a of the glass - collector, and that the distance between the base point of the main body 4 and the outer wall 2w of the slide valve 2 cannot exceed the maximum distance D_max relative to the specified first axis X1' of the slide valve. When the gate valve 2 is a double-plate gate valve of the type described in FIG. 2(a), the main body 4 is preferably anchored to a support frame of the bottom plate 21L, which is a movable carriage and which is rigidly connected to the manifold cup 2n. In such a configuration, the main body 4 will automatically follow the downward or upward movement relative to the axis X3' of the manifold cup 2n during the sliding movement of the support frame of the bottom plate 21L and the corresponding plate 2L. When the gate valve is a three-plate gate valve, the main body 4 is advantageously also anchored to the support frame of the bottom plate 21, which in this case is a stationary part of the gate valve 2.

[42] In the embodiments of FIGS. 14-17, the anchor system of the slab condition tool 3 includes an anchor rod 31 extending along the front axis X1 of the main body 4. The anchor rod 31 includes a proximal end rigidly connected to the main body 4 and a distal end. A rotating anchor head 311 is installed at the distal end. The rotating anchor head 311 is configured to rotate around the front axis X1 of the main body 4. The anchor system of such a tool for determining the condition of the slabs 3 is configured to be anchored on the outer wall 2w of the gate valve 2 shown in FIG. 14. The outer wall 2w of such a gate valve 2 includes an anchor passage 22 for receiving the anchor rod 31. Said passage 22 includes an inlet portion 221 and a bottom portion 222. The cross section in plane X2'X3' of the bottom portion 222 is larger than the cross section in plane X2 'X3' of the input part 221 and overlaps it. The cross section in plane X2'X3' of the inlet portion 221 is shaped such that the anchor rod 31 can be inserted into the passage 22 when its rotating anchor head 311 is oriented at an insertion angle relative to the X1 axis, as shown in FIG. 15, for connecting the slab condition tool 3 to the gate valve 2. When the rotating anchor head 311 is oriented at an insertion angle relative to the X1 axis, the slab condition tool 3 can be connected to the gate valve 2 by linear movement along the X1' axis relative to the gate valve of the gate 2, while its axes X2 and X3 remain substantially parallel to the axes X2' and X3' of the gate valve 2. When the anchor rod 31 is inserted into the passage 22 to the depth at which the anchor head 311 reaches the bottom 222, the anchor head 311 can be rotated by the anchorage angle, as shown in Fig. 16. Thus, the cross section in plane X2'X3' of the lower part 222 is shaped such that the anchor head 311 can be rotated from the insertion angle to the anchorage angle about the axis X1. On the other hand, the cross-section in the plane X2'X3' of the inlet portion 221 is shaped such that when the anchor head 311 is located at the bottom portion 222 and oriented at the anchoring angle, the slab condition tool 3 is anchored to the gate valve 2 such that the distance between the base point of the main body 4 and the base point of the outer wall 2w of the slide gate plate 2 cannot exceed the maximum distance D_max relative to the first axis X1' of the slide gate, as shown in FIG. 17.

[43] In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 5-22, the front wall of the housing 41 preferably includes a passage hole 43 for receiving the collector cup 2n of the gate valve 2 when the tool for determining the state of the plates 3 is anchored to the gate gate 2. Therefore, the passage hole 43 is located in the front wall of the housing 41 in such a position relative to axes X2 and X3 of the main body 4, that it faces the collector glass 2n in the plane X2'X3' of the gate valve 2, when the tool for determining the condition of the plates 3 is anchored on the gate gate 2.

[44] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5-22, a mechanical actuator such as a closed air chamber 9 is connected to the main body 4 and the seal holder 51. As shown in FIG. 17 and 21, the mechanical actuator is configured to move the seal holder 51 relative to the main body 4, at least along the transverse axis X1 of the main body 4, to press the seal of the manifold cup 52 against the manifold cup 2n when the main body 4 is anchored and positioned at the maximum distance D_max from the outer wall 2w. Pressing the high temperature seal 52 against the manifold cup 2n allows the manifold cup 2n to be sealed. In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 5-22, the mechanical actuator is a closed inflatable chamber 9, which can be inflated to a variable pressure, and which is located between the seal holder 51 and the rear wall of the main body 4. Alternatively, instead of a closed inflatable chamber 9, the mechanical actuator can be a conventional linear actuator. To seal the manifold cup 2n, the inflatable chamber 9 is accordingly inflated with gas under pressure so that sufficient force can be applied to move the seal holder 51 towards the manifold cup 2n along the transverse axis X1. The inflatable chamber 9 ultimately presses the manifold cup seal 52, held by the seal holder 51, against the manifold cup 2n, causing a potential rearward movement of the main body 4 relative to the gate valve 2, in the positive direction of the X1' axis and up to a maximum distance D_max. At this point, the force exerted by the inflatable chamber 9 on the seal holder 51 becomes directed toward sealing the seal of the manifold cup 52 relative to the manifold cup 2n. Sealing the manifold cup 2n using the seal holder 51 and a mechanical actuator such as the inflatable chamber 9 is advantageous because the sealing is a simple and reliable step, easily carried out by an operator or robot manipulating a tool to determine the condition of the plates 3. Unlike chemical sealing, for example with cement, the use of this seal holder and mechanical actuator is a clean and reversible step.

[45] In the embodiments of FIGS. 5-12 and 18-21, the anchor system includes at least one passage hole 11 in the front wall of the housing 41. Such at least one passage hole 11 is configured to receive a pin 21 protruding from the outer wall 2w of the gate valve 2 The slab condition tool 3 comprises at least one locking mechanism 12 within a housing 41 in which a connecting member such as a locking fork 121 is mechanically actuated along an axis X2 perpendicular to the transverse axis X1. The connecting member 121 has a substantially concave profile in a plane X2X3 perpendicular to the X1 axis, so that it can be locked in an annular groove 211 located on the outer surface of the corresponding pin 21 when it is moved by the actuator along the X2 axis towards said pin 21. B Alternatively, instead of the annular groove 211, the corresponding pin 21 may include a linear upper groove and a linear lower groove, these linear grooves being parallel to the X2 axis. Alternatively, instead of grooves, the pin 21 may include a portion with a reduced cross-section in plane X2'X3' compared to the cross-section of the distal end of the pin 21, the distal end being shaped like the anchor head of said pin 21. Once the concave profile of the connecting element 121 is fixed in the annular groove 211, or in the linear grooves of the pin 21, or in the reduced cross-sectional portion of the pin 21, the main body 4 of the slab condition tool 3 is anchored to the gate valve 2 such that the distance between the reference point of the main body 4 and the outer wall 2w of the slide valve 2 cannot exceed the maximum distance D_max relative to the specified first axis X1' of the slide valve. In the embodiment according to FIG. 5-12, the anchor system includes two passage holes 11 in the front wall of the housing 41 and corresponding locking forks 121 for receiving two pins 21 protruding from the outer wall 2w of the slide valve 2. The outer wall 2w of the slide valve 2 can be made of a heat shield that can be secured to the front wall of the gate valve as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 5. Thus, the present invention also relates to a set of parts comprising (i) a heat shield for a gate valve 2, the heat shield including a passage opening for receiving a collector cup 2n and an outer surface including at least one pin 21, and (ii) a tool for determining the condition of the slabs 3 according to the present invention, wherein the anchor system of the tool for determining the condition of the slabs 3 includes at least one locking mechanism 12 configured to be fixed to the at least one pin 21 as described above. Alternatively, instead of the pin 21, the heat shield may include a passage 22. The slab condition tool includes an anchor rod 31, such as discussed above and shown in the embodiment of FIG. 14-17.

[46] In FIG. 22 shows a preferred embodiment of the seal holder 51 of the tool for determining the condition of the plates 3. In this preferred embodiment, the seal holder 51 has an inner wall with a truncated-conical cross-section in the X1X3 plane of the main body 4, while the collector cup seal 52 is fixed to this inner wall wall This truncated-conical cross-section of the inner wall has the advantage that it can automatically compensate for small displacements of the seal holder 51 relative to the manifold cup 2n in the plane X2'X3' of the gate valve 2 when the seal holder 51 moves to press the seal of the manifold cup 52 towards collector glass 2n. It can also advantageously compensate for slight displacements of the X1 axis of the plate condition tool 3 with the X1' axis of the gate valve 2 when moving the seal holder 51 to press the manifold cup seal 52 against the manifold cup 2n. This truncated conical shape actually allows the seal holder 51 and the manifold cup seal 52 to achieve self-centering on the manifold cup 2n when the seal holder moves linearly towards the manifold cup 2n along the X1' axis.

[47] In FIG. 23 shows another embodiment of a tool for determining the condition of slabs according to the invention. In this embodiment, the anchor system includes a leg 321 for supporting the main body 4. Said leg is preferably rigidly connected to a support base 322 secured to a platform in close proximity to the metallurgical vessel 1 through fastening means such as bolts 323. The leg 321 is advantageously adjustable height in such a way that the height can be precisely adjusted to an appropriate amount so that the tool for determining the condition of the plates 3 is connected to the gate valve 2 of the metallurgical container 1 lying on its side. The present invention also relates to a kit of parts containing (i) a tool for determining the condition of the slabs 3 and (ii) an anchor system comprising a leg 321, a support base 322 and fasteners 323 for securing the support base to the site.

[48] As shown in FIG. 6-9, resilient members such as tension coil springs 10 may be used in the main body 4 to provide a restoring force against expansion of the closed inflatable chamber 9. The restoring force from the resilient member helps the seal holder 51 regain its original uninflated configuration. when the pressure in the inflatable chamber 9 decreases, for example due to the completion of the plate condition inspection performed by the plate condition inspection tool 3. The role of the elastic elements is to avoid the high temperature seal from sticking to the hot collector cup 2n.

[49] In an advantageous embodiment, the pressure regulator 6 of the tool for determining the condition of the plates 3 is also configured to supply high-pressure gas to the inflatable chamber 9. For this purpose, the pneumatic circuit shown in FIG. 12(a) and 12(b). Such a pneumatic circuit contains a set of valves, such as solenoid valves SV2, SV3, SV4. The solenoid valve SV2 is installed between the outlet 6s of the pressure regulator 6 and the seal holder 51 so as to control the flow of high pressure gas between the pressure regulator 6 and the manifold cup 2n. The valve SV2 may be in a first state in which the manifold cup 2n is connected to the exhaust filter (idling state), as shown in FIG. 12(a) and 12(b). In the second state of the valve SV2, the manifold cup 2n is connected to the outlet 6s of the pressure regulator 6, with a flow meter 7 located between them.

[50] Solenoid valves SV3 and SV4 are placed in series between the outlet ports 6s of the pressure regulator 6 and the air chamber 9. When the valves SV3 and SV4 are respectively in the first state, as shown in FIG. 12(a) and 12(b), the air chamber 9 is connected to the exhaust filter (idling state). When valve SV3 enters its second state and valve SV4 remains in its first state, the inflatable chamber 9 becomes connected to the outlet 6s of the pressure regulator 6. This configuration is used to inflate the inflatable chamber 9 when the seal holder 51 needs to be moved to the cup. manifold 2n and perform a seal thanks to its seal of the manifold cup 52. When pressure is reached in the inflatable chamber 9 sufficient to perform the seal, the valve SV4 can be transferred to a second state, for example, to close the pneumatic circuit of the inflatable chamber 9. The auxiliary pressure gauge 14 is advantageously designed with the ability to measure the pressure in the inflatable chamber 9. The pressure gauge 14 allows you to control the pressure in the inflatable chamber 9, even when this inflatable chamber is disconnected from the pressure regulator 6 by valve SV4. Such a pressure gauge 14 may be used to verify that there is no significant change in pressure in the inflatable chamber 9 after it is closed, which would indicate a possible leak or other defect in the inflatable chamber 9. The pressure gauge 14 is advantageously coupled in communication with the controller 8. The controller 8 can then obtain values pressure in the inflatable chamber 9 at successive time stages while checking the condition of the plates. The CP graph of the pressure values in the inflatable chamber 9 is shown in FIG. 13(a) and 13(b), together with other parameters controlled by controller 8.

[51] In an advantageous embodiment, the anchor system locking mechanisms 12 are pneumatically actuated. The pressure regulator inlet 6i and the anchor system inlet 12i are preferably connected to the same high pressure source HP, as shown in FIG. 12(b). In this embodiment, the anchor system advantageously includes a three-state solenoid valve SV1 for powering the double-acting cylinders in the locking mechanisms 12.

[52] The present invention also relates to a method implemented by the plate condition tool 3 for measuring condition data of gate valve plates 2u, 2L, 2m, comprising the steps of:

• sealing the collector cup 2n of the gate valve 2 using a sealing device 5;

• operation of the gas injection device in such a way as to achieve the target pressure in the collector nozzle 2n;

• measuring the gas flow rate injected by the gas injection device during a time interval;

• moving the gate valve 2 from a closed to an open configuration or from an open to a closed configuration during a specified time interval;

• measurement of the relative position of the gate valve plates 2u, 2L, 2m during the specified time interval;

• calculation of the condition indicators of the gate valve plates 2u, 2L, 2m, such as the leakage rate due to erosion or the opening point indicator discussed above;

• comparison of the specified condition indicators with the ideal value of the specified condition indicators corresponding to the gate valve plates in ideal condition, and issuing a decision “PASS” or “FAIL” for the specified gate valve plates 2u, 2L, 2m.

[53] In a preferred embodiment of the method, the gate valve 2 is moved from a closed to an open configuration. This will indeed make it possible to implement a preliminary stage of assessing the quality of the seal of the collector glass 2n by sealing device 5.

[54] In a preferred embodiment of the method, a PASS decision is made when the difference between the erosion leak rate and the opening point rate and their respective ideal values does not exceed the respective predetermined threshold values.

[55] The present invention also relates to a method for operating a condition detection tool for slabs 3. In the method according to the invention, the condition detection tool for slabs 3 operates to implement a condition check of the slabs while moving the gate valve 2 from a closed configuration to an open configuration. This method used to construct the graphs in accordance with FIG. 13(a) and 13(b) has the advantage of being able to check the quality of the seal between the sealing device 5 and the collector cup 2n. The residual gas flow rate measured by the gas flow measuring device 7 shortly after the initial peak S1 in the GF graph is indeed a good indicator of the quality of the seal between the sealing device 5 and the collector nozzle 2n. When the residual gas flow rate value exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the plate condition detection tool 3 is advantageously configured to send an alert indicating a seal failure between the sealing device 5 and the collector cup 2n.

[56] When the sealing device 5 includes a movable seal holder 51 actuated so as to exert a variable amount of force on the high temperature seal for the manifold cup 2n, in the method according to the invention it is advantageous to implement the following preliminary step for adjusting the seal, said preliminary step includes:

• operation of the mechanical actuator in such a way as to press the collector cup seal against the collector cup 2n;

• operation of the gas injection device in such a way as to achieve the target pressure in the collector nozzle 2n;

• measuring the flow of residual gas required to maintain such a target pressure in the collector glass 2n;

• increasing the force applied by the mechanical actuator if the measured residual gas flow rate exceeds a preset threshold value.

[57] Such a preliminary step can be carried out several times until the flow rate of the residual gas falls below a predetermined threshold value, and then the seal between the sealing device 5 and the collector cup 2n is considered sufficient.

[58] If the flow rate of the residual gas does not fall below a predetermined threshold value after several preliminary steps as described above, then the tool for determining the state of the plates 3 is advantageously configured to then send an alert indicating a possible defect in the collector cup 2n or in the high temperature seal .

[59] A step of checking the seal condition of the manifold cup 52 may be implemented, said seal checking step including:

• operation of the mechanical actuator so as to press the manifold cup seal 52 against the ideal condition replica of the manifold cup 2n mounted on the closed cavity;

• operation of the gas injection device in such a way as to achieve the target pressure in the copy of the collector glass 2n;

• measurement of the residual gas flow required to maintain such a target pressure in a copy of the collector beaker 2n

• increasing the force applied by the mechanical actuator if the measured residual gas flow rate exceeds a preset threshold value.

[60] This seal testing step can be performed several times until the residual gas flow rate drops below a predetermined threshold value, at which point the manifold nozzle seal is considered to be in good condition. The tool for determining the condition of the plates 3 is advantageously configured to then send a warning signaling the presence of a defect in the collector cup 2n of the gate valve 2.

[61] If the residual gas flow rate does not fall below a predetermined threshold value after several seal testing steps as described above, the plate condition tool 3 is advantageously configured to then send an alert indicating the presence of a defect in the high temperature seal.

Claims (31)

1. A tool (3) for determining the condition of plates (2u, 2L, 2m) of a gate valve for measuring data on the condition of plates (2u, 2L, 2m) of a gate valve (2) of a metallurgical container (1) in the form of a ladle, wherein said gate valve (2), configured to switch between an open and a closed configuration by sliding at least two gate valve plates relative to each other, contains a manifold cup (2n) protruding from the outer wall (2w) of said gate valve (2) along the main axis (2a) of the collector glass parallel to the first axis X1' of the gate valve, defining the orthonormal reference system together with the second axis X2' and the third axis X3' of the gate valve, wherein said collector glass (2n) is configured to communicate via fluid with the casting channel of the specified metallurgical container (1) when the specified gate valve (2) is in an open configuration, and the specified tool (3) for determining the condition of the plates (2u, 2L, 2m) of the gate valve contains: a) a main body (4) with a sealing device (5) for at least partially sealing the collector cup (2n); b) a gas injection device with a pressure regulator (6), configured to inject gas into the collector cup (2n) through the sealing device (5) at a target pressure; c) a gas flow measuring device (7) for measuring the flow of gas injected by the gas injection device, or a pressure measuring device for measuring the gas pressure in the collector nozzle (2n); d) a controller (8) connected in communication with a gas flow measuring device (7) or a pressure measuring device and configured to receive input data relating to the relative position of the gate valve plates (2u, 2L, 2m), wherein the sealing device (5) contains a seal holder (51) for holding the seal (52) of the collector cup, wherein said seal holder (51) is movable relative to said main body (4) at least along the front axis X1 of said main body body (4), wherein said front axis X1 defines the orthonormal reference system of the main body (4) together with the second axis X2 and the third axis X3 of the main body, and: i. the tool (3) for determining the condition of the slide gate plates (2u, 2L, 2m) is equipped with an anchor system for anchoring the main body (4) to the anchor part of the metallurgical tank (1) or to the site in close proximity to the metallurgical tank (1), ii. the anchoring system is configured to press the collector cup seal along the front axis X1 of the main body (4) to the collector cup (2n) to seal said collector cup (2n) when the main body (4) is anchored to a metallurgical container or on a platform in immediate proximity to the metallurgical container (1), and the seal holder (51) faces the collector glass (2n) in the X2'X3' plane of the gate valve (2), iii. the tool (3) for determining the state of the gate valve plates (2u, 2L, 2m) contains a mechanical actuator (9) connected to the main body (4) and the seal holder (51) and configured to move the seal holder (51) relative to the main one housing (4) at least along said front axis X1 of the main body (4), ensuring that the seal (52) of the manifold nozzle is pressed against the manifold nozzle (2n) when (i) the main body (4) is anchored to the metallurgical vessel ( 1) or on the site in close proximity to the metallurgical tank (1). 2. An instrument according to claim 1, characterized in that the anchor system comprises at least one anchor rod (31) extending along the front axis X1 of the main body (4), said anchor rod (31) comprising a distal end and a proximal end, fixed to the main body (4), and the anchor rod (31) at the distal end contains a rotating anchor head (311) configured to rotate around the front axis X1 of the main body (4) for anchoring in the anchor passage (22) of the gate valve (2 ). 3. The tool according to claim 1, characterized in that the anchor system contains at least one through hole (11) in the front wall of the housing (41) of the main body (4) for receiving a pin (21) protruding from the outer wall (2w) slide gate (2), wherein at least one groove (211) is made on the outer surface of said pin (21), wherein said anchor system contains a connecting element (121) inside the housing (41), wherein said connecting element (121) contains concave profile in the X2X3 plane and is configured to move during linear movement of the main body (4) along at least one of the specified axes X2, X3, allowing the connecting element (121) to be lifted to a position in which its concave profile can be fixed in specified at least one groove (211) of the pin (21) after installing the specified pin (21) in the through hole (11). 4. The tool according to claim 1, characterized in that the anchor system contains a leg (321) for supporting the main body (4), adjustable in length and rigidly connected to the support base (322), and the anchor system is equipped with fastening means (323) for attaching the support base (322) to the site in close proximity to the metallurgical vessel (1). 5. Tool according to any one of paragraphs. 1-4, characterized in that the mechanical actuator (9) contains a closed inflatable chamber with a deformable wall, designed to be inflated to variable pressure and located between the seal holder (51) and the rear wall (42) of the main body (4). 6. The tool according to claim 5, characterized in that it contains elastic elements (10) located in the main body (4) to provide a restoring force against the expansion of the closed inflatable chamber. 7. Tool according to any one of paragraphs. 1-6, characterized in that the gas flow measuring device (7) is configured to measure the gas flow rate injected by the gas injection device, and the controller (8) is configured to store in memory the gas flow rate (GF) required to achieve the target pressure, and the relative position (RP) of the slide gate plates (2u, 2L, 2m) as a function of the time variable. 8. The tool according to claim 7, characterized in that the controller (8) is configured to process the gas flow function (GF) to extract the first indicator by calculating the derivative of the specified function and the second indicator by calculating the integral of the specified function. 9. Tool according to any one of paragraphs. 1-8, characterized in that the controller (8) is connected to the pressure regulator (6). 10. Tool according to any one of paragraphs. 1-9, characterized in that the controller (8) is configured to control the relative sliding movement of the slide gate plates (2u, 2L, 2m). 11. Tool according to any one of paragraphs. 1-10, characterized in that it contains a range finder (13) mounted on the main body (4) and configured to measure the distance relative to the vertical axis X3' of the gate valve between the specified range finder (13) and the target installed on the stationary part of the metallurgical container, when said tool for determining the condition of the slabs is anchored on the specified gate valve (2), and the specified range finder (13) is connected with the possibility of communication with the specified controller (8). 12. A kit for measuring data on the state of plates (2u, 2L, 2m) of a gate valve (2) of a metallurgical container (1) in the form of a ladle, containing a tool (3) according to any one of paragraphs. 1-11 and a slide gate (2), wherein the anchor system is configured to be anchored to the specified anchor part (21, 22) of the specified slide gate (2). 13. The kit according to claim 12, characterized in that the anchor system of the tool (3) for determining the state of the plates (2u, 2L, 2m) of the gate valve (2) of the metallurgical container (1) is made with the possibility of anchoring to at least one anchor passage (22) in the outer wall (2w) of said gate valve (2), wherein said at least one anchor passage (22) comprises an inlet part (221) and a lower part (222), the cross section being in the plane X2'X3' the lower part (222) is larger than the cross section in the X2'X3' plane of the inlet part (221), and overlaps it. 14. The kit according to claim 12, characterized in that the anchor system of the tool (3) for determining the state of the plates (2u, 2L, 2m) of the gate valve (2) of the metallurgical container (1) is designed to be anchored to at least one pin ( 21) protruding from the outer wall (2w) of the gate valve (2), wherein said at least one pin (21) comprises at least one groove (211) located on the outer surface of said at least one pin (21), or contains a part with a reduced cross-section in the X2'X3' plane compared to the cross-section of the distal end of the pin (21), the distal end having the shape of the anchor head of said pin (21). 15. A kit for measuring data on the state of slabs (2u, 2L, 2m) of a gate valve (2) of a metallurgical container (1) in the form of a ladle, containing a tool (3) for determining the state of slabs according to any one of claims. 1-11 and a heat screen configured to be attached to the outer wall (2w) of the slide valve (2), wherein said heat screen has a passage hole for receiving the collector cup (2n) of the slide valve (2), wherein the anchor system of the tool (3) to determine the state of the plates (2u, 2L, 2m) of the gate valve (2) of the metallurgical container (1) is made with the possibility of anchoring to the anchor part (21, 22) of the specified heat screen. 16. The kit according to claim 15, characterized in that the anchor system of the tool (3) for determining the state of the plates (2u, 2L, 2m) of the gate valve (2) of the metallurgical container (1) is made with the possibility of anchoring to at least one anchor passage (22) in the heat shield, wherein said at least one anchor passage (22) contains an inlet part (221) and a lower part (222), and its cross section in the X2'X3' plane of the lower part (222) is larger than cross section in the plane X2'X3' of the inlet part (221), and overlaps it. 17. The kit according to claim 16, characterized in that the anchor system of the tool (3) for determining the state of the plates (2u, 2L, 2m) of the gate valve (2) of the metallurgical container (1) is designed to be anchored to at least one pin ( 21) of said heat shield, wherein said at least one pin (21) has at least one groove (211) located on the outer surface of said pin (21), or said at least one pin (21) contains a part with a reduced cross-section in the X2'X3' plane compared to the cross-section of the distal end of the pin (21), the distal end having the shape of the anchor head of said pin (21). 18. A method for measuring data on the state of the gate valve plates of a metallurgical container when using a tool for determining the condition of the plates (2u, 2L, 2m) of the gate gate (2) of the metallurgical container (1) according to any one of claims. 1-11, wherein the method includes initially installing the gate valve in a closed configuration and moving the gate plates from the closed configuration to the open configuration. 19. A method for measuring data on the state of the gate valve plates of a metallurgical container when using a tool for determining the condition of the plates (2u, 2L, 2m) of the gate valve (2) of the metallurgical container (1) according to any one of claims. 1-11, in which the method includes a preliminary step of adjusting the seal, and at the specified preliminary step is carried out: a) pressing the collector cup seal to the collector cup (2n) by means of a mechanical actuator; b) providing a target pressure in the manifold nozzle (2n) by means of a gas injection device; c) measuring the flow rate of residual gas required to maintain the specified target pressure in the manifold nozzle (2n); d) increasing the force applied by the mechanical actuator if the measured residual gas flow rate exceeds a predetermined threshold value.