Gas stir plug wear indicator including low melting point component and method of use
US5330160A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 11, 1993 |
| Grant date | Jul 19, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 11, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC21C2005/448
- WIPO fieldMaterials, metallurgy
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A gas stirring plug for introducing gas into a mass of molten metal. The plug is a generally frusto-conical shaped member which is worn away during use and which should be replaced when it has worn away to a predetermined point and comprises a shell, a core, and a low melting point component disposed within a cavity in the core. The core is located within the shell and is comprised of a refractory material extending between the bottom end and the top end of the plug. The cavity is of a predetermined height and has a bottom located a first predetermined distance above the bottom end of the plug. The cavity is filled with the low melting point component, e.g., soapstone, calcium silicate, talcum, or some other material having a melting point lower than steel, from its bottom to an intermediate point located a predetermined height above the bottom of the cavity. Mortar or some other high melting point refractory component is disposed in the cavity from the intermediate point to the top of the plug. The device is operative so that when it has worn away to the intermediate point the low melting point component will be exposed to the molten metal, whereupon it will melt and flow out the …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.