Apparatus and method for tapping a molten metal bath
US5939016A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 24, 1997 |
| Grant date | Aug 17, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 24, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF27D3/1518
- WIPO fieldMaterials, metallurgy
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
An apparatus and method relate to tapping a molten metal bath from a reactor. The apparatus includes a tapping pipe having a tapping pipe inlet and tapping pipe outlet for withdrawing a portion of the molten bath from the reactor. The molten bath can flow from the reactor through the tapping pipe inlet through tapping pipe to a tapping pipe exit. The tapping pipe is attached to the reactor at the tapping pipe inlet and the tapping pipe includes a susceptor, formed of a suitable material, such as graphite, which heats upon application of induction current. An induction coil assembly is annularly disposed about the tapping pipe, wherein the induction coil assembly can apply an induction current to heat the tapping pipe to a temperature that is higher than that of a solidified bath metal component within the tapping pipe. The induction current melts the solidified bath metal, whereby the molten metal bath can be tapped from the reactor. A slidable gate valve assembly can be attached at the tapping pipe outlet for further control of tapping.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.