Exchangeable nozzle for a nozzle changer system, a method for manufacturing such a nozzle, a nozzle changer system comprising such a nozzle and a tundish comprising such a nozzle changer system

A method for manufacturing an exchangeable nozzle, said method comprising the following steps:

• 13.1 providing a tubular member,
• 13.1.1 said tubular member extending along a longitudinal axis from a first end of said tubular member to a second end of said tubular member;
• said tubular member further comprising:
• 13.1.2 an inner passageway extending through said tubular member along said longitudinal axis from said first end of said tubular member to said second end of said tubular member;
• 13.1.3 an inlet opening into said inner passageway at said first end of said tubular member;
• and
• 13.1.4 an outlet opening into said inner passageway at said second end of said tubular member;
• 13.1.5 said tubular member comprising partly stabilized sintered zirconia;
• 13.1.6 said partly stabilized sintered zirconia being partly stabilized by MgO;
• and
• 13.1.7 said partly stabilized sintered zirconia having a degree of stabilization not above 20% by mass;
• and
• 13.2 impregnating said tubular member with a carbon containing impregnation.

A nozzle changer system (11) for billet casting, said nozzle changer system (11) comprising:

• 14.1 an upper nozzle (100), said upper nozzle (100) comprising an inner passageway (113) for guiding molten metal through said upper nozzle (100);
• 14.2 an exchangeable nozzle (200);
• 14.3 wherein said exchangeable nozzle (200) is exchangeable between a first position and a second position;
• 14.3.1 wherein in said first position, said exchangeable nozzle (200) is connected to said upper nozzle (100) such that said inner passageway (113) of said upper nozzle (100) and said inner passageway (213) of said exchangeable nozzle (200) form a continuous channel;
• 14.3.2 and wherein in said second position, said exchangeable nozzle (200) is released from said upper nozzle (100),
• wherein said exchangeable nozzle (200) comprises:
• a tubular member (201);
• said tubular member (201) extending along a longitudinal axis (L) from a first end (209) of said tubular member (201) to a second end (211) of said tubular member (201);
• said tubular member (201) comprising:
• an inner passageway (213) extending through said tubular member (201) along said longitudinal axis (L) from said first end (209) of said tubular member (201) to said second end (211) of said tubular member (201);
• an inlet (215) opening into said inner passageway (213) at said first end (209) of said tubular member (201);
• and
• an outlet (217) opening into said inner passageway (213) at said second end (211) of said tubular member (201);
• said tubular member (201) comprising partially stabilized sintered zirconia;
• said partially stabilized sintered zirconia being partially stabilized by MgO;
• and
• said partially stabilized sintered zirconia having a degree of stabilization not above 20% by mass;
• and
• said tubular member (201) comprising free carbon.