Gas assisted snout interface removal
AssigneeCleveland-Cliffs Steel Properties Inc.
InventorsJames Frederic Evans, Steven Lee Boston
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An apparatus for displacing a portion of a dross layer enclosed within an introducer sheath of a dip tank includes a gas source and a gas distributor. The gas distributor is in communication with the gas source via a gas line. The gas distributor includes one or more gas outlets or a gas emitter. The gas distributor is configured to direct a flow of gas towards the dross layer at an angle to move the portion of the dross layer away from a predetermined point.
Claims21
An apparatus for displacing a portion of a dross layer enclosed within an introducer sheath of a dip tank, the apparatus comprising:
- a gas source;
- and
- a gas distributor in communication with the gas source via a gas line, the gas distributor including one or more gas outlets or a gas emitter, the gas distributor being configured to direct a flow of gas towards the dross layer at an angle to move the portion of the dross layer away from a predetermined point.
A system for coating steel, the system comprising:
- a dip tank configured to contain molten metal;
- an introducer sheath, a portion of the introducer sheath extending into the molten metal contained within the dip tank, the introducer sheath defining a hollow interior;
- and
- a gas displacement assembly, the gas displacement assembly including a gas source, a first gas distributor and a second gas distributor, the first gas distributor and the second gas distributor being in communication with the gas source via a gas line, the first gas distributor and the second gas distributor disposed on opposing sides of the introducer sheath, the first gas distributor and the second gas distributor being configured to direct a flow of gas toward the molten metal within the hollow interior of the introducer sheath.
A method for communicating dross on a surface of molten metal from a first portion of a molten metal bath to a second portion of the molten metal bath, the method comprising:
- positioning a gas distributor at an angle relative to the surface of the molten metal bath and 10 to 200 centimeters above the molten metal bath;
- communicating a gas from the gas distributor to the surface of the molten metal bath to generate a low pressure wave;
- and
- continuing to communicate the gas from the gas distributor to move at least a portion of the dross from the first portion of the molten metal bath to the second portion of the molten metal bath.
-22. (canceled)
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.