Device for inserting a lance into a pressurized container, in particular a blast furnace

A device for inserting, from a support structure, a lance axially through a side opening in a pressurized container, comprising:

• a support bench for the lance bearing with its rear end on the support structure and extending towards the side opening;
• a support carriage for the lance, which can slide along the support bench and in which the rear end of the lance is articulated;
• a sealing member and a closure member which are mounted on the pressurized container at the level of the side opening, said sealing member being adapted for interaction with the lance in order to ensure leaktightness around the lance when it is inserted therein, and said closure member being adapted to close the side opening when the lance is withdrawn;
• a front support for the lance which is arranged in proximity to said sealing member;
• an inner support for the lance which is arranged on the inner side of the pressurized container;
• and
• wherein said front support for the lance is an elastic support which is gradually pressed down under the weight of the lance, as the latter is inserted into said pressurized container, and which is mounted so as to follow the level variations of the side opening.