LADLE SHROUD

FUNCTION
The ladle shroud is a refractory tube located
between the ladle and the tundish whose
main function is to protect the steel flow from
secondary oxidation. In performing its
function the ladle shroud exhibits many
features which can be turned to advantage.

GEOMETRY
The ladle shroud is a tube made from
different materials which is connected to the
collector nozzle of a ladle slide gate by
means of a simple counterweight or a fully
automated mechanism. In a ladle shroud
we can identif y different sections which
performs different functions:
- the bell
- the barrel Fig. 4.2

THE BELL
This part of the ladle shroud has the following
functions:
- to assure a good connection to the ladle
slide gate collector nozzle;
- to have a suitable shape for positioning
against the collector nozzle and
handling using the mechanism.
CONNECTION TO THE COLLECTOR NOZZLE
There are two main families of connection
to the collector nozzle (Fig. 4.1)
- conical connection
- butt connection
each having advantages and disadvantages
a) Conical connection
This type of connection between two conical
shaped refractories (Fig. 4.2) offers several
advantages:
Fig. 4.1
- there is a large area of surface coupling
between the two refractory
components.
This helps the transportation of the LS during
the slide gate movement and assure a good
sealing.
- it is self-centering
This property comes from the conical design
itself. The coupling operation is simple
because the smaller dimension of the
collector nozzle matches the biggest bore
of the ladle shroud. In this type of connection
the forces used for the coupling are released
against the internal surface of the ladle
shroud. In this condition the refractory
material works under tension.
This type of load is emphasized during use
by the dilatation of the collector nozzle when
manufactured from material having high
thermal expansion (MgO and similar).
This fact is a limitation to the use of the
conical connection because the refractories
exhibit a low strength in tension.
For this reason the conical coupling is
normally used when the force for the
coupling does not exceed 250 kg.
b) Butt connection
This connection provides the coupling
between the collector nozzle and the ladle
shroud through a flat surface. (Fig. 4.3)
The coupling between the two refractory
components is not so easy to achieve as
for the conical one.
The two surfaces in contact are not oriented

Chp. 4 5
 Fig. 4.4

Fig. 4.3

to facilitate the LS transportation during the
slide gate movement.
High force can be applied to assure the
coupling between the ladle shroud and the
collector nozzle because the two refractory
components work “in compression” one
against the other.
The second shape, shown in the Fig. 4.5,
shows a different solution to distribute the
force applied.
Because of the conical connection it is
possible to partially release the load through
a component which works in compression
on the LS.

CONNECTION TO THE SUPPORTING RING Because of that the component working to

shear is reduced and can be minimized
The bell shape needs to be designed for the
using a correct angle for the taper section.
purpose of keeping the ladle shroud coupled
with the collector nozzle and for the handling With the reduction of the dangerous
operations. component working to shear is now possible
to increase the total force applied to the LS
These functions are performed by means
without having problem of strength.
of a metallic ring which supports the LS
when in position and facilitates handling. For this reason this flange shape is used
when the force applied exceeds 250 kg or
This “support ring” is connected to the lever
when an hydraulically operated mechanism
arm of the mechanism designed for the LS
is used.
handling (for detail see later).
The first shape is shown in the Fig. 4.4.
This shape, the first designed when the LS
was developed and introduced, into the
market is, still now, the most used.
The force applied to the support ring is
transmitted to the refractory flange of the
LS which is in this way loaded to shear. (Fig.
4.4)
Because the strength of the refractories to
this type of load is generally low this shape
should not be used when the LS is
supported with a counterweight exceeding
250 kg or with an hydraulically operated
mechanism. Fig. 4.5

Chp. 4 6
CANNED FLANGE
We have seen that the flange of a LS is
mechanically stressed by different types of
loads and one of those is critical for the
refractories (shear). The design calculation
for the flange determines the dimensions
and the wall thickness of the LS able to resist
the operating conditions.
It may happen that the correct design leads
to dimensions which dramatically increase
the weight of the LS.
We have also to remember that in this last
case the possibility of thermal shock also
increases.
When this happens a solution to the problem
is offered by the use of a can at the flange
section.
Fig. 4.6
The mechanical strength of the can itself
partially absorbs the load applied to the
flange so that, even in heavy operating
conditions, we can have a ladle shroud with
reasonable dimensions.
In Fig. 4.6 you can see different patterns
showing the can application.
In reality the flange shows a large variety of
shapes, connections and steel can
configurations.
Each solution depends on the operational
condition and on customer satisfaction.

BARREL
There are two main functions:
- to be a shield against the reoxidation of
the steel;
- to distribute the steel into the tundish.
The barrel has the shape of a ceramic tube
having an internal bore bigger than the bore
of the plates of the slide gate to which the
LS is connected.
This practice is used to avoid a possible skull
formation which can be a limitation to the
steel flow.
Because of this over-dimensioning, once the Fig. 4.7
barrel is submerged, the LS system works
with an internal negative pressure. taper of the barrel because sometimes it
has an important role in terms of
The value of this negative pressure depends
performance of the ladle shroud.
on:
In Fig. 4.7 the definition of taper is shown.
- ratio between plates-bore and barrel When the value a - b is positive (a > b) we
internal diameter; speak about “direct taper,” when negative
- type of conicity of the barrel (a < b) we speak about “reverse taper.”
- length of the ladle shroud.
TAPER OF THE BARREL LS with direct taper:
It is necessary to say a few words about the This is the most common shape. Easy

Chp. 4 7
manufacturing is the main reason for this
shape. The direct taper does not increase
the negative pressure inside the ladle
shroud from the predetermined value given
by the ratio between the plate bore and
barrel internal diameter.
LS with reverse taper:
More and more customers want to open the
ladle gate with the ladle shroud already
connected and with the bottom part
submerged into the steel. This practice
requires an increased internal volume of the
submerged part to avoid plugging caused
by the powders used into the slide gate and
skull formation which cause blow-back of
steel from the connection. The way to
increase the internal volume of the
submerged part of the ladle shroud is to
increase the internal bore and this leads to
the use of the reverse taper.
The bell ladle shroud (Fig. 4.8) is a special
example of this application.
Since a LS with a reverse taper works as a
“diffuser” there is an increased negative Fig. 4.8
pressure inside the ladle shroud. OUTLET
It is now necessary to remember that: The ladle shroud has normally a single outlet
but multiple outlets are possible (Fig. 4.9).
A negative pressure inside the ladle shroud
causes air suction through the joint between With the purpose:
collector nozzle and ladle shroud.
- to increase the total surface of the
Air suction is also a result of the “Venturi outlets to allow the use of the LS in
effect” caused by the flow of steel. submerged condition avoiding the use

Fig. 4.9

Chp. 4 8
 of reverse taper and bell type.
- to direct the steel towards the tundish
nozzle which will allow casting with a
lower superheat in the tundish.
LADLE SHROUD WITH ARGON
When the connection between the collector
nozzle and the LS is not tight, the possibility
of air infiltration is made worse by:
- the venturi effect caused by the steel
flow;
- the fact that the LS has a negative
pressure inside the barrel.
Air suction means reoxidation, Al 2 0 3
formation, increasing N2 pick-up. This is not
desirable especially if Al-killed steel are cast.
To minimize air suction different designs for
argon injection through the LS are used to:
- compensate the negative pressure
inside the LS Barrel;
- create a sealing with an argon barrier.
LADLE SHROUD FOR ARGON INJECTION (LSA)
In Fig. 4.10 you can see the configuration of
this LS when connected to the collector
nozzle.
Argon is injected into an annular cavity in
the top flange of the LSA and then passes
through a series of six slots into the steel
stream below the collector nozzle. A positive
argon pressure is created inside the ladle
shroud giving two separate benefits:
Firstly, argon flows down the LSA as bubbles
Fig. 4.10
entrained in the steel stream. These bubbles
rise quickly to the surface in the tundish and
assist with floatation of inclusions.
Secondly, the argon pressure ensures that
argon will flow out of any possible gap
between the LSA and the collector nozzle
and prevents any possible air ingress at the
joint.
The argon supply is connected to the LSA
by means of a simple coupling fitted into
the top flange.
LADLE SHROUD WITH ARGON SHIELDING (LSA CPR)
In Fig. 4.11 you can see the configuration of
this LS when connected to the collector
nozzle. Argon is injected into a slot and then
passes through an alumina graphite
permeable ring which assures uniform gas
flow.
The permeable ring is located in the
coupling area of the sliding gate collector
nozzle. The function of the permeable ring
is to ensure that at the coupling between
the refractories, air cannot be drawn in, but
only argon.
The top of the permeable ring creates an
argon “atmosphere” around the junction
which avoids air infiltration.
The permeable ring, made from Al203 - G
material, is isostatically pressed with the LS
body.
The manufacturing technique permits the
location of the permeable ring in various
positions of the ladle shroud top flange.
Fig. 4.11
Chp. 4 9
 Fig. 4.12
Fig. 4.13
In Fig. 4.12 you can see designs of LS where
the permeable ring location allows the argon
injection into the LS and where two different
permeable ring are used: one to create the
sealing and the other to inject the argon. In
this last case there are two different coupler
for argon purging “pressed in” into the LS
body.
In Fig 4.13 you can see how the argon
sealing can be created when the steel can
is used.
The gap created on the top surface of the
ladle shroud will allow the diffusion of argon
all around the collector nozzle creating an
atmosphere from where only argon can
enter the ladle shroud.
GASKETS
GENERAL
The pressure on steel producers to
continually improve quality has developed
a large market for effective sealing products
to reduce air aspiration in LS and SES
applications. Most new LS designs are now
Chp. 4 10
intended to be used with some from of
gasket to improve the seal at the mating
surface with the ladle collector nozzle. Many
steelmakers now use the ability to reduce
air-aspiration (by measuring the N2-pickup
between the ladle and the tundish) as an
important criterion of LS performance. To
really minimize N2-pickup, most customers
are now placing a new gasket into multiple-
use LS’s before each heat. At some plants,
an LS that is structurally sound may be
replaced if the N 2 -pickup levels are
exceeded. The proper gasket can be a key
to achieving improved over all LS
performance. We believe that quality steel
producers around the world will be using a
gasket for each ladle cast. The materials
now available to Vesuvius should enable us
to completely satisf y the customer
requirement for an effective sealing.
MATERIALS
Glued ceramic fibre gasket were initially
used into the LS bell to assure a good
sealing between the shroud and the
collector nozzle.
The market demand to manufacture cleaner
steel and new grades leads to virtually gas
tight seals and therefore better gasket
materials than fibre were found and
developed.
Within Vesuvius ceramic fibre gaskets are
now being replaced with improved
materials.
The material used routinely within Vesuvius
for gasket are summarized in table 4.1.
CERAMIC FIBRE
Ceramic fibre paper was the first gasket
material used. The sheet product (usually
3mm thick) is cut to shape then glued into
the product using sodium silicate.
This material produces our least effective
gasket; and it has the further disadvantage
that it can’t be replaced between ladles in a
sequence cast. For these reasons ceramic
fibre is being phased out in most
applications. The ability to form this product
into irregular shapes keeps this material
active in a few products. See Fig 4.14a.
In table 4.2, 4.3 and 4.4 you will find some
more details and supplier names of the
melting gasket.

GASKET TYPE SOURCE APPLICATION DESCRIPTION HISTORY

Ceramic Standard Oil LS, SES 1.5 & 3mm Original
Fiber Engineered Materials ceramic fibre gasket material
TS904 et al. felt-glued into place least effective
with sodium silicate

Thermoseal Accurtrex Cone-type 1.5 & 3mm Used extensively in

TS911 LS / CNT seals thickness. Rubber “cone-type” fits
bonded sheet with effective if kept under
Grafoil exterior. pressure between
Available in formed ceramic parts.
cones - rigid.

Tempseal* I.G.S. Flat gaskets 3-6mm thickness

TS909 for SES soft material
cones for LS mainly organic with
SiO2 filler

H-Seal* JW Hicks Inc. Flat gaskets 1.5-8mm “gummy” Excellent SES gasket.
TS912 for SES & LS material. Available Giving good results in
in white or black “butt-fit” LS. Most
composition (Black refractory material.
material seems to Can be used with top
contain tar. plate/porous TN.

TABLE 4.1

Fig. 4.14
Chp. 4 11
 THERMOSEAL (TS 911)
Description: Gasket is produced from compressed rubber
gasket sheet (Klinger-Sil C-6401) with a graphite coating on 1 side.
Klinger-Sil C-6401: Components
Stybudyne (SBR) Rubber Avamid
Fibres
Other Fibres
Fillers (Incl. clay)
Ti02 (½ - 1½%)
Graphoil: Carbon 100%
Stated tolerances: +/- 1mm
Melting Point: Does not melt, but will begin to breakdown at 750°F
Shapes: Flat rings. Good conical shapes
Lead times: 2-3 weeks
Supplier: Accutrex Products Inc.
2198 N. Main Street - Bldg #1
North Pointe Industrial Park
Washington, PA 15301
Telephone Number: (412) 228-5460
Fax Number: (412) 228-1622
Contact: Martin Beichner - Exec. VP

Table 4.2

TEMPSEAL (TS 909)

Chemical Analysis Typical Value (Wt. %)
Carbon 49
Oxygen 29
Silicon 10.4
Hydrogen 9
Aluminium <1
Calcium <1

Stated tolerances: +/- 1 mm.

Thickness: 3-6 mm.
Lead Times: 2-3 weeks

Supplier: Industrial Gasket & Shim Co.

200 Country Club Rd.
P.O. Meadow Lands, PA 15347
Supplier Designation: MP3000
Telephone Number: (412) 222-5800
Fax Number: (412) 222-5898
Contact: Jim Kulla
Chuck Lytton
Shapes: Flat rings
Crude conical shapes
Packaging: Individual plastic bags

Table 4.3

H-SEAL (TS 912)

Chemical Analysis (Black Material) Typical Values (Wt. %)
Alumina 65.0
Resins 17.0
Fire Clay 8.3
Carbon 4.0
Silica 4.0
Ceramic Fibre 1.7
Note: Available in white composition - not tested yet.
Stated Tolerances (OD & ID) : +/- 2 mm.
(thickness) : +/- 0.5 mm.
Available thicknesses: 1.5 - 8mm.
Lead Times: 3 weeks
Supplier: J.W. Hicks Inc.
8955 Louisiana Street, Merrilville,
IN 46410
Supplier Designation: H-Seal
Telephone Number: (219) 736-2212
Fax Number : (219) 736-2526
Contacts: Jim Hicks or Frank Rose
Shapes: Flat rings
Packaging: Individual plastic bags

Chp. 4 12 Table 4.4

THERMOSEAL
The Thermoseal gasket based on Klinger
sheet product is rigid enough to make good
conical shapes for LS applications. Grafoil
(a rolled graphite) is applied to the outside
surface of the gasket to minimize sticking
at the LS/CNT interface. A new gasket
should be used for each heat.
To be effective, this product must be
sandwiched between 2 surfaces under
continual pressure. It’s poor erosion
resistance and hardness preclude this
gasket for SES applications. Overall this is
a fair gasket material for LS’s.
Thermoseal gaskets are purchased from
Accutrex formed to the required shape. Our
experience with this company to-date has
been very good.
TEMPSEAL (FIG. 4.14)
This high temperature plastic sealing
compound, having the consistency of putty,
is extruded in sheet form and die cut into a
flat gasket shape.
Tempseal works well for sealing SES’s to
TN’s and certain tundish slidegates (not the
present FloCon systems) as long as it is kept
under compression.
We are now buying this material exclusively
from Industrial gasket Supply (IGS). Their
designation for this material is MP3000.
H-SEAL
This “gummy” gasket is available only in flat
shapes. This material is being used on a
routine basis at Weirton Steel to seal a “butt-
fit” LS with excellent results. H-Seal is also
being used to connect top plates and porous
TN’s-these are large diameter gaskets (up
to 250mm). Trails are now under way using
this material to seal SES’s. This material has
worked well in all applications tested to-
date. The chemical analysis reveals that this
is the most refractory material that we have
used for gaskets.
H-Seal is available cut to shape from J.W.
Hicks Inc. As a supplier Hicks has been quite
responsive. The costs are slightly higher
than the comparable Tempseal products.
All the gaskets we commercialise are
asbestos free in order to copy all the new
requirements for health and safety.
MATERIAL
GENERAL
The choice of the material and the process
used to manufacture the ladle shroud has
been dictated by the need to:
- minimize thermal shock;
- introduce the least stresses possible
during manufacturing;
- have erosion resistance of the material
to a large range of steel grades.
The Vesuvius ladle shroud family, comprising
different design, has a body made from
isostatically pressed Al203 - G.
Special surface and body glaze treatment
ensure resistance to oxidation during use.
A specially designed firing process assures
the possibility of using the ladle shroud
without preheating.
The steel flow through the LS causes :
- erosion by mechanical effect;
- corrosion by chemical attack.
The first is mainly important at the impact
area of the stream at the bell and in the
submerged area.
The second is important for the body of the
ladle shroud and is emphasized at the steel
level in the tundish where there is chemical
attack caused by the tundish fluxes.
This erosion, summarized in Fig. 4.15, can
cause casting interruptions.
The design of ladle shrouds is becoming
more complex as different materials are
now used in the various parts of the shroud
(zoning) so that the more wear resistant
mixes and generally the more expensive are
only used in those areas subject to
excessive wear. In some cases a ladle
shroud can have as many as five materials
(Table 4.5) used in its design as shown if Fig
4.15 where causes of possible casting
interruption are also summarized.
MIXES FOR THE SEAT AREA
Materials for the seat area have to be
resistant to abrasion and also to the effects
of oxygen cleaning of steel skull which builds
up just below the collector nozzle in the seat
area. The mix normally used for this area is
mix 630 which can be pressed with the main
barrel. In the case of flat seat connection a
high alumina ring can be used which has to
be cemented in position and in some cases
this ring can be fixed using a gasket material
and even replaced during the cast.
Chp. 4 13
 Fig. 4.15

Chp. 4 14
 MIX 101 106 365 238 290 630 706

USE Body Porous Body Liner Body Seat Slag Line

Replace 105 Reuse >20mm wall

Analysis

SiO2 15.7 3.9 7.5 6.0 17.4 3.1 7.2

B2O3 1.6 1.9 1.6 1.8 2.4 2.3

Al2O3 52.0 63.0 61.2 64.0 43.8 61.3 1.09

CaO 2.3

ZrO2 0.9 5.3 4.6 3.5 66.9

C 31.2 21.0 27.6 22.0 36.0 23.0 20.8

Physical

MOR 7.4 — 7.6 9.8 7.4 9.5 7.6

AP 17.9 24.0 16.6 16.4 16.0 14.9 16.5

BD 2.35 2.43 2.53 2.63 2.26 2.64 3.31

Application Standard Argon Aggressive Anti- Cold Start Long life Basic
Injection steels gouging reusable seat Slag
TABLE 4.5

MIXES FOR THE BARREL

There are a number of choices of mixes for
the barrel depending on the application. For
general application for a wide range of steels
the mix 101 is suitable. For longer casting
times and for casting more erosive grades
of steel like low carbon, Ca treated grades
or high oxygen steels then the mix 365 is
more suitable. In some extreme cases
where internal gouging is a problem then a
liner of mix 238 is used in the barrel. For
batch casting where the ladle shroud is used
for one heat and then reused after cooling
to room temperature the mix 290 is used
which has a better thermal shock resistance
than the other body mixes.
MIXES FOR THE SLAG LINE AREA
The mix available for the slag line is mix 706
which is suitable for basic slags and is based
on zirconia. A new mix based on magnesia
for cold start application is in development.
HANDLING SYSTEM
The ladle shroud cannot be used by itself. It
needs an important accessory which allows
the correct handling and manoeuvring on
the caster. There are several solutions for
those operations which can be done
manually or through a ser vo-assisted
manipulator which could be automated.
Vesuvius has developed and can supply
both versions of the mechanism.
This equipment is usually fixed to either a
ladle support column, or ladle platform or
tundish. The best place can only be found
with direct experience and varies from plant
to plant, machine to machine. With the
above equipment, it is possible to freely and
easily manoeuvre the LS vertically and
horizontally following any movement of the
ladle above the tundish.
The opening/shut-off of most slide gates
involves a linear movement, in the same
axes of the holding mechanism.
But in the case of rotary slide gates, there is
also a relative movement between the
collector nozzle and the LS.
In that case the use of two overlapping

Chp. 4 15
supporting rings is suggested. A graphite
ring between the two assures lubrication
avoiding breakage (See Fig. 4.16)

MANUAL MANIPULATOR
This mechanism consists of different
components :
- a pivoting supporting frame;
- a gooseneck and swivels;
- a lever arm assembly;
- ballast weights;
- LS support ring and fork;
- lever arm support fork and pivot;
- handlebars;
Fig. 4.17 shows a general view of the
mechanism.

Fig. 4.16
FORK & RING ASSY.

MAIN ARM

ARGON OUTLET
POSITION INDICATOR PIN

STOP
SUPPORT TUBE

CENTERPIECE PIVOT ASSY.HANDLE

HANDLE

GRAPHITE RING

OUTRIGGER

PEDESTAL COUNTERWEIGHT

Fig. 4.17

Chp. 4 16
PNEUMATIC MANIPULATOR
The pneumatic ladle shroud manipulator
assures as well as the manual manipulator
all the necessary movements required to
handle the LS on the caster. The difference
lies in the fact that all the movements are
pneumatically assisted.
The operator has to move the handle bar in
the same way as using a manual
manipulator but the total effort required will
be minimal.
The manipulator can be used in a fixed
position or can be supplied with an
additional pneumatic mechanism which
allows all the mechanism to be raised or
lowered following the ladle movements.
A pneumatic contact pressure between the
LS and the collector nozzle is applied so that
ballast weights are not necessary, that
pressure can be controlled by the operator.
The general arrangement of the pneumatic
mechanism which operates at 12 bar air
pressure, is shown in Fig 4.18 and more
detailed information on that manipulator is
available in the sales office.

6” BORE BOOM CYLINDERS

RETRACTABLE COLUMN

Fig. 4.18
Chp. 4 17
 HYDRAULIC MANIPULATOR
An hydraulic assisted ladle shroud lever acting through a gear box assembly.
manipulator is also available when the
Fig. 4.19 shows the general layout of the
hydraulic power unit of the tundish car can
hydraulic manipulator and detailed drawings
be used or the pneumatic manipulator
are available in the sales office.
cannot be used. The rotation of the
supporting tube is obtained by rotating a

OV
AL
SH
RO
UD
AR
M

FORK & RING

ASSEMBLY.
CENTREPIECE
SPLATTER SHIELD
(optional)
MAIN ARM CENTREPIECE
SUPPORT
ARGON STOP
OUTLET
PIVOT PIN BRACKET ADJUSTMENT OP
ER
(optional) PIN ATO
SUPPORT RA
TUBE RM
HYDRAULIC
CYLINDER

OUTRIGGER
ARGON
INLET

LOCKING RING
ASSEMBLY
ARGON
INLET
BEARING
HOUSING HEIGHT GEAR BOX
ASSEMBLY

VERTICAL MOUNTING HANDLE

BRACKET (optional) NON-HEIGHT

HEIGHT

PEDESTAL M
AR
MOUNT ER
(optional) IGG
U TR T H
O NG
LE

Fig. 4.19 - Hydraulic CS Manipulator

Chp. 4 18
OPERATING PROCEDURES
PARKING POSITION
Having inserted the LS in the collector ring,
you must find a parking position where the
LS is vertical and the lever arm is horizontal
and parallel to the platform floor (see Fig.
4.20)
If the lever is parked in an angular plane,
damage may occur when the ladle is cross-
travelled over the machine.
When the handling mechanism is fixed to
the tundish, the parking position can be with
LS inside the tundish.
In the parking position the lever arm should
be loaded with 2/3 ballast weights, for easy
manoeuvre.
SELF START OF SLIDE GATE
When both ladle and tundish are in casting
position over the machine, rotate by 90 deg
the level arm assembly and set the LS into
the tundish - (see Fig. 4.21)
PARKING
Fig. 4.20
ROTATION
ROTATION
Fig. 4.21
ROTATION
Raise now the LS via the lever arm in order
to fit it to the collector nozzle . One operator
is to hold down the lever arm handlebars
whilst the slide gate is opened. If metal flows
through the gate, add the total ballast
weights and start casting (Fig. 4.22)
FIRST OPENING
If metal does not flow through the gate, then
the following lanced start procedure should
apply.
LANCING OF SLIDE GATE
Close gate, remove LS from collector and
park it vertically at a side of the gate in
emergency parking (see Fig. 4.23). Once
after lancing, the gate is open again. Cast
for approx. 5 minutes, removing snotters
from the nozzle tip whilst metal is flowing.
Close gate.
Quickly reposition the LS and open gate as
per normal procedure.
FIRST OPENING
Fig. 4.22
EMERGENCY
PARKING
Fig. 4.23
Chp. 4 19
LADLE SHROUD CLEANING
After each ladle the LS is normally cleaned
to remove any skull on the barrel. This
operation, necessary to avoid a blow back
of steel caused by a reduced bore inside
the LS is normally done with an oxygen lance
with the ladle shroud in horizontal position.
An improvement to the lancing operation
which increases the safety for the operator
is the use of the equipment shown in Fig.
4.24.

END OF CAST PROCEDURE

Remove some ballast weights from the lever
arm, shut the slide gate and remove the LS
from the tundish and swing it into a parking
position. If the LS is sticking to the collector
nozzle slide the LS holder down the tube
approx. 30cm below the seated position and
push the tube side to side with the holder
until the seal between collector nozzle and
LS is broken.
For sequence casting, put the LS into
emergency parking and if the seating is
undamaged, refit it on the next ladle after
cleaning with oxygen the LS seating area
and if used a replacement gasket.

Fig. 4.24

Chp. 4 20