Patent ID: 6227421
Filing Date: 2001-05-08
Classification: B22D

Abstract:
Tube changer comprising a frame (20) adapted to be mounted under a tundish (2), and refractory pieces (8, 28) that delimit a pouring channel (10) for the passage of steel from the tundish (2) to a continuous casting mold (42), the casting mold (42) having a horizontal top surface, these refractory pieces being comprised of at least one fixed plate (8) and a tube (28) having a tube plate (30), means (36) for applying the tube plate (30) against the fixed plate (8), whereby a junction plane (34)is defined, the frame (20) having an introduction position for a new tube, a casting position and an evacuation position for a worn tube, guidance means (34, 38) that permit the new tube to pass from the introduction position to the casting position, and the worn tube to pass from the casting position to the evacuation position, actuating means (46, 50) for passing the new tube from the introduction position to the casting position and the worn tube from the casting position to the evacuation position, characterized in that:the junction plane (34) is inclined at a nonzero angle a with respect to the horizontal top surface of the continuous casting mold (42); andthe new tube (28) passes from the introduction position to the casting position and the worn tube from the casting position to the evacuation position by a sliding movement on the junction plane (34) by following a trajectory that is at least partially nonrectilinear, and a combination of the angle .alpha., tube dimensions and the trajectories of the new tube and the worn tube being such that the tubes (28) avoid the casting mold (42) during a tube change.