Patent ID: 9052144
Filing Date: 2015-06-09
Classification: F27B,F27D

Abstract:
1. A sanding hopper system, comprising: a hopper support structure; at least one rail operatively coupled to the hopper support structure; a hopper assembly comprising a hopper and a hopper transport component, wherein the hopper transport component is operatively coupled to the at least one rail, wherein the hopper assembly is configured to move between at least a retracted position and a sand dispensing position over a chimney hole in the furnace through the relative movement of the hopper transport component with respect to the at least one rail, and wherein the hopper of the hopper assembly is configured to hold sand; a plunger, wherein the plunger is configured for removable positioning over the chimney hole for removing steelmaking by-products from the chimney hole; and a sand dispenser operatively coupled to the hopper assembly, wherein the sand dispenser is configured for removable positioning over the chimney hole, and when the hopper assembly is in the sand dispensing position for supplying sand to a tap hole in the furnace between steelmaking heats.