Long life spout

Claim 2

In a high-temperature molten-metal-casting system, a method of protecting the external surface of an exposed tubular pouring spout of a material oxidizable at said temperature from oxidizing comprising surrounding the pouring spout with a spaced shield and flowing an inert atmosphere between the shield and pouring spout.

Claim 3

In combination, a metal pouring pot for high-temperature molten metal and a pouring spout assembly associated therewith, said pouring spout assembly being of a length to guide said metal to a region located a substantial distance from said pot, said pouring spout assembly including an elongated refractory spout of oxidizable material and of generally tubular configuration including an enlarged, tapered support shank at the upper end of the pouring spout, said tapered support shank portion comprising less than half of said length of said pouring spout, and said tapered support shank portion combining with a complementary tapered portion on the pouring pot to give a secure fit between the pouring spout and the pouring pot, a lower portion of said pouring spout assembly being exposed to the atmosphere and comprising over half of the total length of said pouring spout assembly, and a coating of oxidation resistant material situatEd between said pouring spout and said pouring pot and further extending approximately the entire length of the pouring spout on the exterior thereof, the coating of oxidation resistant material on said lower portion of said spout being of sufficient thickness to comprise means for retarding oxidation damage to the spout.

Claim 4

In combination, a metal pouring pot for high-temperature molten metal and a pouring spout assembly associated therewith, said pouring spout assembly being of a length to guide said metal to a region located a substantial distance from said pot, said pouring spout assembly including an elongated refractory spout of oxidizable material and of generally tubular configuration including an enlarged, tapered support shank at the upper end of the pouring spout, said tapered support shank portion comprising less than half of said length of said pouring spout, and said tapered support shank portion combining with a complementary tapered portion on the pouring pot to give a secure fit between the pouring spout and the pouring pot, a lower portion of said pouring spout assembly being exposed to the atmosphere and comprising over half of the total length of said pouring spout assembly, and a coating of oxidation resistant material situatEd between said pouring spout and said pouring pot and further extending approximately the entire length of the pouring spout on the exterior thereof, the coating of oxidation resistant material on said lower portion of said spout being of sufficient thickness to comprise means for retarding oxidation damage to the spout.

Claim 5

The invention of claim 2, wherein said oxidation resistant material comprises a coating of refractory material applied to the exterior surface of said pouring spout.

Claim 6

The invention of claim 2, wherein said oxidation resistant material comprises a stainless steel shield surrounding said pouring spout.

Claim 7

A pouring spout assembly for pouring high-temperature molten metal from a pouring pot, said pouring spout assembly including an elongated spout fabricated of a material oxidizable at said temperature and being of tubular configuration, a shield spaced from and generally surrounding said spout, and means for forming a flow of inert gas between said shield and said spout.

Claim 8

A pouring spout assembly for pouring high-temperature molten metal from a pouring pot, said pouring spout assembly including an elongated spout fabricated of a material oxidizable at said temperature and being of tubular configuration, a shield spaced from and generally surrounding said spout, and means for forming a flow of inert gas between said shield and said spout.

Claim 9

The pouring spout assembly of claim 5 and wherein said shield comprises a metallic tube surrounding said spout.

Claim 10

A pouring spout assembly for pouring high-temperature liquid from a pouring pot, said pouring spout assembly including an elongated graphite spout generally of tubular configuration and further including an enlarged support shank as its upper end for insertion into a pouring pot, said spout protruding in a downward direction from the pouring pot for a distance substantially greater than said enlarged shank portion, and a coating of mortar applied to the exterior downward protruding portion of said spout, said mortar being comprised of a large percentage of silicon dioxide, smaller percentages of aluminum trioxide, lithium oxide and alkaline earth, with additives including ferrous oxide, copper oxide, magnesium oxide and titanium oxide, said mortar being of sufficient thickness to prevent oxidation of the external surface of the protruding portion of said spout.

Claim 11

A pouring spout assembly for pouring high-temperature liquid from a pouring pot, said pouring spout assembly including an elongated graphite spout generally of tubular configuration and further including an enlarged support shank as its upper end for insertion into a pouring pot, said spout protruding in a downward direction from the pouring pot for a distance substantially greater than said enlarged shank portion, and a coating of mortar applied to the exterior downward protruding portion of said spout, said mortar being comprised of a large percentage of silicon dioxide, smaller percentages of aluminum trioxide, lithium oxide and alkaline earth, with additives including ferrous oxide, copper oxide, magnesium oxide and titanium oxide, said mortar being of sufficient thickness to prevent oxidation of the external surface of the protruding portion of said spout.