The disclosure is based on the idea of providing a pipe flange coupling device (3), which is attachable in connection with a first pipe (1) of a first pipe flange (1a), having pawls (6) engaging a second pipe flange (2a) of a second pipe (2). The pawls (6) are fixed to a spindle (5) retractable by a translation arrangement so as to pull the second pipe flange (2a) against the first pipe flange (1a). More particularly, the translation arrangement is configured such that, when the flanged pipes (1, 2) are coupled and the pawls (6) are retracted, a force exerted on the pawls (6) towards the extended position is transmitted via the translation arrangement against a mechanical stopper. Moreover, the translation arrangement is biased such that the translation arrangement must work against this bias in order to extend the pawls and release the flanged pipes (1, 2) coupled to each other.

When using oxygen gas pipes 3, situations can arise, in particular due to slag return and similar dangers, in which the operator must initiate safety measures. Slag return safety devices are known which, in such a case, ensure that the gas flow is stopped by melting a cap 35 of a heat sensor 5. The response of this outlet valve 6 of the slag return safety device can be recognized, for example, by the fact that the inlet pressure of the existing oxygen gas 4 is used to push pins 21 located in the wall 19 of the oxygen gas pipe 3 beyond the outside 27 of the oxygen gas pipe 3, so that they cannot be overlooked as a warning signal. The movement of the pins 21 can be used to activate further signal systems 30 in order to provide additional indications of this movement optically and/or acoustically.

An oxygen lance assembly that is at least capable of moving towards or away from the object to be lanced, said assembly including a supply of gaseous oxygen and metallic tubing wherein the oxygen supply is continuously feed through the said tubing when the lance is in use, and the said lance assembly includes a reel, and the said metallic tubing is coiled upon and carried by the said reel, and when in use, the metallic tubing is continuously uncoiled from the said reel as the said metallic tubing is consumed during use.

A refractory-lined equipment includes a vessel defining an interior at least partially lined with a refractory material, and a nozzle assembly coupled to the vessel and extending into the interior. The nozzle assembly includes an outer sleeve fixed to the sidewall and extending through an aperture defined in the sidewall, the outer sleeve defining a central passageway, and a nozzle cartridge assembly positionable within the central passageway and including an inner sleeve, a refractory lining disposed about the inner sleeve, and a nozzle positioned within the inner sleeve. The nozzle cartridge assembly is removably coupled to the outer sleeve external to the vessel.

A telescoping thermal lance assembly including a housing with an oxygen inlet port. An extension tube disposed in the housing. The extension tube having a cylindrical interior cavity. The extension tube configured to slide at least partially out of the housing when pressurized oxygen is channeled into the inlet port. A cylindrical lance tube is located within the interior cavity of the extension tube and slides partially out of the extension tube when pressurized oxygen is channeled into the housing. A slice rod is located within the lance tube. A cap is attached to the top of the extension tube and spaced apart from the tip of the lance tube. A tubular blow-out preventer sleeve is located between the cap and the top of the lance tube and has an outer diameter less than the inner diameter of the extension tube.

A telescoping thermal lance assembly including a housing with an oxygen inlet port. An extension tube disposed in the housing. The extension tube having a cylindrical interior cavity. The extension tube configured to slide at least partially out of the housing when pressurized oxygen is channeled into the inlet port. A cylindrical lance tube is located within the interior cavity of the extension tube and slides partially out of the extension tube when pressurized oxygen is channeled into the housing. A slice rod is located within the lance tube. A cap is attached to the top of the extension tube and spaced apart from the tip of the lance tube. A gas turbine assembly attached above the cap and including a turbine and a plurality of blades that rotationally drive the turbine, rotation of the turbine generating a spark in the igniter section.

A method of operating a top submerged lance furnace, and more particularly but not exclusively to a method of coating an end of a lance of a top submerged lance furnace with a slag layer, as well as a method of maintaining a uniform heat distribution about the periphery of the lance of the top submerged lance furnace. In terms of the method, the lance is caused to rotate, and a fluid is passed through the lance before it is inserted into the molten material bath inside the crucible.

Methods for controlling the position of a lance supplying oxygen to a furnace containing a bath of molten metal. The methods include the steps of continuously detecting actual conditions associated with the furnace, continuously comparing the actual conditions to target parameters corresponding to the actual conditions, and continuously adjusting the position of the lance with respect to the furnace based on the comparison of the actual conditions to the target parameters.

The present invention preferably comprises a system and method for operating and/or positioning a lance and nozzle assembly relative to a molten metal bath in a vessel. Specifically, at least one temperature sensor is provided proximate a tip of the lance and nozzle assembly and at least one temperature sensor is provided on or in the vessel. A processing unit is configured to receive at least one signal from each of the temperature sensors, process the signals to determine the active position of the lance and nozzle assembly relative to the metal bath, and move the lance and nozzle assembly to a preferred position the corresponds to a stage of operation in the vessel.

A telescoping thermal lance assembly including a housing with an oxygen inlet port. An extension tube disposed in the housing. The extension tube having a cylindrical interior cavity. The extension tube configured to slide at least partially out of the housing when pressurized oxygen is channeled into the inlet port. A cylindrical lance tube is located within the interior cavity of the extension tube and slides partially out of the extension tube when pressurized oxygen is channeled into the housing. A slice rod is located within the lance tube. A cap is attached to the top of the extension tube and spaced apart from the tip of the lance tube. A gas turbine assembly attached above the cap and including a turbine and a plurality of blades that rotationally drive the turbine, rotation of the turbine generating a spark in the igniter section.