S.O.S – Slide Gate Opening System:

For the opening of slide gate blockages during the continuous casting process of high steel grades, was developed a new pneumatic slide gate opening system called S.O.S., which can be used with any gas available on the casting platform, like argon, nitrogen or compressed air. This procedure prevents the exposure of the liquid steel to oxygen. It increases work safety and steel quality because the release is achieved while the shroud tube is in pressed-on condition. S.O.S is suitable for open and submerged casting.

The slide gate opening systems are simple mechanical devices, which open casting channels in a short time. They reduce the hazardous and time-consuming oxygen lancing of the slide gate. This is how the systems increase work safety and save time by guaranteeing high steel quality at the same time.

New is, that S.O.S. only works with gas pressure and does not contain a propelling charge. This is why any gas can be used, that is available on the casting platform, be it compressed air or CO2 with a pressure of up to 6 bar; nitrogen or argon with a pressure of up to 15 bar are also usable.

If the slide gate is clogged, the shroud tube is detached and the S.O.S. is inserted in the shroud tube. Flexible fastening claws are fixing it automatically in the right position. After the shroud tube is pressed on to the collector nozzle in casting position, the operator connects the power gas supply to the attachment of the adapter. The system is easy and safe to operate since the hose connection is outside of the tundish.
After opening the gas supply, the gas pressure builds up inside the inner rod and catapults the cartridge located inside, upwards with a force of up to 350 N, when the predefined pressure is reached. It penetrates the clogging – the casting channel is open.

Since the shroud tube at this time is already in casting position, the liquid steel is not exposed to oxygen. The S.O.S-P with all its components is completely dissolved after the start of casting in the liquid steel.