Equipment for applying a lining composition in the form of dry particulate material to form a working lining on the permanent refractory lining of a tundish

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a facility for applying a lining composition in the form of dry particulate material (2p) to form a working lining (2s) on the surface of the internal space within a tundish (1), where, in a spatial reference system (X, Y, Z), advantageously, X⊥Y⊥Z, X is the longitudinal axis, Y is the transverse axis, and Z is the vertical axis. The facility includes: a support frame (41× - 41z) defining a loading area; a tank (21) having a tank outlet (21o) configured to store a certain amount of dry particulate material (2p) and coupled to a metering unit (25) having a dispensing outlet (25o); a dispensing unit (22) configured to be coupled to the dispensing outlet (25o) and to dispense the dry particulate material metered by the metering unit; a plunger (11) provided with a peripheral gap (111) of a gap width (g) between the plunger (11) and the peripheral wall (1w) of the tundish and configured to fit into the internal space; a longitudinal translation mechanism (31x) configured to hold and translate the dispensing outlet (25o) along the longitudinal axis (X); a transverse translation mechanism (31y) configured to receive the tundish (1) and to translate the tundish (1) in and out of the loading area along the transverse axis (Y); and a lifting and lowering translation mechanism (31z) configured to hold the plunger (11) and to translate the plunger along the vertical axis (Z) in and out of the internal space when the tundish is positioned within the loading area.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a tundish used in a metal forming process, and more particularly to equipment for automatically or semi-automatically applying a work lining to the inner wall of a tundish.

Background Art

[0002] In a continuous metal forming process, a molten metal is transferred from one metallurgical vessel to another metallurgical vessel, a mold, or a machine tool. For example, a ladle is filled with molten metal from a furnace and driven over a tundish to discharge the molten metal from the ladle into the tundish, generally through a ladle shroud. Next, the molten metal is cast from the tundish outlet into a mold or a machine tool through an injection nozzle, and slabs, billets, beams, and thin slabs can be continuously formed. The flow of molten metal from the ladle to the tundish and from the tundish to the mold or machine tool is driven by gravity. The flow rate can be controlled by a slide gate that is in fluid communication with the outlet of the ladle or the tundish. The ladle slide gate can be used to control the flow rate from the ladle and further interrupt the flow in a closed position. Similarly, the tundish slide gate can be used to control the flow rate from the tundish and interrupt the flow in a closed position. In many cases, the flow rate from the tundish is controlled by a stopper instead of a slide gate.

[0003] Since the casting of metal into a mold or a machine tool is carried out continuously, the tundish serves as a buffer, and the liquid level of the molten metal in the tundish must be substantially constant throughout the casting operation. However, the liquid level of the molten metal in the tundish drops while an empty ladle is being replaced by a new ladle filled with molten metal. The outflow from the tundish is maintained substantially constant by (1) shortening the ladle replacement time and (2) controlling the orifice of the tundish outlet by means of a stopper or a slide gate. The surface of the molten metal in the tundish is covered with a layer of slag that protects the molten metal from oxidation and concentrates the impurities that may be present in the molten metal. Slag is generally considered to be quite corrosive to the refractory lining.

[0004] During continuous casting, in order to prevent slag from flowing into the mold, a volume of metal is left in the tundish at the end of the casting sequence. This volume is called a skull and needs to be removed when the tundish is refurbished for a new casting operation. The removal of the skull is called descaling. Since the skull generally adheres to the working lining, if the adhesion between the working lining and the permanent refractory is too strong, descaling may damage the permanent refractory layer. Devices for descaling the tundish are described, for example, in KR20000030056.

[0005] There are two main techniques for applying a work lining (2s) to the peripheral wall and the floor of the tundish: spray lining and dry vibratory lining.

[0006] Spray lining consists of spraying an aqueous slurry containing particles and a binder. Spraying can be done manually, which is labor-intensive and the reproducibility is not guaranteed. Or, for example, it can be done by a robot, as described in U.S. Patent No. 4,908,234, which guarantees better reproducibility and reduces health risks. The advantage of wet spraying is that it enables lining of complex geometric shapes, including existing tundish fixtures such as weirs, dams, baffles, injection pads, etc. The main inconvenience of this technique is that water has to be removed from the sprayed slurry after spraying, which is time-consuming and energy-consuming, and the surface quality of the lining is not as smooth as desired.

[0007] Dry vibratory lining uses a powder that flows freely without adding water. A "plunger", sometimes called a "mandrel" or "former", which has a geometry that matches the geometry of the internal space of the tundish to be lined, is inserted into the internal space leaving a gap between the plunger and the floor and the peripheral wall of the internal space. The gap between the plunger and the tundish is filled with the freely flowing powder. In some cases, the plunger is configured to vibrate, thus enhancing the flow of the powder. The powder can be set and the plunger removed. Two main types of powder systems are used: cold-set powders and heat-set powders.

[0008] Before filling the gap, the cold-set powder is mixed with a binder and a curing agent. The lining can be cured at room temperature. As its name indicates, heat-set powder requires heat to set. The setting temperature can be on the order of 150 - 350 °C and the heat can be provided by heating the plunger or the tundish. WO17187013 describes the setting of work lining using microwave energy. Cold-set and heat-set powders are well-known in the art and do not need to be further defined herein. Both cold-set compositions and heat-set compositions typically contain specific amounts of MgO, Al 2 O3 It can contain dolomite, olivine, dunite, or a combination thereof. The heat-set composition can include a binder selected from any one of phenol resin, sugar (e.g., glucose or dextrose), sodium silicate, sodium phosphate, boric acid, glass powder, or any combination thereof. The cold-set composition also has a binder that is generally liquid at room temperature, for example, including liquid sodium silicate and a catalyst.

[0009] The dry vibraning technology has been found to bring beneficial effects to steel quality, enhance corrosion resistance, and thus result in a smoother finish of the work lining, improving the service life of the work lining. Due to the absence of moisture, less hydrogen is picked up by the steel during casting. The adhesion between the work lining (2s) and the permanent refractory (3r) is lower than that of spraying, ensuring good descaling. The main inconvenience is that a specific plunger is dedicated to a single tundish shape. When metallurgical plants use tundishes of different geometries, a specific plunger is required for each tundish geometry. Furthermore, handling the plunger requires a crane system for inserting the plunger into the internal space and removing it after the work lining is set.

[0010] Embodiments of the present invention mainly relate to only the dry vibraning technology. The gap can be manually filled with powder by a human operator. This operation is labor-intensive, and solutions have been proposed to automate the operation partially or completely.

[0011] WO2005009643 describes an apparatus for forming a uniform lining of refractory material within the interior of a coreless furnace, comprising a plunger and a carrier attachable to the plunger. The carrier has a conical upper surface with an outer diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the lining form. By pouring particulate refractory material onto the conical upper surface, the particulate refractory material is directed towards the gap between the plunger and the furnace. This technique is adapted for furnaces having a substantially cylindrical shape and is not suitable for application to tundishes that are elongated in shape, having a length-to-width aspect ratio (L / W) greater than 2 (L / W > 2), generally greater than 3, and further greater than 4 or 5.

[0012] WO9918244 describes a facility for filling the gap between a tundish and a plunger with a lining composition in the form of dry particulate material by dropping the particulate material in a single mass into the gap. For this purpose, the "installation device" is designed to have an outlet running along the entire circumference of the gap. This solution automates the lining operation but requires substantial equipment, including formers, and a customized installation device for each specific tundish shape.

[0013] Similarly, WO2005020264 describes a device for lining a tundish comprising a screw conveyor extending along the entire length of a gap formed along two longitudinal walls of the tundish. The screw conveyor is provided with an opening extending along the entire length of the corresponding gap. This solution is not satisfactory for filling gaps along the transverse walls defining the width of the tundish and furthermore appears to be limited to substantially rectangular tundishes. Again, a customized screw conveyor is typically required for lining each specific tundish shape.

[0014] The currently available solutions for automating the lining of tundishes by filling the gap with particulate material lack flexibility in that one facility cannot be used for lining tundishes of different shapes. In addition to the plunger, the equipment required to automate the lining needs to be dedicated to a specific tundish shape. Therefore, there is still a need for equipment for automatically and reproducibly applying the lining composition in the form of dry particulate material to the gap formed between the tundish and the plunger, which is suitable for various tundish shapes. Embodiments of the present invention propose such equipment. These and other advantages are described in detail in the following sections.

Summary of the Invention

[0015] The appended independent claims define various embodiments of the present invention. The dependent claims define some additional embodiments. Specifically, various embodiments of the present invention relate to an apparatus for applying a lining composition in the form of dry particulate material to form a working lining on the surface of the internal space of a tundish. A 3D spatial reference system (X, Y, Z) is defined, where X is the longitudinal axis, Y is the transverse axis, the longitudinal axis X and the transverse axis Y are non-parallel coplanar axes that define a horizontal plane (X, Y), and Z is a vertical axis perpendicular to the horizontal plane (X, Y). In this 3D spatial reference system, the longitudinal axis X and the transverse axis Y are preferably perpendicular. Alternatively, they can form an angle different from 90°. Such a non-perpendicular configuration of the longitudinal axis X and the transverse axis Y can be of practical interest specifically when the apparatus is configured to apply the lining composition to a tundish having adjacent walls that are non-perpendicular (such as a tundish whose horizontal cross-section has a trapezoidal, parallelogram, or triangular shape). The tundish has a longitudinal dimension (x1) measured along the longitudinal axis (X), a height (z1) measured along the vertical axis (Z), and a transverse dimension (y1) measured along the transverse axis (Y), and includes a floor defining an internal space and a peripheral wall. The apparatus includes a support frame, a tank, one or more dispensing units, a plunger, and longitudinal translation mechanisms, transverse translation mechanisms, and lifting and lowering translation mechanisms for partially or fully automating the coating of the surface of the internal space of the tundish with the working lining.

[0016] The support frame defines a loading area having a width measured along the longitudinal axis (X) that is greater than the longitudinal dimension (x1) of the tundish and a height that is greater than the height (z1) of the tundish.

[0017] The tank is configured to store an amount of dry particulate material and is preferably sufficient to coat the surface of the tundish without replenishing the tank. The tank includes a tank outlet coupled to a metering unit configured to meter a predetermined amount of dry particulate material and convey it to a dispensing outlet.

[0018] One or more dispensing units include a dispensing head and are configured to be reversibly coupled to a dispensing outlet. The dispensing head includes one or more openings configured to dispense the dry particulate material metered by the metering unit.

[0019] The plunger is configured to fit into the internal space by providing a peripheral gap, a floor gap between the plunger and the floor and a gap width (g) between the plunger and the peripheral wall of the tundish, corresponding to the desired thickness of the work lining.

[0020] The longitudinal translation mechanism is configured to hold the dispensing outlet and translate it along the longitudinal axis (X) over a distance greater than or equal to the longitudinal dimension (x1) of the tundish, with the dispensing outlet positioned above the height (z1) of the tundish. The lateral translation mechanism is configured to receive the tundish and translate it into and out of the loading area along the lateral axis (Y). Finally, the vertical translation mechanism is supported by a support frame and is configured to reversibly hold the plunger and translate the plunger into and out of the internal space in a direction having a component parallel to the vertical axis (Z) when the tundish is positioned within the loading area.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the equipment is · a metering unit, · longitudinal translation of the dispensing opening by the longitudinal translation mechanism, · lateral translation of the tundish by the lateral translation mechanism, and · preferably, one or more of the vertical translation of the plunger by the vertical translation mechanism are controlled and optionally synchronized. Synchronization is configured to fill, on the one hand, the floor gap between the plunger and the floor and, on the other hand, the peripheral gap between the plunger and the peripheral wall of the tundish when the plunger is within the internal space.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the equipment also comprises a lateral dispensing mechanism configured to translate the dispensing outlet laterally (Δy) over a distance at least equal to the lateral dimension (y1) of the tundish.

[0023] The metering unit can comprise an Archimedean screw with an inlet coupled to the tank outlet and an outlet which is the dispensing outlet. The longitudinal translation mechanism is preferably configured to move the tank and the metering unit together with the dispensing outlet.

[0024] The installation preferably comprises a rack for storing one or more dispensing units with different dispensing heads. For example, the dispensing head includes a floor dispensing head, and the floor dispensing head comprises one or more openings having a length of at least 50% of the width of the floor, which openings are formed by combining elongated slits, and preferably, the particulate material is dispensed as follows. · When the longitudinal dimension (x1) of the tundish is greater than the lateral dimension (y1) of the tundish, a single longitudinal translation (Δx) of the dispensing outlet, or · When the longitudinal dimension (x1) of the tundish (1) is shorter than the lateral dimension (y1) of the tundish, a single lateral translation (Δy) of the tundish (1), or When the equipment includes the lateral dispensing mechanism (31dy) according to claim 5, and when the longitudinal dimension (x1) of the tundish is shorter than the lateral dimension (y1) of the tundish, in any one of the single lateral translations (Δy) of the dispensing outlet (25o), it is configured to form a bed of particulate material over the entire area of the floor.

[0025] The dispensing head also comprises an opening having a maximum dimension along at least one of the longitudinal axis and the lateral axis (X, Y), the opening not exceeding the gap width (g) of the surrounding gap, and the opening being preferably orientable, and comprises a wall dispensing head.

[0026] The dispensing unit can comprise a tubular part having a length that can be varied along the longitudinal direction.

[0027] To further automate, preferably fully automate, the coating operation, the facility preferably comprises a robot configured to couple the dispensing unit to the dispensing outlet, decouple it from the dispensing outlet, preferably select one of the one or more dispensing units, remove it from the rack, and store it in the rack after decoupling the dispensing unit from the dispensing outlet. In a preferred embodiment, the robot is attached to a robot translation mechanism configured to translate the robot along the longitudinal direction (X) or the transverse direction (Y). The translational movement of the robot is preferably synchronized with the translational movement (Δx, Δy) of the dispensing outlet. The robot can be configured to hold and retain the dispensing unit coupled to the dispensing outlet during the translational movement (Δx, Δy) of the dispensing outlet.

[0028] In one embodiment, the longitudinal translation mechanism (Δx) of the dispensing outlet comprises a tubular part having a length that can vary along a component parallel to the longitudinal axis (X), such as a telescopic tubular part, which in this specification is the width of the tundish and is at least equal to the longitudinal dimension (x1) of the tundish, shorter than the transverse dimension (y1) (i.e., x1 < y1), enabling the longitudinal translation of the dispensing outlet over a distance.

[0029] The transverse translation mechanism can comprise two rails extending along the transverse axis (Y) and a carriage mounted on the rails and attached to a bearing or wheel configured to receive the tundish. A first centering element is preferably fixed to the carriage, and a second centering element (5) is fixed to the tundish. The first and second elements include male elements that fit into female elements when vertically translating the tundish on the carriage to center the tundish on the carriage and ensure reproducibility of the position of the tundish relative to the carriage.

[0030] The equipment may comprise an alignment system that ensures that the plunger fits into the internal space leaving a surrounding gap of a defined gap width (g), the alignment system comprising a first element fixed to the plunger and a second element fixed to the tundish, the first and second elements including male elements that fit into female elements when the plunger is translated vertically into the internal space. The plunger may comprise a heating element that accelerates the solidification of the particulate material to form a work lining. This is particularly useful for heat-set powders.

[0031] The present invention also relates to a method of forming a work lining on the surface of an internal space within a tundish, the internal space being defined by a floor and a peripheral wall having a longitudinal dimension (x1) measured along a longitudinal axis (X), a height (z1) measured along a vertical axis (Z), and a lateral dimension (y1) measured along a lateral axis (Y), and advantageously X⊥Y⊥Z. The method includes the following steps. · Providing equipment as defined above; · Filling the tank with a quantity of coating composition in the form of dry particulate material (2p), the dispensing outlet being in a first position (X1) along the longitudinal axis; · Loading the plunger into a lifting and translating mechanism and translating the plunger to an upper vertical position (Z0) higher than the height (z1) of the tundish along a direction including a component parallel to the vertical axis (Z) (Δz); · Loading the tundish into a lateral translation mechanism and translating the tundish to a first lateral position (Y1) below and aligned with the dispensing outlet along the lateral axis (Y) (Δy); · Connecting the dispensing unit to the dispensing outlet; · Metering the coating composition and supplying it to the dispensing outlet at a controlled flow rate, 〇 Translating the dispensing outlet longitudinally along the longitudinal axis (X) (Δx), or 〇 Translating the tundish laterally along the lateral axis (Y) (Δy), or By laterally translating the dispensing outlet along the lateral axis (Y) (Δy), dispensing the particulate material and thus forming a bed of particulate material on the surface of the floor of the internal space; · laterally translating the tundish (Δy) along the lateral axis (Y) into the loading area to a second lateral position (Y2) below and aligned with the plunger; · translating the plunger (Δz) into the internal space along the lifting direction including a component parallel to the vertical axis (Z) to a bottom position (Z1) until the plunger rests on the bed of particulate material and forms a peripheral gap of gap width (g) with the peripheral wall of the tundish; · aligning the outlet of a dispensing unit, which may be the same as or different from the above dispensing unit, with a point of the peripheral gap; · metering the coating composition and supplying it to the dispensing outlet at a controlled flow rate; Longitudinal translation by longitudinally translating the dispensing outlet (25o) along the longitudinal axis (X) (Δx), and Lateral translation by any of the following: · laterally translating the tundish along the lateral axis (Y) (Δy), or · laterally translating the dispensing outlet along the lateral axis (Y) (Δy), In a synchronized combination, dispensing the particulate material and driving the outlet of the dispensing unit along the entire periphery of the peripheral gap to fill the peripheral gap with the particulate material; · thus enabling the coating composition to fill the floor gap and the peripheral gap between the plunger and the floor and the peripheral wall of the tundish and solidify to form a work lining (2s); · laterally translating the tundish (Δy) along the lateral axis (Y) to a second position (Y2); · coupling the plunger to a lifting and translating mechanism and lifting the plunger along the lifting direction to an upper position (Z0) to remove the plunger from the internal space.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0032] To more fully understand the nature of the present disclosure, reference is made to the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] Embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus or facility for automatically and reproducibly applying a lining composition in the form of a dry particulate material to the gap formed between the tundish and the plunger, which is suitable for various tundish shapes.

[0034] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a facility for automatically or semi-automatically applying a working lining to the inner wall of a tundish by weighing a dry particulate material and filling the gap formed between the inner wall and the plunger. This facility can be used to apply a working lining to tundishes with a wide variety of geometries using simple reprogramming of the controller and provision of a plunger with the corresponding geometry. Embodiments of the present invention relate to the driver vibration lining technique.

[0035] As shown in FIGS. 15(a) and 15(b), the tundish is formed from an outer metal container (1m), the inner wall of which is lined with an insulating layer and a refractory layer (3i, 3r). The molten metal is at a high temperature, and specifically, since the slag is aggressive towards the refractory layer (3r), the latter needs to be protected to extend their service life. The pre-formed board was originally used for this purpose but was soon replaced by the application of a working lining (2s). The working lining may improve the heat insulation.

[0036] Embodiments of the present invention relate to an apparatus for applying a lining composition in the form of dry particulate material (2p) to form a (2s) on the surface of the internal space of a tundish (1). Since cold set powders generally require the presence of a liquid binder, the expression "dry particulate material" is used herein to refer to a particulate material containing 7 wt% or less, preferably 5 wt% or less of water in liquid form. As shown in FIGS. 15(a) and 15(b), the tundish (1) comprises a floor (1f) defining an internal space and a peripheral wall (1w). The surface to be lined can be only a part of the area of the floor (1f) and / or the peripheral wall (1w), but generally the entire area of the internal space is coated with a working lining (2s). The apparatus · a support frame (41x to 41z), and · a tank (21) for storing the dry particulate material (2p), and · a dispensing unit (22) coupled to the tank (21), and · a plunger (11), and · a translational movement system comprising 〇 a longitudinal translational movement (31x) for translating the dispensing outlet (25o) along the longitudinal axis (X), 〇 a lateral translational movement mechanism (31y) for translating the tundish (1) along the lateral axis (Y), and 〇 a lifting and lowering translational movement mechanism (31z) for translating the plunger along a direction having a component parallel to the vertical axis (Z).

[0037] The apparatus may further comprise · a metering unit (25), · the longitudinal translational movement of the dispensing outlet (25o) by the longitudinal translational movement mechanism (31x), · the lateral translational movement of the tundish (1) by the lateral translational movement mechanism (31y), and · optionally, a controller configured to control and synchronize the lifting and lowering translational movement of the plunger (11) by the lifting and lowering translational movement mechanism (31z).

[0038] The tundish (1) The tundish is an elongated refractory-lined container that defines an internal space formed by a peripheral wall (1w) and a floor (1f). The tundish generally receives one or more outlet portions provided with an injection pad (not shown) at the inlet portion of the tundish and an outlet provided with a slide gate or a stopper rod for controlling the flow of the molten metal injected from the tundish and the molten metal from the tundish to the corresponding mold.

[0039] As shown in FIGS. 15(a) and 15(b), the tundish comprises a metal casing (1m) that forms an internal space defining the geometry of the tundish. An insulating layer (3i) is usually applied between the metal casing and a permanent refractory layer (3r) formed of refractory bricks.

[0040] The tundish (1) has a longitudinal dimension (x1) measured along the longitudinal axis (X), a height (z1) measured along the vertical axis (Z), and a transverse dimension (y1) measured along the transverse axis (Y) in a three-dimensional spatial reference system (X, Y, Z), and preferably X⊥Y⊥Z, where X is the longitudinal axis, Y is the transverse axis, and Z is the vertical axis. When the longitudinal dimension (x1) of the tundish is greater than the transverse dimension (y1), as shown in FIG. 17(e), the longitudinal dimension (x1) defines the length of the tundish (1) aligned with the longitudinal axis (X). Conversely, when the longitudinal dimension (x1) of the tundish is shorter than the transverse dimension (y1), as shown in FIG. 20(e), the longitudinal dimension (x1) defines the width of the tundish, and the tundish is rotated 90° with respect to the previous configuration to align its length with the transverse axis (Y).

[0041] For clarity, most of the figures depict a rectangular tundish. However, embodiments of the present invention can be used to line tundishes having more complex geometries, as shown, for example, in FIG. 25 showing a gable-shaped tundish geometry. Thanks to the translational movement system described herein, tundishes having any geometry can be automatically processed by the equipment of the various embodiments of the present invention simply by controlling the synchronization between the dispensing outlet (25o) and optionally the longitudinal and lateral translational movements of the tundish (1).

[0042] Support frames (41x to 41z) The support frames (41x to 41z) define a loading area having a width measured along the longitudinal axis (X) that is greater than the longitudinal dimension (x1) of the tundish and a height that is greater than the height (z1) of the tundish (1). As shown in FIGS. 1 to 12, the support frame may include columns or girts (41z) for supporting the superstructure. When the translational movement system includes lifting rails (33dx) for translating the dispensing outlet (25o) along the longitudinal axis (X) and optionally along the lateral axis (Y), the superstructure may include beams or girders configured to support the lifting rails (34x, 34dy). FIGS. 1(a), 13(a), 13(b), and 14(a) to 14(c) show a horizontal truss (41x) aligned along the longitudinal axis (X) support rail (34x) belonging to the longitudinal translational movement mechanism (31x). FIGS. 20(b) to 23(b) show a horizontal girder or truss (41y) aligned along the lateral axis (Y) that supports the lifting rail (34dy) belonging to the lateral dispensing translational movement mechanism (31dy) configured to translate the dispensing outlet along the lateral direction (Δy), which will be described in more detail later. As shown in FIG. 13(a), the girder must be strong enough to support the weight of the tank (21) and optionally the robot (26).

[0043] The support frame (41x~41z) is also configured to support a lifting and translational mechanism (31z) for supporting the plunger (11) at an upper vertical position (Z0) higher than the height (z1) of the tundish. The width of the loading area depends on the number of different shapes of tundishes processed in the same workshop and the preferred orientation of the tundish when introducing the tundish through the loading area. As shown in FIG. 17(e), in the front orientation defined by x1>y1, the width of the loading area is larger than the length of the tundish (1), while, as shown in FIG. 20(e), in the lateral direction (i.e., y1>x1), the width of the loading area is larger than the width of the tundish (1).

[0044] Embodiments of the present invention are not limited to any particular structure of the support frame, and beams, girders, and trusses can be used indiscriminately, using metal or concrete for the girders. As long as the support frame is suitable for supporting the load and the lifting rails (34x, 34dy) and the lifting and translational mechanism (31z), it is suitable for embodiments of the present invention.

[0045] plunger (11) As shown in FIG. 15(b), the plunger (11) is configured to fit into the internal space of the tundish by providing a peripheral gap (111) of the floor gap between the plunger (11) and the floor (1f) and the gap width (g) between the plunger (11) and the peripheral wall (1w) of the tundish corresponding to the desired thickness of the work lining (2s). For this reason, a given plunger (11) is generally dedicated to a tundish having a corresponding geometry. It is possible to design plunger modules that can be combined to form different shapes. However, the embodiments are not limited by the structure of the plunger, whether modular or not.

[0046] The plunger (11) has conventionally been made of metal and, as shown in Fig. 15(a), is generally hollow, regardless of the presence or absence of an internal reinforcement structure. However, the plunger can be made of any material containing a polymer, particularly in the case of cold-set powder formulations. As shown in Fig. 15(a), the plunger can comprise a heating element (11h) for driving the solidification of the heat-set particle material (2p) to form the work lining (2s). Since the plunger is raised and lowered along the vertical component by the lifting and translational mechanism (31z), an optional holding element (16) is provided as shown in Figs. 15(a) and 15(b). Although rings are shown in these figures, it is clear that any other geometry enabling the handling of the plunger (11) by the lifting and translational mechanism (31z) can be used in the framework of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0047] In an advantageous embodiment, an alignment system (4, 14) is provided for aligning the plunger with the internal space, leaving at least a peripheral gap (111) of a defined gap width (g). Since the permanent refractory layer (3r) can be locally thinned, for example, after removal of the used working layer (2s), the thickness (g) of the gap can vary locally between two lining operations. The exact positioning of the plunger ensures that the internal space always has the same dimensions and that the work lining (2s) always has a thickness of at least a predetermined value. As shown in Figs. 15(a) and 15(b), the alignment system can comprise alignment units, each alignment unit comprising a first element, such as a plunger element (14) fixed to the plunger (11), and a second element, such as a tundish element (4) fixed to the tundish (1). The first and second elements can be interchangeably provided with male elements that fit into female elements when the plunger is translated vertically into the internal space. To ensure proper alignment, two such alignment units are provided sufficiently at the diagonally opposite ends of the plunger (11) and the tundish (1). It is possible to provide more than two alignment systems, but this is not essential.

[0048] As shown in FIGS. 15(a), 15(c), and 15(d), the male element fixed to the plunger of FIG. 15(a) can comprise a rod ending in a free end that includes a protrusion such as a ball shape. The female element fixed to the middle part of FIG. 15(a) is in the shape of a box having an open face facing the male element, and forms an internal space surrounded by side walls. An opening (4i) for inserting the rod of the male element is provided in one of the side walls when the plunger is lowered into the internal space. The opening is optionally a funnel shaped to naturally guide the rod and thus guide the entire plunger to an appropriate position.

[0049] In some embodiments, the plunger is configured to vibrate when fitted into the internal space of the tundish to enhance the flow of dry powder particles through the peripheral gap (111). In some embodiments, various sensors and / or vision systems can be configured to detect where the plunger is located during equipment installation within the lifting and translational mechanism (31z), within the tundish (1), or within the lateral translational mechanism (31y). This feature of the equipment is interesting when restarting the various controllers within the equipment after an unexpected interruption of the power supply to the equipment, for example, in the case of a power outage.

[0050] Tank (21) and metering unit (25) The equipment comprises a tank (21) configured to store a certain amount of dry particulate material (2p). The tank (21) comprises a tank outlet (21o) coupled to a metering unit (25) configured to meter (or dose) a regulated amount of dry particulate material (2p) and convey it to a dispensing outlet (25o).

[0051] The tank is optionally supported by a support frame such that gravity can assist or further drive the dispensing of the dry particulate material so that the tank outlet (21o) and the dispensing outlet (25o) are located at a position higher than the tundish with respect to the vertical axis (Z).

[0052] The dispensing outlet (25o) is coupled to the longitudinal translation mechanism (31x). In one embodiment, shown in FIGS. 1-13, 14(a)-14(c), and 17-20, the longitudinal translation mechanism (31x) comprises a rail (34x) extending along the longitudinal axis (X), and the tank (21) is mounted on bearings or wheels (33) or the like such that the tank (21) can translate together with the dispensing outlet along the longitudinal axis (X).

[0053] In an alternative embodiment shown in FIGS. 14(d), 21, and 22, the tank (21) cannot translate along the longitudinal axis (X), and a tubular portion having a variable length, such as a telescopic tubular portion, is provided between the tank outlet (21o) and the dispensing outlet (25o) to enable longitudinal translation of the dispensing outlet (25o) over a distance at least equal to the longitudinal dimension (x1) of the tundish. This embodiment is particularly suitable when the tundish is presented to the installation in the transverse direction, i.e., when the longitudinal dimension (x1) defines the width of the tundish, and the width of the tundish is defined by a transverse dimension (y1) (i.e., y1 > x1) that is shorter than the length of the tundish that defines the length of the tundish.

[0054] In an advantageous embodiment, the dispensing outlet (25o) is also coupled to a dispensing lateral translation mechanism (31dy). Similar to the longitudinal translation mechanism (31x) described above, the dispensing lateral translation mechanism (31dy) can also include either a bearing or a wheel (33) and a rail (34dy), or various lengths of tubular portions, herein called variable-length tubular portions, including, for example, telescopic tubular portions or bellows. Also, as shown in FIGS. 19, 23, and 25, it can include rotation of the dispensing outlet (25o) around the tank outlet (21o). Both the longitudinal translation mechanism and the dispensing lateral translation mechanism (31x, 31dy) can include rails (34x, 34dy), but for simplicity, a rail / wheel translation system for one of the longitudinal translation mechanism and the dispensing lateral translation mechanism (31x, 31dy), optionally running along the length of the tundish (1), and a variable-length tubular portion for the other translation mechanism, optionally running along the width of the tundish, as shown in FIGS. 14(d) and 22, or a rotating dispensing outlet (25o), as shown in FIGS. 19, 23, and 25, can be advantageously combined.

[0055] FIGS. 14(a) - 14(d) show different embodiments of the metering unit (25). FIGS. 14(a) and 14(d) show a metering unit (25) with an Archimedean screw (25s) having an inlet coupled to the tank outlet (21o) and an outlet which is the dispensing outlet (25o). This embodiment is advantageous for enabling offsetting the dispensing outlet (25o) relative to the tank outlet (21o). As shown in FIG. 14(d), it is also suitable for providing a variable-length tubular portion downstream of the Archimedean screw (25s) for translating the dispensing outlet (25o) longitudinally or laterally, as described above.

[0056] Figure 14(b) shows an alternative metering unit (25) that includes vanes that rotate like a vane pump. This embodiment is very compact but allows for very accurate metering of the dry powder material (2p). Figure 14(c) shows a further simplified embodiment where the metering unit (25) is provided with a valve. By controlling the opening degree of the valve, the flow rate can be changed. This system is very simple but is prone to clogging and cannot perform as accurate metering as the Archimedean screw (25s) or the rotating vanes described above.

[0057] As shown in Figures 19(e), 23(e), and 25, when the tank outlet (21o) and the dispensing opening (25o) are offset on the plane (X, Y), the dispensing outlet (25o) can be rotatable about a vertical axis (Z) that advantageously passes through the tank outlet (21o). The rotation of the dispensing outlet (25o) about the vertical axis can contribute to the translational movement of the dispensing outlet (25o) along the longitudinal or transverse axis (X, Y).

[0058] The dispensing unit (22), which will be defined in more detail hereinafter, is coupled to the dispensing outlet (25o) and in some embodiments can rotate about a vertical axis (Z) passing through the dispensing outlet (25o). This is particularly advantageous for a dispensing unit (22) having an opening offset with respect to the dispensing outlet as a spout shown in Figure 16(c), such that when the dispensing outlet (25o) is translated with respect to the tundish (1), its opening is oriented in the peripheral gap (111). In the case of a rotational coupling between the dispensing outlet (25o) and the dispensing unit (22), the necessary mechanical drive and actuator can be integrated with the dispensing outlet (25o) in that they are not removed from the dispensing outlet (25o) when decoupling the dispensing unit (22) from the dispensing outlet (25o). Alternatively, the necessary mechanical drive and actuator can be integrated with the dispensing unit (22) in that they are an integral part of the dispensing unit (22) and are thus removed from the dispensing outlet (25o) while decoupling the dispensing unit (22).

[0059] Dispensing unit (22) The facility includes one or more dispensing units (22) configured to be reversibly coupled to a dispensing outlet (25o) and having a dispensing head (22f, 22w). The dispensing unit (22) includes a tubular portion coupled to the dispensing outlet (25o) at one end and to the dispensing head (22f, 22w) at the other end. The tubular portion is optionally substantially cylindrical and extends substantially vertically along a vertical axis (Z). Deviations from verticality of the tubular portion are not excluded, but in most cases the vertical direction is advantageous for taking advantage of gravity for dispensing particulate material.

[0060] The dispensing head includes one or more openings (22o) configured to dispense dry particulate material metered by a metering unit (25). Specifically, the dispensing unit (22) can include a floor dispensing head (22f) designed to pour dry particulate material (2p) onto the floor (1f) of the tundish, or a wall dispensing head (22w) configured to pour dry particulate material (2p) into a peripheral gap (111) defined between the plunger (11) and the peripheral wall (1w) of the tundish (1).

[0061] As shown in FIGS. 16(a) and 16(e), the floor dispensing head (22f) can include one or more openings (22o) that combine to form an elongated slit having a length (l) that is at least 50%, or even at least 75%, or advantageously nearly 100% of the width of the floor (1f). The floor dispensing head (22f) can combine a substantially cylindrical geometry for coupling to the tubular portion and flare out in the direction of the width of the floor (1f) of the tundish and taper in the direction of its length. The one or more openings (22o) are optionally, hereinafter, · When the longitudinal dimension (x1) of the tundish is greater than the transverse dimension (y1) of the tundish defining a front orientation as shown in FIG. 17(e) (i.e., x1>y1), one or more longitudinal translational movements (Δx) of the dispensing outlet (25o), or · When the longitudinal dimension (x1) of the tundish (1) is shorter than its transverse dimension (y1) that defines the transverse direction as shown in Fig. 20(e) (i.e., y1 > x1), one or more transverse translations (Δy) of the tundish (1), or · When the facility includes a transverse dispensing mechanism (31dy), and the longitudinal dimension (x1) of the tundish is shorter than its transverse dimension (y1) that defines the transverse direction as shown in Fig. 20(e) (i.e., y1 > x1), one or more transverse translations (Δy) of the dispensing outlet (25o) In one or more of the translational movements, the particulate material (2p) is configured to be dispensed so as to form a bed of particulate material of a desired thickness over the entire area of the floor (1f).

[0062] Alternatively, two or three passes may be required to deposit a bed of particulate material of a desired thickness over the entire area of the floor (1f).

[0063] To level the bed of particulate material poured through the floor dispensing head (22f), the latter can be provided with a scraping element (22r) that functions as a doctor blade downstream of the opening (22o) with respect to the displacement direction of the dispensing outlet (25o) relative to the tundish floor (1f). The scraping element (22r) can be a rigid or flexible blade having a free edge that can be smooth or toothed to form grooves like a cultivated field.

[0064] As shown in FIGS. 16(b) to 16(d), the wall dispensing head (22w) can include an opening (22o) having a maximum dimension along at least one of the longitudinal axis and the transverse axes (X, Y), and the opening (22o) does not exceed the gap width (g) of the surrounding gap (111). As shown in FIG. 16(b), the opening (22o) is coaxial with the tubular portion of the dispensing unit (22) and, optionally, can be substantially parallel to the vertical axis (Z). In the advantageous embodiment shown in FIG. 16(c), the opening forms a spout offset from the vertical axis (Z) of the tubular portion of the dispensing unit (22). This allows for easier and more accurate positioning of the opening (22o) over the surrounding gap (111), taking into account the obstacles that the plunger can create. The orientation of the spout can be easily and accurately changed by rotating the dispensing unit (22) or a part thereof about a vertical axis (Z) coaxial with its tubular portion. In the alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 16(d), the opening (22o) of the dispensing unit (22) can be orientable, for example, by a bellows (22b).

[0065] The floor (1f) and, to a lesser extent, the peripheral edge of the tundish (1) are not necessarily flat, as shown, for example, in FIG. 24, showing a tundish whose floor (1f) includes a step between two substantially flat sections. To maintain the opening (22o) of the floor dispensing head (22f) at a substantially constant distance from the floor (1f), the dispensing unit (22) can include a mechanism configured to vary the length of its tubular portion along an extension direction that includes a component parallel to the vertical axis (Z). The length of the tubular portion can be varied, for example, as shown in FIGS. 16(e) and 24, by including a telescopic system with a fixed tubular section coupled to the dispensing opening (25o) and a movable tubular portion coupled to the dispensing head. Alternatively, the movable tubular section can be coupled to the fixed tubular portion via a bellows (22b), as shown in FIG. 16(d). The movement of the movable tubular portion can be controlled by a motor or by a robot (26) that holds the dispensing unit (22) and follows it during its displacement.

[0066] The dispensing unit (22) can be rigidly fixed to the dispensing opening (25o) by a fixed fixture. Alternatively, it can be held at a position coupled by a robot (26) as will be described later.

[0067] As shown in FIGS. 13(a) and 13(b), different dispensing units (22) having tubular portions of different lengths and different dispensing heads (22f, 22w) can be stored in a usable rack (23).

[0068] Lateral translation mechanism (31y) The lateral translation mechanism (31y) is configured to receive the tundish (1) and translate the tundish (1) in and out of the loading area along the lateral axis (Y). The lateral translation mechanism (31y) may be useful to enable the dispensing unit (22) to follow the entire perimeter of the peripheral gap (111), but not necessarily so. In its simplest form, the lateral translation mechanism (31y) is configured to laterally translate the tundish (1) from a loading position (Y0) separated from the support frame into the loading area and to a second lateral position (Y2) below and aligned with the plunger (11). In some embodiments, the lateral translation mechanism (31y) is also configured to laterally translate the tundish to a first lateral position (Y1) below and aligned with the dispensing outlet (25o) before translating the dispensing outlet (25o) to the second position (Y2). In still further embodiments, the lateral translation mechanism (31y) can contribute to the lateral component of the relative movement of the dispensing outlet (25o) and the peripheral gap (111).

[0069] As shown in Fig. 15(a), the lateral translation mechanism (31y) optionally comprises a carriage (36) attached to either a wheel (33) or a bearing mounted on a rail (34ty) extending along the lateral axis (Y). Alternatively, the lateral translation mechanism (31y) may comprise a roller bearing or a ball bearing, or a conveyor belt, etc. The carriage can be electrically or coupled to a chain or cable system to drive its lateral translation. To ensure reproducible positioning of the tundish on the carriage centering element (35), it can be fixed at different points on the carriage, and a second centering element (5) can be fixed to the corresponding points on the tundish. For example, in the case of a rectangular tundish, four second centering elements (5) can be distributed near the four corners of the tundish (1). Any other configuration can be applied to guarantee reproducible positioning of the plunger within the internal space. The first element and the second element include male elements that fit into female elements when the tundish is translated vertically onto the carriage (36) to center the tundish on the carriage (36) and ensure reproducibility of the position of the tundish relative to the carriage (36). In Figs. 13(a), 13(b), and 15(a), the first centering element (35) is a male element formed by a rod. Optionally, it is attached to a suspension system that suppresses the vibration of the tundish. This is particularly advantageous when the plunger can vibrate. For accurate positioning of the tundish at different lateral positions (Y0, Y1, Y2), the lateral translation mechanism (31y) can comprise a positioning system configured to determine the position of the movable part of the translation mechanism, such as the tundish (1) and / or the carriage (36), relative to a fixed reference frame associated with the support frames (41x - 41z).Such a positioning system can comprise various types of sensors, such as a feedback sensor attached to the mechanical drive of the lateral translation mechanism, or alternatively, an electromagnetic or ultrasonic distance detection sensor configured to directly measure the position of the tundish (1) or the carriage (36) relative to a fixed reference frame. The electromagnetic distance detection sensors include optical sensors such as laser rangefinders, lidars, and 3D cameras based on laser triangulation, time-of-flight, structured light, or computer stereo vision techniques. More broadly, such sensors can also be configured to implement machine vision techniques for monitoring and automatically controlling the operation of the lateral translation mechanism (31y). In addition to being configured to receive the tundish (1) and translate the tundish (1) along the lateral axis (Y) into and out of the loading area, the lateral translation mechanism (31y) may also be configured to receive the plunger (11) independently of the tundish (1). Such a feature of the lateral translation mechanism (31y) is advantageous in that it can translate the plunger (11) into and out of the loading area along the lateral axis (Y) without being mounted within the internal space of the tundish (1) so that various maintenance and / or cleaning operations can be performed on the plunger (11).

[0070] Vertical translation mechanism (31z) The vertical translation mechanism (31z) is supported by a support frame and is configured to reversibly hold the plunger (11) and translate the plunger (11) into and out of the internal space along a direction having a component parallel to the vertical axis (Z) when the tundish is positioned within the loading area. The vertical translation mechanism (31z) is dimensioned to support the weight of the plunger (11) and hold it at an upper vertical position (Z0) higher than the height (z1) of the tundish until the plunger (11) is inserted into the internal space of the tundish (1). Also, it is configured to remove the plunger from the internal space when the work lining (2s) is set.

[0071] The lifting and translational movement mechanism (31z) comprises a gripping element configured to grip the holding element (16) of the plunger (11) and translate the plunger vertically, and to hold the plunger in the upper vertical position (Z0). In an embodiment where the tundish is translated laterally when the plunger is positioned within the internal space, the gripping element is also configured to release the holding element (16) when the plunger is resting on the dry particulate material (2p) covering the floor (1f) of the tundish.

[0072] Any lifting and conversion mechanism (31z) suitable for performing the aforementioned tasks is suitable for embodiments of the present invention. Further, various sensors such as a feedback sensor attached to the mechanical drive of the lifting and translational movement mechanism (31z), or alternatively a distance detection sensor, can be configured to determine the vertical position of the plunger (11) translated by the lifting and translational movement mechanism (31z).

[0073] Longitudinal translational movement mechanism (31x) The longitudinal translational movement mechanism (31x) is configured to hold the dispensing outlet (25o) and translate it along the longitudinal axis (X) over a distance greater than or equal to the longitudinal dimension (x1) of the tundish (1), with the dispensing outlet (25o) positioned above the height (z1) of the tundish (1). The longitudinal translational movement mechanism (31x) is independent of the lateral translational movement mechanism and the lifting and translational movement mechanism (31y, 31z). The longitudinal translational movement mechanism (31x) can comprise one of the following systems. In all cases, the tank is maintained above the tundish along the vertical axis (Z) to take advantage of gravity to assist in dispensing. · The tank (21) is mounted on a bearing or wheel (33) that rolls on a rail (34x) extending along the longitudinal axis (X), as illustrated in FIGS. 1-13, 14(a)-14(c), 17-20, and 24, or · For example, a variable-length tubular portion such as a telescopic tubular portion extends along the longitudinal axis (X) between the tank outlet (21o) and the dispensing outlet (25o). Since the aspect ratio (L / W) of the length and width of the tundish is greater than 2 (L / W > 2), generally greater than 3, and further greater than 4 or 5, this embodiment is advantageous when the longitudinal dimension (x1) of the tundish is shorter than the lateral dimension (y1) (i.e., x1 = width < y1 = length). This embodiment is shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, or · As shown in FIG. 23, the dispensing outlet (25o) and the tank outlet (21o) are offset on the plane (X, Y), and the dispensing outlet can advantageously rotate about a vertical axis (Z) passing through the tank outlet (21o). Regarding the variable tubular portion, this embodiment is applicable when the longitudinal dimension (x1) of the tundish is shorter than the lateral dimension (y1) (i.e., x1 = width < y1 = length), or · As shown in FIG. 25, a combination of two or three of the aforementioned three systems.

[0074] The longitudinal translation mechanism (31x) optionally includes a system based on a bearing or wheel (33) that rolls on a rail (34x) extending along the longitudinal axis (X) when the tundish is presented in a front orientation. The longitudinal dimension (x1) is the length of the tundish, and the lateral dimension (y1) is the width of the tundish. As shown in FIGS. 17 - 19, x1 > y1.

[0075] The longitudinal translation mechanism (31x) optionally includes a system based on a telescopic or rotating tubular portion, or a combination of two, when the tundish is presented laterally. The longitudinal dimension (x1) is the width of the tundish, and the lateral dimension (y1) is the length of the tundish. As shown in FIGS. 20 - 22, y1 > x1.

[0076] To accurately position the dispensing outlet (25o) along the longitudinal direction of the tundish (1), the longitudinal translation mechanism (31x) can be provided with a positioning system configured to determine the position of the dispensing outlet (25o) along the longitudinal axis (X) with respect to a reference frame associated with the tundish (1) or the support frames (41x - 41z). Such a positioning system can include a feedback sensor attached to the mechanical drive of the longitudinal translation mechanism (31x), or alternatively, various types of sensors such as electromagnetic or ultrasonic distance detection sensors configured to directly measure the position of the dispensing outlet (25o) with respect to a reference frame associated with the tundish (1) or the support frames (41x - 41z). Electromagnetic distance detection sensors include optical sensors such as laser rangefinders, lidars, and 3D cameras based on laser triangulation, time-of-flight, structured light, or computer stereo vision techniques. More broadly, such sensors can also be configured to implement machine vision techniques for monitoring and automatically controlling the operation of the longitudinal translation mechanism (31x).

[0077] Transverse dispensing translation mechanism (31dy) The facility can be provided with a transverse dispensing translation mechanism (31dy) configured to translate the dispensing outlet (25o) along the transverse direction (Y) over a distance at least equal to the transverse dimension (y1) of the tundish (1). The transverse dispensing translation mechanism (31dy), although not essential, can be useful for restricting the transverse translation of the tundish (1), which is more difficult to translate due to its weight, than the dispensing opening (25o) coupled to the tank (21).

[0078] With respect to the longitudinal translation mechanism (31x), the transverse dispensing translation mechanism (31dy) can include one of the following systems. · The tank (21) is attached to a bearing or wheel (33) rolling on a rail (34dy) extending along the transverse axis (Y) as shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, or · The variable-length (e.g., telescopic) tubular portion extends along the lateral axis (Y) between the tank outlet (21o) and the dispensing outlet (25o). This embodiment is advantageous when the lateral dimension (y1) of the tundish is shorter than the longitudinal dimension (y1), i.e., x1 > y1 (where y1 = width and x1 = length). This embodiment is shown in Fig. 18 or · As shown in Fig. 19, the dispensing outlet (25o) and the tank outlet (21o) are offset on the plane (X, Y), and the dispensing outlet can advantageously rotate about the vertical axis (Z) passing through the tank outlet (21o). Regarding the variable-length (e.g., telescopic) tubular portion, this embodiment is applicable when the lateral dimension (y1) of the tundish is shorter than the longitudinal dimension (x1), i.e., x1 > y1 (where y1 = width and x1 = length), or · As shown in Fig. 25, a combination of two or three of the aforementioned three systems.

[0079] To simplify the equipment design, it is advantageous to avoid rotating the tank (21) mounted on the bearings or wheels (33) on the rails for both the longitudinal translation mechanism and the dispensing lateral translation mechanism (31x, 31dy). The system based on bearings or wheels (33) rolling on the rails has a larger span than either the telescopic or rotary tubular portion. Therefore, when the equipment includes a dispensing lateral translation mechanism (31dy), the rails (34x, 34dy) are provided along the length direction of the tundish, i.e., along the longitudinal axis (X) of the longitudinal translation mechanism (31x) when the longitudinal dimension (x1) is the length of the tundish with x1 > y1, or conversely, along the lateral axis (Y) of the dispensing lateral translation mechanism (31dy) when the lateral dimension (y1) is the length of the tundish with y1 > x1.

[0080] The variable-length (e.g., telescopic) or rotary tubular portion is optionally adapted to span across the width of the tundish (1). In summary, when the equipment includes a dispensing lateral translation mechanism (31dy), the advantageous configurations are as follows. ·If x1 > y1 (= front alignment), as shown in FIGS. 17 to 19, 〇The longitudinal translation mechanism (31x) comprises a system based on a bearing or wheel (33) rolling on a rail (34x) parallel to the longitudinal axis (X), and translates the tank (21) and the dispensing opening (25o) longitudinally over the length of the tundish (1). 〇The lateral translation mechanism for dispensing (31dy) comprises a system based on a variable length (e.g., telescopic) and / or rotating tubular part for translating the dispensing opening laterally over the width of the tundish. ·When y1 > x1 (= lateral direction), as shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, 〇The longitudinal translation mechanism (31x) comprises a system based on a variable length (e.g., telescopic) and / or rotating tubular part for translating the dispensing opening laterally over the width of the tundish. 〇The lateral translation mechanism for dispensing (31dy) comprises a system based on a bearing or wheel (33) rolling on a rail (34dy) parallel to the lateral axis (Y) for translating the tank (21) and the dispensing opening (25o) laterally over the length of the tundish (1). To accurately position the dispensing outlet (25o) along the transverse direction of the tundish, the dispensing transverse translation mechanism (31dy) can be provided with a positioning system configured to determine the position of the dispensing outlet (25o) along the transverse axis (Y) with respect to a reference frame associated with the tundish (1) or the support frame (41x - 41z). Such a positioning system can include a feedback sensor attached to the mechanical drive of the dispensing transverse translation mechanism (31dy), or alternatively, various types of sensors such as electromagnetic or ultrasonic distance detection sensors configured to directly measure the position of the dispensing outlet (25o) with respect to a reference frame associated with the tundish (1) or the support frame (41x - 41z). Electromagnetic distance detection sensors include optical sensors such as laser rangefinders, lidars, and 3D cameras based on laser triangulation, time-of-flight, structured light, or computer stereo vision techniques. More broadly, such sensors can also be configured to implement machine vision techniques for monitoring and automatically controlling the operation of the dispensing transverse translation (31dy).

[0081] Robot (26) As shown in FIG. 13, the facility can be provided with a robot (26) that fully automates the tundish lining operation. The robot (26) can be configured to couple the dispensing unit (22) to the dispensing outlet (25o) and decouple it from the dispensing outlet (25o). The facility can be provided with a rack (23) that stores at least two different types of dispensing units (22) having different lengths of tubular portions and / or different dispensing heads (22f, 22w). The robot can optionally be configured to select one of the one or more dispensing units (22), remove it from the rack (23), decouple the dispensing unit (22) from the dispensing outlet (25o), and then store the dispensing unit (22) in the rack (23).

[0082] As shown in Fig. 13(a), in an advantageous embodiment, the robot (26) is attached to a robot translational movement mechanism configured to translate the robot (26). The robot translational movement mechanism is optionally supported by support frames (41x - 41z) and is further optionally attached to rails. The translational movement of the robot (26) is optionally synchronized with the movement of the dispensing opening (25o) and the dispensing unit (22) coupled to the former. In this way, the robot (26) can hold the dispensing unit (22) in a position coupled to the dispensing outlet (25o) during any movement of the dispensing outlet (25o). The robot can be attached to the same rails (34x, 34dy) as the tank (21) when the longitudinal translational movement mechanism or the dispensing lateral translational movement mechanism (31x, 31dy) includes rails. Advantageously, a safety system can be implemented to prevent collisions between the robot (26) and any translational movement mechanism (31x, 31dy). Such a safety system can use, for example, a distance meter to measure the distance between some reference points on the robot and the translational movement mechanism, and trigger an emergency stop of the translational movement mechanism in case of loss when the distance falls below a threshold value. For performing its various tasks, the robot can be assisted by a machine vision system. Such a machine vision system can be based on data collected by different types of sensors such as one or more of the following: 2D camera, 3D camera, lidar, laser distance meter, ultrasonic distance meter.-

[0083] When the dispensing outlet (25o) is moved by the robot (26), holding the dispensing unit (22) in a position coupled to the dispensing outlet (25o) is particularly advantageous when a dispensing unit (22) having a long tubular portion and a floor dispensing head (22f) with the opening (22o) optionally remaining close to the surface of the floor (1f) is used, since as the length of the dispensing unit (22) increases, the effort transmitted at the level of the connection between the dispensing unit (22) and the dispensing opening (25o) increases.

[0084] The robot (26) can also be used to increase the length of the tubular part of the dispensing unit including the telescopic tubular part or bellows, as shown in FIGS. 16(d) and 16(e), or to direct the opening (22o) of the dispensing head, as shown in FIGS. 16(c) or 16(d).

[0085] Method for forming a work lining (2s) in a tundish (1) Embodiments of the present invention also relate to a method of forming a work lining (2s) on the surface of an internal space in a tundish (1), which has a longitudinal dimension (x1) measured along a longitudinal axis (X), a height (z1) measured along a vertical axis (Z), and a transverse dimension (y1) measured along a transverse axis (Y), and which comprises a floor (1f) and a peripheral wall (1w) defining the internal space, and preferably X⊥Y⊥Z. The method preferably comprises providing the above-described equipment as shown in FIGS. 1 to 12 as follows.

[0086] FIGS. 1 to 12 are shown in the embodiment according to FIG. 17, which defines a front orientation, and x1 > y1. The longitudinal translation mechanism (31x) includes a bearing or wheel (33) attached to a tank (21) that rolls on a rail (34x) extending along the longitudinal direction (X). The equipment does not comprise a dispensing transverse translation mechanism (31dy). It is clear that the steps defined below and shown in FIGS. 1 to 12 can be easily applied by a person skilled in the art to any one of the installation configurations shown in FIGS. 17 to 23 and listed in Table 1.

[0087] First, set up the equipment for the coating operation. The tank (21) is initially filled with a certain amount of coating composition in the form of dry particulate material (2p), and the dispensing outlet (25o) is in a first position (x1) along the longitudinal axis. The amount of the coating composition is preferably sufficient to completely fill the floor gap and the peripheral gap (111) in order to avoid the need to interrupt the method of refilling the empty tank (21).

[0088] The plunger (11) is loaded into the lifting and translating mechanism (31z) and is translated (Δz) to an upper vertical position (Z0) higher than the height (z1) of the tundish along a direction including a component parallel to the vertical axis (Z).

[0089] As shown in FIGS. 1(a) and 1(b), the tundish (1) is loaded into the lateral translation mechanism (31y) and is translated (Δy) along the lateral axis (Y) to a first lateral position (Y1) below and aligned with the dispensing outlet (25o).

[0090] The dispensing unit (22) is coupled to the dispensing outlet (25o). The floor dispensing head (22f) is optionally selected. The coupling can be manually performed by an operator, but is optionally automatically performed by a robot (26). Thus, the coating operation is ready to start.

[0091] The coating composition can be supplied to the dispensing outlet (25o) at a controlled flow rate to dispense the particulate material and thus meter to form a bed (2p) of particulate material on the surface of the floor (1f) of the internal space. This operation can be performed by any of the following actions depending on the equipment configuration. · In the configuration shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, translating the dispensing outlet (25o) longitudinally along the longitudinal axis (X) (Δx), or · In the configuration as shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, translating the tundish (1) laterally along the lateral axis (Y) (Δy), or · In the configuration as shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, translating the dispensing outlet (25o) laterally along the lateral axis (Y) (Δy).

[0092] The bottom dispensing head (22f) is optionally configured to form a bed of particulate material on a bed (1f) of a predetermined thickness in one or more translational movements, preferably in a single translational movement of the dispensing unit (22) relative to the bottom (1f) of the tundish. Alternatively, two or more passes may be required to achieve the desired bed thickness. The surface of the particulate bed is optionally as smooth as possible. For this purpose, the bottom dispensing head (22f) can comprise a scraping element (22r) as shown in Figure 16(a). If the bottom (1f) of the tundish is not flat and includes steps, a dispensing unit (22) having a tubular portion attached in a telescopic or bellows-like manner can be used to maintain a substantially constant distance between the opening (22o) and the bottom surface during the translational movement of the opening (22o) and the bottom surface.

[0093] As shown in Figure 4(b), the tundish (1) can be translated laterally (Δy) into the loading area along the lateral axis (Y) to a second lateral position (Y2) below and aligned with the plunger (11). Thus, as shown in Figure 4, the plunger (11) can be translated into the internal space along a lifting direction (Δz) including a component parallel to the vertical axis (Z) to a bottom position (Z1) until the plunger is placed on the bed of particulate material and forms a peripheral gap with the peripheral wall of the tundish (1). In an advantageous embodiment, the plunger (11) is configured to vibrate to smooth the surface of the particulate bed and ensure continuous contact between the particulate bed and the lower surface of the plunger. The positioning of the plunger (11) within the internal space is precisely controlled to ensure that the peripheral gap (111) has the required gap width (g). For this purpose, an alignment system (4, 14) as described above with reference to Figures 15(a) to 15(d) is optionally provided.

[0094] As shown in FIG. 5, the opening (22o) of the dispensing unit (22) is aligned with a point of the peripheral gap. The dispensing unit (22) is optionally different from that used to form a particulate bed on the floor (1f) of the tundish. The dispensing unit is optionally shorter than the former dispensing unit (22), includes the wall surface dispensing head (22w) as described above, and has an opening (22o) configured to pour the particulate material into the gap (111).

[0095] As shown in FIGS. 6 - 9, the coating composition is metered to be supplied to the dispensing outlet (25o) at a controlled flow rate for dispensing the particulate material. The opening (22o) of the dispensing unit (22) is driven along the entire perimeter of the peripheral gap (111) to fill the peripheral gap with the particulate material (2p). This operation requires the following synchronized combination. · Longitudinal translation (Δx) of the dispensing outlet (25o) along the longitudinal axis (X), and · Lateral translation (Δy) along the lateral axis (Y) of either the tundish (1) or the dispensing outlet (25o).

[0096] As shown in FIGS. 7, 9, and 17 - 20, the longitudinal portion of the peripheral gap (111) extending along the longitudinal axis (X) can be filled by driving a tank (21) attached to a bearing or wheel (33) along a rail (34x) to longitudinally translate the dispensing outlet (25o) along the longitudinal axis (X). In these embodiments, the longitudinal dimension (x1) is optionally, but not necessarily, greater than the lateral dimension (y1). Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, the longitudinal portion of the peripheral gap (111) can span a variable length (e.g., stretchable) portion of the tubular portion separating the tank outlet (21o) from the dispensing outlet (25o). This embodiment is advantageous when the longitudinal dimension (x1) is smaller than the lateral dimension (y1). As shown in FIGS. 23 and 25, the dispensing outlet (25o) can rotate about a vertical axis (Z) passing through the tank outlet (21o).

[0097] As shown in FIGS. 6, 8, 17, 20, and 21, the lateral portion of the peripheral gap (111) extending along the lateral axis (Y) can be filled by driving the tundish (1) attached to the bearing or wheel (33) along the rail (34ty) to translate the tundish laterally along the lateral axis (Y).

[0098] Alternatively, the facility can be provided with a dispensing lateral translation mechanism (31dy). In this case, the lateral portion of the peripheral gap (111) can be filled by driving the tank (21) attached to the bearing or wheel (33) along the rail (34dy) to translate the dispensing outlet (25o) laterally along the lateral axis (Y). In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, the longitudinal dimension (x1) is optionally smaller than the lateral dimension (y1). When the longitudinal dimension (x1) is larger than the lateral dimension (y1), the lateral portion of the peripheral gap (111) can be filled by moving the dispensing outlet (25o) by means of a telescopic tubular portion as shown in FIG. 18 and / or by rotating the dispensing opening around the vertical axis (Z) as shown in FIGS. 19 and 25.

[0099] Thus, the coating composition that fills the floor gap and the peripheral gap (111) between the plunger (11) and the floor (1f) and the peripheral wall (1w) of the tundish can be solidified to form a work lining (2s), and in the case of a cold-set composition, no specific action is required to solidify the lining. In the case of a heat-set composition, heat is provided to the system. For example, the plunger (11) can be provided with a heating element (11h).

[0100] The tundish (1) can be laterally translated to a second position (Y2) along the lateral axis (Y) (Δy). As shown in FIG. 11, when the working lining (2s) is solid, the plunger (11) is coupled to the elevating and translating mechanism (31z), lifted to an upper position (Z0) along the elevating direction, and the plunger is removed from the internal space. The plunger can be vibrated to remove the plunger from the internal space and reduce the adhesion of the plunger to the working lining (2s). Here, the tundish is provided with a working lining (2s) as shown in FIGS. 12(a), 12(b), and 15(a).

[0101] Facility configuration FIGS. 17 to 23 show some advantageous embodiments of the present invention. Table 1 summarizes the main features characterizing each embodiment. For the sake of brevity, the rectangular tundish is represented in FIGS. 17 to 23, and four corner numbers C1 to C4 are shown. FIGS. 17(a) and (b) to 23(a) and (b) show the dispensing opening (25o) positioned on corner C1, and FIGS. 17(c) and (d) to 23(c) and (d) represent the dispensing outlet (25o) positioned on the diagonally opposite corner (C3). The loading path from corner (C1) to corner (C3) requires a longitudinal translation of the dispensing outlet (25o) along the longitudinal axis (X) from corner (C1) to corner (C2) and a lateral translation along the lateral axis (Y) from corner (C2) to corner (C3). To move from corner (C3) to corner (C1), a longitudinal translation of the dispensing outlet (25o) along the longitudinal axis (X) from corner (C3) to corner (C4) and a lateral translation along the lateral axis (Y) from corner (C4) to corner (C1) are required. Reverse trajectories (C1-C4-C3, followed by C3-C2-C1) are of course possible. Therefore, the two sets of figures with the dispensing outlet (25o) positioned on corners (C1) and (C3) show the translation mechanisms required to drive the dispensing outlet (25o) around the peripheral gap (111) for each embodiment from FIGS. 17 to 23.

[0102] The aspect ratio (L / W) of the length to the width of the tundish is greater than 2 and can be greater than 3, 4, or 5. Therefore, the orientation of the tundish (1) with respect to the equipment is important. The orientation of the tundish (1) can vary depending on any of the following by a 90° rotation. · The length of the tundish is aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis (X) such that the longitudinal dimension (x1) corresponds to the length of the tundish (1) and the transverse dimension (y1) corresponds to its width, and the width is positioned parallel to the transverse axis (Y). That is, as shown in Embodiments 1 to 3 of Table 1 shown in FIGS. 17 to 19, x1 > y1. This orientation is referred to herein as the "front orientation", or · The length of the tundish is arranged parallel to the transverse axis (Y) and the longitudinal axis (X) such that the longitudinal dimension (x1) corresponds to the width of the tundish (1) and the transverse dimension (y1) corresponds to its length. That is, as shown in Embodiments 4 to 7 of Table 1 shown in FIGS. 20 to 23, y1 > x1. This orientation is referred to herein as the "transverse direction".

[0103] As discussed above, the longitudinal translation mechanism can be based on the following. · A tank (21) attached to a bearing or wheel (33) that rolls on a rail (34x). This embodiment has x1 > y1 (= front orientation) as shown in FIGS. 17 to 19 (= Embodiments #1 to 3 of Table 1), but can also be used with other orientations (i.e., y1 > x1) as shown in FIG. 20 (= Embodiment #4 of Table 1). · A variable-length (e.g., telescopic) tubular portion between the tank outlet (21o) and the dispensing outlet (25o). This embodiment is advantageous when y1 > x1 (= transverse direction) as shown in FIGS. 21 and 22 (= Embodiments #5 and 6 of Table 1), or · Rotation of the dispensing outlet (25o) around the tank outlet (21o). This embodiment is advantageous when y1 > x1 (= transverse orientation) as shown in FIG. 23 (= Embodiment #7 of Table 1).

[0104] The lateral translation mechanism (31y) is based on loading the tundish (1) onto a bearing that rolls on a wheel (33) or a rail (34ty). Using the lateral translation mechanism (31y), as shown in FIGS. 17, 20, and 21 (= Embodiments #1, 4, and 5 in Table 1), the relative movement between the tundish and the dispensing unit can be driven along the lateral portion of the peripheral gap (111). In this case, the dispensing lateral translation mechanism (31dy) is not essential.

[0105] Alternatively, the lateral translation mechanism (31y) can be used only to drive the tundish under the plunger (11) before inserting the plunger (11) into the internal space, and in some cases, it can be used to align the tundish with the dispensing outlet (25o). Next, as shown in FIGS. 18, 19, 22, and 23 (= Embodiments 2, 3, 6, and 7 in Table 1), the relative movement along the lateral direction of the dispensing unit (22) and the tundish is ensured by the dispensing lateral translation mechanism (31dy).

Table 1

[0106] The dispensing lateral translation mechanism (31dy) is indispensable only when the lateral translation mechanism (31y) is used only to drive the tundish in order to insert the tundish under the plunger into the internal space of the plunger. Similar to the longitudinal translation mechanism (31x) described above, the dispensing lateral translation mechanism (31dy) is used to drive the relative movement along the lateral direction of the dispensing unit (22) and the tundish (1) without translating the tundish (1). This can be based on the following. · A tank (21) attached to a bearing or a wheel (33) that rolls on a rail (34dy). This embodiment is advantageous when y1 > x1 (= lateral orientation), as shown in FIGS. 21 and 22 (= Embodiments #6 and 7 in Table 1), · A variable-length (e.g., stretchable) tubular portion between the tank outlet (21o) and the dispensing outlet (25o). This embodiment is advantageous when x1 > y1 (= front orientation), as shown in FIG. 18 (= Embodiment #2 in Table 1), or · Rotation of the dispensing outlet (25o) around the tank outlet (21o). This embodiment is advantageous when x1 > y1 (= front orientation), as shown in FIG. 19 (= Embodiment #3 in Table 1).

[0107] The rotation of the dispensing outlet (25o) around the tank outlet (21o) actually involves translating the dispensing outlet (25o) along both the longitudinal axis and the transverse axis (X, Y). In the above, the rotation of the dispensing outlet (25o) around the tank outlet (21o) is assigned to the longitudinal translation mechanism or the dispensing transverse translation mechanism (31x, 31dy) depending on whether the rotation was used to drive the relative movement of the dispensing unit and the tune along the longitudinal or transverse portion of the peripheral gap (111). For example, FIG. 23(e) shows that the rotation of the dispensing outlet (25o) is used to follow the longitudinal portion of the peripheral gap (111) and is thus considered to form part of the longitudinal translation mechanism (31x). In contrast, FIG. 19(e) shows that the rotation of the dispensing outlet (25o) is used to follow the transverse portion of the peripheral gap (111). Thus, it is considered to form part of the dispensing transverse translation mechanism (31dy). Other combinations of translation mechanisms are possible. For example, the rotation of a variable-length (e.g., telescopic) tubular portion can be combined as shown in FIG. 25.

[0108] The equipment of the embodiments of the present invention is advantageous in the following respects. · The lining operation of the tundish can be fully automated, · Therefore, it can be used for different tundishes with various shapes by simply programming the synchronization of the longitudinal and transverse translations of the dispensing unit with respect to the tundish, · The footprint of the equipment is minimal.

Table 2-1

Table 2-2

Claims

1. In a 3D spatial reference system (X, Y, Z) where X is the longitudinal axis, Y is the transverse axis, the longitudinal axis X and the transverse axis Y are non-parallel coplanar axes, and a horizontal plane (X, Y) is defined, and Z is a vertical axis perpendicular to the horizontal plane (X, Y), an apparatus for forming a work lining (2s) on the surface of the internal space of a tundish (1) by applying a lining composition in the form of a dry particulate material (2p), The tundish has a longitudinal dimension (x1) measured along the longitudinal axis (X), a height (z1) measured along the vertical axis (Z), and a lateral dimension (y1) measured along the transverse axis (Y), and includes a floor (1f) and a surrounding wall (1w) that define the internal space. The aforementioned equipment, - A support frame (41x to 41z) that defines an entrance with a width measured along the longitudinal axis (X) which is greater than the longitudinal dimension (x1) of the tundish, and a height greater than the height (z1) of the tundish, - A tank (21) comprising a tank outlet (21o) connected to a weighing unit (25) configured to store a certain amount of the dry particle material (2p), weigh a specified amount of the dry particle material (2p), and transport it to a dispensing outlet (25o), - A dispensing unit (22) comprising one or more dispensing units (22) having one or more openings (22o) configured to be reversibly coupled to the dispensing outlet (25o) and to dispense the dry particulate material measured by the metering unit, - A plunger (11) configured to fit into the internal space by providing a floor gap between the plunger (11) and the floor (1f) and a perimeter gap (111) with a gap width (g) between the plunger (11) and the peripheral wall (1w) of the tundish, corresponding to a desired thickness of the work lining (2s), - A longitudinal translational movement mechanism (31x) that holds the dispensing outlet (25o) and is configured to move the dispensing outlet (25o) over a distance greater than or equal to the longitudinal dimension (x1) of the tundish (1) so that the dispensing outlet (25o) is positioned above the height (z1) of the tundish (1), - A lateral translational movement mechanism (31y) that receives the tundish (1), is configured to translate the tundish (1) in and out of the loading area along the lateral axis (Y), and is further configured to translate the tundish (1) in the lateral direction from a loading position (Y0) separated from the support frame (41x to 41z) to a second lateral position (Y2) below the plunger (11) in the loading area and aligned with it, - A lifting and translational movement mechanism (31z) supported by the support frame, which is configured to reversibly hold the plunger (11) when the tundish is located within the loading area, and to translate the plunger (11) in and out of the internal space along a direction having a component parallel to the vertical axis (Z).

2. On the one hand, the floor gap between the plunger (11) and the floor (1f) is filled, and on the other hand, when the plunger is inside the internal space, the surrounding gap (111) between the plunger (11) and the peripheral wall (1w) of the tundish is filled. - The weighing unit (25), - The longitudinal translational movement of the dispensing outlet (25o) by the longitudinal translational movement mechanism (31x), - The lateral translational movement of the tundish (1) by the lateral translational movement mechanism (31y), and Preferably, the upward and downward translational movement of the plunger (11) by the upward and downward translational movement mechanism (31z), The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a controller configured to control one or more of the following and to optionally synchronize them.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the measuring unit (25) is equipped with an Archimedean screw (25s), and the longitudinal translational movement mechanism (31x) is preferably configured to move the tank (21) and the measuring unit (25) together with the dispensing outlet (25o).

4. Preferably, the apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a rack (23) for storing one or more dispensing units having different dispensing heads (22f, 22w).

5. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a lateral dispensing mechanism (31dy) configured to translate (Δy) the dispensing outlet along the lateral direction (Y) over a distance at least equal to the lateral dimension (y1) of the tundish (1).

6. Including a bed dispensing head (22f), the bed dispensing head (22f) has one or more openings (22o) formed by combining elongated slits, each having a length (l) of at least 50% of the width of the bed (1f), and dispenses particulate material (2p), - If the longitudinal dimension (x1) of the tundish is greater than the lateral dimension (y1) of the tundish, one or more longitudinal translational movements (Δx) of the dispensing outlet (25o), or - If the longitudinal dimension (x1) of the tundish (1) is shorter than the lateral dimension (y1) of the tundish (1), then one or more lateral translational movements (Δy) of the tundish (1), or - The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the apparatus includes the lateral dispensing mechanism (31dy) described in claim 5, and the longitudinal dimension (x1) of the tundish is shorter than its lateral dimension (y1), and is configured such that one or more of the lateral translational movements (Δy) of the dispensing outlet (25o) form a bed of particulate material over the entire area of ​​the floor (1f).

7. The apparatus according to claim 4, comprising a wall dispensing head (22w) having an opening (22o) having a maximum dimension along at least one of the longitudinal axis and transverse axis (X, Y) that does not exceed the gap width (g) of the surrounding gap (111), wherein the opening (22o) is preferably oriented.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the dispensing unit (22) comprises a tubular portion whose length can be changed along an extension direction that includes a component parallel to the vertical axis (Z).

9. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a robot (26) configured to connect the dispensing unit (22) to the dispensing outlet (25o), disconnect it from the dispensing outlet (25o), preferably select one of one or more dispensing units (22) and remove it from the rack (23), and store the dispensing unit (22) in the rack (23) after disconnecting it from the dispensing outlet (25o).

10. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the robot (26) is attached to a robot translational movement mechanism configured to move the robot (26) in translation along the longitudinal direction (X) or the lateral direction (Y), preferably the translational movement of the robot (26) is synchronized with the translational movement (Δx, Δy) of the dispensing port (25o), and the robot is configured to hold and hold the dispensing unit (22) coupled to the dispensing port (25o) during the translational movement (Δx, Δy) of the dispensing port (25o).

11. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, comprising an alignment system (4, 14) that causes the plunger to fit into the internal space leaving a perimeter gap (111) of a defined gap width (g), wherein the alignment system (4, 14) comprises one or more alignment units, each alignment unit comprising a first element fixed to the plunger and a second element fixed to the tundish, and the first and second elements include a male element that fits into a female element when the plunger is translated perpendicularly into the internal space.

12. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the plunger (11) comprises a heating element (11h) that drives the solidification of a heat-set particle material (2p) to form the work lining (2s).

13. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the lateral translational movement mechanism (31y) comprises two rails (34ty) extending along the lateral axis (Y), and a carriage (36) mounted on bearings or wheels (33) configured to roll on the rails and receive the tundish (1), wherein preferably a first centering element (35) is fixed to the carriage, and a second centering element (5) is fixed to the tundish, and the first and second elements include male elements that engage with female elements when the tundish is translated vertically on the carriage (36) to ensure the repeatability of the position of the tundish relative to the carriage (36).

14. A method for forming a work lining (2s) on the surface of an internal space within a tundish (1) having a longitudinal dimension (x1) measured along the longitudinal axis (X), a height (z1) measured along the vertical axis (Z), and a lateral dimension (y1) measured along the transverse axis (Y), wherein the tundish (1) comprises a floor (1f) defining the internal space and a peripheral wall (1w), and the method is as follows: - Prepare the equipment described in claim 1 or 2, - The coating composition is filled into the tank (21) in the form of dry particulate material (2p) with the dispensing outlet (25o) at a first position (X1) along the longitudinal axis, - Load the plunger (11) into the lifting and lowering translational movement mechanism (31z), and translate the plunger (Δz) along a direction including a component parallel to the vertical axis (Z) to an upper vertical position (Z0) higher than the height (z1) of the tundish, - Load the tundish (1) into the lateral translation movement mechanism (31y), and move the tundish along the lateral axis (Y) to a first lateral position (Y1) below and aligned with the dispensing outlet (25o) (Δy), - Connecting the dispensing unit (22) to the dispensing outlet (25o), - The coating composition is measured and supplied to the dispensing port (25o) at a controlled flow rate. ○ Translating the dispensing outlet (25o) longitudinally along the longitudinal axis (X) (Δx), and / or ○ Translating the tundish (1) laterally along the lateral axis (Y) (Δy), or ○By translating the dispensing port (25o) laterally along the lateral axis (Y) (Δy), Dispense the aforementioned particle material to form a bed (2p) of the particle material on the surface of the floor (1f) of the internal space, - The tundish (1) is moved laterally within the loading area (Δy) along the lateral axis (Y) to a second lateral position (Y2) so as to be below and aligned with the plunger (11), - The plunger (11) is translated (Δz) within the internal space along a vertical direction including a component parallel to the vertical axis (Z) to the bottom position (Z1) until the plunger is placed on the bed of particle material and forms a peripheral gap of gap width (g) with the peripheral wall of the tundish (1), - Aligning the opening (22o) of a dispensing unit (22) that is the same as or different from the aforementioned dispensing unit (22) with a point in the surrounding gap, - The coating composition is weighed and supplied to the dispensing outlet (25o) at a controlled flow rate to dispense the particle material. 〇 Longitudinal translational movement by translating the dispensing outlet (25o) in the longitudinal direction along the longitudinal axis (X) (Δx), and Lateral translation movement by any of the following methods: - Translating the tundish (1) laterally along the lateral axis (Y) (Δy), or - Translating the dispensing outlet (25o) laterally along the lateral axis (Y) (Δy), By synchronously combining the components, the opening (22o) of the dispensing unit (22) is moved along the entire circumference of the surrounding gap (111), thereby filling the surrounding gap with the particle material (2p). - The floor gap and surrounding gap (111) between the plunger (11) and the floor (1f) and the surrounding wall (1w) of the tundish are filled with the coating composition and solidified to form the work lining (2s), - Translating the tundish (1) laterally along the lateral axis (Y) to the second position (Y2) (Δy), A method for forming a work lining, comprising: connecting the plunger (11) to the lifting and translational movement mechanism (31z), lifting the plunger along the lifting direction to the upper position (Z0), and removing the plunger from the internal space.

Images