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Abstract

An improved apparatus for opening and closing a taphole of a metallurgical furnace includes stationary pedestal sections carrying an upper boom and a lower boom which booms can be slewed by driving means independently from each other with one of their ends around the pedestal. To one of the booms a drilling machine is connected and to the other a taphole-plugging machine. The swing paths of the booms are inclined relative to each other, such that the two machines can be swung into parked positions, at heights suitable for operations and maintenance, and each into its servicing position in front of the taphole. Preferably, the drilling machine is connected to the upper boom. Also preferably, the connection between each boom and the pedestal is accomplished by two vertically separated large diameter slewing bearings, and by driving means consisting of two hydraulic cylinders. The inclination of the axis of rotation of the two booms, in the vertical plane of the taphole, will be determined for each installation, from the relevant heights of the operating and parking required locations of the drilling and plugging machines. The inclination of the axis of rotation normal to the above plane for each boom will also be determined for each installation by the clearance necessary as the upper boom assembly passes over the lower boom. The preferred angles of inclination to give satisfactory elevations and clearances are for the upper boom between 0 and 2 degrees towards the taphole plane and between 8 and 10 degrees towards the furnace in the plane normal to the above. For the lower boom, the angles are between 4 and 6 degrees away from the plane of the taphole and between 2 and 4 degrees towards the furnace.

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