A flow control mechanism bolted under the ladle or tundish nozzle, in which two or three refractory plates with matching bores slide to open, throttle or shut the stream. The refractory train runs from the well block and upper nozzle through the plates to the collector nozzle. Plates, often alumina-carbon with zirconia inserts, are inspected and changed every few heats, and a failed plate can mean a dangerous leak.
Plates on the slide gate are scored, change them before the next heat, don't push it another cast.
Also heard as
- sliding gate
- slide gate valve
Related terms
Free open
Ladle that starts teeming the moment the slide gate opens, with no oxygen lancing needed.
Skull
Layer of solidified metal and slag left stuck to a ladle, converter or furnace lining after emptying.
Taphole
Opening through a furnace wall or bottom through which molten metal and slag are drained.