Opening of a taphole with a plasma torch

Abstract From the Canadian patent

A novel, water-cooled plasma torch is described which is particularly suitable for piercing a refractory material. A method using the plasma torch to open a plugged taphole in a furnace wall is also described. The method can be easily automated and comprises melting and disintegrating the plug with a high-speed and high-temperature swirling gas jet generated by the torch. The main advantage of the method is that the gas jet leaving the torch has a very accurately defined outline providing accurate and repeatable piercing of the plug whereby the taphole can be efficiently replugged once the furnace has been emptied.