Refractory component for lining a metallurgical vessel

1. A metallurgical vessel used for handling molten metal, said metallurgical vessel having an outer metallic shell comprised of a bottom wall and a side wall, and a cup-shaped, preformed refractory component forming part of a refractory structure disposed above said bottom wall of said metallurgical vessel, said preformed refractory component formed of high-temperature refractory materials, said preformed refractory component having a bottom wall portion and an annular side wall portion encircling said bottom wall portion, the annular side wall portion being integrally formed with said bottom wall portion and extending upwardly therefrom, said bottom wall portion having a bottom surface dimensioned to rest upon said bottom wall of said metallurgical vessel, said annular side wall portion forming part of a working lining of a barrel of the metallurgical vessel and having an upper surface configured to accommodate or mate with refractory brick or refractory components with which a remainder of the side wall of the metallurgical vessel is comprised,

wherein said upper surface of said side wall portion defines a tapered ramp.

2. A metallurgical vessel with a preformed refractory component as defined in claim 1 , wherein said side wall portion is slightly conical in shape.

3. A metallurgical vessel with a preformed refractory component as defined in claim 1 , wherein said upper surface is formed to define at least one tapered ramp.

4. A metallurgical vessel with a preformed refractory component as defined in claim 2 , wherein the tapered ramp is a first tapered ramp, and

wherein said upper surface of said side wall portion further defines a second tapered ramp, the first and second tapered ramps being disposed end to end.

5. A metallurgical vessel with a preformed refractory component as defined in claim 1 , wherein the tapered ramp defines a step at one end of said ramp, said step defining a convex end surface.

6. A metallurgical vessel with a preformed refractory component as defined in claim 1 , wherein said bottom wall portion includes an impact pad extending from the surface thereof.

7. A metallurgical vessel with a preformed refractory component as defined in claim 6 , wherein said impact pad is integrally formed with said bottom wall portion.

8. A metallurgical vessel with a preformed refractory component as defined in claim 6 , wherein said impact pad is embedded in said bottom wall portion.

9. A metallurgical vessel with a preformed refractory component as defined in claim 1 , wherein said bottom wall portion includes a flat section and a tapered section.

10. A metallurgical vessel with a preformed refractory component as defined in claim 9 , wherein an opening dimensioned to receive a well block is formed in said flat section of said bottom wall portion.

11. A metallurgical vessel with a preformed refractory component as defined in claim 1 , wherein said lining is comprised of refractory brick.

12. A metallurgical vessel used for handling molten metal, said metallurgical vessel comprising:

an outer metallic shell comprised of a bottom wall and a side wall; and

a cup-shaped, preformed refractory component forming part of a refractory structure disposed above said bottom wall of said metallurgical vessel, said preformed refractory component formed of high-temperature refractory materials, said preformed refractory component having a bottom wall portion and an annular side wall portion encircling said bottom wall portion, the annular side wall portion being integrally formed with said bottom wall portion and extending upwardly therefrom, said bottom wall portion having a bottom surface dimensioned to rest upon said bottom wall of said metallurgical vessel, said bottom wall portion having a top surface into which a plurality of lugs is embedded, said lugs being configured to allow lifting of said preformed refractory component, said annular side wall portion forming part of a working lining of a barrel of the metallurgical vessel and having an upper surface configured to accommodate or mate with refractory brick or refractory components with which a remainder of the side wall of the metallurgical vessel is comprised.

13. A metallurgical vessel used for handling molten metal, said metallurgical vessel comprising:

an outer metallic shell comprised of a bottom wall and a side wall; and

a monolithic, cup-shaped, preformed refractory component forming part of a refractory structure disposed above said bottom wall of said metallurgical vessel, said preformed refractory component being comprised of high-temperature refractory materials, said preformed refractory component comprising a bottom wall portion and an annular side wall portion encircling said bottom wall portion, the annular side wall portion being integrally formed with said bottom wall portion and extending upwardly therefrom, said bottom wall portion having a bottom surface dimensioned to rest upon said bottom wall of said metallurgical vessel, said annular side wall portion forming part of a working lining of a barrel of the metallurgical vessel and having an upper surface configured to accommodate or mate with refractory brick or refractory components with which a remainder of the side wall of the metallurgical vessel is comprised.