Plate cooler stave apparatus and methods for ferrous or non-ferrous metal making furnace

Abstract

A plate cooler stave for use in a furnace having a shell wall, comprising: a top portion housing at least one cooling fluid inlet and at least one cooling fluid outlet for the flow of cooling fluid to and from the plate cooler stave from outside the furnace; and a main body disposed at an angle relative to the top portion so that the main body may be inserted into the furnace through an opening defined by the shell wall, wherein upon installation, at least a part of the top portion is disposed in the opening.

1 . A plate cooler stave for use in a furnace having a shell wall, comprising:
 a top portion housing a cooling fluid circulating tube including at least one cooling fluid inlet and at least one cooling fluid outlet for the flow of cooling fluid to and from the plate cooler stave from outside the furnace; and   a main body, wherein the main body includes the top portion and wherein the main body is disposed at an angle relative to the top portion so that the main body is insertable into the furnace through an opening defined by the shell wall, wherein upon installation, at least a part of the top portion is disposed in the opening;   wherein the main body defines a plurality of ribs and a plurality of channels, wherein a front face of the main body defines a first opening into each of the channels; and   wherein the plate cooler stave further comprises a plurality of bricks wherein each brick is insertable into one of the plurality of channels via its first opening to a position, upon rotation of the brick, partially disposed in the one channel such that one or more portions of the brick at least partially engage one or more surfaces of the one channel and/or of a first rib of the plurality of ribs whereby the brick is locked against removal from the one channel through its first opening via linear movement without first being rotated.