Steel Shell

A cylindrical or conical steel shell that serves as the primary structural containment vessel for refractory linings in industrial ladles used to transport, hold, and pour molten metals (typically steel, iron, or non-ferrous alloys) at temperatures exceeding 1500°C. It provides mechanical strength, supports refractory installation, and withstands thermal stresses during heating/cooling cycles.

The steel shell acts as a load-bearing exoskeleton that contains the refractory lining, which directly contacts molten metal. It distributes mechanical loads (including the weight of molten metal, refractory, and lifting forces), resists thermal expansion stresses through controlled design (expansion joints, stiffeners), and provides attachment points for trunnions, tilting mechanisms, and safety features. During operation, heat transfers from the refractory to the shell, requiring thermal management to prevent excessive temperature rise.