Torpedo-Shaped Vessel for Hot Metal Torpedo Cars

Product Specifications

Technical details and manufacturing context for Torpedo-shaped vessel

Definition

The torpedo-shaped vessel is the core component of a Hot Metal Torpedo Car, a specialized rail vehicle used in steelmaking. It is a large, refractory-lined, cylindrical container with tapered ends, designed to efficiently transport high-temperature molten metal (typically iron or steel) from the blast furnace to various processing stations like the basic oxygen furnace or steelmaking shop. Its shape minimizes heat loss and slag carryover during transit. The vessel is constructed with a steel shell and a multi-layer refractory lining that insulates the molten metal, maintaining its temperature during rail transport. The torpedo shape reduces radiative heat loss from the surface area and promotes stability during movement. The vessel is loaded via a tilting mechanism at the blast furnace tap hole and emptied by tilting the entire car to pour the metal out through its spout. Typical parameters include a nominal capacity of 150–400 tonnes, shell thickness of 20–40 mm, operating temperature of 1200–1500 °C, tilting angle of 90–110°, rotation speed of 0.1–0.5 rpm, overall length of 10–20 m, width of 2.5–3.5 m, height of 3.0–4.5 m, tare weight of 80–200 t, refractory lining thickness of 200–350 mm, shell material grade Q345R per GB/T 713, and wheelbase of 6–12 m. These values are reference ranges and must be verified for the specific model and application. The vessel is a component used in basic metal manufacturing, and its selection depends on factors such as molten metal capacity, rail gauge, and overhead clearance. For procurement, verify model-specific dimensions, material grades, and compliance with applicable standards with the legal manufacturer or supplier.

Working Principle

The vessel is loaded with molten metal via a tilting mechanism at the blast furnace tap hole. Its refractory lining insulates the molten metal to maintain temperature during rail transport. The aerodynamic, torpedo shape reduces radiative heat loss from the surface area and promotes stability during movement. It is emptied by tilting the entire car to pour the metal out through its spout. The tilting angle and rotation speed are controlled to ensure complete pouring without excessive stress on the structure. The refractory lining must be inspected regularly for wear and thermal damage, as it directly affects thermal insulation and containment integrity. The steel shell provides structural support and must be checked for cracks or deformation, especially after repeated thermal cycling. Proper maintenance of the tilting mechanism and rail interface is essential for safe operation.

Common Materials

Refractory lining (e.g., alumina, magnesia, carbon), Steel shell

Technical Parameters

Parameter	Typical range	Notes & selection driver
Nominal Capacity	150–400 t	Typical molten iron capacity for torpedo cars
Shell Thickness	20–40 mm	Depends on capacity and refractory lining
Operating Temperature	1200–1500 °C	Molten metal temperature range
Tilting Angle	90–110 °	For complete pouring
Rotation Speed	0.1–0.5 rpm	During tilting operation
Overall Length	10–20 m	Depends on capacity and rail gauge
Overall Width	2.5–3.5 m	Limited by rail gauge
Overall Height	3.0–4.5 m	Limited by overhead clearance
Tare Weight	80–200 t	Includes shell and refractory lining
Refractory Lining Thickness	200–350 mm	Multi-layer lining for insulation
Shell Material Grade	Q345R	Pressure vessel steel for high tempGB/T 713
Wheelbase	6–12 m	Determines stability on rails

Ranges are indicative industry figures for RFQ preparation, not a supplier commitment. Confirm every value and standard with the legal manufacturer before ordering.

Components / BOM

Vessel Body
The vessel shell itself: contains the process and carries the operating pressure.
Refractory Lining Part
Insulates the vessel to retain molten metal heat and protect the steel shell from thermal and chemical damage.

Material: Refractory bricks/monolithics (alumina, magnesia, carbon)
Pouring Spout Part
Tapered opening through which molten metal is poured out of the vessel.

Material: Refractory material, steel reinforcement
Trunnion Rings
Heavy-duty rings mounted on the vessel shell that interface with the car's tilting mechanism for loading and pouring.

Material: Forged steel

Applied To / Applications

This component is essential for the following industrial systems and equipment:

Hot Metal Torpedo Car

View system integration details

Manufacturers of Torpedo-shaped vessel

Manufacturer profiles associated with Torpedo-shaped vessel.

Sourcing Torpedo-shaped vessel from China?

Tell us your specification and target quantity — we will match it against manufacturer records and come back with the factories that fit.

Request manufacturers We manufacture this

Manufacturer listings support early research and capability understanding. They are not certification, ranking, or transaction guarantees.

Procurement Evaluation Criteria

A practical evidence checklist for RFQ preparation and supplier evaluation.

Technical documentation

Request current drawings, revision history, and a signed specification sheet.

Manufacturing capability

Verify equipment lists, process limits, capacity, and representative production evidence.

Inspection readiness

Confirm test methods, calibrated equipment, sampling plans, and traceable reports.

Supplier transparency

Check the legal entity, factory address, ownership, certifications, and direct contacts.

CNFX does not score or rank suppliers. Buyers must verify all claims and documents with the legal manufacturer before ordering.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical capacity range for a torpedo-shaped vessel?

The nominal capacity typically ranges from 150 to 400 tonnes, but this is a reference range. The actual capacity depends on the specific model and application, so verify with the manufacturer.

What materials are used in the construction of the vessel?

The vessel has a steel shell and a refractory lining. The shell material grade is often Q345R per GB/T 713, and the lining may include alumina, magnesia, or carbon-based refractories. Confirm the exact materials with the supplier.

How is the vessel emptied?

The vessel is emptied by tilting the entire car to pour the molten metal out through its spout. The tilting angle typically ranges from 90 to 110 degrees, and the rotation speed is controlled between 0.1 and 0.5 rpm.

What maintenance is required for the vessel?

Regular inspection of the refractory lining for wear and thermal damage is essential. The steel shell should be checked for cracks or deformation. The tilting mechanism and rail interface must be maintained to ensure safe operation.

Data Basis

Editorial classification, named public sources where available, and source-reviewed manufacturer records.

Preliminary Technical Classification

This page supports structured research, RFQ preparation, and supplier evaluation. It does not replace buyer-led supplier qualification, standards review, or technical approval.

Buyer enquiry

Request manufacturing insight for Torpedo-shaped vessel

Ask for use case, specification boundaries, supplier type, and RFQ preparation information for this product.

Where it goes: Straight to the CNFX editorial desk, and to the manufacturer if this product is linked to a claimed profile. Nothing is broadcast to a supplier list.
Your details stay here: We do not sell or rent enquiry data, and we do not add you to a mailing list. Used only to answer this request.
No commission, no middleman: CNFX is a directory. We take no cut of any order and never negotiate on a supplier's behalf.
What we don't claim: A listing is not an endorsement. Qualify every supplier and verify every figure yourself before ordering.

pressure:	Atmospheric to 1.5 bar (primarily for inert gas purging)
flow rate:	Not applicable (batch transport vessel)
temperature:	1300°C to 1650°C (typical molten iron/steel range)
capacity range:	50 to 400 metric tons molten metal
slurry concentration:	Not applicable (pure molten metal transport)

Torpedo-shaped vessel

Product Specifications

Applied To / Applications

Industrial Ecosystem & Supply Chain Structure

Application Fit & Sizing Matrix

Reliability & Engineering Risk Analysis

Compliance & Manufacturing Standards