The spelling of the word "ladle crane" can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as follows: /ˈlædəl kreɪn/. The first syllable, "ladle," is pronounced with a short "a" sound followed by a "d" and "l" sound pronounced together. The second syllable, "crane," is pronounced with a long "a" sound and a "n" sound at the end. Together, the word refers to a crane used specifically for moving ladles filled with molten metal in industrial applications such as steelmaking.
A ladle crane is a type of overhead crane specifically designed for handling molten metal in a foundry or steel plant. It is equipped with a specialized bucket, known as a ladle, which is used to transport and pour the hot, liquid metal.
The ladle crane features a robust structure, typically built with durable steel materials, to withstand the rigorous demands of the molten metal handling process. It is often operated remotely to ensure maximum safety for the crane operator, as the extremely high temperatures and hazardous conditions near the molten metal require strict precautions.
The ladle itself is designed to safely contain and transport the molten metal during the pouring process. It is made of heat-resistant materials, such as refractory brick or high-temperature alloy steel, to prevent deformation or damage due to the intense heat. The ladle is usually equipped with a pouring spout or nozzle for controlled pouring of the molten metal into casting molds or other containers.
Ladle cranes are typically equipped with advanced features and technologies to ensure efficient and precise handling of the ladle and its contents. These may include load weighing systems, anti-sway mechanisms, and precise control systems to enable smooth and accurate pouring operations.
Overall, a ladle crane plays a vital role in the foundry or steel industry by providing a safe and efficient means of handling and pouring molten metal.
The term "ladle crane" is made up of two separate words: "ladle" and "crane".
The word "ladle" originated from Middle English "ladell", which came from Old English "hlædel". It referred to a wooden or metal spoon-like utensil with a long handle used for dipping and serving soup, broth, or other liquids. The Old English word "hlædel" ultimately traces back to the Proto-Germanic word "*hladilaz".
The word "crane" has a different origin. It can be traced back to the Late Latin word "grānea" or "grua", meaning "crane" or "stork". It also resembles the Ancient Greek word "γέρανος" (geranos), which has the same meaning. These Latin and Greek words likely stem from an earlier Mediterranean language, but their exact origins remain uncertain.