Abstract: A method for preparing a SiC ingot includes loading a composition of a raw material comprising a carbon source and a silicon source into a reactor; placing a plurality of seed crystal on one side of the reactor spaced apart from the composition; and sublimating the composition such that the SiC ingot grows from the plurality of seed crystal. A flow factor of the composition may be 5 to 35.

Abstract: A system and methods are disclosed for treating cooling fluid in a continuous metal casting process having a spray chamber. In some embodiments, the system includes a first compartment with an intermittently operable outlet (e.g., valve) with an open state and a closed state, for removing particulate matter, and a second compartment that receives particle-free fluid from the first compartment. The first compartment may be tapered, conical, funnel, pyramidal shape or otherwise narrowed shape to facilitate settling of the particles. One or more sensors measure at least one property of the particle-free fluid to determine the opened or closed state of the outlet and to adjust chemical additives for the cooling fluid. In some embodiments, the system and methods reduce corrosion in spray chambers.

Abstract: A cascaded control system configured to modify an environmental condition of a building includes a valve configured to regulate a flow of a fluid through a conduit, an actuator including a motor and a drive device, and a communications mechanism. The communications mechanism is configured to receive a flow rate setpoint from an external control device of an outer control loop. The cascaded control system further includes a processing circuit coupled to the motor and the communications mechanism. The processing circuit is configured to determine an actuator position setpoint using a cascaded feedback control mechanism based on the flow rate setpoint and a flow rate measurement from a flow rate sensor of an inner control loop and to operate the motor to drive the drive device to the actuator position setpoint.

Abstract: A system comprising at least one furnace including a melt containing vessel; an intermediate casting product station coupled to the at least one furnace and operable to receive a molten metal from the at least one furnace, the intermediate casting product station including a casting pit, at least one moveable platen disposed in the casting pit, an array of exhaust ports about at least a top periphery of the casting pit, and an array of gas introduction ports about at least the top periphery of the casting pit; and an inert gas source operable to supply an inert gas to the array of gas introduction ports.

Abstract: In a twin roll continuous caster, the contour of the strip cast is controlled during casting by regulating the temperature of temperature-regulating medium circulated through temperature-regulating passages in the casting rolls spaced inward of cooling passages in the circumferential portion adjacent the casting surfaces. The temperature-regulating passages may be positioned in the circumferential portion or in the inner portion of the casting rolls, or both.

Abstract: In a twin roll continuous caster, the contour of the strip cast is controlled during casting by regulating the temperature of temperature-regulating medium circulated through temperature-regulating passages in the casting rolls spaced inward of cooling passages in the circumferential portion adjacent the casting surfaces. The temperature-regulating passages may be positioned in the circumferential portion or in the inner portion of the casting rolls, or both.

Abstract: A manufacturing method for a continuously cast product of steel includes the steps of detecting a position of a crater end of the product by measuring a solidification state of the continuously cast product using a sensor which is not a contact with the product, and controlling at least one condition selected from the conditions of the casting speed and the quantity of secondary cooling water based on the detected position of the crater end. The method for measuring a solidification state of the continuously cast product includes the steps of cooling the product until the surface layer portion is ? transformed, transmitting transverse waves of electromagnetic ultrasonic waves to the colled product as a transmitting signal, receiving a signal after said transmitting signal propagates in said product as a receiving signal, and judging the solidification state of said product based on the receiving signal.

Abstract: The invention includes a system, method and machine readable program for dynamically controlling the casting of a material. Generally, the systems and methods described herein include an active control feedback system or aspects thereof including a temperature sensing device that is well-suited for the harsh environment of the interior of a caster such as a caster for casting metal. Temperature measurement can be accomplished either directly or indirectly. The system is configured to compare the measured temperature with an ideal casting temperature. The temperature sensing device is operably coupled to a cooling device that modulates a flow of coolant to dynamically cool the material being cast. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the cooling device includes a plurality of nozzles for delivering one or more cooling fluids to the material being cast.

Abstract: A temperature regulation device for the strip (3) produced in a continuous casting plant with ingot mold (16) comprising a pair of cooled, parallel, counter-rotating rolls (2, 2?), closed by two plates at the axial ends of the rolls, includes a pair of substantially rectangular panels (5) placed symmetrically under the plane of the rolls axis, with its longest dimension substantially parallel to the axis of the rolls. Ducts (6, 8, 8?) are provided which feed a series of jets (7) to spray cooling gas onto the strip surface (3).

Abstract: A manufacturing method for a continuously cast product of steel includes the steps of detecting a position of a crater end of the product by a method for measuring a solidification state of the continuously cast product using a sensor arranged so as to be in non-contact with the product, and controlling at least one condition selected from the conditions of the casting speed and the quantity of secondary cooling water based on the detected position of crater end.

Abstract: A method, and the related implementation device, for the regulation of strip temperature in a continuous metallic strip casting plant, wherein such temperature regulation begins on the strip whilst under the casting equipment and at a certain distance from it, and then continues along the roll path. The device provides that the rolls on which the strip is transported are fitted with a cooling system.

Abstract: A manufacturing method for a continuously cast product of steel includes the steps of detecting a position of crater end of product by a method for measuring a solidification state of continuously cast product using a sensor arranged so as to be in non-contact with the product, and controlling at least one condition selected from the conditions of the casting speed and the quantity of secondary cooling water based on the detected position of crater end. The method for measuring a solidification state of continuously cast product includes the steps of cooling the product until a surface layer portion thereof is ? transformed, transmitting transverse waves of electromagnetic ultrasonic waves to the cooled product, receiving the signal after the transmitting signal propagates in the product, and judging the solidification state of the product based on the received signal.

Abstract: The secondary cooling and the strand support are matched to the cooling state of a continuously cast strand cross section. The secondary cooling and support are reduced in dependence upon the solidification profile of the cast strand along the distance traveled.

Abstract: A system provided in a high-speed continuous casting plant for casting a metallic strand for automatically operating the high-speed continuous casting plant. In the system, the stopping or slide movement, the modification of the steel level, the heat currents through the mold walls, the temperature of the liquid metal and the drawing-off speed are measured over the casting time, supplied to a computer and compared with predetermined limit values for an automatic operating mode.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for cooling the copper plates (1.1) of a continuous casting ingot mould (1) for liquid metals, especially liquid steel, comprising an ingot mould coolant (2) which is guided in cooling channels.

Abstract: A model-based strategy is provided for determining casting roll operating temperature in a continuous thin strip casting process. A first temperature sensor produces a first temperature signal indicative of the temperature of cooling liquid supplied to the casting rolls and a second temperature sensor produces a second temperature signal indicative of the temperature of cooling liquid temperature exiting the casting rolls. A computer determines a heat flux value as a function of the first and second temperature signals, and computes the operating temperature of the casting rolls as a function of the heat flux value, the second temperature signal and a number of constants defined by fixed-valued operating parameters of the continuous thin strip casting process. A control strategy is also provided to modify one or more operating parameters of the continuous thin strip casting process as a function of the casting roll temperature.

Abstract: The present invention provides a manufacturing method for a continuously cast product of steel comprising the steps of: detecting a position of crater end of product by a method for measuring a solidification state of continuously cast product using a sensor arranged so as to be in non-contact with the product; and controlling at least one condition selected from the conditions of the casting speed and the quantity of secondary cooling water based on the detected position of crater end, the method for measuring a solidification state of continuously cast product comprising the steps of: cooling the product until a surface layer portion thereof is &agr; transformed; transmitting transverse waves of electromagnetic ultrasonic waves to the cooled product; receiving the signal after the transmitting signal propagates in the product; and judging the solidification state of the product based on the received signal.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for casting a continuous metal strand, in particular steel, in a continuous casting apparatus having strand parts disposed opposite one another and being fitted with bearings in which guide rollers are mounted, and having actuators by which a gap between respective opposed rollers can be set infinitely variable, and which method includes sensing a value representing a compressive force which occurs in the bearings and feeding said value to a computing unit; comparing the individual measured force values of a roller or of a pair of oppositely disposed rollers with respect to a level of the force; and utilizing at least the relating highest value measured as a command variable for controlling the gap and/or the casting rate and/or the amount of cooling water and/or the melt feed and/or the casting powder feed and/or the mold oscillation.

Abstract: When a body of startup material has been interposed in the cavity between the starter block and a first cross sectional plane of the cavity transverse the axis thereof, the starter block has commenced reciprocating along the axis, and the body of startup material has commenced reciprocating in tandem with it, through a series of second cross sectional planes, layers of molten metal are successively superimposed on the body of startup material adjacent the first cross sectional plane of the cavity, and the layers promptly distend relatively peripherally outwardly from the axis under the inherent splaying forces therein. The invention confines the relatively peripheral outward distention of the layers with a casting surface which is peripherally outwardly flared about the axis of the cavity.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a camshaft used in an internal combustion engine. The method of manufacturing the camshaft produces a camshaft which has reduced weight and added wear resistance at a lobe of the camshaft. The camshaft is manufactured to provide increased efficiency of the internal combustion engine. The method of making the camshaft includes mixing wear resistant material with a base material and metering the mixture into a rotating die. The rotating die rotates at a predetermined speed and forces the wear resistant material to the outer surface of the lobes.

Abstract: [Purpose] To provide, in relation to casting of materials to be subjected to plastic working such as cold forging, hot forging, enclosed forging, rolling, extrusion, and roll-forming of metals, including nonferrous metals, such as aluminum and magnesium (inclusive of respective alloys), and ferrous metals (i.e., iron and steel) or to direct casting of products (i.e.

Abstract: Surface defects in rolled steel are remedied by quenching a surface layer of the steel product downstream of the caster and upstream of the reheat furnace by transversely differentiated quenching to match the transverse temperature profile of the steel product. The flow rate of the quench spray is differentially adjustable across the width and optionally the length of the steel product. An array of spray nozzles controlled in transversely or longitudinally arranged groups provides the quench spray.

Abstract: An improved process of operating a continuous casting mold of the type that includes at least one mold surface and at least one coolant passage that is in thermal communication with the mold surface includes determining based on at least one factor whether it would be most advantageous to direct coolant through the coolant passage in a first direction or in a second, opposite direction. For example, if the mold liner is beneath a predetermined thickness it may be advantageous to circulate the coolant so that it enters the water jacket and the coolant slots that are defined in the mold liner at the bottom and exiting from the top so that there is some prewarming of the coolant before it reaches the meniscus region. Conversely, if the mold liner is thicker it may be desirable to introduce the coolant at the top of the water jacket, thus enhancing the cooling effect in the meniscus region.

Abstract: Surface defects in rolled steel are remedied by quenching a surface layer of the strand immediately downstream of the caster by transversely differential quenching to match the transverse temperature profile of the strand. The flow rate of the quench spray is differentially adjustable across the width and optionally the length of the strand. An array of spray nozzles controlled by groups provides the quench spray.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cooling and coating a mold in a continuous caster. The cooling of the mold is controlled in at least one of the x- or y-directions. The coating of the mold is accomplished subsequent to the cooling.

Abstract: In a process for thermal control of the copper plate of a continuous casting mold (1), said plate being the plate facing the steel, for different casting rates, copper plate thicknesses, casting formats, water quantities and water pressures, wherein a selectable mold coolant water temperature at the mold outlet (2) is maintained constant independent of casting velocity, the mold outlet temperature (24.1; 24.2) is measured and controlled using a pup joint (31) between the mold outlet (29) and the mold inlet (30) and a two-way valve (23) with a take-off for a partial quantity of the mold outlet water to a heat exchanger, and the hot mold outlet water is mixed/blended with the cooled mold outlet water and, depending on the casting conditions, temperature-controlled mold inlet water, whereby water quantity and water pressure is controlled using a pump device, is driven through the mold, whereby the mold water at the mold outlet exhibits a constant temperature.

Abstract: A multiport mold cooling apparatus for eliminating or reducing rhomboid errors and materials cracking defects during the production process. The multiport mold cooling apparatus includes a support base assembly including a housing having side walls, an open top and bottom, and further having holes disposed through the side walls; and also includes a tubular mold support member being removably disposed in the housing and being adapted to removably receive a mold therein; and further includes a plurality of water blocker members being removably disposed in the housing and about the tubular mold support member; and also includes a restriction-free water flow assembly including a plurality of restriction-free water flow members being removably disposed in the housing and about the tubular mold support member; and further includes a water flow control assembly being mounted to the support base assembly.

Abstract: The invention addresses the problem of edge bulging and breakout of as cast strip due to a decrease of perfect solid phase shell thickness of the strip caused by heat recuperation of the unsolidified portion of the strip, by providing a chamber 19 which encloses the travel path of a strip 8 delivered from a pair of chilled rolls 1a and 1b, a pair of chilled blocks 29a arranged in the chamber to be positioned near a nip between the chilled rolls 1a and 1b, with each chilled block 29a being shaped for loose fitting over an edge of a strip 8 and being capable of injecting cooling gas toward the edge of the strip 8. When the strip 8 is to be continuously cast, the interior of the chamber 19 provides an inert gas atmosphere, in which the cooling gas injected by the cooling blocks 29a injection-cools the edges of the strip 8 delivered from the chilled rolls 1a and 1b at a position near the nip between the chilled rolls 1a and 1b.

Abstract: A method and a device for measuring and regulating the temperature and quantity of cooling water of a continuous casting mold which flows per unit of time through mold walls composed of copper plates which can be cooled by water, particularly independently of each other, wherein the cooling water temperature of a mold wall is measured at least at two locations in the areas of the outlet openings of a copper plate and the corresponding water box, a temperature profile is prepared from the values measured over the width of the copper plate, and the temperature profiles obtained in time intervals are compared to each other. Temperature sensors are arranged in the water discharge area between a copper plate and the cooling water outlet openings of the water box especially on each long side plate at least at two locations thereof, and the signal lines of the temperature sensors are connected to a computer, preferably with an on-line screen.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a chilling block and temperature measuring devices disposed in different positions. The output from the temperature measuring devices can be employed to provide ongoing control of cooling of the chilling block in x-, y- and/or z-directions.

Abstract: The invention addresses the problem of edge bulging and breakout of as cast strip due to a decrease of perfect solid phase shell thickness of the strip caused by heat recuperation of the unsolidified portion of the strip, by providing a chamber 19 which encloses the travel path of a strip 8 delivered from a pair of chilled rolls 1a and 1b, a pair of chilled blocks 29a arranged in the chamber to be positioned near a nip between the chilled rolls 1a and 1b, with each chilled block 29a being shaped for loose fitting over an edge of a strip 8 and being capable of injecting cooling gas toward the edge of the strip 8. When the strip 8 is to be continuously cast, the interior of the chamber 19 provides an inert gas atmosphere, in which the cooling gas injected by the cooling blocks 29a injection-cools the edges of the strip 8 delivered from the chilled rolls 1a and 1b at a position near the nip between the chilled rolls 1a and 1b.

Abstract: A continuous casting and rolling system for steel strips includes a vertically working two-roll casting device, a first device for adding molten steel to the casting device, a second device for guiding a cast strip produced by the casting device into a horizontal position, a horizontally working rolling mill for working the cast strip, and a reel device receiving the strip worked in the horizontally working rolling mill. Each of the casting device, the first device, the second device, the horizontally working rolling mill and the reel device are controlled by respective individual closed-loop control systems. The system also includes a central control system connected to the first device, the casting device, the second device, the rolling mill and the reel device for an integrated adjustment of the respective individual closed-loop control systems as a function of mathematical models.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for controlling the cooling of a strand in a continuous casting installation, in which the cooling or, respectively, the solidification behavior of the strand ensures by means of the quantity of cooling agent used for cooling the strand, whereby the required quantity of cooling agent is determined, constantly and in real time, dependent on a predetermined target temperature distribution. A cooling model is used with which a temperature distribution in the strand can be calculated from a quantity of cooling agent.

Abstract: In producing thin slabs by continuous casting, a method is developed in which internal defects are reduced to improve a production yield. Narrow sides of cast slabs are cooled in a controlled manner to produce cast slabs having a projection in a center of each of the narrow sides to a height of 5-10 mm above the level of the edge portions, and squeeze reduction with a reduction of 10-45% is carried out while an unsolidified portion of the narrow sides of the slab is within 50-80% of the thickness of the cast slab.

Abstract: An improved continuous casting mold and foot guide assembly includes a mold having a casting passage defined therein, a frame member, mounting structure for mounting the frame member to the mold for relative movement toward and away from an axis of the casting passage, and a strand support member for providing support to a strand of continuously cast material as it emerges from the casting passage. Biasing structure is provided for biasing the frame member toward the axis of the casting passage and, advantageously, is positioned so as not to occupy space that is behind the frame member. As a result, the assembly is compatible with all models of casting machines and will be less susceptible to degradation as a result of radiant heat and steam that is emitted from the strand during operation. In addition, a load cell is provided for monitoring the amount of relative force between the frame member and the strand during operation.

Abstract: The method enhances the quality of cast metal being cast in a continuous casting process. In particular, the method combines temperature and quality control sensing to achieve closed-loop control of the cooling of molten metal in a continuous caster.

Abstract: A process for cooling molten steel, in particular by continuous casting of hoop-steel. At least part of the molten mass that leaves a metallurgical vessel through a metal nozzle solidifies when contacting a cooling surface. A gaseous stream that forms a reducing atmosphere is directed onto the surface of the freely accessible liquid hoop-steel immediately after it leaves the metal nozzle and the surface of the hoop-steel is exposed to this gaseous atmosphere at least until it is completely solidified.

Abstract: A continuous block caster has a temperature sensor in each of the chilling blocks. The sensor monitor and control temperatures of the chilling blocks in the casting direction (the "x-direction") and the direction transverse to the casting direction (the "y-direction").

Abstract: A liquid metal/solid metal interface detecting device comprises in general a radiation source for generating gamma radiation, which is directed to pass through a strand extruded from a continuous casting mold. A detector detects the gamma radiation passing through the partially solidified strand to determine a spatial profile for a liquid metal/solid metal interface by relying on the different gamma radiation attenuation characteristics of the solid metal and the liquid metal. Preferably, the gamma radiation is at energies of greater than one million electron volts. In some embodiments, a movable support carries the radiation source and the detector and moves the radiation source and detector along and around the ingot enabling generation of a three-dimensional profile of the liquid metal/solid metal interface by utilizing tomographic imaging techniques.

Abstract: Method for thermal surface treatment in line in a continuous casting machine associated with furnaces to heat hot-charge blooms, the method being applied to fine-grain structural steels and being suitable to obviate the precipitation of compounds of aluminum, vanadium, niobium and the like and to eliminate or at least to reduce greatly the surface faults due to tension, the method being carried out in a continuous casting line comprising at least a mould (13), a secondary cooling chamber (14), an extraction and straightening assembly (15) and a shearing assembly (17), the method being applied in cooperation with the extraction and straightening assembly (15) and including an intense, concentrated cooling of the surface of a bloom (19) passing through by applying a cooling fluid under pressure, which is water-based and is sprayed by a plurality of sprayer nozzles (18), the cooling being adapted to the dimensions of the bloom (19) and being such as to produce a surface temperature between about 400.degree. C.

Abstract: A liquid metal/solid metal interface detecting device comprises in general a radiation source for generating gamma radiation, which is directed to pass through a strand extruded from a continuous casting mold. A detector detects the gamma radiation passing through the partially solidified strand to determine a spatial profile for a liquid metal/solid metal interface by relying on the different gamma radiation attenuation characteristics of the solid metal and the liquid metal. Preferably, the gamma radiation is at energies of greater than one million electron volts. In some embodiments, a movable support carries the radiation source and the detector and moves the radiation source and detector along and around the ingot enabling generation of a three-dimensional profile of the liquid metal/solid metal interface by utilizing tomographic imaging techniques.

Abstract: The method relates to a method for casting steels on arcuate continuous casting installations, a steel melt being passed through a water-cooled chill mold from which a steel product emerges which has solidified at the surface and is cooled by the action of coolants for the further solidification, deflected circularly over supporting rollers, and subsequently bent from the arc by means of multi-point bending equipment back into the horizontal. The force for straightening the arc-shaped steel product is calculated from the high-temperature properties of the steel determined from high-temperature tensile tests and from the temperature profiles of the steel product calculated from surface temperatures.

Abstract: In a continuous casting mold for casting slabs of metal, the mold is cooled by sprays of coolant directed against the outside of the mold. The mold (11) is divided into four zones (zones 1, 2, 3 and 4) and the rates of heat extraction in the different zones are varied so as to obtain a substantially uniform rate of cooling and solidification of the metal being cast, thereby reducing or eliminating the incidence of face cracking in the cast slab.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously monitoring the cooling capacity of a liquid coolant containing gas bubbles. The apparatus includes a measuring means for measuring the number density of the bubbles to infer the heat transfer characteristics of the liquid coolant, a control means for varying the amount of gas in the liquid coolant so that the number density is within a predetermined range and an electro-acoustic transducer in fluid contact with the liquid coolant capable of generating waves of sufficient intensity to cause cavitation in the liquid coolant in the area of the measuring means. In a preferred embodiment the electro-acoustic transducer is an ultrasonic horn.

Abstract: A method of controlling the characteristics of an aqueous solution for treating the surfaces of a web moving continuously in a lengthwise direction, consists of changing certain characteristics, such as the specific gravity, of the aqueous solution at a fundamental period depending on physical parameters, such as the speed at which the web is driven and/or the width of the web, by feedforward control, and changing that fundamental period in accordance with the difference between the measured characteristics of the aqueous solution and reference characteristics according to which the aqueous solution is to be controlled, by feedback control.

Abstract: A method for continuously monitoring and/or controlling the cooling capacity of a liquid coolant containing gas bubbles. The method comprising the steps of: (a) measuring the size and number density of the gas bubbles it he liquid coolant by use of a sensor means to infer a heat transfer characteristic of the liquid coolant; and (b) varying the amount of gas that is being mixed with the liquid coolant so that the inferred heat transfer characteristic is within a predetermined range.

Abstract: A process for controlling the rate of cooling an ingot emerging from a continuous casting mold, said ingot being cooled by application of a fluid coolant directly onto the ingot surface, comprises continuous measurement of the cooling capacity and influencing the composition and/or the quantity of coolant employed per unit time i.e. in the sense of matching up to the required coolant capacity. As such the measurement of the coolant capacity is performed at least at one place outwith the ingot and using coolant not coming into contact with the ingot.

Abstract: During the melt spinning process for producing metal foils having an amorphous structure, molten metal is cast through a slot-like nozzle onto a surface or wall which is rapidly moved past the nozzle. A particularly rapid quenching and cooling rate of the solidifying melt is achieved by providing cooling support elements which are supplied with a cooling pressure medium, on one side of the moved surface or wall and which aide is located opposite to or remote from the nozzle. Advantageously, the surface or wall is constructed as a thin-walled cylindrical shell or tube which is elastically deformable to some extent. In its shell interior, there are provided a number of rows of cooling support elements which may be controlled by thickness sensors and temperature profile sensors. There is thus rendered possible, the continuous production of amorphous metal foils.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for cooling a continuous casting, which includes determining, for each element of steel, the steel residence time in each cooling spray zone of the secondary cooling and determining residence time flow rates as a function of average speed, grade, mold heat removal and section size of the steel strand. The system modifies the residence time flow signal using a feedback error flow signal that is derived in a feedback flow control loop. The feedback error flow signal is derived by comparing the actual measured specific flow GAL/FT.sup.2, based on the actual measured quantity of specific cooling water that each element of steel has received, with a calculated reference specific flow. The specific flow signal is further used to determine whether the system is to use the modified residence time flow or whether the flow should be shut off when the measured specific flow exceeds a maximum reference specific flow.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously casting a thin metallic strip comprising a melt receiver 3 for receiving molten metal, a pair of rolls 4 rotatably arranged under the melt receiver 3 and opposed to each other with a predetermined clearance, rotary drive device 5 for rotating the rolls 4 to draw out the molten metal under solidification as a casting through said clearance, and supply system 11 for supplying cooling water into the interior of the rolls 4, the apparatus further comprising roll temperature sensors 9 embedded in the outer peripheral portion of each roll 4 and equiangularly spaced circumferentially thereof for detecting the surface temperature of the roll 4, a position detecting device 14 for detecting the rotational position of the roll 4, and a control unit 20 for controlling the rotary drive device 5 and the cooling water supplying system 11 in response to detection signals from the temperature sensors 9 and the position detecting device 14.