Abstract: The mold comprises a tubular metal component (4), made of copper or a copper alloy, cooled by water circulation against its external wall and intended to ensure that the cast metal undergoes peripheral solidification on contact with its internal wall, and an uncooled feed head (9) made of a thermally insulating refractory, intended to contain cast metal in the liquid state and sitting on top of the cooled metal component (4) and defining with it a continuous sizing passage for the cast metal. A horizontal metal annulus (16) cooled by internal circulation is added between the feed head (9) and the tubular component (4) and aligned with the internal wall of the latter.

Abstract: A metal ribbon manufacturing apparatus which comprises a cooling roll having a cooling surface for cooling a melt, a melt nozzle confronting the cooling surface with a prescribed gap maintained between it and the cooling roll, gas flow supply means for supplying an inert gas to the periphery of the melt nozzle, roll outside periphery atmosphere shutoff means for covering at least a portion of the outside periphery of the cooling roll and preventing the atmosphere from being rolled in by the rotation of the cooling roll, and an atmosphere staying portion disposed on the front side in the rotating direction of the cooling roll of the roll outside periphery atmosphere shutoff means.

Abstract: A caster including a device for delivering a gas into a space created by the apparatus that define the mold of the caster and the nozzle of the caster. Introducing a gas into the space resists backflowing and freezing of the molten metal to the nozzle.

Abstract: A metallic coil production system by providing a cooler downstream of a heat-treating furnace in a line of continuous casting of a thin strip-like slab, hot rolling, and heat treatment and providing, downstream of the cooler, a pickling device, a trimmer, a heat-treating device, a shear, and a coiler. The apparatus is constructed so that a pickling line, a trimmer line, and a shear line after the line of continuous casting of a thin strip-like slab, hot rolling, and heat treatment can be switched, permitting the lines to be operated in a continuous or discontinuous (independent) manner.

Abstract: An apparatus for the production of a stainless steel strip comprising the following devices provided in sequence: a twin-drum continuous casting machine; an atmosphere control cover having in its interior a bridle roll or a pinch roll; a hot-rolling machine; a heat-treating furnace comprising direct fire burners connected to header pipes juxtaposed to one another in the widthwise direction of the furnace over the longitudinal direction of the furnace; a cooler; and a coiler.

Abstract: The manufacturing method of the present invention comprises steps (1) through (8) which are sequentially arranged, and the steps or equipment from the production of billets to end products are connected in the same single continuous manufacturing line:(1) a step of producing a round billet by continuous casting,(2) a step of cooling the billet to a temperature not higher than an A.sub.r1 transformation temperature,(3) a step of heating the billet to a temperature which allows piercing of the billet,(4) a step of piercing, at a strain rate of not higher than 200/sec, the billet to obtain a hollow shell,(5) a step to form a steel pipe by elongating and finish rolling the hollow shell using a continuous elongating mill and a finish rolling mill which are directly connected to each other, at a predetermined average strain rate, a predetermined reduction ratio, and at a predetermined finishing temperature,(6) a step of recrystallizing the steel pipe at a temperature of not lower than an Ar.sub.

Abstract: A mother strip with a metallically pure surface is passed through a melt bath of a metal and whereby the coating is smoothed by rolling immediately after leaving the melt bath. The mother strip, having been preheated, to a temperature clearly above ambient temperature, especially above 200.degree. C., is introduced into the metal bath. The preheating is carried out by indirect heat exchange with the melt bath in an oxygen-free environment. The melt freshly supplied to the melt bath has an increased temperature in accordance with the heat lost due to preheating.

Abstract: To suppress generation of scales on surfaces of a strip and to reduce the amount of non-oxidizing gas consumed in the casting of strip in a twin roll caster there is provided downstream apparatus comprising pinch rolls 17a and 17b for pinching a strip 4 continuously cast by a pair of casting rolls 1a and 1b, a coiler 8 for coiling the strip 4 delivered from the pinch rolls 17a and 17b, an upstream chamber 19 for enclosing a travelling path of the strip 4 from the casting rolls 1a and 1b to the pinch rolls 17a and 17b,a downstream chamber 24 for enclosing a travelling path of the strip 4 from the pinch rolls 17a and 17b to a position before the coiler, a shutter on an end of the downstream chamber closer to the coiler and a gas supply source for supplying non-oxidizing and reducing gases to the upstream and downstream chambers 19 and 24 and quenching means within the downstream chamber to cool the strip so that it leaves the chamber at a temperature of 300.degree. C. or below.

Abstract: The solidification of the strip (9) is performed by introducing liquid metal between two horizontal rolls rotating in opposition directions (1, 1') which are cooled by an internal circulation of a coolant fluid. A casting space is defined between the rolls and their outer surfaces (3, 3') have a roughness. The casting space is blanketed by a cooling gas or a mixture of gases through a lid (10) covering the casting space. An adjustment of the crown or profile of the rolls (1, 1') is performed by modulating the quantity of cooling gas blown onto the rolls and/or the nature and composition of the gas at least in the vicinity of the surface of each roll (1, 1') upstream of its region of contact with the liquid metal (2).

Abstract: A continuous casting apparatus comprises continuously supplying molten metal from a tundish to a cooled mold having an inlet and an outlet at least through a break ring, forming a cast section by continuously cooling the molten metal in the mold and starting the solidification of the molten metal below its surface, and intermittently withdrawing the cast section with respect to the mold through its outlet. During continuous casting, a sealing gas having a pressure higher than atmospheric and being soluble in the molten metal is invariable supplied to the entirety of the contact area of the mold and the break ring.

Abstract: Ingress of gas such as air through the joint of a pour tube and tube holder of a continuous caster is prevented or inhibited by passing an inert gas into a circumferential channel around the orifice and at the interface of the joint; the gas is evenly distributed within the channel over the entire configuration of a porous refractory insert in the circumferential channel; the porous refractory insert assures even distribution of the gas to the desired location in the joint.

Abstract: In the continuous casting of steel, gas is prevented or inhibited from contacting molten steel through the valve slide plate by feeding inert gas through channels in the slide plate and adjacent parts; the channels contain porous refractory inserts and can be connected to outside sources through juxtaposed side channels.

Abstract: The twin-roll continuous casting device comprises two counterrotating rolls (1, 2), having parallel axes, defining between them a casting space (5), and a shroud (4) placed above the casting space and including two longitudinal walls (41) which extend respectively along the surface of each roll. Each wall (41) includes two gas inlet pipes (45, 46) which include openings emerging towards the said surfaces, these pipes being mutually parallel and adjacent to the surface of the roll, and are separated by pressure-drop seals (50, 64) so that the flow of gas supplied by the pipe (45) lying upstream, in relation to the direction of rotation of the roll, is exclusively directed towards the outside of the shroud, the flow supplied by the pipe (46), located further downstream, being directed towards the casting space. Application especially to the twin-roll continuous casting of thin steel strip.

Abstract: A tundish used in a continuous steel casting operation is sealed to permit effective purging of the tundish to eliminate free oxygen and nitrogen by providing a plurality of generally rectangular planar sealing boards of refractory fiber material having sufficient density to be self-supporting and placing the boards in side-by-side relation on the open top of the tundish prior to installation of the refractory cover whereby the sealing boards form a gasket between the cover and tundish top wall, and form a continuous panel underlying the cover. The refractory fiber material may be penetrated by the ladle shroud tube and/or the tundish stopper rod(s).

Abstract: This invention relates to an inert gas injecting plate brick or nozzle brick for use in a sliding gate valve apparatus of molten metal, characterised in that said plate brick or insert nozzle brick is horizontally split into at least two parts, and a number of small diameter pipes are sealingly arranged and secured in said split surfaces. According to such a plate brick or nozzle brick, it is possible to prevent leakage of injection gas in such kind of apparatus, it is possible to carry out a stable casting working, and complicated, high cost, additional processes such as cutting working, boring working and connecting working of said bricks can be saved.

Abstract: A metal strip casting apparatus has parallel casting rolls having a nip between them, and a molten metal delivery device for delivery of molten metal into the nip. A casting pool of molten metal is formed in the nip, and pool confining members engage the casting rolls at opposite ends of the nip. A roll drive apparatus is provided to drive the casting rolls in opposite directions, to form a metal strip at the nip. A first chamber forming device extends from the metal delivery means to the casting rolls, to form a pressurizing chamber. Pressurizing chamber seals are formed with the casting rolls on either side of the casting pool. A second chamber forming device is provided, and extends to the rolls to form a gas sealing chamber about the pressurizing chamber, and forms sealing chamber seals with the casting rolls. Gas escaping the pressurizing chamber through the pressure chamber seals will therefore enter the gas sealing chamber. A non-oxidizing gas is delivered to the pressurizing chamber.

Abstract: Insulators, heated to a temperature which prevents solidification thereon, are used to confine all but one side of a continuous flow of initially-liquid metal alloy until it is solidified. The remaining side is confined by a thermally conductive material which is cooled by means to provide for essentially unidirectional rapid solidification of the alloy flow. Operational control and product quality are enhanced by establishing and conditioning a surface film on the liquid metal to be cast by controlling the gaseous environment available to the liquid metal prior to contact with the thermally conductive chill. The method and apparatus can produce cast strip with minimal shrinkage porosity from alloys with wide freezing ranges. The cast product is suitable for producing wrought products of high quality. The method is particularly applicable to aluminous alloys.

Abstract: A process for semiliquid casting ingots from which to produce high-mechanical-performance die castings, whereby a metal alloy in the form of pigs and containing ceramic particles is smelted in a smelting furnace, transferred to a ladle, degassed, and fed into a pressurized furnace from which it is cast in the semiliquid state by feeding it at the solidification stage and under laminar flow conditions into a static mixer. At the outlet of the mixer the rheocast material is collected under laminar flow conditions, possibly with the interposition of a siphon type collecting tank and with protective gas shielding, through a cooled metal die, and solidified into a single billet. The billet is then guided by rollers past a saw and cut into pieces from which to obtain ingots of desired weight and size.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing a thin amorphous metal strip. Molten metal is injected onto a single cooling roll rotating at high speed. A gas flow impeding wall is disposed adjacent to the surface of a cooling roll and extends across the body of the cooling roll. The wall is located upstream of the molten metal injection nozzle. CO.sub.2 gas is jetted along one surface of the gas insulating wall which faces the molten metal injection nozzle and toward the surface of the cooling roll. An atmosphere rich in CO.sub.2 gas is maintained adjacent the roll surface just upstream of the molten metal injection nozzle.

Abstract: Molten metal is supplied to a pouring basin formed between cooling members, such as movable cooling drums. A closed space is formed at a meniscus area whereat any one of the cooling members starts to come into contact with the molten metal, and a soluble gas or a mixture of soluble and insoluble gases is supplied to and filled in the closed space, thereby covering the meniscus area with the gas or the mixture. This arrangement enables a continuous casting of a thin metal sheet without surface cracks and having excellent surface characteristics.

Abstract: Oxygen-free copper, particularly wire, is manufactured in a casting and rolling plant composed of melting plant, continuous casting mold and a subsequently arranged continuous rolling mill. The method includes bending a billet leaving the casting plant along a straight line into the horizontal, after the billet has been reduced in at least one shaping pass. The arrangement for carrying out the method includes at least one shaping stand arranged following the continuous casting mold, wherein the rolling axis of the shaping stand coincides with the longitudinal center axis of the continuous casting mold. The region between melting furnace and continuous casting mold and the region between continuous casting mold and the shaping stand are arranged under gas shrouding.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for the continuous casting of aluminum alloys in multiple moulds to form continuous castings of improved quality. The invention comprises supplying gas at a predetermined gas flow rate to each mould during the mould filling stage, sensing the gas pressure during the second casting or cooling stage and increasing or reducing the gas flow rate to maintain a predetermined gas pressure in the moulds during the continuous extrusion process.

Abstract: A process for improving the surface condition and thickness regularity of a thin metal strip cast on a rotating wheel by injection of a molten metal having a free surface forming a meniscus in contact with the wheel. The process comprises detecting undulations or variations in thickness of the strip of at least 10 .mu.m, forming a gas cushion above the free surface utilizing a porous body disposed facing the free surface, and adjusting the pressure of the gas cushion, the location of the porous body or both to control the variations or undulations.

Abstract: A gaseous atmosphere having a predetermined composition is formed near an injected molten metal flow and an injection nozzle of the atmospheric gas so as to manufacture a thin metal strip exhibiting excellent surface property. A thin strip manufacturing apparatus includes an injection nozzle 1 for injecting a molten metal onto a cooling roll 2, an atmospheric gas injection nozzle 3 for injecting an atmosphere having a predetermined composition, a sensor 5 for measuring the concentration of the atmospheric gas, a control device 6 for adjusting a flow rate of the atmospheric gas on the basis of the output of the sensor 5, a cover 4 for maintaining the concentration of the atmospheric gas, and a heating device for preventing cooling of the injection nozzle 1.

Abstract: Disclosed are high strength magnesium-based alloys consisting essentially of a composition represented by the general formula (I) Mg.sub.a M.sub.b X.sub.d, (II) Mg.sub.a Ln.sub.c X.sub.d or (III) Mg.sub.a M.sub.b Ln.sub.c X.sub.d, wherein M is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Ni, Cu, Al, Zn and Ca; Ln is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Y, La, Ce, Sm and Nd or a misch metal (Mm) which is a combination of rare earth elements; X is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Sr, Ba and Ga; and a, b, c and d are, in atomic percent, 55.ltoreq.a.ltoreq.95, 3.ltoreq.b.ltoreq.25, 1.ltoreq.c.ltoreq.15 and 0.5.ltoreq.d.ltoreq.30, the alloy being at least 50 percent by volume composed of an amorphous phase.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for rheocasting (slurry casting) molten metal employ a stirring chamber located upstream of a casting mold. Electromagnetic stirring is employed in both the stirring chamber and the casting mold. Structure is provided for minimizing secondary recirculating flows in the molten metal as it flows downstream through the apparatus, for preventing hangers and for eliminating the columnar dendritic zone at the periphery of the casting. The efficiency of utilization of the magnetic field is optimized as is the agitation required for producing a desired fine, spheroidal, degenerate dendritic grain structure in the solidified casting.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for feeding molten metal to the ingot mold (2) of an installation for the continuous casting of thin cogs (3). At least one jet (6) coming from a nozzle (8) connected to a distributor (4) feeds an ingot mold (2) in which the level of metal is regulated. The distributor (4) is movable vertically in order to keep the height of the jet (6) constant and horizontally in the direction of the largest dimension of the ingot mold in order to subject the jet (6) to an alternating lateral movement. The nozzle (8) and the casting tube (10) are protected by a liquefied neutral gas circulating between the tube (10) and a sleeve (25) surrounding the tube (10).

Abstract: A device for the continuous casting of thin metal strips includes two parallel spaced rotatable rolls, side walls located at the ends of the rolls and defining with the rolls a casting space for liquid metal, a flat cover disposed above the liquid metal and in the immediate vicinity of the meniscus of the liquid metal so as to form a thermal screen which is so dimensioned as to cover the whole of the surface of the liquid metal. The cover is provided with a refractory lining on the side of the cover facing toward the liquid metal and bearing against the two rolls. This cover forms a thermal screen or shield preventing any surface solidification of the bath of liquid metal from starting. Advantageously, an inert gas may be injected between the meniscus and the cover through the latter.

Abstract: Disclosed are high strength magnesium-based alloys consisting essentially of a composition represented by the general formula (I) Mg.sub.a M.sub.b X.sub.d, (II) Mg.sub.a Ln.sub.c X.sub.d or (III) Mg.sub.a M.sub.b Ln.sub.c X.sub.d, wherein M is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Ni, Cu, Al, Zn and Ca; Ln is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Y, La, Ce, Sm and Nd or a misch metal (Mm) which is a combination of rare earth elements; X is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Sr, Ba and Ga; and a, b, c and d are, in atomic percent, 55.ltoreq.a.ltoreq.95, 3.ltoreq.b.ltoreq.25, 1.ltoreq.c.ltoreq.15 and 0.5.ltoreq.d.ltoreq.30, the alloy being at least 50 percent by volume composed of an amorphous phase.

Abstract: An immersion nozzle for containuous metal casting having an elongated nozzle body formed from a porous, gas permeable refractory material. The nozzle body has a conduit extending longitudinally therethrough and an inner surface which defines the conduit. The nozzle body also includes an outer surface defining a predetermined body profile and channels formed in the outer surface of the nozzle body. A metallic housing encases the nozzle body and has an inner surface dimensioned to substantially conform to the profile of the nozzle body. The housing is secured to the nozzle body by a refractory mortar which forms a rigid, relative air-tight layer between the housing and the nozzle body, wherein the channel means form internal passages in the nozzle. A port is provided on the housing in registry with the channels in the nozzle body. The port is connectable to a source of inert gas, which is operable to force the gas into the passages and into the porous refractory material.

Abstract: Casting method for a continuous casting machine of a reduced height with a horizontal or almost horizontal oscillatory crystallizer, whereby an immersed teeming nozzle teems molten metal into the crystallizer below the meniscus, regulation of the flow being obtained with regulation means. Pressure is kept within a tube portion of the teeming nozzle at least transiently which is related to the pressure surrounding the teeming nozzle itself and with the pressure acting on the meniscus of the molten metal in the crystallizer, the pressure within the tube portion of the teeming nozzle being such as will at least hinder the migration of gas from the exterior of the nozzle to the inside of the bore of the tube portion. An immersed teeming nozzle for a continuous casting machine of a reduce height is also disclosed. The teeming nozzle teems the metal below the meniscus of molten metal in an oscillatory crystallizer.

Abstract: The stopper rod for regulating the flow of a liquid has a body traversed by an axial channel and having at one end a porous nose fed with gas from the channel. The nose has a free space in the form of a hemisphere-shaped slot or lattice network communicating with the channel for delivery of gas thereto. Preferably, a plurality of spaced-apart bridges of solid material connect the two faces of the free space in order to increase the strength of the porous nose.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for feeding molten metal to the ingot mold (2) of an installation for the continuous casting of thin cogs (3). At least one jet (6) coming from a nozzle (8) connected to a distributor (4) feeds an ingot mold (2) in which the level of metal is regulated. The distributor (4) is movable vertically in order to keep the height of the jet (6) constant and horizontally in the direction of the largest dimension of the ingot mold in order to subject the jet (6) to an alternating lateral movement. The nozzle (8) and the casting tube (10) are protected by a liquified neutral gas circulating between the tube (10) and a sleeve (25) surrounding the tube (10).

Abstract: In a continuous casting a hollow ingot by means of a forcedly cooled tubular mold and a core, gas is introduced around an outer peripheral surface of the core along longitudinal slits to form an annular gap surrounding an inner peripheral surface of hollow metallic molten metal, and gas pressure is applied on said inner peripheral surface of the hollow molten metal. Refractory heat-insulative material, starter bar, is brought into contact with the molten metal poured into said annular space at the casting start, encased in the metal solidified thereon, and withdrawn together with the hollow ingot being withdrawn. By these methods smooth cast skin is formed on the inner peripheral surface of a hollow ingot.

Abstract: A one-piece refractory stopper rod has an axial bore formed therein for the introduction of inert gas into molten steel within a tundish. A metal bushing insert is copressed into the refractory stopper rod and has a threaded bore which is positioned coaxially with the bore of the stopper rod body. A metal attachment rod having an axial bore therethrough and a threaded lower shank portion is secured within the threaded bore of the metal bushing insert. The metal attachment rod has an upper threaded shank which is adapted to be secured to a stopper rod lifting mechanism associated with the tundish. The metal rod further includes a flanged portion intermediate the upper and lower shank portions which carries an annular chamfered surface. The annular chamfered surface faces a like annular chamfered surface formed in the bore of the stopper rod to define a gas-tight seal at a sealing interface therebetween.

Abstract: A twin-roll type continuous casting machine for fabricating a metal sheet from molten metal supplied from a ladle comprises a pair of spaced rolls, side weirs disposed on each roll in the lateral direction of the roll, a tundish for reserving the molten metal and supplying the molten metal through a feeder, which is provided above the rolls and below the tundish, to form a melt pool on the upper side of the gap between the rolls so as to fabricate the metal sheet through the gap between the rolls, a pressurizing chamber formed between the rolls and the tundish for gas-pressurizing the melt surface of the melt pool. The arrangement allows the ladle to easily supply the molten metal to the tundish and ensures easy maintenance of the tundish.

Abstract: A one-piece refractory stopper rod has an axial bore formed therein for the introduction of inert gas into molten steel within a tundish. A metal bushing insert is compressed into the refractory stopper rod and has a threaded bore which is positioned coaxially with the bore of the stopper rod body. A metal attachment rod having an axial bore therethrough and a threaded lower shank portion is secured within the threaded bore of the metal bushing insert. The metal attachment rod has an upper threaded shank which is adapted to be secured to a stopper rod lifting mechanism associated with the tundish. The metal rod further includes a flanged portion intermediate the upper and lower shank portions which carries an annular chamfered surface. The annular chamfered surface faces a like annular chamfered surface formed in the bore of the stopper rod to define a gas-tight seal at a sealing interface therebetween.

Abstract: The invention provides apparatus for the production of a continuous uniform length of coherent metal. A cone 10 of atomized metal particles is deposited on a surface 12, which is continuously withdrawn in the form of a length of coherent metal 14. Shaping means 16 are provided to make the withdrawn deposit uniform along its length. The equipment is protected from the atmosphere by a hood 18 through which the length of metal is withdrawn through an aperture provided with a seal 20. Preferably, the deposit is of circular cross-section and is caused to rotate during withdrawal about its longitudinal axis. The equipment is suitable to form billet or rod or tube.

Abstract: A ladle shroud has a co-pressed porous ring for the introduction of an inert gas at the sealing joint between the ladle shroud and a mating ladle collector nozzle. The dense body of the ladle shroud and the co-pressed porous ring are of similar carbon-bonded graphite refractory grain compositions and have similar carbon containing binder systems to improve the bond between the ring and body components. The dense body further includes a continuous integral ledge portion which, abuts a top surface of the porous ring to seal the top of the ring against unwanted inert gas leakage.

Abstract: Molten metal is fed into a liquid-cooled horizontal caster through a ceramic nozzle to form a continuous wire or rod, that is drawn out of the exit end of the mold in incremental steps by a pair of intermittently-driven pinch rolls. The nozzle is preferably made of zirconium oxide, which is slightly porous and at temperatures above 1100.degree. F. has the property of allowing gas to pass through at a much greater rate than at lower temperatures. The nozzle is mechanically attached to the end of the liquid-cooled caster. A shroud, or manifold, surrounds the nozzle for at least a portion of its length, and also enclosed the interface between nozzle and caster. The manifold is supplied with a dry, inert gas such as argon, so that at elevated temperatures, any oxygen is purged from the pores of the zirconium oxide nozzle and is replaced by the inert gas, thereby eliminating any oxygen that would otherwise be present at the interface between the nozzle and the molten metal.

Abstract: The invention provides an aluminum based alloy consisting essentially of the formula Al.sub.bal Fe.sub.a X.sub.b, wherein X is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Zn, Co, Ni, Cr, Mo, V, Zr, Ti, Y and Ce, "a" ranges from about 7-15 wt. %, "b" ranges from about 2-10 wt. % and the balance is aluminum. The alloy has a predominately microeutectic microstructure, and is produced by a method and apparatus for forming rapidly solidified metal within an ambient atmosphere. Generally stated, the apparatus includes a moving casting surface which has a quenching region for solidifying molten metal thereon. A reservoir holds molten metal and has orifice means for depositing a stream of molten metal onto the casting surface quenching region. A heating mechanism heats the molten metal contained within the reservoir, and a gas source provides a non-reactive gas atmosphere at the quenching region to minimize oxidation of the deposited metal.

Abstract: Process for protecting against oxidation and/or nitridation of a liquid metal stream flowing from the outlet orifice of a ladle or a distribution vessel, comprising surrounding the pouring stream with a tube substantially throughout the height of the stream and injecting a protective gas at least around the pouring stream so as to minimize the contact of the molten metal with the ambient air and avoid the dilution of the protective gas and the aspiration of ambient air. A device for carrying out the process includes two complementary semi-shells for surrounding the pouring stream and a hinge articulating the semi-shells for opening and closing the latter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for casting rapidly solidified metallic strip includes a nozzle mechanism which has an orifice for directing a stream of molten metal onto a movable quench surface. An upstream constraint mechanism constrains an upstream portion of a melt puddle formed on the quench surface by molten metal from the molten metal stream. A side constraint mechanism constrains two, opposite side portions of the melt puddle, and a downstream constraint mechanism provides a selected gas pressure, constraining force against a downstream, top surface of the melt puddled.

Abstract: A one-piece carbon-bonded graphite refractory stopper rod for use in continuous casting of molten metal includes a copressed body portion with an integral porous nose section. Through a gap grain sizing technique, the mean pore size of the nose is controlled to preferably about 10 microns to permit an inert gas introduced into the rod to permeate therethrough as a fine dispersion of bubbles in the melt while preventing reverse permeation of molten metal in the event of depressurization of the gas supply. Improved erosion resistance of the nose and lower alumina deposition in the casting nozzle are also achieved.

Abstract: A refractory channel connection apparatus transfers molten metal from a metallurgical vessel into a mold of a continuous casting machine formed by a peripheral groove and a casting wheel and a band covering the open side of the groove. The channel connection apparatus includes a refractory pouring tube having an inlet end connected to the discharge nozzle of the metallurgical vessel, an outlet end and a molten metal passage extending from the inlet end to the outlet end. A refractory nozzle extension is provided at the outlet end of the pouring tube, the nozzle extension having therethrough a flow through passage communicating with the passage of the pouring tube, an outer profile dimensioned to extend tangentially into the mold and to define therewith a gas seal slot, and a lower end extending into the mold to a level above the upper level of metal cast therein.

Abstract: Process of casting steel from a ladle into a tundish, in which the metal which is in the tundish is protected against oxidation and nitridation. The process comprises two consecutive steps: a first step which includes flushing the tundish before the start of the casting of the liquid metal during which a high flow of dry ice or liquid argon is introduced until the oxygen concentration in the vicinity of the zone corresponding to the base of the jet of liquid metal at the start of the casting is lower than about 0.5%; and a second step for the upkeep of the atmosphere in the vicinity of the base of the jet which begins when the liquid metal starts to flow in the tundish, during which dry ice or liquid argon is injected as an upkeep flow which is less than the flushing flow, so as to maintain an oxygen concentration lower than about 0.5% in the vicinity of the base of the jet.

Abstract: A casting nozzle designed such that the sticking of nonmetallic impurities to the outlet of the nozzle is prevented by blowing out a gas. The casting nozzle comprises a nozzle proper, an annular hollow chamber for gas blowing formed in the axial direction of the nozzle proper, and annularly arranged reticulate small holes for gas blowing communicating with the annular hollow chamber, the small holes opening at the outlet of the nozzle. The reticulate small holes are formed when organic filaments wound round a portion of the inside wall of the nozzle proper carbonize, volatilize, or shrink upon heating.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for the continuous casting of tubular shapes wherein molten metal from which the tubular shape is formed is centrifugally deposited adjacent to the outlet of a fluid-cooled mold by a nozzle assembly, with the metal being cooled and rapidly solidified by the mold to form a cylindrical shell upon which additional metal is deposited to incrementally build the thickness of the tubular shape. The tubular shape being formed is withdrawn continuously from the mold, and is further cooled by coolant directed thereon. The nozzle assembly may be rotated to discharge the molten metal or, alternatively, the mold may be rotated as the metal is deposited thereon. Single-layer tubular shapes, with or without reinforcing material, may be cast and multiple-layer composite shapes may be produced having layers of different material composition and thicknesses. An inert atmosphere is maintained to prevent oxidation of the molten metal.

Abstract: Machine for the continuous casting of metal in the form of at least two separate strips, comprising a tundish (1) supplied with liquid metal, a bottomless mold (2) supplied continuously by the tundish (1), and an extraction and secondary cooling device (4). The liquid metal is poured into a distributor vessel (3) interposed between the tundish (1) and the mold (2), the vessel (3) placed on the mold (2), secured to the latter and equipped with means of maintaining the metal at the casting temperature.

Abstract: Metals are continuously cast in an ingot mould having a feeder head disposed thereabove. An isolating ring disposed around the lower portion of the feeder head forms an annular chamber which is maintained under an inert gas pressure throughout the duration of the casting operation by a conduit which is in communication with a source of inert gas.