Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and computer program products for communicating a first information node between a seller and a buyer of a production share of verifiable physical goods over a central service layer. A second information node is recorded in the data store covering the verifiable physical goods, wherein the second information node is made by a guarantor in communication with the central service layer. An identifier of the second information node is associated with the first information node over the central service layer. Market information regarding the production share is translated from the first information node and the second information node accessed from the data store using the identifier and integrating the market information regarding the production share into adjusted market information, and the market information regarding the production share and the adjusted market information is transmitted to devices connected over the central service layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cooling system for a mould, in particular a mould for vertical continuous casting, comprising at least one cooling unit (11), wherein the mould has a running surface (10) with an inner side and an outer side and the inner side of the running surface (10a) limits a continuous casting during operation, wherein the cooling unit (11) is designed to be moveably arranged on the mould and the cooling unit (11) has an adjusting element (13), wherein the cooling unit (11) is arranged on the mould in such a way that a gap (12) is formed between the cooling unit (11) and the outer side of the running surface (10) and the width of the gap (12) can be adjusted by the adjusting element (13).

Abstract: In production of a reactive metal using a melting furnace for producing metal having a hearth, ingots can be efficiently produced by efficiently cooling the ingots extracted from the mold provided in the melting furnace. In addition, an apparatus structure in which multiple ingots can be produced with high efficiency and high quality from one hearth, is provided. A melting furnace for producing metal is provided, the furnace has a hearth for having molten metal formed by melting raw material, a mold in which the molten metal is poured, an extracting jig which is provided below the mold for extracting ingot cooled and solidified downwardly, a cooling member for cooling the ingot extracted downwardly of the mold, and an outer case for keeping the hearth, the mold, the extracting jig, and the cooling member separated from the air, wherein at least one mold and extracting jig are provided in the outer case, and the cooling member is provided between the outer case and the ingot, or between the multiple ingots.

Abstract: A submerged nozzle for continuous casting of molten metal, wherein two or more discharge hole flow passages are provided on a cylindrical side surface of a submerged nozzle, and first and second inner surface side walls and first and second outer surface side walls of the discharge hole flow passages in a horizontal cross-section of the submerged nozzle when in use are composed by straight lines formed so as to be inflected at an inner side point of inflection and an outer side point of inflection.

Abstract: A submerged nozzle for continuous casting of molten metal, wherein two or more discharge hole flow passages are provided on a cylindrical side surface of a submerged nozzle, and first and second inner surface side walls and first and second outer surface side walls of the discharge hole flow passages in a horizontal cross-section of the submerged nozzle when in use are composed by straight lines formed so as to be inflected at an inner side point of inflection and an outer side point of inflection.

Abstract: A pivotable tundish (1) for continuous casting a metal alloy. The tundish comprises a body (3) comprising a first chamber (5), a second chamber (7), a first passage (12) between the first chamber and the second chamber, and a second passage (16) between the second chamber and a mold (9). The first chamber is adapted to receive and hold a base metal constituting the base for forming the metal alloy by addition of alloying elements. The metal alloy is fed from the second chamber to the mold through the second passage. The second chamber further comprises a first portion (30) and a second portion (32), and a third passage (36) between the first portion and the second portion. In the casting state the metal alloy is formed while casting by adding the alloying elements to the second portion of the second chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for casting metal strip includes a pair of counter-rotatable casting rolls having casting surfaces laterally positioned to form a nip therebetween through which cast strip can be cast, and on which a casting pool of molten metal can be formed supported on the casting surfaces above the nip, a pair of molten metal delivery nozzles disposed above the nip and capable of discharging molten metal to form the casting pool supported on the casting rolls, a pair of side dams adjacent ends of the pair of casting rolls capable of confining the casting pool, a pair of delivery nozzle actuators capable of positioning the delivery nozzles independently of the side dams and a pair of side dam actuators capable of positioning the side dams independently of the delivery nozzles during casting, and a control system capable of controlling desired distance between the delivery nozzles and the side dams.

Abstract: A gas pressure controlled casting mold is disclosed having a hot-top introducing a molten metal of aluminum or aluminum alloy, and a mold body which passes the molten metal of aluminum or aluminum alloy introduced from the hot-top through a molten metal passage portion for cooling and solidification and semi-continuously or continuously casting a billet of aluminum or aluminum alloy. A wall surface of the molten metal passage portion of the mold body is provided with a plurality of lubricating oil blow-out holes for blowing out a lubricating oil. A lubricating oil supply passage is communicatively connected to each lubricating oil blow-out hole and is independently formed at least in a range of a heat affected portion in the mold body. This allows the mold body to be reliably cooled regardless of the difference in the temperature and casting speed conditions and thus can achieve favorable continuous casting.

Abstract: A die casting apparatus and method evidencing increased apparatus output including the ability of using multiple die tools. The apparatus includes an indexing assembly removably engaged with at least one die block assembly for transporting between four stations, including an injection station, a cooling station, an ejection station, and a recovery station. The injection station includes a frame, a clamp assembly attached to the frame for clamping and releasing the die block assembly, a shot sleeve assembly engaged with the die block assembly for receiving molten material, such as metal, from a furnace means and injecting the molten material into the die block assembly, and a shot cylinder releasably coupled with the shot sleeve assembly for controlling the injection of molten material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for casting a composite ingot made of metals that are susceptible to surface oxide formation when molten. The method involves co-casting at least two metal layers from at least two molten metal pools formed within a direct chill casting apparatus. During the casting operation, movement of metal oxide formed on the upper surface of at least one of the pools towards an edge of the pool is restrained by an oxide skimmer positioned close to an edge of the pool above an external surface or metal-metal interface of the ingot. The apparatus provides a DC caster with at least one oxide skimmer that operates in this manner.

Abstract: A seal for a continuous casting furnace having a melting chamber with a mold therein for producing a metal cast includes a passage between the melting chamber and external atmosphere. As the cast moves through the passage, the cast outer surface and the passage inner surface define therebetween a reservoir for containing liquid glass or other molten material to prevent the external atmosphere from entering the melting chamber. Particulate material fed into the reservoir is melted by heat from the cast to form the molten material. The molten material coats the cast as it moves through the passage and solidifies to form a coating to protect the hot cast from reacting with the external atmosphere. Preferably, the mold has an inner surface with a cross-sectional shape to define a cross-sectional shape of the cast outer surface whereby these cross-sectional shapes are substantially the same as a cross-sectional shape of the passage inner surface.

Abstract: A seal for a continuous casting furnace having a melting chamber with a mold therein for producing a metal cast includes a passage between the melting chamber and external atmosphere. As the cast moves through the passage, the cast outer surface and the passage inner surface define therebetween a reservoir for containing liquid glass or other molten material to prevent the external atmosphere from entering the melting chamber. Particulate material fed into the reservoir is melted by heat from the cast to form the molten material. The molten material coats the cast as it moves through the passage and solidifies to form a coating to protect the hot cast from reacting with the external atmosphere. Preferably, the mold has an inner surface with a cross-sectional shape to define a cross-sectional shape of the cast outer surface whereby these cross-sectional shapes are substantially the same as a cross-sectional shape of the passage inner surface.

Abstract: An integral molten metal casting device comprising: a crossfeeder having an interior surface defining a partial cylinder of a first diameter; a generally cylindrical thimble having an interior surface of a second smaller diameter; and back-up insulation; all formed as a single monolithic structure with the crossfeeder interior surface and the thimble interior surface comprising a continuous, joint free and uninterrupted cylinder insert surface of a thin layer or multiple layers of fiber reinforced low thermal expansion coefficient, high wear resistant material. According to certain preferred embodiments, the thin layer or layers comprise fused silica, alumina or zirconia, and mixtures of these materials with other similar materials such as silicon carbide. Monolithic integrally formed molten metal handling systems of similar structure are also described.

Abstract: A molten metal supply system (90) includes a plurality of injectors (100) each having an injector housing (102) and a reciprocating piston (104). A molten metal supply source (132) is in fluid communication with the housing (102) of each of the injectors (100). The piston (104) is movable through a first stroke allowing molten metal (134) to be received into the housing (102) from the molten metal supply source (132), and a second stroke for displacing the molten metal (134) from the housing (102). A pressurized gas supply source (144) is in fluid communication with the housing (102) of each of the injectors (100) through respective gas control valves (146). The molten metal supply system (90) is in fluid communication with an outlet manifold (140) having a plurality of outlet dies (404), which may be used to form continuous metal articles including rods, bars, ingots, and continuous plate.

Abstract: A metal distribution system for the simultaneous production of a plurality of logs or round billets from molten metal comprising: 1) a trough for the introduction of molten metal; 2) a plurality of side streams extending from the trough and each of the side streams including a plurality of opposing apertures each of the apertures including a thimble for the shaping of molten metal passing through the trough and the side streams and into the thimbles. A uniform flow of molten metal into the side streams and the individual apertures is provided by the controlled negative angular orientation of the most upstream opposing pair of apertures thereby providing relative uniformity of the temperature of molten metal reaching each of the plurality of apertures. A unique unitized thimble configuration and trough damming arrangement are also described.

Abstract: A magnesium-alloy plate manufactured by completely melting a magnesium-alloy material received in a hermetic type melting furnace; transferring the molten magnesium-alloy into a hermetic type heat insulation furnace through a hermetic type transfer runner; discharging the molten magnesium-alloy received in the heat insulation furnace into a recessed portion of a casting wheel through a casting runner, to which a mixed gas containing SF6 is injected by ignition-suppression gas injection tubes; and continuously casting the molten magnesium-alloy entered into the recessed portion of the casting wheel into a magnesium-alloy plate using a casting band circulating around the casting wheel while coming into contact with an upper portion of the recessed portion.

Abstract: A metal distribution system for the simultaneous production of a plurality of logs or round billets from molten metal comprising: 1) a trough for the introduction of molten metal; 2) a plurality of side streams extending from the trough and each of the side streams including a plurality of opposing apertures each of the apertures including a thimble for the shaping of molten metal passing through the trough and the side streams and into the thimbles. A uniform flow of molten metal into the side streams and the individual apertures is provided by the controlled negative angular orientation of the most upstream opposing pair of apertures thereby providing relative uniformity of the temperature of molten metal reaching each of the plurality of apertures. A unique unitized thimble configuration and trough damming arrangement are also described.

Abstract: A molten metal supply system (90) includes a plurality of injectors (100) each having an injector housing (102) and a reciprocating piston (104). A molten metal supply source (132) is in fluid communication with the housing (102) of each of the injectors (100). The piston (104) is movable through a return stroke allowing molten metal (134) to be received into the housing (102) from the molten metal supply source (132), and a displacement stroke for displacing the molten metal (134) from the housing (102). A pressurized gas supply source (144) is in fluid communication with the housing (102) of each of the injectors (100) through respective gas control valves (146). The gas supply source (144) is used to pressurize a space formed between the molten metal (134) and the piston (104) during the return stroke of the piston (104) of each of the injectors (100).

Abstract: A method for hearthless processing of a solid metallic material consisting essentially of titanium or other metal or alloy thereof which includes providing a solid metal block having a processing surface and a base surface and consisting essentially of titanium or a metal, forming a pool of molten metal on the processing surface of the solid metal block provided in step, adding the metallic material to be processed to the pool of molten metal formed in step, and melting the metallic material to be processed, and removing metallic material melted in step from the pool of molten metal.

Abstract: A molten metal supply system (90) includes a plurality of injectors (100) each having an injector housing (102) and a reciprocating piston (104). A molten metal supply source (132) is in fluid communication with the housing (102) of each of the injectors (100). The piston (104) is movable through a return stroke allowing molten metal (134) to be received into the housing (102) from the molten metal supply source (132), and a displacement stroke for displacing the molten metal (134) from the housing (102). A pressurized gas supply source (144) is in fluid communication with the housing (102) of each of the injectors (100) through respective gas control valves (146). The gas supply source (144) is used to pressurize a space formed between the molten metal (134) and the piston (104) during the return stroke of the piston (104) of each of the injectors (100).

Abstract: A molten metal supply system (90) includes a plurality of injectors (100) each having an injector housing (102) and a reciprocating piston (104). A molten metal supply source (132) is in fluid communication with the housing (102) of each of the injectors (100). The piston (104) is movable through a first stroke allowing molten metal (134) to be received into the housing (102) from the molten metal supply source (132), and a second stroke for displacing the molten metal (134) from the housing (102). A pressurized gas supply source (144) is in fluid communication with the housing (102) of each of the injectors (100) through respective gas control valves (146). The molten metal supply system (90) is in fluid communication with an outlet manifold (140) having a plurality of outlet dies (404), which may be used to form continuous metal articles including rods, bars, ingots, and continuous plate.

Abstract: When molten steel is poured using an immersion nozzle in a state in which a direct current magnetic field zone is applied to a cast slab over the entire width in the thickness direction thereof at a position a predetermined distance below the molten metal level in a continuously-casting mold, the immersion nozzle is provided with ejection holes located in at least upper and lower two stages, at least one lower ejection hole is disposed such that these satisfies the following formula (1), the supply rate of the molten steel from upper ejection holes is set smaller than the rate consumed by solidification in an upper pool, and a particular solute element is added to the molten steel in the upper pool.

Abstract: A tundish carriage for a double-strand continuous caster has a carriage frame displaceable on rails straddling a pair of parallel-wall or funnel-shaped continuous casting billet molds. The frame is of trapezoidal configuration with one relatively long beam and one relatively short beam connected by transverse beams at vertices provided with bolsters riding on the rails and with units for raising and lowering the trough for receiving the molten metal. The casting tubes extend downwardly from the trough and can be individually aligned with the respective molds without affecting the position of the other casting tube, utilizing an adjusting device at each bolster connecting a transverse beam with the longer of the longitudinal beams.

Abstract: The molten-metal feed device (1), arranged between a source of molten metal and a casting machine for the ascending continuous casting of cast-iron pipes, has a modular structure (3, 16). This structure includes a syphon (3) for conveying the molten metal from the source of metal to the casting machine, constituting a replaceable component, and plates (16) for heating the syphon (3) which are removably arranged around the latter and in contact with it.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for continuous casting of metal strip in which a layer of liquid parting agent, and any solid detritus contained therein, is completely removed from a casting surface of a rotating belt after contact with the metal, and in which a new layer of liquid parting agent is applied to the casting surface thereafter and prior to renewed contact with the molten metal. The removal of used parting agent and the application of fresh helps to present the formation of surface blemishes and defects on the cast metal strip product. Such blemishes and defects can also be minimized by using an injector having a flexible tip used to inject the molten metal onto the casting surface and preferably one or more spacers to create a gap between the tip and the casting surface itself. The spacer is preferably a screen of wire strands orientated to minimize disruption of the new layer of liquid parting agent applied to the casting surface.

Abstract: A layer of liquid parting agent, and any solid detritus contained therein, is completely removed from a casting surface of a rotating belt after contact with molten metal. A new layer of liquid parting agent is applied to the casting surface thereafter and prior to renewed contact with the molten metal. The removal of used parting agent and the application of fresh helps to prevent the formation of surface blemishes and defects on the cast metal strip product. Such blemishes and defects can also be minimized by using an injector having a flexible tip used to inject the molten metal onto the casting surface and preferably one or more spacers to create a gap between the tip and the casting surface itself. The spacer is preferably a screen of wire strands orientated to minimize disruption of the new layer of liquid parting agent applied to the casting surface. By avoiding disruption of the new layer of liquid parting agent, surface blemishes on the cast product are minimized.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for vertical continuous casting of metal in at lest one hot-top mold with metal supplied at constant level. The object of the invention is to provide a process and an apparatus that make it possible, while supplying metal at constant level, to avoid non-uniform temperature gradients, turbulence, and waste of metal. According to the invention this is achieved by coordinating the level, flow rate and distribution of molten metal to each hot-top mold from the outlet opening of a smelting furnace.

Abstract: An electromagnetic levitation type continuous metal casting apparatus includes a molten metal storing furnace for holding and storing a molten metal, a casting vessel for upwardly receiving and holding the molten metal in the form of an upwardly moving molten metal column, a displacer block for controlling supply of molten metal from the storing furnace to the casting vessel cooling means unified with the casting vessel and disposed around the outer periphery of the casting vessel for cooling and solidifying the upwardly moving molten metal column, alternating electromagnetic levitation and containment field generation means surrounding the casting vessel and cooling means disposed around the outer periphery thereof for generating an alternating electromagnetic field for electromagnetically levitating and containing the upwardly moving molten metal column while it is in the casting vessel, a molten metal supply path for supplying the molten metal to be cast from an inlet relatively high upon the side wall of

Abstract: Continuous casting apparatus comprising a tundish having a pouring nozzle communicating with a closed, pressurized pouring box which has an outlet corresponding to the inlet of a mold such that the entry conditions of liquid metal into the mold are not adversely affected by the flow of liquid metal into the mold thereby providing a uniform skin of solid metal about a liquid metal core as the cast product is withdrawn from the mold.

Abstract: A furnace system particularly adapted for use with a continuous upcaster. Instead of employing discrete furnaces, tundishes, ladles and the like, the instant unitary system employs a furnace, a feeding mechanism for directly introducing material into the furnace and a plasma torch to melt the material. The rate of material entering the furnace is balanced by the quantity of product emerging from the upcaster.

Abstract: A crucible (11) for use in a continuous casting process using upwards feed induced by gas pressure within a surrounding casing (10) consists of a monolithic or one-piece crucible body (28) of refractory material defining a melt chamber (29) having a charging opening (30) at one end and a melt outlet (31) at the opposite end, the melt outlet communicating with a die feed port (35) by way of ducts (32, 34) extending through the crucible body. The melt chamber and the ducts are formed in the body by machine-boring or drilling. The melt outlet (31) also communicates with a narrowed drain port (33B) near which are cooling probe recesses (38) for receiving cooling probes (44) to effect a drain plug of "frozen" melt. The plug is cleared to drain the crucible completely simply by withdrawing the cooling probes.

Abstract: Disclosed are process and apparatus for use in the direct casting of metal strip from molten metal deposited on a moving chill surface from a tundish having a floor, opposed upwardly extending sidewalls, an end wall, an open outlet opposite the end wall with the open outlet extending substantially the full width of the tundish between the sidewalls, and an inlet for providing a flow of molten metal into the tundish from a source of molten metal. Flow distribution and diffusers within the tundish control and diffuse the flow of molten metal to provide molten metal of substantially uniform temperature across the width of the tundish at the outlet.

Abstract: Melt flows down through downspouts into a basin defined by a pair of cooling rolls and side dams. Melt is decreased in flow rate to be supplied uniformly through a slit nozzle in a widthwise direction of the cooling rolls so that a solidified shell formed over the cooling rolls can be prevented from being melted again.

Abstract: A pair of guide pins are mounted on sideplate extensions of the caster and mating roller pairs are mounted on the nozzle assembly. The nozzle is advanced toward the caster so that the roller pairs engage the guide pins. Both guide pins are remotely adjustable in the vertical direction by hydraulic cylinders acting through eccentrics. This moves the nozzle vertically. The guide pin on the inboard side of the caster is similarly horizontally adjustable. The nozzle roller pair which engage the inboard guide pin are flanged so that the nozzle moves horizontally with the inboard guide pin.

Abstract: Disclosed are process and apparatus for use in the direct casting of metal strip from molten metal deposited on a moving chill surface from a tundish having a floor, opposed upwardly extending sidewalls, an end wall, an open outlet opposite the end wall with the open outlet extending substantially the full width of the tundish between the sidewalls, and an inlet for providing a flow of molten metal into the tundish from a source of molten metal. Flow diverters within the tundish divide the flow of molten metal into a plurality of separate streams and divert one of the streams in the direction of each sidewall and for recombining the diverted streams into a composite stream flowing toward the outlet. Flow diffusers diffuse the molten metal flowing through the tundish to provide molten metal of substantially uniform temperature across the width of the tundish at the outlet.

Abstract: Metal strip may be cast directly from molten metal in an open tundish onto a chill roll. Strip thickness is controlled by contouring the tundish lip with an offset near the casting wheel. This can be used remedially to offset the natural tendency for the strip to be thicker near the edges, which is undesirable for cold rolling, or it may be used creatively to produce contoured strip.

Abstract: In a casting nozzle, tubes are placed between a bar-shaped mouthpiece and a distribution bar, which connect holes in the mouthpiece and the distribution bar to allow for the flow of the melt. Pulling rods which are under tension, are anchored to the mouthpiece and to the distribution bar and press these parts elastically against the ends of the tubes in such a manner that the nozzle components are elastically braced, yet remain flexible and can adjust freely to heat dilatations or inaccuracies which occur in fabrication or assembly. The nozzle components, particularly the tubes, are easy to obtain and to exchange. Due to the fact that the pulling rods enter the mouthpiece from its back side and are anchored therein, the mouthpiece can be very slender, thus allowing for thin casting.

Abstract: Prior to reaching the nozzle's exit, the belt is pressed from outward against the nozzle by means of a rail supported by springs whereby the mould is reliably sealed off under all working conditions. Pressing the belt against the nozzle can also be achieved by means of pistons or the direct hydrostatic and/or hydrodynamic effect of the coolant from the outside or through various combined measures. In order to reduce friction and wear, the nozzle in the area of contact with one belt can be provided with a wear-resistant coating or wear-resistant inserts. This sealing method enables a casting process with high metallostatic pressure, consequently resulting in a high quality product.

Abstract: Manufacturing apparatus for continuous casting of sheet metal includes a pair of chill rolls and a vessel containing molten metal. One of the rolls is of a larger diameter, on which the other roll of a smaller diameter is arranged at a position corresponding to a clock position of 12-3 O'clock. The vessel has an open forward end and is arranged to contact the larger roll or leave a gap as narrow as possible. The smaller roll is partially disposed in molten metal in the vessel. When the two rolls are driven at the same peripheral velocity in the opposite direction, molten metal is fed between the rolls to form a sheet metal which may be continuously peeled from the larger roll surface.

Abstract: A combination-use nozzle for continuous casting vertically upwards with or without vacuum, has a solidification pipe in a cooler in a fireproof thermal shield. To provide a simple and durable structure, the solidification pipe is short, with thin walls and manufactured of a known nozzle material. The melt is led into the solidification pipe by a conduit pipe manufactured of a fireproof material and having a wider inside cavity then the solidification pipe. An annular space between the solidification and conduit pipes at the thermal shield of the cooler has powder insulation. When only the lower end of the conduit pipe is immersed in a melt, the melt can be lifted into the solidification pipe by vacuum pressure in the solidification pipe, or when the conduit pipe is immersed in the melt up to the cooler, the melt can rise into the solidification pipe of itself.

Abstract: The utilization of a feeder immersion type pipe for continuous casting is avoided through an antechamber-like feeder vessel on top of the mold for continuous casting, having a short extension that reaches into the mold cavity and defines a step towards the wall proper from which steel flows in widening cross section to directly form the casting strand. Casting extraction is enhanced by feeding appropriate material, either fluid or a foil, into the space of the mold cavity immediately underneath this step.

Abstract: Continuous casting apparatus is provided having a highly conductive, cooled flow-through mold, a feeder for the mold having an upstream and a downstream section with the downstream section in abutment with the mold, a heater associated with the upstream section for maintaining metal in contact therewith above liquidus temperature, the feeder sections being made of refractory material and dimensioned such that the heat from the upstream section is not bled off so rapidly into the cooling elements of the adjacent mold as to start the strand shell development in the upstream section, but sufficiently to let it start in the downstream secton of the feeder.

Abstract: In a continuous caster including a crucible for metal to be melted and a mold coupled to the crucible, the crucible and the mold can be screwed together so that easy removal and replacement of the mold is possible. The crucible and the upper part of the mold are surrounded by an induction heating coil to maintain the metal in a molten condition. A gasket of zirconium oxide is clamped between the mold and the crucible.

Abstract: A continuous casting contrivance comprises a mold (7a) capable of being installed at the floor of the crucible (1) in an opening (3) that may, if necessary, display a casting punch (25a). Further provided for the mold is a cooling arrangement. As to whether the production and operating costs of a continuous casting contrivance of this type are to be significantly reduced as compared to the state of the art and the quality of the casting improved, and to be able to again prepare a mold for a renewed continuous casting, is provided for on the one hand by splitting the continuous casting mold (7a) into, if necessary, a supply part (4) accommodating the casting punch (25a) and, transversally to the direction of continuous casting, a cooling mold (7) capable of being regulated in its temperature, whereby the supply part (4) is disposed in the crucible floor (1) and/or in an insert (1a) provided there.

Abstract: In a continuous vertical ascending casting installation for iron pipes T, graphite elements 3 defining a molten metal feed chimney 28, a die and coaxial core arrangement 13, 14 and an expansion vessel 16 are mounted under a cover 2 of an electric furnace 1. In use these graphite elements are immersed in a bath of molten metal contained in the hearth area 7 of the furnace, to thus enable precise temperature regulation and control. The outer surface of the die 13 is surrounded by a water cooling jacket 18, and the level of molten iron in the hollow cavity 25 of the core 14 is varied by the expansion vessel 16, to provide even finer control of the temperature gradient within the annular casting space. The overall arrangement is thus similar to a double boiler.

Abstract: One or more top-opening mold cavity defining members are supported in the chamber of a coolant box adapted for the flow of liquid coolant therethrough about the members. Each member is supported in a telescoping assembly in which the top opening of the member is co-axial with an opening in the top of the chamber to enable molten metal to be introduced to the cavity of the member through the respective top openings of the chamber and the member. Moreover, each member has a greater outer peripheral diameter transverse the axis than the top opening of the chamber, and is engaged with the top of the chamber about the opening thereof in a first horizontal plane of the box. The member is also engaged with the defining surfaces of the chamber in a second horizontal plane of the box spaced below the aforesaid first horizontal plane of the box by a vertical gap.

Abstract: A feeding device for introducing molten steel into a twin-belt caster having mold walls which move exclusively in the casting direction. The feeding device comprises: a casting unit including a pouring pipe having a mouthpiece at one end which can extend between and form a sealing gap with the mold walls of a twin-belt caster, a first carriage moveable toward and away from a twin-belt caster and having the pouring pipe mounted thereon so that the pouring pipe is rotatable about a horizontal pivot axis and is laterally adjustable transversely to its longitudinal extent; a tundish mounted on a second carriage, which is disposed upstream of the first carriage and is independently moveable toward and away from the first carriage, so that the tundish is adjustable in height; and a compensating pipe for connecting the outlet of the tundish to the other end of the pouring pipe to permit molten steel to flow from the tundish through the pouring pipe.

Abstract: To produce steel sheet cross sections, particularly those having a small thickness down to a lower limit of about 30 mm and a width of about 500 to 1500 mm, with high surface quality and at a high casting rate (about 10 m/min) at relatively low expense in continuous casting molds equipped with comoving mold walls defining a casting cross section or cavity, a tubular casting nozzle having a mouthpiece whose width at its exit cross section is less than 50% of the width of the casting cavity is utilized, and the space between the sidewalls of the mouthpiece and the adjacent lateral dams or sidewalls of the casting cavity is bridged by means of two symmetrically oriented rotating wheels provided with ceramic rims. The wheels are of a size such that they simultaneously form a seal together with the mouthpiece and the respective, oppositely disposed lateral dams and casting belts defining the casting cavity.

Abstract: An apparatus for the continuous casting of metallic strand from a melt has a fluid-cooled coolerbody surrounding a casting die, and resilient O-ring seals which surround the upper and lower ends of the coolerbody to contain the cooling fluid within a distribution conduit. Extensions of the cooling fluid distribution conduit are formed within the coolerbody between the O-rings and the heat-dissipating strand, as protective thermal barriers to limit the temperature rise experienced by the O-rings. An annular shield also is disposed intermediate the upper O-ring and the strand to form two air gaps which enhance the thermal barrier effect.

Abstract: There are disclosed a method of and apparatus for continuously casting metal rods wherein the metal is forced to pass; through an elongate tube while in a molten state, a cooling medium is circulated about the tube and the rod as it emerges from the tube in order to form a continuous cast rod, and the rod is passed through a bath of another metal whose temperature is sufficiently lower than the melting point of the rod to cool the rod below its critical temperature.