Abstract: Method of continuously casting steel slabs and the like wherein a layer of melting powder is maintained at the top portion of the casting mold with sufficient thickness so as to provide an increased thermal insulation to the liquid layers of steel and slag, whereby the formation of a solidified slag rim in the mold is eliminated and the surface quality of the steel products is considerably improved. The melting powder addition according to the invention also reduces the number of break-outs and consequently considerably increases the availability and productivity of the caster.

Abstract: A method for automated injection of gas into a casting installation including a large number of ingot molds each equipped with a refractory header. Gas introduction slots of particular dimensions are used, with a gas circuit comprising reservoirs R1 and R2, flow meters FT1 and FT2, flow regulators, pressure regulators and valves, so disposed that the components of the system are able to maintain a suitable gas pressure over the ingot molds, detect any failure in any ingot mold and be able to check the condition of the slots after casting.

Abstract: A non-magnetic material having a relatively high electrical resistance, such as austenitic stainless steel, is used for the material of construction of the mold utilized in a conventional continuous casting apparatus, or in a rheocasting apparatus or in a continuous strip casting apparatus.

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 method and apparatus for trimming edge scrap from continuously cast metal strip includes an edge trimming device in combination with a drag casting apparatus for producing aluminum or aluminum alloy cast strip. The edge trimming device includes a tool which marks the casting surface of the casting wheel to disruption the solidification rate during casting of the molten aluminum. Disruption of the solidification rate forms a longitudinal split in the strip being cast resulting in formation of a high quality cast strip product acceptable for further processing and edge trim scrap. The edge trim scrap may be recovered and recycled for further use. The edge trimming device includes adjustable features to permit varying the location of the longitudinal split along the width of the strip being cast in response to casting parameters such as excess gauge variation, surface defects or changing of the cast strip width prior to or during the continuous casting operation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for continuous casting with a continuous casting annular mold. The method includes: providing a continuous annular casting mold having a superstructure secured over a chill, the superstructure including an overhang extending over the inner wall of the chill; cooling the inner wall surface of the chill; introducing a mixture of a lubricant and gas under pressure at the transition of the overhang and the inner wall surface of the chill. The mixture is introduced in a direction parallel to the inner wall surface of the chill. A molten material to be cast is introduced to the mold in a direction from above the superstructure. The cast material is drawn off from below the chill, and the mixture of gas and lubricant maintains a gap between the material to be cast and the inner wall surface of the chill. A continuous casting mold is also disclosed.

Abstract: Mold apparatus for continuous casting of metal, has an intermediate plate for supplying one or more mold release agents to the surface of the billet or ingot forming in a cooled mold. The intermediate plate has outlet openings which terminate in an intermediate area between a hot top section and a mold section in which the molten metal solidifies. The intermediate release agent supply plate having a central cross sectional opening is provided between the hot top section and the mold section, the surface of the central opening, adjoining the surfaces of the hot top section and the mold section. The intermediate plate comprises a flat plate having release agent-supply channels that extend to the opening edge and are precision-formed into the upper and lower surfaces of the intermediate plate to a constant depth. Liquid and/or gaseous mold release agents are fed through the supply plate to lubricate the mold surface along which the ingot is formed, cooled and lowered.

Abstract: Steel is continuously cast while adding a mold powder using a vertical continuous casting mold having two pairs of mold surfaces which form a casting cavity, wherein the surface temperature of the mold is kept at 700.degree. C. or more by forming the mold surfaces of a Ni-Cr alloy, and a mold powder having a solidifying point lower than the surface temperature is used so that the mold powder is maintained in a liquid-phase state.

Abstract: A cast starting method in horizontal continuous casting, including the steps of locating an orifice plate having an orifice between a molten metal outlet of a tundish and a mold, the orifice plate being formed on its front side with a recess expanded in a range surrounding an outlet of the orifice, locating a starting block in the mold to let a rear end surface of the starting block contact a front surface of the orifice plate to define a closed space by the recess, locating a starting pin in the closed space at a position not aligned to the outlet of the orifice, letting a molten metal flow from the tundish through the orifice into the closed space, and drawing the starting block with the molten metal after solidified out of the mold.

Abstract: A horizontal continuous casting device including a mold horizontally mounted through an orifice plate on a front side of a tundish. A front portion of the orifice plate is exposed into the mold. A horizontally extending small gap is formed between an outer circumferential surface of the front portion of the orifice plate and an inner circumferential surface of the mold. A facing surface between the mold and the orifice plate is provided with an annular lubricating oil passage and a given number of radial grooves communicated from the lubricating oil passage to the gap.

Abstract: Upstream of the dies (14) internally insulated in the upper region is a casting furnace and a runner system, which latter comprises a distributor through feeding all the dies (14) with metal at an identical level (60). In the region situated below an inner ring (32), a gas cushion (54) which prevents direct contact of the die (14) with the molten metal (30) is maintained, and oil is injected into this region. A joint main having distribution lines conducts air or an inert gas having the same, slight overpressure into all the dies (14). The relative pressure between a desired value dependent on the metal level (H.sub.1) and computed by program and an actual value measured in the main (62) serves for regulation and monitoring. Upon overshooting of the programmed, maximum deviation of the controlled variable, a processor triggers a manipulated variable for the actuator of the pressure control valve.

Abstract: An apparatus for casting metal includes a mould for effecting solidification of the molten metal into a formed metal product, means adjacent to an inlet portion of the mould for feeding the molten metal into the mould and means for delivering a lubricating agent to a surface of the mould contacting the molten metal to substantially prevent adhesion of anyu solidfied metal on the mould surface. According to the novel feature, the lubricating agent delivery means comprises at least one lubricant delivery channel arranged generally parallel to the mould surface, inlet means for delivering a flow of lubricant under pressure into the delivery channel, a plurality of uniformly spaced restrictive flow passages extending across between the delivery channel and lubricant outlet holes adjacent the molten metal for delivery of lubricant to the mould surface.

Abstract: A system for delivering fluid lubricant to the surfaces of the sidewalls of a mold of a continuous casting machine is provided by a continuously surrounding lubrication gap connecting a manifold to the sides of the casting mold. The lubricating gap has substantially the same resistance to flow between the manifold and the adjacent side of the mold cavity of the mold around the complete perimeter of the mold cavity and has significantly higher resistance to flow of lubricant from the manifold to the mold cavity than the resistance to flow around the manifold and into the gap, whereby the lubricant is uniformly distributed to all the walls of the mold. Preferably the gap will be divided into discrete passages, one for each side of the mold cavity by means of a shaped spacer which also defines the height of the gap and thereby the height of each of the passages. Each passage will normally be of substantially constant width corresponding substantially to the length of the adjacent side of the mold cavity.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for sealing molten metal for use in twin-roll type continuous casting apparatus for preventing molten metal from entry into a clearance between a pair of mold rolls and side weirs disposed at opposite ends of the pair of mold rolls to define a molten metal reservoir above the gap between the mold rolls. a sealing medium is supplied at the inner side of the side weirs in the vicinity of the border between the molten metal and each of the mold rolls. Entry of molten metal into the clearance is prevented without the necessity of pressing the side weirs against the roll ends.

Abstract: A glass frit composition having the theoretical oxide values (in weight %) of 0.5-9 Li.sub.2 O, 29-38 Na.sub.2 O, 0-25 CaO, 5-10 B.sub.2 O.sub.3 and 38-50 of SiO.sub.2 is characterized in that it is virtually fluorine-free and was found to be eminently suitable in its molten form as a lubricant in the continuous casting of steel. The invention is thus related to a lithium containing fluorine-free frit compositions and in a second aspect to an improvement in the process for the continuous casting of steel, the improvement comprising using as a lubricant the glass frit composition referred to above.

Abstract: A continuous or semi-continuous casting apparatus of the direct chill type for casting metallic materials, particularily recctangular ingots of aluminium, includes a mold which has an open inlet for the filling of molten metal into a mold cavity having an open outlet with a water supply for cooling of the metal. The mold cavity is, at a position spaced from its inlet, provided with a permeable ring for the supply of oil and/or gas, such that a layer of oil and/or gas is formed between the metal and mold wall, whereby the metal is prevented from coming into contact with the mold wall before it solidifies. The surfaces of the ring, with the exception of the side facing the mold cavity, are provided with a sealing agent which prevents the oil and/or gas from escaping through such surfaces.

Abstract: The mold is equipped with a casting ring 6 which is formed by clamping together four generally rectilinear wall segments 8 that are, first, arranged like the sides of a picture frame about the rabbet 52 of a rectangular case 10, and then abutted together, sash-like, at their mitered ends 80, to form a ring, the casting surface 9 of which will produce the rectangular cross-sectional outline common to sheet ingot or the like, when molten metal is fed through the ring. The clamping action is produced by a set of screws 94 at the corners 10' of the case, and after the ring 6 is clamped about a pair of spaced, axially opposing lips 54 and 60 on the case and an annular plate 14 thereabove, the plate 14 is clamped to the top of the case, to secure the ring in place and seal the axial ends of the ring against fluid flow thereacross.

Abstract: Oil rings of increased life are provided on the basis of compositions selected to provide increased effective amounts of lattice-contracting atomic species.

Abstract: In a method for continuous casting of an aluminum-lithium alloy through an open-ended mold for forming an ingot, wherein gas under pressure is brought into contact with a molten surface part of said ingot directly before solidification, the gas used consists of from 1 to 15 volume % of oxygen and balance of inert gas. The casting is stabilized and cast skin is improved by the use of said gas.

Abstract: A lubricant is introduced through at least one orifice extending through the peripheral wall of a continuous casting mold. The lubricant melts and spreads between the peripheral wall and metal cast in the mold. The lubricant may be pre-heated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for regulating the lubrication of the working face of the rolls of a continuous strip casting machine. The process is characterized in that, in order to operate the machine at the highest possible speed while avoiding excesses of lubricant or sticking phenomena, at least one beam of coherent light is directed on to the working face of each of the rolls or on the each of the faces of the strip or on to the face of a roll and the face of the strip opposite to said roll, the values of the mean strength and/or the frequency of the variations in the beam reflected by said faces are measured, said measured values are compared to values in reference intervals, and the speed of rotation of the rolls and/or the lubricant flow rate is adjusted in dependence on the location of said values with respect to said intervals. It finds application in all machines for casting material between rolls in which there is a wish to achieve a maximum level of productivity.

Abstract: A method for improving the quality of aluminum ingots or billets formed by the direct chill method comprises applying a small amount of an insulating, nonreactive powder to the surface of the molten metal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus apply an insulating layer of carbon to individual faces of the continuously rotating mold surface of a wheel and belt type casting machine, utilizing separately controllable and directable soot applicators to selectively vary the heat transfer characteristics of the individual mold surfaces.

Abstract: Molten steel containing lead and/or bismuth is continuously cast without explosions in the casting mold. The mold has sidewalls whose interior surface is coated with a non-organic lubricant which is not violently reactive thermally or chemically, under the conditions of continuous casting existing within the mold, to produce explosions, and does not breakdown under those conditions to produce a compound which is explosive under those conditions. Conventional petroleum-base lubricants for the continuous casting of molten steel are excluded.

Abstract: A continuous casting apparatus includes a continuous casting mold, a guide downstream of the mold for guiding a continuously cast strand issuing from the mold, and a drive unit for drawing the strand out of the mold and through the guide. The drive unit is connected with a computer programmed to reciprocate the strand in the guide and the mold in the event of an interruption in the supply of molten material to the mold.

Abstract: The system includes: (a) a hollow cylindrical body adapted to be mounted in a casting table, (b) an annular water baffle removably mounted in the body, the baffle having a central opening through which a forming ingot passes and the baffle providing a flow path for cooling water to flow radially inwardly from the body and discharge inwardly and downwardly against a forming ingot passing through the central opening, (c) an annular mould removably mounted in the body immediately above the water baffle having a central forming cavity for forming a metal ingot, the forming cavity having a smaller diameter than the central opening of the water baffle, (d) a feed inlet for molten metal comprising an insulating ring removably mounted within the body immediately above the mould, the outer diameter of the insulating ring being less than the diameter of the body, (e) a pressure ring removably mounted in the body in the annular gap between the body and the outer diameter of the insulating ring, and (f) a cover plate ada

Abstract: The present invention discloses an improved rapid solidification casting system which employs one or more metal conditioning brushes. The casting surface is cleaned by the brushes and the pressure on the brushes is adjusted so as to deposit a layer of the brush metal onto the casting surface, the casting surface so conditioned increases the quality of the resulting cast material.

Abstract: Apparatus for casting metal which includes a mold having a central opening with a member attached to the top of the mold in concentric alignment therewith. Also included are at least three elements attached to the mold around the periphery of the member, which elements are selectively movable to be in or out of contact with the member, and when in contact, position the member in concentric alignment with the mold.

Abstract: A continuous casting furnace for manufacturing an elongated cast product, for example, of copper or its alloy includes a housing defining a chamber. A crucible is accommodated within the chamber for holding a casting material. A heater is mounted on the crucible for melting the casting material. A generally vertically-disposed elongated casting nozzle hermetically extends into the chamber. One of the casting nozzle and the crucible is movable toward the other for immersing a lower end of the casting nozzle in the molten casting material in the crucible. The housing is connected to an inert gas source for introducing inert gas into the chamber when the casting material in the crucible is melted. When the lower end of the casting nozzle is immersed in the molten casting material, the molten casting material is moved along the casting nozzle by the pressure of the inert gas in the chamber.

Abstract: In the horizontal continuous casting of metal, an upper contact part and a lower contact part of the metal body are horizontally displaced with the inner wall of the tubular chilled mold relative to one another, so that the lower contact part is positioned downstream relative to the upper contact part. Gas pressure is used to displace the contact point.

Abstract: A method for the continuous production of cast steel strands which are 200 mm.times.200 mm or less in cross-section by a continuous casting process in which molten steel containing 0.20% or less of carbon is fed into a casting mold with a lubricant through a submerged nozzle or in an open stream and continuously drawn out downwardly of the casting mold. The method includes the steps of (a) electromagnetically stirring the molten steel at a position within said casting mold by the application of a magnetic field induced by introducing into an electromagnetic coil an alternating current of a frequency (f) in the range of 1.5 to 15 hertz and maintaining the magnetic flux density (Gaub) in the range of 602e.sup.-0.10f to 2441e.sup.-0.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the continuous casting of a lithium-containing alloy including casting the alloy through a mold and applying alpha-olefin oligomer to the mold. In one aspect, the process includes a lubricant containing alpha-olefin oligomer, preferably having a viscosity in the range of about 1-3 cs at 450.degree. F. In another aspect, the process includes a lubricant containing less than the varnish-film forming amount of fatty ester, fatty acid, or fatty alcohol.

Abstract: A method for continuously casting lithium-containing alloys by a direct chill process includes cooling the alloy to form a continuous ingot having a solid shell and further cooling the ingot by direct chill with an organic coolant. The organic coolant in one aspect includes a modified hydrocarbon fluid, e.g., ethylene glycol, having less than a predetermined moisture content. The method includes recirculating coolant while controlling moisture content. An ingot formed by the disclosed method provides small dendrite arm spacing in a relatively large size ingot.

Abstract: The present invention involves a process for continuously casting a lithium-containing alloy by direct chill with a direct chill coolant and providing a moisture barrier liquid having a flash point higher than about 400.degree. F. to reduce water absorption in the coolant. The process in one aspect includes applying the moisture barrier liquid as a mold parting composition containing less than a varnish-film forming amount of fatty esters, fatty acids, or fatty alcohols. The process is particularly useful in the direct chill casting of aluminum-lithium alloy by direct chill with ethylene glycol coolant.

Abstract: A lubricating process is disclosed for continuously casting molten metal through a mold or header including applying a parting lubricant containing alpha-olefin oligomer to the mold or header. In one aspect, the process includes applying a parting lubricant containing alpha-olefin oligomer and fatty ester.

Abstract: One end opening of an open ended mold cavity has a diameter smaller than the peripheral wall of the cavity and a molten metal mass is introduced to the cavity by continuously filling the one end opening with the mass so that the molten metal splays about the inner peripheral edge of the opening to assume a cross-section between the ends of the cavity having a divergent/convergent outline, the intermediate continuum of which between the planes of maximum divergence and minimum convergence thereof, has a peripheral outline corresponding generally to the outline of the cavity at the peripheral wall thereof. A graphite or graphite-like ring is circumposed about the axis of the cavity in the peripheral wall thereof to form a solid but fluid permeable wall section that is disposed to define the peripheral outline of the intermediate continuum of the metallic mass.

Abstract: In order to supply and control the deposit, on the surface of the metal bath of a continuous casting mold, of an evenly distributed layer, of predetermined thickness, of a powdery or granulated material, by way of a supply conduit whose end portion is provided with a delivery nozzle situated above the surface of said metal bath. The delivery nozzle is situated above the surface of the metal bath, at a height equal to or slightly more than the predetermined thickness, the said delivery nozzle is permanently open, and the end portion of the supply conduit is permanently supplied with the said material.

Abstract: In a caterpillar track type mold having opposed moving mold belts wherein molten metal is fed to the mold by a nozzle, a process for preventing back flow of metal between the moving mold belts and the nozzle comprising feeding a fluxing powder between the nozzle and the moving mold belts wherein the fluxing powder forms a protective skin on the surface of the molten metal downstream of the nozzle.

Abstract: Control method for preventing a breakout or/and a crack of the slab of continuous casting equipment. Heat flux waveforms or heat flux values commensurate to extracted heat values at various positions of a mold are measured by means of thin plate type surface heat flux meters (14, 14x, 14y, 14z) provided at various positions on side shell plate (11, 11c) of the mold (10). When an abnormality or a deviation from a target value is detected, pouring rate is changed, scope of supply, brands and the like of mold powder are controlled, or taper value of short sides of the mold is controlled, so that a breakout or/and a crack of the slab is prevented.

Abstract: A method of continuously casting a strand, having of the steps of providing a cooled mould having a wall defining a passage having one end and another end, feeding molten material into the one end in a direction towards the other end, lubricating the passage with a film of lubricant interposed between the mould wall and the molten material, the lubricant film having a thickness, withdrawing an at least surface-hardened strand from the other end of the passage, and subjecting at least one region of the wall of the mould to oscillations transverse to the direction of movement of the molten material, said oscillations having an amplitude that is less than the lubricant film thickness, and also having a frequency that is less than that which will promote cavitation in the lubricant film, the amplitude and the frequency of the oscillations generating a pressure increase in the lubricant by way of a squeeze film phenomenon.

Abstract: A molten metal stream is fed downwardly, especially essentially vertically, into a double-ended, chilled horizontal mold where the molten metal is formed into two strands which are cooled and simultaneously bidirectionally withdrawn from opposed ends of the horizontal mold. The infed hot molten metal stream is deposited within the double-ended horizontal mold such that a so-to-speak hot wall forms at the immediate vicinity of the inflow region where the molten metal enters the horizontal mold. This hot wall precludes formation of a strand shell or skin which otherwise would undesirably interconnect the two formed strands, so that not only is the resistance to mold oscillation decreased, but the individual strands can be cleanly withdrawn from each side of the mold without the danger of undesired and uncontrolled interaction arising between the two withdrawn strands and without the need to have to rupture any such interconnecting strand shell or skin.

Abstract: A mold of copper or copper alloy for continuously casting steel comprises a rough inner surface, a plating of nickel, cobalt or alloy thereof formed over the inner surface and a chromium plating formed over said plating. The mold has a prolonged mold life, gives steel slabs with improved qualities and reduces amounts of lubricating material used in the molding operation.

Abstract: A process for continuously casting aluminum and aluminum alloys using a parting composition comprising glycerol trioleate. Both glycerol trioleate and mixtures of glycerol trioleate with castor oil have superior properties compared with parting compositions previously used for continuous ingot casting.

Abstract: A mold additive for use in the continuous casting is disclosed, which comprises a base material for slag having a chemical composition of CaO--SiO.sub.2 --Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 system, a flux and a carbonaceous aggregate. The mold additive contains 0.5-2.0% by weight of carbon black and 1-4% by weight of activated carbon with an average particle size of not more than 10 .mu.m as the carbonaceous aggregate, and has a bulk density of not more than 0.9 g/cm.sup.3.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for continuously casting molten metal is described. To substantially reduce the risk of tearing the forming metal shell and adversely affecting the casting process and ingot quality, lubricant is supplied to the casting mold and at least that portion of the molten metal supply system where freeze-back is most likely to occur. In a preferred embodiment, a system for delivering cooled lubricant is embedded within the material forming the outlet portion of the molten metal supply system.

Abstract: In a method for continuous casting of steel, an improvement which is constituted by carrying out the continuous casting process while the thickness of a molten mold powder pool adjacent to the molten steel melt within a continuous casting mold is maintained at a desired preset value, and whenever the actual value deviates from the preset value, the continuous casting can still be continued by adjusting the casting conditions or by selecting a powder appropriate for the casting conditions. The method produces a casting requiring no subsequent processing to remove defects.

Abstract: A method of casting metallic strands in a closed pouring or teeming system wherein the metal is cast through a refractory distributor vessel-pouring structure, such as a pouring spout, into an open-ended mold connected in flow communication with the pouring structure. To improve the quality of the strand and to increase the production capacity or output of such installations at the region of a connection plane of the distributor vessel-pouring structure and the open-ended mold the metallic melt is maintained away from the wall of the mold inlet opening by means of a constricting or bundling electromagnetic field.

Abstract: Process for continuous casting of a steel slab free from surface defects, which comprises oscillating a mold under an oscillation condition which restricts the deformation of a meniscus portion of a strand shell so as to prevent oscillation defects.

Abstract: A continuous lubrication casting mold for use in a process of continuously casting molten metals and alloys wherein a parting and/or lubricating agent reservoir is provided in the mold body. The agent is continuously applied over the inner surface of the mold after being introduced through passages within or through the mold section. The lubricant passages may be an intrinsic characteristic of the mold material or may be provided in the form of feed holes through the mold section. The ability to transmit lubricant through to the internal surface of the mold can be varied within the length of the casting mold to provide for variable lubricant transfer rates to different parts of the casting surface.

Abstract: A continuous lubrication casting mold for use in a process of continuously casting molten metals and alloys wherein a parting and/or lubricating agent reservoir is provided in the mold body. The agent is continuously applied over the inner surface of the mold after being introduced through passages within or through the mold section. The lubricant passages may be an intrinsic characteristic of the mold material or may be provided in the form of feed holes through the mold section. The ability to transmit lubricant through to the internal surface of the mold can be varied within the length of the casting mold to provide for variable lubricant transfer rates to different parts of the casting surface.