Abstract: The invention is directed to an immersion nozzle for casting metal, especially steel, in plants for the continuous casting of thin slabs. On order to provide an immersion casting pipe that is easy to manufacture, has a long life, and enables the liquid metal to flow out in a uniform manner, it is suggested, according to the invention, that the pour-in part (11) is a pipe having a straight-surface front mouth (12), and the pour-out part (21) is constructed from plane-surface wall elements (22, 23). For this purpose, the circular cross-sectional area (A.sub.R) of the pour-in part (11) is in a relationship to the rectangular free cross-sectional area (A.sub.E) of the pour-out part (21) such that A.sub.R /A.sub.E .gtoreq.1.7.

Abstract: A taphole assembly for a vessel containing a molten solid. The assembly is comprised of a tubular element formed of a refractory material. The tubular element has a continuous passage extending therethrough along a first axis. A socket block formed of a plurality of mating refractory components is provided to hold the tubular element. The socket block has a first convex cylindrical surface on one side thereof and a second convex cylindrical surface on an opposite side thereof. The first and the second cylindrical surfaces are defined about a second axis extending through the socket block. The socket block has an inner cavity dimensioned to receive and to capture the tubular element. A first rectangular saddle block has a first concave recess formed therein that is dimensioned to match and to receive the first convex surface on the socket block.

Abstract: In order to produce separate measured portions (1") of liquid solder, solid solder (1) in the form of wire or rod is guided through the longitudinal bore of a guide tube (20). A zone including the end (22) of the tube (20) is heated above the solder's melting temperature, in order to liquefy the solder. By contrast, an adjacent zone of the guide tube is cooled, whereby a positionally stable temperature transition is maintained in the tube (20). Thereby the amount of molten solder available above a narrowed outlet (62) is controlled. A drive mechanism (3) advances the solder (1) step by step so that the solid solder acts as a piston to eject portions of liquid solder through the aforesaid outlet (62). A suitable apparatus (5) for applying portions of solder to a substrate (4) can be raised and lowered (a). At its base it has a moulding die (6) connected to the outlet (62) that can be set down upon the substrate and has a moulding cavity open on its underside.

Abstract: A simple yet highly reliable technique for ejecting a droplet of heated solder, or other liquid conductive material, is described. Small droplets of an electrically-conductive liquid are ejected on-demand from a drop generator operating on a magnetohydrodynamic principle. The drop generator consists of two substantially parallel conductive paths separated by a thin electrically-insulating material. A channel for the conductive liquid contains a drop ejecting orifice, and the conductive liquid in the channel forms a first of these two parallel conductive paths. The other path is either a solid conductor or a second channel filled with the conductive liquid. A current on the order of 10-1000 amperes is pulsed through the two parallel conductive paths, and the interaction of the magnetic fields generated by the electric currents through the parallel paths with these currents forces a droplet of the conductive liquid through the orifice in the first channel.

Abstract: Molten metal is fed to a caster in a continuous casting operation through a distributor that divides the molten metal into four streams flowing in circulating patterns from the central axis of the caster. Each stream sweeps first along the longer side wall of the caster toward the corner, then back along the shorter side wall toward the center line. The result is a higher degree of fragmentation of metal crystals as they form, and a better distribution of the fragments across the caster cross section, as well as a more even temperature distribution.

Abstract: Feed reservoir intended for retaining a molten metal and in particular a steel, which reservoir comprises a refractory bottom, refractory walls, at least one nozzle placed in the refractory bottom in order to feed at least one mold with molten metal, a refractory buffer having a buffer bottom and an approximately vertical partition defining a cavity, the buffer being arranged on the bottom of the reservoir in order, on the one hand, to receive a jet of molten metal coming from a ladle which is moved above said reservoir and, on the other hand, to ensure that said reservoir is separated into two spaces, a first space having at least one nozzle and a second space, the cavity of the buffer, confining the molten metal, which metal then flows out into the first space by spilling over the top of the partition, wherein the buffer, the partition of which defines the second space, is divided into two zones by a barrier, a zone receiving the jet of metal and a zone in which the metal rises, the latter zone being locate

Abstract: A chamber for receiving a downward flow of liquid metal includes a generally horizontal base having a generally planar impact surface. A first faceted sidewall having a plurality of facets formed therein, generally extends upwardly from and encompasses the planar surface to define an interior space. The interior space has an upper opening for receiving the downward flow of liquid metal. A second wall extends inwardly and upwardly from the first faceted wall toward the upper opening. A plurality of buttresses are spaced along the first faceted wall. Each of the buttresses extends between the impact surface and the second faceted wall. The buttresses form a plurality of discrete pockets including at least one facet. The pockets are defined by the buttresses, the impact surface, the first faceted wall and the second wall. The buttresses laterally deflect and divide the radial outward flow into a plurality of discrete flow patterns associated with the plurality of pockets.

Abstract: A metal delivery nozzle (19) for delivery of molten metal to the nip between casting rolls in a twin roll caster to establish a casting pool supported above the nip. The trough (19) defines an open topped trough (61) to receive molten metal from a distributor. The bottom of the trough (61) is closed and the nozzle has side openings (64) and two large end openings (71) for delivery of molten metal from the trough (61) into the casting pool. The side openings (64) are longitudinally spaced circular holes disposed between unperforated end regions (72) of the nozzle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a well brick or a tuyere brick for receiving a nozzle brick or a porous brick for injecting gas which is disposed on the bottom of a vessel for molten metal. A well brick is disposed on a bottom of a vessel for molten metal, and comprises a product formed into a shape of a cylinder or a frustum of cone by using an isostatic press. The well brick is made by mixing a raw material comprising aggregate of Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 as a main element, 0.3 to 10.0 weight % carbon material, 0.2 to 0.5 weight % metal or metallic powder of at least one element selected from the group consisting of Al, Mg, Ca and Si, and 0.1 to 30 weight % Mg and thermosetting resin as a binding material and by forming them.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is a nozzle for introducing liquid metal into a mold for the continuous casting of flat metal products, having two large walls and two side walls, of the type having at its lower end two outlet ports which are made in its lateral wall opposite each other and intended to send the liquid metal each toward a side wall of said mold, and at least two holes made in the bottom of said lower end, wherein a first group of said holes is arranged on one side of a longitudinal plane of symmetry of the nozzle, which plane includes the axes of the outlet ports, and a second group of said holes is arranged on the other side of said plane of symmetry.

Abstract: A method for supplying molten metal alloy for producing thin amorphous metal wire or thin amorphous metal strip by liquid quenching and solidification on a moving cooling substrate controls the flow of molten metal from a ladle into a tundish. The ladle has a long nozzle with an interior passage for providing flow of molten metal alloy into the tundish. The ladle stopper has a distal end region received by the interior passage of the long nozzle. Control of the overlap between the distal end region of the ladle stopper received in the long nozzle during molten alloy flow and control of the sectional flow area provided in the long nozzle interior passage controls the flow quantity of molten alloy from the ladle into the tundish.

Abstract: A radial-flow, wide-pouring molten-metal distributor comprising a curved or arcuate overflow weir which is normally horizontal on its top and which is concave on its upstream side as viewed from above. Over this arc-shaped overflow weir flows molten metal to be continuously cast in an open pool. An impetus is thereby imparted to the molten metal along diverging radial lines. The flow so impelled continues radially onto a horizontal apron. The flow spreads fanwise to the desired width which may be as much as six times the width of the weir. Thence, the metal cascades or flows uniformly into the casting apparatus. The overflow weir is preferably supplemented by a skimmer mounted above it in substantially uniform spaced aligned relationship, thereby completing a slot beneath the skimmer through which the molten metal flows. When employed for the casting of wide, thin product, the invention results in a far more uniform and gentle distribution of metal than heretofore available.

Abstract: A submerged entry nozzle for flowing liquid metal therethrough includes a vertically disposed entrance pipe section having a generally axial symmetry and a first cross-sectional flow area. A transition area having the first cross-sectional flow area with two or more front walls and two or more side walls reduces the thickness of the first cross-sectional area by providing a convergent angle of the front walls and increases the width of the first cross-sectional area by providing a divergent angle of the side walls thereby producing a second cross-sectional area of the transition area which is generally elongated and of planar symmetry. The flow of liquid metal from the transition area is divided into two streams angularly deflected from the vertical in opposite directions.

Abstract: A device for controlling a flow of liquid steel from a ladle (1) to a continuous casting distributor (8). The device includes a frame connected to the ladle (1) and comprising a guide assembly; a plate (3) movable on the guide assembly for sealing the casting opening (2); an assembly for compressing said plate (3); and a jet nozzle tube (4) extending from the casting opening (2). The plate for sealing the casting opening (2) is a sealing plate (3) designed only to seal the casting opening (2); the jet nozzle tube (4) and a plate (34) together form a rigid assembly moving along the guide assembly to a position opposite the casting opening where it replaces the sealing plate (3) which is thus driven from this position; and a compression assembly holds the plate (34) of the plate/jet nozzle tube assembly (4, 34) in sealing contact with a fixed upper plate (30).

Abstract: A flow control device for the outlet of a molten metal handling vessel is provided for use towards the end of the pouring of molten metal through the outlet. The flow control device has a head portion and a tail portion with flow channels defined between the head and tail portions to reduce vortex effects in the molten metal, the tail portion being contoured to fit into a correspondingly contoured entrance to the outlet with the flow channels leading into the outlet and the device being attached to a refractory positioning device so that it can be fitted into the outlet during flow of the molten metal through the outlet. The head includes a baffle plate covering the outlet.

Abstract: An electromagnetic valve for controlling the flow of molten, magnetic material is provided, which comprises an induction coil for generating a magnetic field in response to an applied alternating electrical current, a housing, and a refractory composite nozzle. The nozzle is comprised of an inner sleeve composed of an erosion resistant refractory material (e.g., a zirconia ceramic) through which molten, magnetic metal flows, a refractory outer shell, and an intermediate compressible refractory material, e.g., unset, high alumina, thermosetting mortar. The compressible refractory material is sandwiched between the inner sleeve and outer shell, and absorbs differential expansion stresses that develop within the nozzle due to extreme thermal gradients. The sandwiched layer of compressible refractory material prevents destructive cracks from developing in the refractory outer shell.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing solder includes a nozzle body having a plurality of flow channels formed therein. Each flow channel includes an inlet end and a dispenser end for dispensing solder. The nozzle body forms a nipple surrounding each dispenser end, and the nozzle body further forms a shielding chamber in communication with each dispenser end for protecting the respective nipple, and optionally providing flow of inerting gas and/or excluding ambient oxygen from the soldering area. The nozzle bodies comprise micro-machined silicon. Various flow channel configurations are provided for improved flow characteristics.

Abstract: The invention relates to a nozzle for introducing a liquid metal into a mold for continuous casting of metals, of the type comprising a tubular first part, one end of which is intended to be connected to a receptacle enclosing said liquid metal, and the other end of which opens into a hollow second part in which at least one portion of the internal space is oriented substantially perpendicularly to said tubular first part, said portion comprising at each of its ends at least one orifice intended to emerge into the casting space of said mold, which comprises an obstacle placed in the path of the liquid metal inside said tubular first part or in its extension, said obstacle consisting of at least one perforated component intended to divert the metal from its preferential trajectory inside the nozzle.

Abstract: A flow control device for the outlet nozzle for a molten metal handling vessel, such as a ladle, includes a plug that fits in the outlet nozzle to define a gap between the plug and a closure for the nozzle. The plug has a plurality of apertures which are closed by steel plates, or other material, that melts under the influence of the molten metal in the vessel. When molten metal is placed into the vessel and the closure for the outlet is opened, the molten metal flows into the apertures, melting the meltable material in the apertures, and out the outlet. Using a device and method described allows the amount of molten metal in a ladle to be reduced to about 0.5%, and a greater than 99% free opening rate can be provided.

Abstract: The nozzle (10) preferably, but not only, for the production of blooms, billets and conventional, medium and thin slabs, which is suitable to cooperate with a feeder for liquid steel and to discharge that liquid steel into a mould, has a discharge outlet positioned below the meniscus (20). The discharge nozzle (10) includes a first upper intake pipe (11) defining a conduit having a dimension of its cross-section equal to (S) and a nominal diameter (D), the first upper intake pipe (11) being associated at its lower end with a second introduction pipe (12), this second introduction pipe (12) possessing a nominal dimension of its internal passage having a minimum cross-section of 5S in the event of production of blooms, billets or round bars and of 4S in the event of production of conventional, medium and thin slabs.

Abstract: A flow rate adjusting plate for a rotary-nozzle-type molten-metal pouring unit has a shape in which one side or two sides of an octagon is or are replaced by one arc or two arcs. The arc or arcs are connected smoothly to adjacent straight sides. The plate has one hole or two holes for passing molten metal. The center of the hole corresponds to the center of the arc, and the distance between the arc and the hole is larger than the diameter of the hole.

Abstract: A regulation and closure apparatus for a metallurgical vessel includes a stator to be disposed in a vessel wall and a rotor is rotatably supported in the stator for choking or blocking melt flow. A heating capability is provided in that the rotor is encompassed by an inductor to whose field melt in a through-passage channel in the rotor or the rotor can be coupled electromagnetically.

Abstract: Discharge nozzle (10) for a crystallizer for continuous casting of slabs, which is suitable to cooperate with means feeding molten steel and to discharge that molten steel into the crystallizer (41) and has its outlet (15) positioned below the meniscus (42) and includes a first intake chamber (13) defining a conduit having a dimension of its cross-section (S) and a nominal diameter (D), that first intake chamber (13) being associated at its lower end with a second expansion chamber (12), which has a nominal dimension of its through passage having a cross-section of at least 1.2 D by 1.2 D, the second expansion chamber (12) containing at a distance (23) of at least 0.3 D from the outlet of the first intake chamber (13) an energy absorbing baffle (14), the second expansion chamber (12) having a height (26) of at least 7.0 D and an outlet (15, 115, 215)) with a wide side (28; 2.times.128; 2.times.228) of at least 4.5 D and a narrow side (32) of at least 0.

Abstract: In a molten metal holding apparatus in which an alternating magnetic flux is generated in the horizontal direction at a lower end portion of a molten metal and the molten metal 7 is held within an upper and lower opening container 6 by an electromagnetic force, solid conductors 8 which are not strong magnetic substances are attached to inner surfaces of both side plates 6x of a portion where the alternating magnetic flux passes through of the upper and lower opening container 6. Further, an apparatus including a circuit 3 to overlay a direct current on an exciting coil 2 or an exciting device 20 to let a direct current magnetic flux act is disclosed.

Abstract: A device is located between the outlet zone and the distribution zone of a tundish that is provided with a reheat system, such as a plasma torch, at one side of a heading chamber. The device includes a refractory unit pierced by at least a first conduit having the shape of a truncated cone curved towards the predefined zone of the heating chamber and preferably flared at this zone, so as to ensure that liquid steel flow coming from the outlet zone is guided unidirectionally towards the predefined zone of the heating chamber.

Abstract: An impact pad for use on the bottom of a vessel into which molten metal is poured for suppressing turbulence of the molten metal. The impact pad includes a central formation having a center and an outer circular periphery and diminishing in height form the center to the outer circular periphery and an outer annular formation surrounding the central formation and having an outer peripheral surface and an inner edge at the outer circular periphery of the central portion and an upper surface flaring outwardly from the inner edge. The outer annular formation has a plurality of channels formed therein extending radially outward from the inner edge.

Abstract: A casting nozzle joint structure capable of easily positioning and jointing a nozzle without any holder for fixing and supporting a continuous casting nozzle therethrough. The joint structure comprises fitting mechanism formed in and on the mating faces of the continuous casting nozzle and the pressure clamper. The fitting mechanism includes a convex portion and a concave portion formed in and on the mating faces of the continuous casting nozzle and the pressure clamper so that they fit one another. The concave or convex portion formed in the mating face of the continuous casting nozzle is fitted on or in the convex or concave portion formed in the mating face of the pressure clamper, and this pressure clamper clamps the fitted engagement. Thus, the nozzles can have their outlet bores positioned, and the submerged entry shroud can have its discharge port oriented.

Abstract: A rotary valve for use in the release of a molten solid from a vessel comprises a valve member having a passage, inlets to the passage being present in the head of the member. The valve member mates with a wall of a seating member, the wall having a taller first section and a lower second section selected to close off or open the inlets, respectively. The wall portions are shaped relative to the surfaces of the member to avoid metal freezing and the parts sticking. The passage includes ribs to cause the stream to emerge with parallel sides.

Abstract: An entry nozzle for transporting liquid metal from a tundish to a mould for the continuous casting of thin slab disposed therebelow, wherein the nozzle has a hollow channel therethrough, and at least at its lower outlet end, is, in plan section, of large aspect ratio of width to thickness, and is hollow substantially across its width, the entry nozzle being provided at positions at its lower outlet end arranged in operation to be submerged within the casting mould, with at least one exit port from the hollow channel disposed on each elongate side of the nozzle, and, with the nozzle in its operational disposition, so shaped as to direct metal into the mould from the nozzle transverse to its vertical disposition. With the process in its operating state the controlled effective liquid metal pressure head of the metal in the tundish provides a flow of such metal to the mould that, with the extraction rate of the solidifying metal from the metal forming means, creates a required level of metal within the mould.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved casting tip for a nozzle of a continuous caster, the tip designed for transferring molten metal from a molten metal reservoir to a continuously advancing mold as formed, for example, by twin belts, rolls or block casters for casting molten metal into solid form. The casting tip is comprised of a top wall, a bottom wall oppositely disposed from top wall, a first side wall, and a second side wall oppositely disposed from the first side wall, the first and second side walls joined to the top and bottom walls to form a passage therebetween having an entrance and an exit. The passage has a top wall inside surface having a first portion that first converges towards the bottom wall starting at the entrance and has a second portion that diverges from the bottom wall to the exit, the top wall first portion having a length less than the top wall second portion length.

Abstract: A process for melting an electroconductive material (1) in a melting furnace (10) by induction in a cold crucible includes electromagnetically confining a mass of the electroconductive material (1) up to its melting temperature. Then, at least one vortex is created in the liquid material to inclusion particles contained in the liquid electroconductive material. The vortex or vortices are created by electromagnetic stirring. A part of the mass of the liquid electroconductive material (1) is poured in a pouring tube (15) disposed under the melting furnace (10), subjecting the jet of the pouring of the liquid electroconductive material (1) to a radial electromagnetic confinement, and ensuring a vertical coaxial alignment of the electromagnetic fields acting on the mass of liquid electroconductive material (1) and on the pouring jet of the mass. An induction melting furnace employing a cold crucible for carrying out this is also disclosed.

Abstract: Flow control apparatus for enhancing inclusion float out in a continuous caster tundish comprising a dam positioned downstream from an impact pad and an energy source positioned between the dam and the exit nozzle of the tundish. The dam receives an incoming flood of molten metal released from the impact pad and redirects the flood of molten metal into multiple sub-flow currents which carry entrained inclusions toward a slag cover on the surface of the molten metal bath to enhance inclusion float out. The energy source provides means to restore kinetic energy to the sub-flow currents and increase the number of passes below the slag cover, thereby further enhancing inclusion float out.

Abstract: An immersion nozzle includes an immersion zone inserted into a long-thin mold cavity of a mold. A discharge channel extends through the nozzle for discharging molten metal into the mold cavity. The discharge channel includes an inlet region, an outlet region including a portion passing through the immersion zone, and a pool-forming chamber between the inlet region and the outlet region at a location adjacent the immersion zone. The portion of the outlet region of the discharge channel that extends through the immersion zone is widened and has a configuration to approximate the cross-sectional configuration of the mold cavity. The outlet region has, extending from the chamber in a direction of material flow, a configure approximately corresponding to the configuration of the portion of the outlet region through the immersion zone.

Abstract: A tundish impact pad has a non-uniform construction with a long dimension and a short dimension perpendicular to the long dimension, the long dimension of the impact pad disposed aligned with the long dimension of the tundish on the tundish floor. The impact pad is a body of refractory material capable of withstanding continuous contact with molten steel during the entire use cycle of the tundish. The body has a base with an impact surface, an endless outer side wall extending upwardly from the impact surface, and a top surface substantially parallel to the impact surface and connected to the side wall and defining a non-uniform opening. The side wall also has an interior face which is semi-circular about an axis substantially parallel to the impact surface around the entire extent thereof, or channel-shaped, so that molten steel contacting the impact surface flows outwardly, then in turn inwardly then directed upwardly by the side wall interior face, and then flows out the opening.

Abstract: A teeming arrangement for a continuous casting apparatus comprises a tundish, a casting nozzle which projects from the bottom of the tundish, and a stopper rod for regulating flow through the casting nozzle. The nozzle has an inlet end and an outlet end and narrows progressively from each of these ends to the middle of the nozzle. The distance from the middle of the nozzle to either end is at least 7 cm. The stopper rod is movable between a closed position in which it seals the middle of the nozzle and an open position in which the nozzle is unobstructed. In the open position, the stopper rod and the nozzle define an annular gap, and the gap has a section which extends from the inlet end of the nozzle partway to the middle and narrows in a direction from the inlet end towards the outlet end. During casting, molten material is discharged from a bath in the tundish via the nozzle and forms a molten pool in a mold.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved casting tip for a nozzle of a continuous caster, the tip designed for transferring molten metal from a molten metal reservoir to a continuously advancing mold as formed, for example, by twin belts, rolls or block casters for casting molten metal into solid form. The casting tip is comprised of a top wall, a bottom wall oppositely disposed from the top wall, a first side wall, and a second side wall oppositely disposed from the first side wall, the first and second side walls joined to the top and bottom walls to form a passage therebetween having an entrance and an exit. The passage has a top wall inside surface having a first portion that first converges towards the bottom wall starting at the entrance and has a second portion that diverges from the bottom wall to the exit, the top wall first portion having a length less than the top wall second portion length.

Abstract: A spout for channeling smelt from a boiler through an opening in the walls of the boiler comprises a jacket having an inner wall and an outer wall. The outer wall is spaced a distance away from the inner wall and the jacket has one end insertable into the opening of the wall. The jacket defines a trough for carrying smelt from the boiler. An inlet communicates with the jacket for delivering a water flow to the jacket between the inner wall and the outer wall. An O-shaped tube communicates with the jacket at the inserted end of the jacket for receiving the water flow from between the inner wall and the outer wall of the jacket. An outlet communicates with the O-shaped tube near the inserted end for channeling the water flow from the O-shaped tube and out of the spout. A vacuum is used near the outlet for insuring a proper low pressure drop.

Abstract: A two-chamber furnace for delivering a melt to a casting machine comprises a storage chamber having an inlet device for material to be melted, a removal chamber having an outlet device for removing the melted material, and an intermediate chamber arranged between the storage chamber and the removal chamber, the intermediate chamber communicating with the removal chamber through a balancing port and with the storage chamber by an overflow. A control device controls the level of the melted material in the removal chamber, the control device including a pump for moving the melted material from the storage chamber to the intermediate chamber.

Abstract: Reactive metal granules, especially of magnesium and/or magnesium alloys, are produced directly from molten metal. The metal is fed under pressure to a granulation nozzle which forces the metal to acquire a circular motion of increasing velocity before it reaches the outlet of the nozzle and disintegrates successively into small fragments and droplets. These fragments and droplets are formed in an inactive gas atmosphere in an enclosed system and are thereafter solidified and cooled in a nonoxidizing cooling bath. An apparatus includes a granulation chamber made up of two parts which can be fitted to each other at various positions with an air tight locking system.

Abstract: A low pressure die-casting machine has a ladle unit, a molten metal pressurizing unit, a switching unit, and a controller. The ladle unit has an intake/discharge port with a cross-sectional area in a range of from 20 to 80 mm.sup.2 so as to be capable of successively supplying the molten metal to a desired location. The molten metal pressurizing unit is switchable between two positions. One position is for selectively supplying compressed air to the ladle to positively discharge the molten metal from the ladle through the intake/discharge port. The other position is for selectively isolating the ladle in order to retain the molten metal therein. The switching unit is connected between the molten metal pressurizing unit and the ladle. It is switchable between first and second change-over positions. The first change-over position is for providing fluid communication between the ladle and the molten metal pressurizing unit.

Abstract: A flow control device comprising a baffle plate and a plurality of dividers radially disposed about a nozzle through which liquid is to be discharged and adapted to space the plate from the nozzle. The device finds particular application in substantially eliminating any entrainment of a supernatant phase such as metallurgical slag or of an oxidizing atmosphere resulting from the formation of vortexing funnels disrupting liquid flow in a draining container.

Abstract: A system is provided for depositing an extremely small amount of solder on a printed circuit board by varying the direction of an electric current applied to a solder stream. The force exerted on the solder can be substantially instantaneously reversed without the necessity of changing the form of the energy applied to the solder from electrical to vibratory, ultrasonic, magnetic, or the like. The direction and magnitude of the force is related to the cross product of an electric current vector and a magnetic field vector (F=I.times.B). A programmable current source is used to place an electric current through the liquid solder as it is flowing through a conduit. A magnetic coil is disposed adjacent the conduit in order to provide a magnetic field in the same plane as the electric current. The conduit supplies liquid solder to a nozzle which then deposits a droplet of solder onto a printed circuit board.

Abstract: A tundish and, more specifically, an impact pad is formed with a bottom impact surface and includes an outer side wall extending upwardly therefrom which fully encloses an interior space or cavity having an upper opening into which molten metal is directed from a ladle shroud. The outer side wall of the pad includes an inner surface extending from the bottom impact surface to the opening of the pad. The inner side wall surface includes an annular portion which extends inwardly and upwardly toward the opening of the pad. In the preferred embodiment, the inner side wall surface curves continuously from the bottom impact surface to a vertical wall defining the opening of the pad. The pad redirects the pouring stream back into itself causing the counter current flows to slow each other down thereby minimizing turbulence and inhibiting high velocity flow within the tundish. The upward flow is further is advantageously directed away from the incoming pouring stream toward the surface of the bath.

Abstract: This active brazing serves to braze ceramic parts or single crystals or metal parts or to braze ceramic parts to single crystals or ceramic parts or single crystals to metal parts. In addition to the zirconium-nickel alloy, which is composed of 70 atom % to 85 atom % zirconium and 15 atom % to 30 atom % nickel, it contains titanium. In an apparatus for fabricating a foil (6) from this ternary active-brazing alloy by melt spinning which has a uniform thickness and two surfaces that are as smooth as possible, the alloy, after being melted by high-frequency heating in a cylindrical crucible (1) made completely of a high-temperature-resistant and highly thermally conductive nonmetallic material, particularly of high-density graphite or of boron nitride, is forced through an opening (3) in the bottom of the crucible onto a metal drum (5) of high thermal conductivity rotating at a high circumferential speed, on which the liquid alloy solidifies at a cooling rate on the order of 10.sup.3 to 10.sup.6 .degree. C./s.

Abstract: A two piece nozzle insert for use in a steelmaking ladle comprising a nozzle segment and a lock ring segment. The nozzle segment includes a prefired refractory block suited for insertion into the discharge bore of a ladle well block, and the lock ring segment includes a fastening means for removeably attaching the lock ring segment within the discharge bore of a ladle mounting plate. The nozzle segment and lock ring segment include cooperating tapered surfaces to provide a slip plane for compressing and extruding bonding material from between mortar joints of the two piece nozzle insert.

Abstract: A tapping pipe is provided for a melt vessel having a predetermined melt maximum bath level X.sub.m. The tapping pipe defines a flow passage therethrough which has a discharge zone having flow cross-sections approximately the same as the cross-sections of the flow profile of a free flowing stream of the melt from a melt bath level X.sub.0 between 30% and 70% of the maximum melt bath level X.sub.m. The discharge zone can be provided by a brick defining the discharge zone, together with additional bricks defining a feed zone and a transition zone between the feed zone and the discharge zone. In making a number of replacements of the tapping pipe in a converter, the length of the brick defining the transition zone can be gradually reduced so as to compensate for the wear of the converter lining.

Abstract: Method and apparatus used for continuous casting of copper alloy rods and tubes for obtaining a fine grain size therein. Liquidus copper alloy material flows from a reservoir area or crucible into a continuous casting die through spaced apart feed slots disposed in the casting die cap, thereby effecting agitation of the liquidus material, which prevents the formation of thermal gradients large enough to produce gross directional solidification of the alloy at the liquid-solid state transition zone. The desired agitation is effected by altering the number, location, size and angle of the feed slots in accordance with formulas provided for that purpose.

Abstract: A spray nozzle for a magnetohydrodynamic atomization apparatus has a feed passage for molten metal and a pair of spray electrodes mounted in the feed passage. The electrodes, diverging surfaces which define a nozzle throat and diverge at an acute angle from the throat. Current passes through molten metal when fed through the throat which creates the Lorentz force necessary to provide atomization of the molten metal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously casting metal includes a tundish having edge seals and risers positioned at an outlet portion thereof . The edge seals and risers are configured to reduce the depth of molten metal adjacent the tundish sidewalls such that a lesser volume of molten metal contacts a driven casting surface to permit rapid solidification of edge portions of a cast strip. The edge seals and risers also are configured to form a meniscus between the seals and casting surface to effectively seal a gap between the tundish sidewall and continuous casting surface to prevent molten metal leakage therethrough. Preventing molten metal flow through the gap between the casting surface and sidewalls eliminates the requirement for a mechanical seal during continuous casting of molten metals.

Abstract: A refractory article is provided for the prevention of vortexing in molten metal as it is drained through a nozzle in a metallurgical vessel. The article has at least on rib extending substantially radially outwardly from an opening therein for draining of molten metal from the vessel, said rib protruding upwardly from an inner surface of the article so as to prevent the formation of rotating boundary layer flow within the molten metal.