Abstract: An adjustable flow control device for use in a metal strip continuous casting apparatus comprises a tundish for directing molten metal onto a moving chill surface and a plurality of individually and vertically adjustable flow control plates which extend across the width of the tundish. Each of the individual and vertically adjustable flow control plates define a flow passageway between the plate bottom edge and the tundish floor for controlling molten metal flow in the tundish. By providing individually adjustable flow control plates, flow of molten metal can be controlled in discrete width portions of the tundish to improve cast strip thickness and cross-sectional profile. The adjustable flow control device may be responsive to sensed casting parameters to permit automatic and precise control over cast strip thickness and cross-sectional profile during continuous casting of metal, in particular, aluminum alloys.

Abstract: A regulating device for regulating the flow of molten metal from metallurgical vessel includes an inner tubular part which is fixed to the metallurgical vessel and defines at least one through-hole, and a movable outer tubular part rotatably and/or slidably mounted to the metallurgical vessel and extending around the tubular inner part. The tubular outer part terminates at a bottom edge constituted by a contiguous land extending around the tubular inner part. The tubular outer part can be slid and/or rotated between open and closed positions at which the through-hole of the tubular inner part is opened and closed, respectively. To prevent plugs of molten metal from hardening in the at least one through-hole of the tubular inner part, the bottom edge of the tubular outer part is designed so that a portion of the land thereof passes across the at least one through-hole when the tubular outer part is moved between the open and closed position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for casting metal strip in which molten metal is introduced between a pair of parallel casting rollers via a metal delivery nozzle disposed above the nip between the rollers, wherein the delivery nozzle comprises an elongate trough to receive molten metal, a nozzle outlet slot extending longitudinally along the bottom of the trough, a baffle structure extending above the slot, and a pair of flow passage means spaced apart laterally of the trough, one to each side of the outlet slot and each providing for flow of molten metal from the trough interior above the baffle structure into the trough interior below the baffle structure.

Abstract: A molten metal supplying apparatus has an electromagnetic pump for supplying molten metal under electromagnetic forces through a molten metal feed tube to a die-casting machine. An adapter is provided for maintaining molten metal therein at the same surface level as that of molten metal which is kept in a molten metal holding furnace at a prescribed temperature. The molten metal holding furnace is movable toward and away from a molten metal receiving member of the die-casing machine. An oxidized layer is prevented from being formed in the molten metal as it is fed through the feed tube, and the feed tube can easily be inspected and serviced. An orifice member is disposed in the feed tube for supplying even a small amount of molten metal accurately to the molten metal receiving member.

Abstract: A device for slag-free discharge into a continuous casting machine has a conventional starting pipe on an inlet of a discharge orifice of a tundish. A separate starting member blocks discharge through the starting pipe and floats upon a melt reaching a desired level. The device has improved features to ensure automatically the timely outflow of slag-free melt to the starting pipe.

Abstract: A tundish impact pad is provided for use in a tundish vessel. The impact pad has a wavy upper surface which significantly reduces the horizontal surface area in the region of impact where molten iron or steel enters the tundish vessel. This wavy surface substantially reduces the vertical splashing of molten iron or steel entering the vessel, causing a significant reduction in agitation and turbulence within the vessel. The impact pad may exist as a discrete structure or may form an integral part of the structure of the tundish vessel.

Abstract: A composite nozzle assembly for conducting a flow of molten steel in an electromagnetic valve is provided which comprises an inner nozzle shell formed from a ceramic material having high erosion-resistance but which undergoes internal tensile stresses of a magnitude sufficient to promote cracking when subjected to the thermal stresses caused by the flow of the molten metal, in combination with an outer nozzle shell that contains and closely engages the inner nozzle shell for applying a compressive load to the inner nozzle shell upon the initial flow of the molten metal through the shell in order to counteract the thermally induced tensile stresses and thereby prevent cracking.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for casting molten metal by passing molten metal form a casting pool above the nip of the pair of chilled rollers and thence through the pair of counter rotating chilled rollers, to thus form a thin sheet of solid metal. The molten metal is delivered to the casting pool from a metal delivery nozzle which contains an outlet flow passage at the bottom thereof, below the surface of the casting pool, through which the molten metal passes into the casting pool, which further contains a diffuser therein just above the outward flow passage, and which contains a pool of molten metal sufficiently deep that its surface is above the diffuser. The diffuser had a multiplicity of flow passages (holes) therein through which the molten metal, which is fed to the delivery nozzle, passes and is diffused into the outlet flow passage. An energy absorbing baffle means may be provided above the diffuser.

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 one 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.

Abstract: The disadvantages of the prior art are substantially overcome by a twist lock junction and method having the mating joints of refractory tubular shapes formed in a polygonal configuration. Each junction includes a polygonal female recess and a complementary interfitting polygonal male projection. The female recess is dimensionally larger than that of the adjoining male projection. When either the female or male joint is rotated clockwise or counterclockwise relative to the other, a multi-point wedging or "twist lock" effect occurs. This wedging condition offers a tighter fit than the conventional gravity or circular fit. In addition, this "twist lock" effect squeezes the mortar applied to the joints and forces a thin seal near the sites of the point loading. This decreases the chance of metal leakage or fracture of the mortar seal due to mechanical abuse.

Abstract: An impact pad for use in a tundish vessel utilizes outer and inner guides which partially surround the region of impact except in the direction of the one or more tundish drains. Much of the molten iron or steel entering the tundish is directed toward a drain by the inner guide or guides. The inner and outer guides define a channel such that molten iron or steel which splashes or otherwise flows over the inner guides can also be directed toward the one or more tundish drains.

Abstract: An improved impact pad includes a plurality of channels which direct the flow of molten iron or steel toward the tundish drains, and ramps which elevate the flow in the directions of the drains. The ramps cause the molten iron or steel to follow a trajactory path after leaving the impact pad, first rising and then falling toward the drains. The trajectory path increases the residence time of the molten iron or steel in the tundish, allowing more time for impurities to float to the top of the vessel. The trajectory path also helps propel the impurities partially toward the top of the tundish vessel.

Abstract: An apparatus for adding a predetermined amount of inoculant into a molten metal stream having a conveyor means which accurately provides a desired amount of inoculant to a holding chamber mechanism which becomes pressurized and delivers the inoculant under pressure into the molten metal stream. A programmable controller regulates the apparatus to inject accurately measured amounts of inoculant in an automated fashion into the molten metal stream as it fills varying sized molds.

Abstract: A flow starting tube for initiating the discharge flow of molten material in a vessel through a bottom discharge opening thereof extends upwardly from a lower end fitted to the discharge opening to thereby block access of the molten material to the discharge opening. The flow starting tube has a configuration such that it is broken away at a predetermined breaking position when the level of molten material in the vessel reaches a suitable level. Such breaking away at the predetermined breaking position is achieved under the influence of the molten material burning through the flow starting tube at the predetermined breaking position and/or the influence of the buoyancy in the molten material of a portion of the flow starting tube above the predetermined breaking position.

Abstract: A rotary valve for controlling the discharge of molten metal in a substantially downward direction from a metallurgical vessel includes a refractory rotor rotatable about a substantially horizontal axis. The rotor has an outer peripheral surface, either conical or cylindrical, arranged symmetrically about the axis, and the rotor has therethrough a flow channel having inlet and outer ports, at least the outlet port opening onto the outer surface. A refractory stator has therein a recess defined by an inner surface, either conical or cylindrical, complementary to the outer surface of the rotor, the stator having therethrough a discharge channel. The rotor fits within the recess in the stator, with the outer and inner surfaces thereof being complementarily positioned symmetrically about the axis.

Abstract: An open-top, heat-resistant container, such as a molten metal ladle for filling the shot sleeve of a die casting machine, having a block rigidly attached to the ladle and partly submerged into the surface of the molten metal in the container or ladle for reducing a major portion of at least half of the area of the exposed surface of the molten metal in the container. The block may be vertically adjustable for varying the amount of immersion into the molten metal when the predetermined amount of molten metal retained in the container has been reached by flow over a weir edge of the container or ladle. A fraction of a centimeter difference in level of molten metal in the container multiplied by the exposed area of molten metal in the container can amount to a kilogram difference in the molten metal measured by the tilt and weir of the container or ladle. Thus, the less the exposed area of the surface in the container, the more repeatable the measured amount of molten metal can be poured from the container.

Abstract: An electro-magnetic nozzle device for controlling the jet of liquid metal tapped at the outlet of a melting crucible comprises an electro-magnetic inductor and a magnetic field concentrator which surrounds the outlet of the crucible and is constituted by at least four three-dimensional sectors arranged evenly around the crucible outlet and separated from each other by radial slits, each sector having an internal water-cooled cavity, radially inner and outer walls of which the inner wall is of less height than the outer wall, and windings disposed in the inner and outer walls forming an electro-magnetic inductor.

Abstract: The invention concerns a fireproof ceramic terminal brick for a tapping system in particular in steel converters or electric furnaces composed of several fireproof ceramic founder's bricks arranged in a row, together enclosing a passage opening for the steel smelt, thereby characterized in that the terminal brick is formed in two pieces vertical to the direction of flow of the steel smelt and the lower section in the direction of flow of the smelt is formed as a cylindrical body that can be pressed firmly against the upper section of the terminal brick, arranged above it, in such a way as to seal but remaining detachable from it.

Abstract: A transfer tube is produced comprised of a high density ceramic oxide tube having directly bonded to its outer surface wall a low density ceramic oxide shell.

Abstract: A nozzle for discharging molten metal used in a casting device, wherein at least an inner surface portion defining a nozzle bore of the nozzle is made of a refractory, whereby a blockage of the nozzle bore is effectively prevented.

Abstract: Apparatus for pouring molten metal comprises a water cooled copper crucible 15 which has a recess adjacent its top and a pouring spout 16 positioned in the recess just below the level of the surface of the melt. The recess defines a lip above the spout which helps to ensure that there is a constant pressure head above the spout. Pivotally mounted on the lip, and biased to assume a horizontal position irrespective of the angle of tilt of the crucible is an induction coil 21. The coil induces currents in the surface of the melt and thereby moves the dross away from the pouring spout. The crucible 15 pours into a constant head hopper 22 and the opening and closing of the crucible pouring spout 16 and the angle of tilt of the crucible are controlled to ensure constant pressure head in the hopper.

Abstract: An improved method of and apparatus is disclosed for direct casting of molten metal to form a strip by solidification of the molten metal on a moving chill surface using the vessel having a floor, spaced sidewalls, an inlet and an outlet extending between the sidewalls for supplying the molten metal to the chill surface in which the transverse dimension of the outlet may be adjusted during casting to change the width of the strip and preferably adjustable baffles or flow diverters are provided to control the flow pattern to provide a substantially uniform flow of metal to the outlet.

Abstract: A metallurgical receptacle (1) for a liquid metal (2), provided with a casting orifice (6) and comprising under this orifice (6) a principal device (8) for closing and opening the orifice (6). An auxiliary device (12) for preheating, closing and unplugging the casting orifice (6), is disposed above the orifice (6), and comprises an elongated element (13), adapted to be partially immersed in the liquid metal (2), and formed of a refractory and/or insulating refractory material (34) sinterable in contact with the liquid metal (2).

Abstract: A pressurized holding furnace having an open feeding chamber is provided with a pressure chamber having a pressure device for pressurizing the pressure chamber and a discharge device for releasing the pressure. The pressure chamber is provided at a lower position than the lowest level of the molten metal in the pressure chamber with an inlet port of a feeding pipe and at a higher position than the highest level of the molten metal in the pressure chamber with an electromagnetic pump.

Abstract: In the continuous manufacturing of metal strip from molten alloy, the nozzle from which the melt issues to form the continuous strip by rapid-cooling solidification has an orifice that is discontinuous in the width direction of the strip; i.e., it is a multiple orifice. This enables amorphous and crystalline continuous metal strip to be produced in much greater widths than has hitherto been possible, and the strip thus produced is more uniform in thickness.

Abstract: A liquid metal electromagnetic flow control device for controlling liquid metal flow through a nozzle orifice includes an alternating current electromagnetic coil disposed adjacent the nozzle and surrounding the orifice therein, and a nonconductive structure disposed along a portion of the coil and occupying an axial portion of the nozzle orifice and leaving an adjacent portion of the nozzle orifice unoccupied. The coil is operable to produce a magnetic field being axially directed and eddy currents being azimuthally directed within the nozzle orifice and the liquid metal flowing therethrough. The structure defines eddy current flow regions and eddy current nonflow regions through the occupied portion of the orifice. The eddy current nonflow regions are positioned relative to said eddy current flow regions thereof so as to substantially block production of eddy currents in the liquid metal as the metal flows through the eddy current nonflow regions.

Abstract: A distributor for introducing molten metal into a continuous casting machine. The molten metal is allowed to flow through two interconnected compartments before it is introduced into the continuous casting machine.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is presented for emptying metallurgical vessels, and in particular steelmaking converters containing metal and slag, whereby the slag is effectively separated from the metal during pouring. The apparatus includes at least on permeable refractory element located near the flow hole. An agitating gas is fed through the refractory element thereby creating a bubbling froth which effectively obstructs most of the slag from being carried along by the vortex which forms above the vertical flow hole.

Abstract: A refractory immersion tube has an inner passage through which passes molten metal from a metallurgical vessel into a mold and includes an inlet opening for receiving the molten metal and at least one outlet opening extending from the passage for discharging the molten metal into the mold. A refractory annular member is positioned within the passage to restrict the cross-sectional area thereof, thereby to prevent the flow of the molten metal from the outlet opening from being turbulent and for ensuring that such flow is laminar.

Abstract: Refractory parts for valve closures include members which by mutual sliding or rotary action, interrupt the flow of molten metal from a metallurgical vessel. Closed reservoirs filled with an impregnation agent, for example tar, pitch, methane gas, are provided embedded in the refractory parts and disposed adjacent to refractory wearing surfaces which are susceptible to undergo depletion and wear. The impregnation agent, on being heated by molten metal, slowly releases hydrocarbons which percolate through the refractory pores to the refractory wearing surfaces to prevent premature wear to the refractory surface and to provide lubrication for the flow of molten material in contact with the refractory wearing surfaces. The impregnation agent can be replenished in the form of replaceable porous cartridges which can be inserted into the reservoirs.

Abstract: A casting is made from a low melting point alloy having a solidus temperature in the range of 35.degree.-300.degree. C. by subjecting a charge of molten alloy to pre-pressurization then delivering the charge at a flow rate of 0.1 to 1 kg/sec into a die and maintaining the metal in the die under pressure for a time in excess of that required to fill the die.

Abstract: A device for introducing and exchanging a casting tube in a bottom-pour casting vessel allows a worn tube to be replaced without interrupting the casting operation when a movable plate casting tube assembly is mounted in a sliding manner on guides which are suitable for transmitting upward thrust pressure. If the replacement tube is introduced by pivoting in the well of the ingot mould, the exchange of the tube can be carried out without raising the distributor.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for removing or installing at least one through-hole mounted component from a printed circuit board or the like, the apparatus including a compliant mask for contacting and supporting the printed circuit board with the mask having at least one hole extending therethrough and the hole being aligned with the component. A conduit is provided for directing liquid solder into the hole in the mask to contact leads of the component and thus facilitate installation or removal thereof from the board.

Abstract: A silicon aluminum oxynitride containing refractory for use in continuous casting is placed between a mold and a tundish and is formed by sintering an admixture of silicon nitride (Si.sub.3 N.sub.4), aluminum nitride (AlN), boron nitride(BN), and a mineral clay. The refractory further includes aluminum oxide(Al.sub.2 O.sub.3).

Abstract: In a method of casting a metal melt from a metallurgical vessel, in which the metal melt is covered by a slag layer, into another metallurgical vessel, the metal melt is guided through a casting tube, which covers the casting jet between the vessels. In order to reliably ascertain the passage of slag through the casting tube with very little expenditure, magnetic fields are induced in the casting jet by two coils peripherally surrounding the casting tube. The difference of the inductivity variations caused in the two coils by the eddy currents produced by the magnetic fields in the casting jet is continuously measured and compared to a least one limit value and casting is interrupted in case the limit has been exceeded or fallen short of.

Abstract: An electromagnetic metal melt pump for pumping and delivery molten metal from a furnace, having a ground plate, an inductor attached to the ground plate, an inductor attached to the ground plate and including a laminated iron body having slots in which a multiphase winding is placed. A metal melt tank made of magnetizable material is provided with heat insulation and is attached to the laminated iron body. A suction tube (7) is coaxially placed in the metal melt tank (3), the suction tube (7) comprises three main parts: the first part is a suction tube (7c) having a volume (V.sub.4) for closing the magnetic circuit of the inductor between points A and B which determine the immersing depth; the second part is a buffer tank (7b) having a volume (V.sub.1) to produce a reduced pressure space between points B and C; the third part is a suction tube (7a) having a volume (V.sub.2) for creating a reduced pressure in the suction tube (7) immersed into the metal melt of the furnace.

Abstract: A control system operates an automatic ladling apparatus for conveying molten metal from a furnace to a die casting machine or the like. The control system includes a plurality of adjustable speed control settings so that the speed of the apparatus can be varied according to operating conditions. The rate at which molten metal is poured into the die casting machine may also be varied. The position of the apparatus is monitored so that speed is automatically varied according to the position, and these positions are programmable. The control system includes an abort sequence to pour molten metal back into the furnace automatically if the die casting machine is not ready to accept the pour.

Abstract: A collector nozzle assembly for pouring molten metal is assembled from upper and lower nozzle portions to form a continuous nozzle. The abutting end surface of one nozzle portion is provided with a projection and the abutting end surface of the other nozzle portion is provided with a complementary groove with said projection received snugly by said groove and cemented thereinto. A metal housing is cemented around the exterior of said nozzle assembly with mortar which is heat set at a temperature no higher than 800.degree. F.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for alloying continuously cast steel products wherein a wire of alloying material, e.g. lead, is fed through the center of the stopper rod to its nose where the wire melts and dissolves into the stream of liquid steel flowing out of the tundish. The guide passage for the wire and a cooperating hole in the nose of the stopper rod are temporarily closed by heat meltable means which prevents steel from entering and clogging the hole in the passage before a steady-state flow condition is achieved.

Abstract: A sliding rotary nozzle assembly for pouring of molten steel has a bottom plate brick and a sliding plate brick, with these plate bricks being arranged as dual doors that may be opened and closed as desired relative to a base plate that includes a flow nozzle. Each of the brick plates is provided with plural nozzle openings and is carried for rotation with the bottom plate brick being positioned on top of the sliding plate brick when the doors are closed. In case of damage to nozzle opening of the rotary bottom plate brick, the dual doors are opened and the bottom plate brick is then rotated to bring the remaining nozzle opening to the use position to make best use of the bottom plate brick and prolong the service life of the nozzle assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously casting strip material onto a casting surface includes a tundish for receiving and holding molten metal having a nozzle therein. The nozzle comprises an orifice passage defined between a first inside surface and a second inside surface, wherein at least a portion of at least one inside surface comprises an insert disposed against the tundish. A nozzle gap of at least 0.010 inch is maintained, an outer portion of the insert is able to be disposed to within 0.120 inch of the casting surface, and at least a portion of the outside surface of the tundish at the orifice of the nozzle is able to be disposed to within at least about 0.020 inch of the casting surface.

Abstract: Metal flow from furnace taphole to a pouring trough is controlled by a valve interposed therebetween, the valve having a stationary orificed valve plate and a companion slide plate for closing or opening the orifice to flow. An actuating beam member forming part of a parallel motion linkage extends upwardly and obliquely from the slide plate, the actuating member being thrust against the slide plate by a swinging spring strut of the linkage. A ram connected to the linkage via a crank, a shaft and a pivoted lever displaces the linkage when extended or contracted and this moves the actuating member along a predetermined path, its oblique attitude being preserved, to open or shut the valve.

Abstract: A continuous casting nozzle has a relatively narrow dispensing slot reinforced against flexing along its length by intermittent supporting structure. The nozzle may be a tubular insert member to be received in a mounting means, such as a support plate and providing the reinforcement. The nozzle may be formed from a hollow tubular member with longitudinally aligned sectors or openings formed in the side wall to provide passage of the molten metal to the dispensing slot. The relatively narrow slot is formed in the side wall opposite the openings. The reinforcement ribs are integrally formed between the openings. The end portions of the nozzle member are plugged to direct the molten metal through the dispensing slot. With the nozzle member inserted into the bore in the mounting plate of the crucible, the nozzle assembly is supported along its entire length. The mounting plate may include reinforcement ribs aligned with the ribs of the nozzle member when fully inserted in the plate.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for separating iron or steel from slag by inductively pumping the iron or steel up an inclined trough away from the non-pumped slag.

Abstract: Pumping and measuring apparatus for fluid metals comprising an electromagnetic pump which operates in two modes; first, an idling mode in which the pump operates at one rate of flow and continually circulates fluid metal out of a reservoir, through an opening in a conduit and back to the reservoir; second, a delivery mode in which the pump operates at a higher rate of flow and circulates fluid as in the idling mode, and further raises the fluid metal to a higher opening in the conduit for delivery therethrough. A timing control for selectively adjusting the durations of each mode as well as the time intervals between modes allows high accuracy of measurements of quantities of fluid metal delivered.

Abstract: In a filling stand for pouring molten metal from a tiltable metallurgical vessel into a metallurgical ladle, the metallurgical ladle is surrounded by a casing to which at least one exhaust conduit is connected. In the casing upper part a pour-in opening for the molten metal is provided, which opening is arranged below an outlet of the tiltable vessel. In order to keep the exhaust and filter performance of the exhaust system low, at least one part of the ladle surrounding casing which comprises the pour-in opening is displaceable in the tilting plane of the tiltable vessel in accordance with the change of position of the metal jet streaming out of the outlet of the tiltable vessel.

Abstract: A device for confining liquid metals comprises a coil which surrounds a jet of liquid metal to be confined and means for causing an alternating current to flow through the coil. These means cause an alternating current to flow through the coil at a frequency which is less than the inverse of the product of the magnetic permeability of the liquid metal, the electrical conductivity of the metal and the square of the radius of the jet of the metal after confinement, in coherent units.The invention applies to the casting of steel, aluminium, copper and alloys thereof.

Abstract: A refractory teeming pipe for use at the outlet of a melt container includes a refractory inner pipe member adapted to be connected to the outlet of a melt container, and a refractory outer pipe member telescopically slidably mounted about the inner pipe member for axial movement relative thereto between an upper retracted position and a lower extended position. The inner and outer pipe members include respective outer metal jackets. An upper refractory seal is supported by the outer pipe member and grips against the inner pipe member.

Abstract: An improvement is provided in a method for the continuous casting of glassy metal alloy filaments wherein molten alloy is extruded from a pressurized crucible through an extrusion orifice onto a rotating quench surface. The invention provides a boric oxide seal for the extrusion orifice that prevents oxidation of the molten alloy prior to initiation of extrusion. At initiation of extrusion, the seal is conveniently expelled from the orifice with the leading surge of the extruded molten alloy.

Abstract: Apparatus for continuously casting metal strips at various rates wherein and whereby a non-turbulent, constant-head, constant-temperature source of dross-free melt is provided to the casting nozzle by pumping the melt from a reservoir upwardly through a standpipe open midway to the nozzle and overflowing it from the standpipe back to the reservoir. An adjustable wire atop the standpipe controls the metalostatic head above the casting nozzle, and a reversible pump permits ready aborting of a casting run.