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: An apparatus for removing non-metallic foreign matter in a molten steel includes a tundish and a coil device. The tundish is an intermediate container receiving the molten steel from a ladle and feeding a purified molten steel by removing the non-metallic foreign matter in the molten steel. For removing the non-metallic foreign matter, the tundish has a swirl flow bath and a floatation bath. In the circumference of the swirl flow bath of the tundish, a coil device is arranged for flowing the molten steel in the swirl flow bath in swirl fashion. The tundish and the coil device are formed separately and constructed for relative movement to each other. The molten steel in the swirl flow bath of the tundish is flown in swirl fashion in the horizontal direction by a magnetic field generated by the coil device. At this time, the molten steel forms a parabolic concaved surface.

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 valve combination is provided for controlling the flow of liquid metal through an orifice. The valve combination includes an electromagnetic flow control device and an on/off valve. The on/off valve includes an electrically conductive slider plate which is positioned sufficiently close to the electromagnetic flow control device to be inductively heated by the electromagnetic field generated thereby. The on/off valve permits the flow of liquid metal to be selectively stopped and started as desired. The valve combination is suitable for use with open pour and shrouded continuous casting or vessel pouring operations.

Abstract: The feed line (7) and the return line (8) are combined to a single current supply line (6) at one end of the coil which leads to the first turn sections connected to the opposite end of the coil. Second turn sections running back to the supply line (6) are radially opposed from respective first turn sections.

Abstract: A pouring ladle (12) includes a horizontal chamber (22) having an inlet (24) at one end thereof for admitting molten metal into the chamber (22) and a bottom-poured nozzle (28) at an opposite end for discharging the metal into an underlying mold (30). A coreless induction heater (56) surrounds the chamber (22) for heating metal as it flows from the inlet (24) to the outlet nozzle (28). The induction heater (56) may be operated simultaneously with the pouring of metal and be used to pour treated ductile iron without plugging the inductor (56).

Abstract: A teeming spout has on its inside a plurality of picket-like metal segments (1) separated from one another by slots (2) and is externally surrounded by an induction coil (3). The bottom turn (7) of this induction coil (3) has a downwardly directed pitch equalization piece (8) which provides such that the field acts uniformly on the teeming stream from all sides and therefore it is not deflected.

Abstract: An automatic molten metal supplying device and supplying method capable of promoting discharge of molten metal retained in a ladle during pouring into an injection sleeve of a die-casting machine, and capable of preventing a residual molten metal from being suspended from the intake/discharge port. A ladle is selectively communicatable with an atmosphere by the opening/closing unit. The opening/closing unit is connected to a molten metal pressurizing mechanism 20 and a residual molten metal removing mechanism 30 through pipes. At the time of pouring, small volume or low pressure fluid is introduced into the ladle by means of the molten metal pressurizing mechanism through the opening/closing unit. After completion of the pouring, large volume or high pressure fluid is introduced into the ladle by the residual molten metal removing mechanism. Since low volume or low pressure fluid is applied into the ladle during pouring, the molten metal can be smoothly discharged from the ladle.

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 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: Apparatus for constraining the flow of molten metal from a tundish to a mould along the inner periphery of a tube mounted between them. A vertically movable stopper rod is seated at its lower end in a nozzle at the entrance to the tube the end being so designed as to cause an annular discharge of metal into the tube upon the stopper rod lifting from its seating, gas being injected through the stopper whereby to generate a gaseous void within the interior of the tube to promote the maintenance of the metal flow path of along the length of the inner periphery of the tube.

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: An apparatus for meter-feeding and heating of molten metal comprises a centrifugal conduction MHD-pump (1) installed in a metal body whereof coaxially therein this a cylindrical working chamber (4) communicating with a reservoir (2) with molten metal acted upon by a magnetic field induced by a magnetic system.

Abstract: By means of an electromagnetic stirrer there is produced in the melt within the melt chamber of the melting furnace a turbulent flow or pair of turbulent flows working in opposite directions and each having a substantially vertical turbulent flow axis. By means of this turbulent flow the upwardly floating slag is forced towards the outermost turbulent flow lines or regions and into an auxiliary chamber formed between a slag barricade and the furnace door. The melt can flow back from the auxiliary chamber into the melt chamber. The slag collected in the auxiliary chamber can be removed in predeterminate time intervals from the auxiliary chamber by means of a slag removal sliding or pusher element and disposed in an environmentally protective fashion in a slag container moved into position at the opened furnace door.

Abstract: A device for transfer of molten metal comprises a centrifugal conduction MHD pump (1) which is arranged within a molten metal bath (2) and is comprised of a metal housing (3) provided with a cover (4) whose inside surface is connected to one end of a metal rod (6) enclosed by a solenoid (7), while a working chamber (8) is installed between the other end of the metal rod (6) and a bottom (5) of the metal housing in such a way as to be dielectrically insulated from them. The metal housing (3) with its cover (4) and bottom (5), as well as the metal rod (6), the solenoid (7) and the working chamber (8) form a closed magnetic circuit, whereby a magnetic field produced within the working chamber (8) features a maximum magnetic induction obtainable under a preset direct current passing through the solenoid (7). The working chamber (8) communicates with the molten metal bath (2) and is hermetically connected with the pipe for discharge of molten metal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for filtering liquid-phase metal. The method comprises the steps of: (1) establishing a bath of liquid-phase metal; (2) providing a conduit connecting the bath to a filtering means; and (3) producing a magnetic field within the conduit to produce axial flow of the liquid-phase metal within the conduit to transfer at least a portion of the liquid-phase metal to the filtering means and cause at least a portion of the liquid-phase metal to flow through the filtering means.

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: This invention relates to an electromagnetic molten metal supply system in a die cast machine and so forth, in which an electromagnetic pump is immersed in a furnace for maintaining molten metal, and the supply tube of the pump is connected to an injection cylinder. The electromagnetic pump is provided with two groups of coils, one of which is for maintaining the molten metal and the other group of coils for supplying the molten metal, and these two coils are controlled separately.

Abstract: A rotary and/or axial slide plate valve for controlling the discharge of molten metal from a metallurgical vessel includes a refractory fixed valve part and a refractory movable valve part at least partially disposed within the fixed valve part, the valve parts having respective peripheral surfaces which establish a seal therebetween. An electromagnetic drive is provided for moving the movable valve part between open and closed positions of the valve. The electromagnetic drive may facilitate rotary and/or axial movement of the movable valve part.

Abstract: A method for heating primarily a so-called nozzle (2) through which a hot medium (10) in a liquid phase or in a liquid phase like condition, such as a molten metal, e.g. molten steel, is intended to pass in conjunction with a casting or molding operation for example.The method is particularly characterized in that the nozzle (2) is pre-heated prior to being brought into contact with the medium (10) and/or is heated at least periodically while medium is passing through the nozzle. Heating of the nozzle is effected with the aid of microwaves and the nozzle includes material which exhibits a significant loss factor with regard to microwaves. The nozzle is heated preferably for the purpose of avoiding blockages and the like from occurring in the nozzle as a result of a temperature decrease in the medium passing therethrough.The invention also relates to apparatus for carrying out the method.

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 strong magnetic field, for example in the range of 500-50,000 Gauss, is applied across a tundish feeding continuous casting machines. The magnetic field, substantially perpendicular to the principal direction of flow within the tundish, provides very even flow in the tundish, uniform residence time and minimizes vortexing. The application of the magnetic field increases the percentage of inclusion particles removed from the melt during its residence within the tundish.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for removing inclusions of foreign matter (for example slag inclusions) from a bath of molten metal. The method is characterized in that molten metal located in a bath in a vessel is rotated about a vertical axis by means of at least one electromagnetic stirrer, to cause the inclusions to move towards the center of the vessel where they agglomerate and float up to the bath surface. Molten metal substantially free from inclusions can then be tapped off from a lower part of the vessel, to one side of said axis.

Abstract: Electromagnetic pump for circulating and stirring liquid metal in a vessel. The pump is arranged in a liquid-metal-resistant immersion box. The pump has an approximately horizontal pump canal with the openings on two opposite sides of the liquid-metal-resistant immersion box. The pump can be immersed in the liquid metal bath by means of a suspension device. The pump canal has an elongated cross section and the longest dimension of the cross section is vertical. Comb-shaped magnet coil cores with magnet coils are arranged on both broad sides of the pump canal.

Abstract: In a method for electromagnetically regulating flow and in an apparatus for performing the method, a molten metal flowing in a pouring tube is inhibited in a central region of the pouring tube by an insert member installed in a conduit of the pouring tube and is diverted radially outward. An electromagnetic coil is arranged concentrically about the pouring tube for exerting constrictive electromagnetic forces upon the molten metal and thus regulating the flow of molten metal in a wide range.

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: The invention relates to a lateral basin for electromagnetic pumping in a foundry and in particular in a light metal foundry. The pump comprises a magnetic circuit (207) which is locally saturated and which is embedded in the ceramic of the said basin. The electrical excitation winding of the magnetic circuit (208) is located outside the basin, and the circuit is disposed to create a horizontal leakage field through an active portion (204) of a liquid metal turn which, together with electrical current induced in said active portion (204), sets up a magnetic pumping force which is upwardly directed and which urges liquid metal into a duct (206) leading away from the furnace to liquid metal receiving means. The liquid from the furnace (202) supplies the active portion of the liquid metal turn (204) via a passage (205) of height limited by a partition (209). The electromagnetic pumping basin enables almost any casting requirements in a foundry to be supplied with liquid metal.

Abstract: Method for conveying liquid metal by means of two series-connected electromagnetic pumps, of which one is an immersion pump and the other a canal pump, characterized by the feature that the immersion pump is continuously operated with low or medium output and the dosing and/or control of the liquid-metal flow is accomplished by connecting the canal pump aiding or bucking.

Abstract: The device includes a chamber for holding a metal in the liquid state having a lower section that communicates with three channels which converge to form a single passage wherein two of the channels include inductor cores around which the channel forms an annular zone to contain the metal. In the presence of alternating currents of variable voltage and phase, the inductors can be energized separately or simultaneously to perform the heating, mixing and transferring operations within the channels.

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: A reverberatory furnace includes a reverberatory furnace body for melting metal and holding molten metal, having an opening well, an electromagnetic trough for transporting hot molten metal from the reverberatory furnace body upwardly and slantly, having an inductor for generating a travelling magnetic field, and a guide trough for guiding the hot molten metal from the electromagnetic trough to the opening well. The hot molten metal is circulated through the reverberatory furnace.

Abstract: The furnace has an oblique wall extending at an obtuse angle to the furnace hearth, and arranged below said wall is a travelling magnetic field inductor intended for moving a flow of molten metal to be directed downwards along the oblique wall for stirring the metal and upwards for the delivery of metal from the furnace. An inclined partition wall is provided over the oblique wall to run in parallel therewith above the metal discharging hole, the partition wall extending to the metal level in the furnace and short of the furnace hearth. A plate made of non-magnetic material is secured to the oblique wall on the side of location of the inductor, the fastening devices of the plate allowing its dimensions to be changed upon heating of the plate.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method for reducing the cooling of metal and the projection of metal onto the walls in the course of degasing of liquid metals by vacuum jet, which comprises establishing, in the area of the nozzle extending into the vacuum chamber and beneath said nozzle, a magnetic field tending to contract or confine the jet admitted by the nozzle into the vacuum chamber.It further comprises an apparatus for degasing liquid metals by vacuum jet technique, comprising, around the nozzle which forms the jet between an upper ladle containing the liquid metal to be degased and the vacuum chamber containing a lower laddle or an ingot mold to receive the degased liquid metal and beneath said nozzle, a solenoid having an a.c. electric current flowing therethrough such that the electric currents induced in the liquid metal tend to contract or confine the liquid metal jet ejected from said nozzle.

Abstract: A device for vacuum-refining of molten metal, comprising a vacuum chamber and an electromagnetic pump with an annulus-section line to which metal feed and discharge pipe lines are connected. The latter is coupled with the central portion of the annulus-section line. For pouring vacuumed metal into a foundry mould provision is made for a metal pouring pipe line connected to the metal discharge pipe line. The device envisages a higher degree of metal refining to free it from harmful impurities and a possibility of pouring metal directly into foundry moulds.

Abstract: In supplying molten metal to a mold by means of an electromagnetic pump mounted on a metal container, the molten metal received in the pump is held in high temperature by means of partition walls longitudinally extending in the pump, even when the supply of molten metal is suspended for a long period. The partition walls define several passageways. In this period of suspension the driving force of travelling magnetic field is directed to the molten metal container and causes circulation of molten metal through central passageway and side passageways. Through this circulation molten metal in the pump is substantially replaced by molten metal in the container, thus making it possible to prevent solidification of molten metal in the pump by maintaining high temperature therein.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved method of melting metal, particularly reactive metals, such as aluminum, wherein heated molten metal is withdrawn from a first chamber and a portion of the withdrawn molten metal is transferred to a second chamber containing solid metal so as to melt same and a portion of the withdrawn metal is recirculated to the first chamber so as to maintain melt homogenuity therein.