Abstract: A post for a molten metal pump having an end joined to a hole in a pump base. The post end includes a longitudinal bore opening at the end of the post and a port opening to the side of the post intersecting the bore. A plug is inserted into the bore above the level of the port yet leaving a portion of the upper bore open. Cement can be injected into the bore and out the ports. Thereafter, a second plug can be inserted into the bore to drive cement out. To remove the post, it is cut across its longitudinal axis to expose the open upper portion of the bore. The opening is a pilot hole to drill a longitudinal hole in the post. A device having two members connected by a rod are attached to the upper and lower surfaces of the remaining post, respectively and tightened to break the cement joint.

Abstract: An apparatus for the processing of molten metal including a crucible furnace for receiving magnesium scrap and for converting the magnesium scrap into molten metal, a robotic arm positioned so as to extend into the molten metal in the crucible furnace and having a three-axis range of motion. The robotic arm has a connector formed thereon so as to receive a tool. The tool can be a pump which is connected to the robotic arm means so as to transfer the molten metal from the crucible furnace to another location. The pump includes a pump nozzle which is connected to the robotic arm and extends from the robotic arm into the molten metal, an outlet conduit fixedly positioned relative to the crucible furnace, and a pump connected to the pump nozzle and to the outlet conduit. A mixer member is attachable to the connector of the robotic arm to as to extend into the molten metal for the purpose of pushing the magnesium scrap into the molten metal.

Abstract: Apparatus for delivering molten metal such as lead to a receiver comprising a variable speed pump and a delivery pipe leading from the pump. The delivery pipe has an upwardly extending portion which leads to a discharge orifice from which molten metal may be discharged. A variable speed motor drives the pump. A controller causes the motor to drive the pump selectively at a first speed sufficient to raise molten metal and maintain it at a predetermined level in the upwardly extending portion of the delivery pump and at a second speed sufficient to force molten metal in the delivery pipe from the discharge orifice.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering a metered shot of molten metal from a dispensing vessel through a shot tube comprises: a dispensing vessel for holding molten metal and having a shot tube for discharge of the molten metal, a reservoir of gas for pressurizing the dispensing vessel, a variable regulator for regulating the flow of gas. The regulator has a backload for varying the pressure at which the regulator regulates the flow of gas. An exhaust vent vents the dispensing vessel to the atmosphere. A supply valves opens and closes the delivery of gas to the holding vessel.

Abstract: Apparatus for supplying melt from a melt-holding vessel to a casting machine comprises a ceramic melt pump casing or housing submersible in the melt. The casing includes a melt-pumping chamber with a melt inlet and melt outlet and a piston-receiving bore communicated to the chamber. A piston having a ceramic pumping portion is movable in the bore relative to the chamber in a suction stroke to draw the melt into the chamber through the melt inlet and in a pumping stroke to discharge the melt from the chamber through the melt outlet to, for example, a melt casting machine. A melt inlet valve having a ceramic valve portion submersible in the melt is movable relative to the melt inlet to open/close the melt inlet when the piston pumping portion is moved in the respective suction/pumping stroke.

Abstract: Molten metal is pumped from a furnace to a place where it is utilized using a gas-plunger pump having a container holding the chamber with an inlet for drawing metal from the furnace to the chamber, and with an outlet for forcing metal out of the chamber to the place of use. The inlet and outlet are disposed at the bottom of the chamber. A suction and pressure system includes a closed circuit containing a vacuum tank, a pressure tank, a vacuum pump/compressor unit connected between them, and a first valve. The closed circuit is connected to the chamber via a conduit. A control system alternately connects and disconnects the vacuum tank and pressure tank and substantially synchronously alternately opens and closes the inlet and outlet by actuation of valves associated with the inlet and outlet.

Abstract: A worm pump for delivering a metal melt comprises a mounting flange, and a tubular pump housing mounted on, and suspended from, the mounting flange, the pump housing defining a lower inlet for receiving the metal melt and an upper outlet for delivering the metal melt. A drive motor is mounted on the mounting flange, the drive motor having a pump shaft extending into the tubular pump housing and comprising a conveyor screw between the inlet and outlet. A guide supports the pump shaft at a lower end thereof, and a universal joint is provided at an upper end of the pump shaft above the upper outlet, the universal joint permitting the pump shaft to pivot and the guide being arranged to support the pump shaft during a pivoting motion.

Abstract: A gas-shielded siphonic valve for controlling the flow of molten metal from one vessel to another. The valve includes a hollow conduit extending between the vessels above the surfaces of the metal therein with opposite ends thereof immersed in the metal in both vessels. An exhaust port permits evacuation of the inside of the conduit sufficiently to draw enough metal up into the conduit to effect a siphoning action between the vessels. A housing surrounding the conduit defining a chamber about the conduit for holding an inert gas. Any leaks in the system will neither break the siphoning action nor contaminate the metal. Varying the amount of vacuum applied to the system can be used to control the rate of flow of metal therethrough.

Abstract: Microdroplets of liquids at elevated temperatures are formed by transferring the liquid to an electrostrictive ejection device and applying an electric field which induces a second order elastic strain in the ejection device. The ejection device responds by ejecting generally spherically-shaped microdroplets. The ejection device comprises an electrostrictive transducer having an orifice through which the liquid is ejected. Drive electronics apply an excitation electric field to the electrostrictive transducer which causes a second order elastic strain in the electrostrictive transducer independent of the polarity of the electric field.

Abstract: A metering device for metal comprises a pump house (1) submerged in liquid metal in a container (6) with a supply device (4) for gas, an inlet (8,9) for the supply of liquid metal from the container (6) and an outlet pipe (5) designed as a siphon. The outlet end of this pipe is located at the same level as the level of the metal inside the crucible and the inlet end is fitted with a valve (13). It is preferable to use an outlet pipe designed with one part above the level of the metal in the crucible and one part below the level of the metal in the crucible. The pump house metal intake can be in the form of a valve or a riser pipe. It is preferable to use a valve in the form of a loose ball.

Abstract: An air cooled molten metal pump frame includes a base structure and molten metal pump supporting structure comprising tubular members to facilitate flow of cooling air therethrough. The cooling air flowing through the molten metal pump frame provides cooling to the pump frame to minimize distortion and deformation due to the high temperatures caused by an adjacent molten metal bath. The cooling air flowing through the pump frame can also be directed to the molten metal pump to cool pump components. The tubular frame also facilitates simple and effective connection between a source of electrical power and the molten metal pump while shielding the electrical wiring from heat damage due to the proximity of the molten metal bath. The molten metal pump frame is particularly adapted for supporting molten metal pumps used in aluminum reclamation furnaces.

Abstract: An automatic molten metal supplying device capable of supplying the molten metal within a short period of time while maintaining accuracy in a supply amount and preventing dripping of the molten metal from a ladle and temperature decrease of the molten metal during its transferring state even if the transferred molten metal is of a small volume. A molten metal intake/discharge port is formed at a bottom portion of a ladle, and an atmosphere communication/blockage unit is provided which selectively communicates an internal space of the ladle with an atmosphere. After the molten metal is introduced into the ladle through the intake/discharge port, the space is shut off from the atmosphere. A cross-sectional area of the intake/discharge port is in a range of from 28 to 80 mm.sup.2.

Abstract: A pressure type automatic pouring furnace is formed with a molten metal outlet which has an opening end opening at a lower elevation than the general portion of the floor of a molten metal chamber. Preferably, the molten metal chamber communicates with a groove type induction heater section at a lower section thereof so that the molten metal in the chamber can be effectively heated. In addition, the bottom wall of the molten metal outlet is declined for a given angle, e.g. 3.degree. with respect to the horizontal plane so as to prevent the molten metal from accumulating within the outlet.

Abstract: A pressure pouring furnace includes a molten metal chamber containing molten metal within a furnace body, a receiving siphon and a pouring siphon both communicating with each other at the bottom of the molten metal chamber, a furnace cover sealably covering the top of the molten metal chamber, and a pressuring unit connected to the furnace cover. In such a furnace, a plurality of pouring nozzles are arranged above a pouring chamber on top of the pouring siphon a distance apart from each other, and each of the plurality of pouring nozzles is provided with a stopper enabling it to be opened and closed from above.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of controlling the flow of molten metal from a holding vessel such as a tundish through a discharge orifice into a receptacle such as a mould; the method comprising (i) providing within the holding vessel a flow control chamber comprising a down-flow chamber separate from but in fluid communication with the interior of the holding vessel, the down-flow chamber having an outlet at its lower end, said outlet leading to or forming part of the discharge orifice, and an opening towards or at its upper end; (ii) creating a gas pressure within the flow control chamber sufficient to allow molten metal from the holding vessel to pass through the opening to establish in the lower end of the down-flow chamber a column of molten metal with a volume of gas occupying the upper end of the flow control chamber and serving to separate the column of molten metal from the opening, whereby an equilibrium is established between molten metal passing through the opening and molten metal passing out t

Abstract: An inert gas flow is introduced into a molten metal bath at a location in a vessel. The absolute pressure of the gas flow through the molten metal other than zero flow is determined. The pressure acting on the surface of the bath is measured and the difference between the surface pressure and the absolute pressure is determined. The difference in converted into a distance measurement that reflects the actual distance between the surface of the bath and the location of introduction of the gas flow into the bath. The distance measurement is compared with a predetermined desired distance value and a resultant measurement is formed therefrom. The level of the bath is regulated as a function of the resultant measurement. The resultant measurement is converted into an electric setting signal and sent to a setting member for regulating the level of the bath and/or the amount flowing out of or withdrawn from the vessel.

Abstract: A furnace system including a main furnace for melting and reducing material to form molten metal and slag which are to be continuously discharged therefrom and provided with an outlet port formed in an upper portion of the side wall thereof, and an auxiliary furnace connected to the main furnace and communicating with the interior of the main furnace through the outlet port. The molten metal and the slag are allowed to continuously flow from the main furnace into the auxiliary furnace while maintaining the melt level in the main furnace above the level of the outlet port so as to seal the outlet port. The molten metal and the slag are discharged from the auxiliary furnace at the same rate as the increase in the amount of the molten metal and the slag in the main furnace. The auxiliary furnace may be provided with temperature control device for independently controlling the temperatures of the molten metal and the slag in the auxiliary furnace.

Abstract: A metal alloy, in particular a light alloy, is continuously cast in the semi-liquid state by bringing it up to conditions such as to cause segregation of a solid phase within the interior of the liquid alloy and making the alloy pass through a static mixer adapted to mix the solid phase uniformly upon formation, with the liquid alloy, so as to obtain at the output from the mixer a suspension which, once solidified, provides a material with valuable microstructural characteristics; the alloy is supplied continuously to the static mixer by introducing it in a discrete manner into a sealed furnace through an externally heated barometric column and, simultaneously, by pressurizing the interior of the furnace by the introduction into it of a flow of gas at a pressure value such as to cause the said alloy to flow through the static mixer in stationary laminar conditions.

Abstract: This invention relates to a delivery assembly for delivering molten metal, to a die-casting machine. The system includes a die-casting liquid metal injector with an operative piston having a cylindrical shuttle valve within the assembly and providing for a lower end portion of the assembly to communicate directly to a reservoir of molten metal, particularly corrosive molten metal such as liquid aluminum or the like. In that respect, the injector surface having contact with the corrosive liquid metal are preferably made of a fine ceramic or composite thereof and in the preferred embodiment by partially stabilized Zirconia. The piston, during its molten metal charging stroke, moves the shuttle away from closing off the inflow conduit which communicates to the liquid metal reservoir supply and the internal cavity defined by the assembly is charged with liquid metal.

Abstract: A method for controlling process conditions in a continuous skull nozzle process is provided wherein one or more process parameters are controlled to maintain the operation of the process within a process window derived using integral solutions and expressed in terms of dimensionless parameters. The process window defines a range of values for the controllable process parameters within which a steady state solidified skull will be maintained and outside of which a steady state solidified skull will not be maintained. A pressure differential between the inside of a crucible holding the melt and outside of the crucible is one process parameter which is controlled to adjust the melt discharge flow rate to maintain operation within the process window.

Abstract: A vessel is provided having a first chamber 1 open to atmospheric pressure for receiving liquid metal and a second chamber 2 from which the metal is dispensed interconnected with the first chamber. The second chamber is sealed and coupled to means 4, 6 for reducing the pressure therein to sub-atmospheric whereby to create a higher level of metal in said second than said first chamber.The first and second chambers may be interconnected via a refractory filter.

Abstract: Dispensing apparatus (1) for molten metal or the like comprising a vessel (2) receiving in use a main body (3) of liquid and having dispensing valve means (6, 7) operable to dispense a flow of liquid therefrom, a container (9) defining a chamber (15), means (24) for supporting the container such that an open mouth (16) thereof is immersed in the main body of liquid to define a head space (19) above the liquid in the chamber, suction means (13) connected to the container and operable to reduce pressure in the head space so as to draw liquid from the vessel into the chamber and an induction heating coil (21) operable to heat liquid in the chamber above the level (17) of the main body of liquid, including sensing means (20) sensing the level (17) of the main body of liquid, the sensing means being connected to regulating means (43, 14, 28) operable to regulate the pressure in the head space to thereby regulate the volume of liquid in the chamber such that the level of the main body of liquid is maintained substa

Abstract: A process and a device for discharging free-flowing media, especially molten metal that is contained in a hermetically sealable vessel having an outlet (2) that has a level-recording unit (3). Pressure is built up in the vessel by supplying a pressurized gaseous medium introduced into the interior of the vessel, whereby the liquid metal is forced from the vessel. After attainment of a certain level of the free-flowing medium in the outlet (2) as detected by the level-recording unit (3), the gaseous medium for building up the dosing pressure is further introduced into the vessel (1) for a predetermined or predeterminable amount of time. Control of pressure inside the vessel (1) is effected by a control unit (4) that receives corresponding signals from a time-recording device (15).

Abstract: A holding furnace with an automatic melt supplying system comprising a holding chamber for holding a melt at a predetermined temperature, a treating chamber for cleaning the melt, and a melt supplying chamber connected for supplying the melt to a subsequent process. A plug is mounted in an opening intercommunicating the treating chamber and the melt supplying chamber. A force block vertically movably mounted in the melt supplying chamber, the force block being submerged in the melt stored in the melt supplying chamber to supply the melt to the subsequent process when the plug is in a closed position.

Abstract: A method of rapidly discharging a molten metal from its supply system of a pressurized holding furnace having an open feeding chamber provided at one side of a pressure chamber with a suction pipe of a delivery pump, said pressure chamber having an inlet valve and an outlet valve for a pressure gas, in which the pressure chamber is pressurized to keep a constant level of the molten metal in the feeding chamber for maintaining a constant suction head of the delivery pump is disclosed, wherein the suction pipe is situated at a higher position than such a level of the molten metal in the feeding chamber that is lowered when a pressure in the pressure chamber is released while the supply system including the delivery pump is positioned upwardly above the suction pipe, and in that the outlet valve of the pressure chamber is opened when the molten metal is discharged from the supply system for allowing the molten metal to return into the pressure chamber, thereby rapidly lowering the metal level of the feeding cham

Abstract: A holding and/or smelting furnace for nonferrous metals is described, which is provided with an apportioning device for the automatic removal of a predetermined quantity of the nonferrous molten metal melt form an apportioning chamber. The apportioning chamber communicates via at least one inlet opening with the nonferrous molten metal melt. The nonferrous molten metal melt in the apportioning chamber is acted upon by compressed gas in order to discharge a predetermined quantity of the molten metal melt from an outlet opening. In order to attain a structurally simple design, the apportioning chamber is disposed integrally in the furnace and embodies a portion of a furnace shell. The inlet opening is closable by means of a reciprocable closure plunger through which a pressurized medium passes into the apportioning chamber. The reciprocating movement of the closure plunger and the delivery of the compressed gas are controlled as a function of time.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for storing and maintaining the temperature level of molten metals, such as a cast iron melt which has been treated with pure magnesium. The apparatus includes a heatable furnace chamber (3) having a pressure-tight cover (4) and an inlet and an outlet (2), which also may be provided with a cover (6). The inlet and outlet (2) is preferably formed as a common inlet and outlet siphon. The closed furnace chamber (3) is supplied with a medium such as argon or nitrogen under pressure. A cast iron melt which has been treated with particular additives can be maintained at a certain temperature over longer periods of time with a decaying effect.

Abstract: In a continuous steelmaking method, a molten metal bath is maintained within a rotary furnace heated by oxy-fuel burners at the charge and discharge ends. Metallic iron charge material such as iron and steel scrap or sponge iron is preheated primarily by heat transferred from the furnace exhaust gases, on an enclosed recuperative conveyor before being introduced through the charge end opening. Molten metal is withdrawn through a siphon tube submerged in the bath through the furnace discharge end opening into a vacuum chamber which is part of an integral vacuum chamber-tundish combination incorporating a molten metal column under vacuum in one leg and a molten steel tundish casting pool under atmospheric pressure as the other leg, connected via a submerged channel.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process and apparatus for recovering metallic uranium from scrap containing metallic uranium by introducing such metallic uranium scrap into a bath containing, in molten form, at least one member selected from the group consisting of BaF.sub.2, CaF.sub.2, MgF.sub.2, LiF, YF.sub.3, trifluorides of lanthanides and mixtures thereof, preferably with such member constituting at least 75 mole percent of the bath at a temperature above the melting point or uranium and under an inert atmosphere and casting the purified molten metallic uranium. The bath of molten salt preferably includes means for improving contact between the molten metallic uranium scrap and the molten salt during passage of the molten uranium through the bath of molten salt.

Abstract: A gasification apparatus utilizing a molten metal bath is disclosed.

Abstract: A teeming ladle with at least one tapping hole (3) formed in the bottom of its body (1). According to the invention, a sleeve (4) is arranged around each tapping hole (3) substantially coaxially therewith. The sleeve (4) has one of its ends tightly connected with the ladle bottom and the other end immersed in the melt during casting. The diameter of the sleeve (4) is so many times larger than that of the tapping hole that after being immersed in the melt, a space is left in the sleeve interior filled with a gas medium under a pressure ranging from 0.02 to 1.0 time the pressure under which the melt is discharged from the ladle.

Abstract: The improved crucible of the present invention both filters molten metal during the transfer of the molten metal from a supply receptacle such as a melting furnace to a receiving receptacle such as a mold. The transfer crucible of the present invention may be either portable or permanently mounted. The present invention relates to both the design of the improved transfer crucible and to the method for using the improved transfer crucible. The transfer crucible of the present invention is fitted with one or more removable blades, each of which contains a filter element. Molten metal can be filtered while the crucible is being filled with molten metal, during transfer of molten metal, or if desired molten metal can be filtered both on entry into and on exit from the transfer crucible.

Abstract: In accordance with this invention, a weir having a given height is provided on the bottom of a molten metal pouring chamber in a pressure pouring furnace so as to surround the periphery of a pouring nozzle port provided on the bottom of the pouring chamber. The molten metal level in the pouring chamber is set to a prelevel corresponding almost to the height of the weir before pouring. The necessary shot pressure to yield a given pouring rate at the time of pouring is thereby adjusted to a smaller pressure than necessary in conventional furnaces, which reduces the lag time between the issuance of a pouring command and the commencement of the pouring operation, thus improving the pouring work efficiency and precision of the furnace.

Abstract: In removing slag by vacuum suction, an upward force is always applied which is greater than the force with which a suction head is attracted downward under the influence of its own weight and that of connected parts. During normal operation, a drive force is applied through a separate drive system to balance the upward force, thus keeping the suction head in the desired position. When the drive force fails, the upward force holds the suction head in the hazard-free raised position.

Abstract: Metal flow control for a continuous casting process is provided by providing a gas back pressure bubble to block the flow of molten metal above the casting nozzle. Pressurized gas is provided to a cap positioned upstream of the nozzle and including a depending skirt that cooperates with a dam. When the gas pressure offsets the head pressure of the molten metal, the flow of molten metal into the nozzle is blocked. By terminating the control pressure, the flow of metal over the dam may be reestablished. The cap including the skirt and the dam form a weir assembly defining a channel along one side or around the periphery of the nozzle. The cap may be supported and fed with gas pressure through a duct from the side, or along the center of the crucible.

Abstract: There is disclosed a device for delivering predetermined metered quantities of molten metal having a holding vessel and pressure means for forcing molten metal out of the vessel through an outlet pipe, means for controlling the pressure means and sensing means for sensing when the molten metal has reached a discharge location in the outlet pipe from which it can be discharged, the sensing means being movably mounted above the discharge location.The sensing means are preferably mounted on a motorized carrier so as to be capable of and are advanced towards the discharge location and withdrawn therefrom being guided so as to be in contact with the metal surface but not dipping into it.

Abstract: A refractory siphon tube is inserted through the axial discharge opening of a rotary melting furnace and down through the slag into the metal within the furnace. Molten metal is withdrawn continuously by suction through the tube into an enclosed chamber maintained under a controlled negative suction pressure through a suction manifold connecting with a receiver, vacuum pump and pressure controller. The enclosed chamber discharges by gravity through a bottom opening, either emptying into a launder with an overflow weir, or discharging directly out through a bottom nozzle equipped with a slide-gate shut-off. The metal is discharged continuously at a controlled rate irrespective of any variations in the feed rate and metal depth in the furnace. The metal depth can be varied by periodically varying the suction pressure and thus can provide for intermittent slag discharge by overflowing the annular discharge opening.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for automatically deslagging a cupola furnace and to an improved cupola furnace using this process.According to the invention the bottom of the crucible is permanently connected to atmosphere via a siphon sill whose level is determined so that the interface between pig iron and slag is sometimes above and sometimes below this sill. The side wall of the cupola furnace has on the one hand a taphole for the pig iron opening into the crucible level with the hearth and which can be sealed with a plug and on the other air blowing tuyeres in the upper part of the crucible, as well as a siphon linked with the crucible for the supply thereof by means of a passage whose lower edge is adjacent to the bottom of the crucible and whose upper sill extends below the maximum permitted pig iron level determined by the siphon outflow, whereby the maximum permitted slag level is located below the nozzles.

Abstract: A carriage with a crucible for tapping molten metal from aluminum electrolyzers and the like includes a movable tapping tube adapted to be inserted downwardly into the metal melt from which tapping shall take place, ejector means for sucking molten metal through the tapping tube, and a discharge tube for delivering collected metal from the crucible. There may also be provided compressed air means for discharging collected metal through the discharge tube. The tapping tube is mounted pivotably substantially in an inclined plane parallel to the longitudinal axis of the carriage and extending downwardly and outwardly to the side of the carriage from a tapping opening in a tapping head located on the crucible, to which tapping head the upper end of the tapping tube is coupled in the tapping position.

Abstract: Metal in the molten state is transferred from one treating stage or zone to a succeeding stage or zone by gravity flow, the flow from one zone to the next being controlled by gas pressure, thus eliminating the need for valves, gates or similar moving parts. The process is particularly adapted to the treating of ferrous metal, more particularly to the making of steel. By providing sufficient zones in the series a continuous process can be run, starting with feed from a blast furnace, and conducting the material through alloying stages and a degassing stage and into a continuous casting zone.