Abstract: This invention relates to an improved bottom block for vertical DC and EM casting large ingots and billets, particularly ingots having generally rectangularly shaped cross sections which are rolled into sheet and plate. The improved bottom block stably supports the ingot or billet in its downward descent during casting so that the ingot or billet does not move on the bottom block by leaning off center or rocking back and forth. In accordance with the invention, a plurality of drain holes in the bottom block, which are adapted to remove coolant which collects on the top surface of the bottom block, are provided with fan shaped recesses which form appendages on the butt of the ingot or billet. These ingot or billet appendages ride up the lower inclined surfaces of the recesses when the ingot or billet butt shrinks and curls, thereby stabilizing the ingot or billet.

Abstract: This invention is directed to the process and system for controlling the level of molten metal in a plurality of vertically oriented, continuous or semicontinuous casting units, particularly electromagnetic casting units. The flows of molten metal to the individual casting units are adjusted automatically in response to a control set point signal from a master controller in order to maintain essentially the same molten metal level in all of the casting units. Improved startup and termination procedures are also given.

Abstract: A transportable modular assault vehicle water egress and bridge access/egress surfacing or trackway system wherein a plurality of rectangularly shaped planks or sections are joined by flexible hinge members and can be folded accordion fashion and suspended in a container for storing, transporting and rapidly deploying to provide a surfacing upon the shores or banks of bodies of water for the access and egress of military vehicles into and out of bodies of water during military operations.

Abstract: An improved ingot shape which when rolled to sheet or plate does not form laminated edges which must be trimmed. The narrow faces of the generally rectangularly shaped ingot have recesses along the length of the upper and lower portions thereof. The land area between the two recesses on each narrow face extends outwardly beyond the top and bottom edges of the ingot.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved method and device for removing liquid from a moving surface such as a continuous metal sheet or strip. The invention has particular application to the removing of lubricant and/or coolant from sheet or strip in a rolling operation or the backup rolls of the rolling mills. The invention comprises a vacuum unit to remove most of the liquid from the moving surface, an air knife to drive the liquid remaining on the surface toward the vacuum unit, and a vent maintained at a pressure intermediate between the low pressure of the vacuum unit and the high pressure of the air knife to minimize eddy current formation in the gas flow from the air knife to the vacuum unit. Eddy currents can cause the redeposition of liquid onto the essentially dry sheet or strip.

Abstract: An improved lifter for a rotary kiln is made by extending the internal reinforcement all the way to the inner face of the lifter and by locating the junction between the branches and the main stem of the lifter closer to the metal shell of the rotary kiln than is the hot, inner face of the refractory lining adjacent to the lifter.

Abstract: An improved, motorized Lunkenheimer valve is provided having two independently actuated drive means for operating the valve, one of which moves the valve stem and disc longitudinally along the axis of the stem and the other of which rotates the stem and disc about the longitudinal axis of the stem. The two drive means can be operated concurrently to effect more rapid opening or closing, and countercurrently to provide a continuous grinding operation when the valve is in the closed position.

Abstract: A low cost stabilized lime aggregate, preferably with dicalcium silicate as a major constituent, is obtained from slags of specified composition, and finds use in refractory gun mixes. Briefly, the slags which are suitable for this application contain at least 75% total CaO+Fe.sub.2 O.sub.3 +SiO.sub.2 +MgO, have a CaO:SiO.sub.2 weight ratio of at least 1.8, less than 7% total calcium carbonate (CaCO.sub.3), calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH).sub.2), and CaO, and preferably contain at least 20% CaO.

Abstract: A more pressable composition for making graphitic refractory brick from oxide aggregate with a carbon bond is obtained when the refractory oxide aggregate is substantially all coarser than 0.15 mm (+100 mesh), preferably coarser than 0.2 mm (+65 mesh), and most preferably coarser than 0.4 mm (+35 mesh), and the matrix is entirely carbonaceous material, such as graphite, particularly flake graphite, resin, particularly a phenol formaldehyde resin, together with such other carbonaceous materials as carbon black, calcined coke, anthracite, and the like.

Abstract: A refractory brick without a metal casing and having built-in expansion at the hot face is formed by having at least one side face divided into two sections, the section adjacent the cold face being of normal configuration, but the section adjacent the hot face being inclined at a greater angle to the opposed side face, whereby expansion allowance is provided at the hot face, the section adjacent the hot face also having at least one raised portion, preferably adjacent the hot face, the height of the raised portion being such that its surface lies substantially in the plane extended of the lower, cold face section. By this construction, a brick is provided with built-in expansion allowance at the hot face, substantial bearing surface at the cold face to prevent loosening of the refractory structure in use, and means to prevent inadvertent closing of the hot face thermal expansion allowance during placement of the brick in a kiln or furnace.

Abstract: Sodium oxalate impurity is removed from oxalate-enriched Bayer process caustic liquor by gradual increase of the caustic concentration of the liquor, thus providing a staged precipitation of the sodium oxalate in a well-crystallized and readily filterable form.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrolytic method of coloring anodized aluminum workpieces in an acidic aqueous electrolyte containing nickel sulfamate in amounts from 50 to 150 grams per liter (expressed as nickel) at temperatures above 35.degree. C. The coloring voltage ranges from 5 to 40 volts (AC).

Abstract: Nuclear magnetic resonance (nmr) is employed for the control of heat-input or feed rate of calcination and/or drying facilities. The residual volatile material content of the heat-treated material is monitored by nmr and the results obtained from the monitoring are employed to adjust the heat-input or feed rate to avoid overdrying or calcining of the heat-treated material. A computer, such as a microprocessor, may be utilized in combination with the nmr apparatus to provide instantaneous process control.

Abstract: Bayer process caustic liquors are purified by treating the liquors with an organic solvent of relatively low boiling point, such as methanol, which causes the precipitation of inorganic carbonate and/or sulfate salt from the treated liquor. The treating solvent can be readily recovered for reuse.

Abstract: The deterioration and distortion of the carbonaceous cathode lining of an aluminum reduction cell by freezing of molten cryolitic electrolyte in the lining and its subsequent reaction with sodium intercalated in the carbonaceous lining is substantially reduced by incorporating a composite strata comprised of at least one layer of a high temperature material which is capable of being wetted by molten glass and a layer of ground glass, e.g., cullet, between the carbonaceous lining and an insulating layer of refractory material.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an anode-cathode structure for an electrolytic cell for the reduction of alumina wherein the structure is comprised of a carbon anode assembly which straddles a wedge-shaped refractory hard metal cathode assembly having steeply sloped cathodic surfaces, each cathodic surface being paired in essentially parallel planar relationship with an anode surface. The anode-cathode structure not only takes into account the structural weakness of refractory hard metal materials but also permits the changing of the RHM assembly during operation of the cell. Further, the anode-cathode structure enhances the removal of anode gas from the interpolar gap between the anode and cathode surfaces.

Abstract: This invention relates to improvements in substrates containing alumina and a Group IV-B oxide and in producing the same and in processes of producing hydrodesulfurizing catalysts based on Group VIII and Group VI in the catalysts employing such substrates, and hydrodesulfurizing process employing the same.

Abstract: The invention relates to the application of coolant onto the surface of an electromagnetic D.C. cast ingot or billet where two coolant streams are directed to the solidified or partially solidified metal so that the two streams intersect a short distance away from the metal surface. By controlling the velocity and/or volume of one or both coolant streams, the point of impact on the metal surface can be brought closer to the discharge end of the inductor and thereby increase cooling rates. In this manner the excursions of molten metal which form the icicle-like appendages on EM cast ingot or billet can be effectively eliminated. When the end of the ingot or billet passes the area of coolant impact and the risk of such excursions is slight, the point of coolant impact can be lowered to a more conventional level for the remainder of the cast.

Abstract: The invention is directed to cathode modules comprised of refractory hard metal materials, such as TiB.sub.2, for an electrolytic cell for the reduction of alumina wherein the modules may be installed and replaced during operation of the cell and wherein the structure of the cathode modules is such that the refractory hard metal materials are not subjected to externally applied forces or rigid constraints.