Abstract: The present invention is directed to a molten metal pump comprising an elongated pumping chamber tube with a base end and an open top end. A shaft extends into the tube and rotates an impeller therein, the impeller rotates proximate the base end. The tube has a diameter at least 1.1 times the diameter of the impeller. The pumping chamber tube preferably has a length at least three times the height of the impeller. The base end includes an inlet and the top end includes a tangential outlet. Rotation of the impeller draws molten metal into the pumping chamber and creates a rotating equilibrium vortex that rises up the walls of the pumping chamber. The rotating vortex adjacent the top end exists the device via the tangential outlet.

Abstract: A molten metal pumping apparatus. The apparatus has each of a circulation function and a transfer function. The apparatus includes a molten metal pump having an outlet. The outlet is moveable while submerged in molten metal between a first position engaged with a circulation passage in a furnace assembly and a second position engaged with a transfer passage in the furnace assembly.

Abstract: A molten metal pump assembly and method to fill a mold with molten metal, such as aluminum. The assembly includes a support frame for suspending the molten metal pump above a furnace. The support frame includes a mechanism for lifting and lowering the molten metal pump into engagement and disengagement with the mold.

Abstract: A coating composition and a method of making a coating composition is provided. The coating composition includes: a) a binder system comprising a mixture of a caramelized carbohydrate component, an inorganic colloidal binder, and an adjuvant; and b) a protective agent. The coating composition is useful for protecting articles from corrosion and/or erosion caused by contact with molten metal.

Abstract: A molten metal filter box. The filter box includes a filter housing provided in a flow path for molten metal. A horizontal partition is disposed within the filter housing and has at least one filter receiving passage. A filter medium in the shape of a substantially flat plate is positioned within the filter receiving passage and below an inflow path of the molten metal. The filter medium includes a hole. A filter handling tool is disposed within the hole. The filter handling tool can optionally include a handle secured to the molten metal filter box to suspend the filter medium. Advantageously, the filter medium can be removed by grasping the filter handling tool and removing the filter medium.

Abstract: Additively manufactured ceramic filters are disclosed. A plurality of pores, each having a uniform geometry, are arranged between an inlet surface and an outlet surface of a single unit of ceramic such that the plurality of pores change in size uniformly from the inlet surface to the outlet surface. The pores are respectively interconnected, and the size, shape, orientation, and/or interconnection of the pores are chosen to provide hydrodynamic features that provide effective filtration for a given liquid and contamination. The pores are additively manufactured with optimized precision.

Abstract: A molten metal scrap submergence system comprising a furnace and a vortexing scrap submergence well. The vortexing scrap submergence well includes a diverter suspended above the well and oriented for immersion in a bath of molten metal circulating within the well. The system, or an alternative scrap submergence system, can include a hood element disposed in an overlapping position with regard to a top opening of the scrap submergence well. The hood at least substantially seals the top opening. The hood element includes a scrap piece feed chute and a burner allowing carbon containing vapor evaporated from the surface of the molten scrap pieces to combust and form predominantly water. The system, or an alternative scrap submergence system can include internal side walls of the well with a first diameter portion adjacent and above said ramp and a second, larger diameter portion above said first portion.

Abstract: A method of making a refractory article is provided. The method includes: a) mixing a binder system, a refractory charge, and a second colloidal binder to form an aqueous slurry; b) casting the aqueous slurry into a mold; c) subjecting the mold containing the aqueous slurry to a temperature that is lower than a slurry casting temperature for a time sufficient to form a green strength article; and d) firing the green strength article at a temperature of at least 450° C. for a time sufficient to achieve thermal homogeneity, thereby forming a refractory article. Refractory articles made in accordance with the method have a unique combination of pore structure and mechanical properties.

Abstract: A molten metal pump comprised of a base defining a pumping chamber, an impeller disposed within said pumping chamber, an outlet passage extending from said pumping chamber, said outlet passage being defined by opposed top and bottom walls and opposed side walls, wherein said top and side walls terminate at an intersection with a boundary of the base and said bottom wall terminates inward from said boundary.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a molten metal pump comprising an elongated pumping chamber tube with a base end and an open top end. A shaft extends into the tube and rotates an impeller therein, the impeller rotates proximate the base end. The tube has a diameter at least 1.1 times the diameter of the impeller. The pumping chamber tube preferably has a length at least three times the height of the impeller. The base end includes an inlet and the top end includes a tangential outlet. Rotation of the impeller draws molten metal into the pumping chamber and creates a rotating equilibrium vortex that rises up the walls of the pumping chamber. The rotating vortex adjacent the top end exists the device cia the tangential outlet.

Abstract: Disclosed is a centrifugal molten metal pump assembly and associated system for controlled delivery of molten metal to molds. The pump assembly comprises a shaft, an impeller coupled to the shaft, a controller to control a rotational speed of the impeller according to a programmable fill profile while delivering the molten metal to the mold. In some embodiments, the pump assembly further comprises a throttle to manipulate a flow rate or pressure of the molten metal relative to a rotational speed of the impeller. The associated system comprises a melting furnace and one or more holding furnaces, each holding furnace including at least one pump assembly therein. Each holding furnace may be of an open configuration to allow for uninterrupted flow of the molten metal from the melting furnace. The system may provide controlled delivery of the molten metal to the mold at a desired flow rate or pressure.

Abstract: A molten metal pump includes an impeller, a pump base housing at least partially enclosing the impeller, a shaft connected to the impeller, a motor connected to the shaft, a motor mount plate for supporting the motor; and a post for connecting the motor mount plate to the pump base housing. The molten metal pump can include a connector that connects the post to the motor mount plate. The molten metal pump can include a socket for connecting the shaft to the motor. The shaft can comprise an assembly including an elongated metal rod having a first end and a second end and a metal non-circular drive member attached at the second end of the elongated metal rod.

Abstract: A transition plate for use in a direct chill (DC) casting system comprises a substantially annular body having an upper face and a lower face. At least a lower part of the body adjacent the lower face is made of a gas permeable refractory material, whereby gas can pass through the gas permeable refractory material and escape from the transition plate through at least the lower face.

Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the present exemplary embodiment, a molten metal pump comprising a refractory material body defining an elongated chamber is provided. The chamber is configured to receive a shaft and impeller assembly. The chamber includes an open top through which the shaft passes and a bottom inlet. The impeller is located in or adjacent the inlet. The body further defines an elongated passage adjacent to the chamber. An opening provides fluid communication between the elongated passage and the elongated chamber. The elongated passage is in fluid communication with a discharge channel configured to direct molten metal at least substantially perpendicular to an elongated axis of the elongated chamber.

Abstract: A molten metal processing apparatus selected from a pump, a degasser, a flux injector, and a scrap submergence device constructed to include at least one element comprised of C/C composite.

Abstract: Additively manufactured ceramic filters are disclosed. A plurality of pores, each having a uniform geometry, arc arranged between an inlet surface and an outlet surface of a single unit of ceramic such that the plurality of pores change in size uniformly from the inlet surface to the outlet surface. The pores are respectively interconnected, and the size, shape, orientation, and/or interconnection of the pores are chosen to provide hydrodynamic features that provide effective filtration for a given liquid and contamination. The pores are additively manufactured with optimized precision.

Abstract: A circulating apparatus for circulating the body of molten metal within an associated furnace is provided. The circulating apparatus includes a molded body with an inlet and an outlet. The inlet and the outlet are aligned with corresponding openings on the associated furnace. The inlet and the outlet define a flow chamber within the molded body. An inductor is secured to a portion of the molded body. The inductor is configured to pump molten metal from the associated furnace and into the flow chamber. A flow channel is spaced from the inlet and the outlet on the molded body. A dam assembly is positioned adjacent the outlet. The dam assembly is movable between a raised position and a lowered position relative to the outlet. The molten fluid flows back into the associated furnace when the dam assembly is in the raised position and the molten fluid flows to the flow channel when the dam assembly is in the lowered position.

Abstract: A metal scrap submergence device comprising an open top chamber including walls of a heat resistant material, an inlet positioned in the chamber, an outlet positioned in the base of the chamber, and a ramp adjacent the side wall of the chamber. The device further including a removable vane, an inwardly or outwardly sloped ramp surface, and/or diverter.

Abstract: A molten metal pump assembly and method to fill complex molds with molten metal, such as aluminum. The pump assembly includes an elongated shaft connecting a motor to an impeller. The impeller is housed within a chamber of a base member such that rotation of the impeller draws molten metal into the chamber at an inlet and forces molten aluminum through an outlet. A first bearing is adapted to support the rotation of the impeller at a first radial edge and a second bearing adapted to support the rotation of the impeller at a second radial edge. A bypass gap is interposed between the second bearing and the second radial edge. Molten metal leaks through the bypass gap at a predetermined rate to manipulate a flow rate and a head pressure of the molten metal such that precise control of the flow rate is achieved.

Abstract: A molten metal pump comprised of a base defining a pumping chamber, an impeller disposed within said pumping chamber, an outlet passage extending from said pumping chamber, said outlet passage being defined by opposed top and bottom walls and opposed side walls, wherein said top and side walls terminate at an intersection with a boundary of the base and said bottom wall terminates inward from said boundary.