Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of ductile iron comprising the sequential steps of:—(i) treating liquid iron with an initialiser comprising an effective amount of a group IIa metal other than Mg, (ii) at a predetermined time after step (i), treating the liquid iron with a magnesium containing nodulariser, (iii) treating the liquid iron with a eutectic graphite nucleation-inducing inoculant, and (iv) casting the iron. The invention allows for the variability of oxygen content in the base iron to be processed such that the mechanical properties of components cast from the processed iron are independent of the original oxygen content of the base iron.

Abstract: Process for producing ductile iron by treating liquid iron with an initializer which is a ferrosilicon alloy comprising an effective amount of barium sufficient to inactivate the oxygen activity of the liquid iron. This is followed at a predetermined time thereafter by treating the liquid iron with a magnesium containing nodularizer, followed by treating the liquid iron with a eutectic graphite nucleation-inducing inoculant, and casting the iron.

Abstract: A treatment ladle comprising a ladle shell containing a generally tubular refractory ladle liner, said ladle being pivotable between a horizontal position and a vertical position, said ladle liner having a first end and a second end with a continuous sidewall therebetween, an interior space being defined between said first and second ends and the continuous sidewall, said ladle liner additionally comprising a pocket for holding a treatment agent, said pocket being located adjacent the first end and in fluid communication with the interior space and located closer to the top than the bottom of the interior space when the ladle is in its horizontal position and closer to the bottom than the top of the interior space when the ladle is in its vertical position, and a spout for receiving and pouring molten metal located closer to the top than the bottom of the interior space when the ladle is in its horizontal and vertical positions, wherein in the horizontal position, a lower volume of the interior space defined

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of ductile iron comprising the sequential steps of:—(i) treating liquid iron with an initialiser comprising an effective amount of a group Ha metal other than Mg, (ii) at a predetermined time after step (i), treating the liquid iron with a magnesium containing nodulariser, (iii) treating the liquid iron with a eutectic graphite nucleation-inducing inoculant, and (iv) casting the iron. The invention allows for the variability of oxygen content in the base iron to be processed such that the mechanical properties of components cast from the processed iron are independent of the original oxygen content of the base iron.

Abstract: The models comprise an expanded or expansible polymer or copolymer generally used for the fabrication of such models. The polymer or copolymer contains an oxidizing agent comprising a nitroaliphatic compound that accepts expansion without substantial alteration of its oxidizing properties, that does not substantially modify the characteristics of the polymer or copolymer before, during and after expansion, that does not harm the quality of the metal that is cast, and that has a decomposition temperature essentially identical to that of the polymer or copolymer.