Abstract: A method for separating a liquid and in particular a liquid metal from heterogeneous constituents therein, comprises the steps of providing a passage for a flow of liquid containing heterogeneous constituents and directing ultrasound waves into the passage. The ultrasound waves are made to form standing waves in the liquid using a reflector and by tuning the frequency of the ultrasound waves. The standing waves cause extraneous particles in the liquid to coagulate at the nodes. The reflector is also designed to direct some of the ultrasound waves upwardly into the passage. The flow of the liquid metal through the passage and the ultrasound in the passage carry the coagulated particles into the slag on the surface of the liquid metal for removal. The ultrasound waves also cause cavitation effects which degas the liquid metal. An ultrasound particle detection device is also disclosed which includes a transmitting delay line, a receiving delay line and a reflector immersed in a liquid.

Abstract: A process for treating metal comprises applying a positive DC potential to an ionic melt layer disposed on the surface of a liquid metal. The application of this potential provides a plasma phase above the ionic melt layer and induces a flow of electrons from the liquid metal towards the plasma phase. The ionic melt layer is capable of being maintained in a liquid state when it is in contact with the liquid metal. The process can be used either to remove impurities from the liquid metal, to alloy the liquid metal by adding metal compounds in the ionic melt layer, to recover metals from waste, or to perform a combination of these functions. An apparatus for treating liquid metals is also provided.

Abstract: Phosphorus furnace slag is used as a ladle flux and/or as a tundish flux in the continuous casting of steel. The phosphorus furnace slag uniquely combines the properties of thermal insulation, oxidation protection and inclusion absorption necessary to function satisfactorily as a ladle flux and/or as a tundish flux.