Abstract: A system for in-line alloying of a molten metal stream comprises: means for controlling mass flow rate of the stream; means for adding alloying material to the stream at an adjustable rate; means for determining chemical composition of the stream downstream from the material adding means, preferably at timed intervals; and means for adjusting the rate at which alloying material is added to the stream based on mass flow rate and the extent to which the determined stream composition differs from a desired composition. A method for conducting in-line alloying and analysis of a continuous metal stream is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making metal flakes from a body or stream of molten metal. The apparatus includes a wheel with serrations on its periphery, and means for rotating the wheel in a vertical plane. Means are provided for controlling the relative positions of the wheel and the upper surface of the body of molten metal which is subjected to change. In this manner, the serrations on the bottom of the wheel are disposed a preselected distance into the body of molten metal. When the serrations rotate out of the body, molten metal collects on the serrations and freezes into solid flakes. Means are provided for removing the flakes from the serrations and for collecting the flakes at one location on the periphery of the wheel.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for analyzing molten metal which comprises removing a sample of metal from a source of molten metal; dissolving the sample in a solvent; and analyzing the dissolved sample to determine the contents of the molten metal. In a preferred embodiment, the sample is removed from the molten metal as solid particles in a sampling zone, conveyed in a fluid to a dissolution zone where a known quantity is dissolved for subsequent spectral analysis, and the resulting solution is then passed to a spectral analysis zone.