Abstract: Electrostatic application of a dusting of dry, electrostatically adherable, thermally insulative powder particles over a workface of a continuous metal-casting machine in which the mold surface or surfaces which provide the workface or workfaces revolve in a generally oval course. A dry dusting of protective powdery refractory material is applied to the workface after being entrained in an air stream and electrostatically charged by suitable electrostatic apparatus. The workface to be dusted is electrically grounded for attracting the charged powder particles for adhering them to the workface. The resultant coating formed by the dusting so deposited is remarkably uniform over a substantial area of the workface, a phenomenon explainable by mutual electrostatic repulsion of the dry powder particles being deposited.

Abstract: Electrostatic application of a dusting of dry, self-adhering, thermally and electrically insulative powder particles over a work face of an endless, thin, flexible, water-cooled, metallic casting belt advantageous for use in a continuous metal-casting machine. A dry dusting of protective powdery refractory substance is applied to the belt after being rendered airborne and electrostatically charged by various embodiments of suitable electrostatic apparatus. The casting belt to be dusted is electrically grounded for attracting the charged powder particles for adhering them to the casting belt. The dusting so deposited is remarkably uniform over a substantial area, a phenomenon explainable by mutual electrostatic repulsion of the dry powder particles being deposited. Continuously re-applied dusting over the work face of an endless casting belt during a cast provides an immediately useful repair of lost dusting powder. The dusting may be removed at will by means of an air knife.