Abstract: A method and apparatus for horizontal continuous casting of metal alloys, such as brass, which tend to have a component thereof separate therefrom, in vapor form, during and immediately after solidification of the metal. The molten metal alloy progresses from the entrance end toward the discharge end of a horizontal tubular mold, with the metal solidifying at least next to the inner surface of the mold before reaching the discharge end thereof. The solidified metal in the mold shrinks inwardly away from the mold surface to form a shrinkage gap therewith, so that the above component of the alloy in vapor form enters into this shrinkage gap. In accordance with the invention this shrinkage gap is maintained filled with a gas which is inert to the above vapor so that the latter cannot oxidize in the shrinkage gap. In this way it is possible to avoid formation of undesirable deposits at the inner surface of the mold.

Abstract: A method for thermally treating metal components. The metal components which are in a partially finished condition are annealed by being placed within a liquid bath which is at a temperature between 200.degree. and 300.degree. C. The liquid bath is a mineral oil and is situated within an enclosure into and out of which the metal components are moved by way of an inlet and outlet of the enclosure which themselves contain liquid for sealing off the interior of the enclosure from the outer atmosphere. The liquid at the inlet and outlet is also a mineral oil and is at a temperature of approximately 190.degree. C, in all cases less than 200.degree. C. The interior atmosphere in the enclosure is an inert atmosphere. The extent of contact between the liquid at the inlet and outlet and outer atmosphere is maintained at a minimum.

Abstract: Apparatus for thermally treating metal components. The metal components which are in a partially finished condition are annealed by being placed within a liquid bath which is at a temperature of between 200.degree. and 300.degree. C. The liquid bath is oil and is situated within an enclosure structure with which an inlet and outlet structure communicate for introducing and discharging the metal components from the treating bath. These inlet and outlet structures themselves contain liquid for sealing off the interior of the enclosure from the outer atmosphere.