Abstract: A cover gas composition for protecting molten magnesium/magnesium alloy includes a fluorine containing inhibiting agent and a carrier gas. Each component of the composition has a Global Warming Potential (GWP) (referenced to the absolute GWP for carbon dioxide at a time horizon of 100 years) of less than 5000.

Abstract: A casting wheel (10) for use in filling ingot molds (36) of an ingot mold line has a wheel member (12) comprising a hub (14) and a plurality of spouts (20). The wheel member (12) has a central region (18) and is mounted by the hub (14) for rotation on an axis of rotation. The spouts (20) are formed from sheet metal and are integral with the hub (14). The spouts (20) extend outwardly from the central region (18) in an angularly spaced array and each spout has an inlet end (23) adjacent the central region (18) and an outlet end (24) remote from the hub (14).

Abstract: A method for preparing a mould lubricant for use in direct chill casting of reactive metals, including magnesium, magnesium alloys, aluminum, and aluminum alloys, proceeds through combining a casting lubricant and a gaseous oxidation-inhibiting agent in a vessel external from the mold under vacuum conditions. The casting lubricant is selected from a variety of casting oils and casting greases. The gaseous oxidation-inhibiting agent is selected from a variety of inert gases, including sulfur hexafluoride (SF6).

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for casting metal ingots comprises a series of ingot moulds (12) mounted along an endless conveyor (11) which is arranged to be driven around spaced-apart rotatable members (15) and (17). A molten metal supplying device (20) has a discharge member for supplying molten metal to empty moulds (12) moving along an upper run (14) of the conveyor (11) from a supply end (16) to a discharge end (18) of the upper run (14) of the conveyor (11). A casting hood (13) overlies at least a portion of the moulds (12) on the upper run (14) of the conveyor (11). Adjacent moulds (12) of the portion of moulds are closely contiguous during passage beneath the casting hood (13) whereby passage of protective gas between said adjacent moulds is minimized. The casting hood (13) and the portion of moulds (120) form a substantially gas-tight enclosure above the portion of moulds (12) into which gas can be introduced. The enclosure houses the discharge member of the molten metal supplying device (20).