Abstract: A method for continuously providing pretreated molten iron for casting objects which solidify as compacted cast iron, in which inoculating agents are added immediately prior to casting, in exact quantities. In practicing the method, the ability of the fully treated cast iron to crystallize is measured and the result of this measurement is used for feedback control of the supply of inoculating agent, this supply being effected at the last possible stage of the treatment process, so as to optimize the amount of inoculating agent introduced to the system. Since the inoculating a gent will normally include FeSi, it will also fed back and used to increase or reduce the addition of agents for adjusting the carbon and/or silicon contents of the iron as necessary.

Abstract: A method for determining and regulating the conditions of crystallization in the solidification of melts. A sample of the melt is taken in a specially constructed test vessel with a volumetric capacity of from 5-50 cm.sup.3 and the temperature of the sample is measured centrally of the sample. From the information obtained a solidification curve is determined from which conditions characteristic of the solidification properties can be derived, thereby indicating the manner in which the melt should be modified to obtain desired properties.