Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for obtaining an ingot wherein elastic oscillations are directed on metal being crystallized over a broad frequency range and at high intensity in the form of powerful pulses generated by a high-voltage spark discharge in liquid. One form of the apparatus of the invention comprises a discharge chamber filled with liquid in contact with a mould or with melt. The discharge chamber is provided with a system of electrodes connected to a pulse current generator. Upon feeding high-voltage current pulses to the electrodes, high pressure, impulse flows, cavitation and surge waves are built-up in the liquid resulting in the appearance of elastic oscillations acting on the molten metal.

Abstract: A continuous casting process effected in electromagnetic field includes the steps of delivering a molten metal to the zone of an electromagnetic field, forming said molten metal into a column, providing a protective medium such as a melt or rarified atmosphere at the molten surface of the solidifying ingot, sizing the ingot skin, and cooling the solidified ingot.An apparatus for carrying into effect the above-described continuous casting process comprises a frame which mounts a baffle, an electromagnetic inductor and a cooler, all of which are circular in shape and coaxially arranged relative to one another. The apparatus also incorporates a bottom plate adapted to support the ingot. According to the invention, there is also provided at least one shell intended for holding the slag or flux melt at the liquid surface of the continuous-cast ingot, as well as for creating a rarified atmosphere and for sizing the ingot, thereby permitting the latter to be formed of a desired shape and size.