Abstract: A mold for continuous casting includes a cylindrical mold body with one end serving as a molten metal supply port and the other end serving as an ingot outlet, and a carbon ring arranged on the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical mold body, wherein the carbon ring is configured by stacking a first ring member arranged on the one end side and a second ring member arranged on the other end side.

Abstract: A containment system for laterally containing a liquid metal material or liquid metal alloy at an open side end of a passage defined between two casting members, the system including a pneumatic device ending with a hollow end element adapted to be arranged close to the open side end of the passage, wherein the hollow end element defines a chamber therein, wherein the pneumatic device is adapted to feed a compressed aeriform substance into the chamber, and wherein the hollow end element is provided with at least one blowing face for blowing the compressed aeriform substance from the chamber towards a side containment zone for the liquid metal.

Abstract: A method for obtaining a product made of titanium alloy or a titanium-aluminum intermetallic compound by plasma torch melting, the alloy having an oriented structure, the method including heating the molten alloy surface in a casting ring with a plasma torch; cooling a cold zone of the casting ring over a length L1, the cooling forming a semi-solid crown of alloy; heating a hot zone of the casting ring over a length L2, thereby forming a solidification front, the flatness of which relative to a plane perpendicular to a drawing direction is less than 10°; and drawing the solidified alloy at a speed of more than 10?4 m/s in the drawing direction. The present disclosure also relates to a plant having one or more devices for implementing the method.

Abstract: An ingot mould for continuous casting, with a lubricant channel (2) opening to the running surface (1), has a distribution portion (3) adjoining the running surface (1). In an ingot mould of the aforementioned type a uniform lubrication of the running surface of the ingot mould is possible using as few wear-susceptible components as possible, where the flow resistance within the distribution portion (3) increases in the direction of the running surface (1) and is constant in a discharge region (4) of the distribution portion (3) adjoining the running surface parallel to the running surface (1).

Abstract: A method of improving control of thin strip produced by continuous casting including the steps of assembling a continuous casting apparatus having a pair of counter-rotating cooling rolls, having a nip there between and at least one enclosure downstream from the nip, introducing molten metal to form a casting pool supported on the cooling rolls above the nip and counter-rotating the cooling rolls forming cast strip downwardly from the nip, guiding the strip through the at least one enclosure downstream from the nip, the at least one enclosure having gas inlets for directing oxygen-containing gas into the enclosure, and directing oxygen-containing gas having a desired amount of oxygen through the inlets into the enclosure to provide an atmosphere 0.5% and 15% oxygen with between 3 and 10% humidity to oxidize at least one surface of the strip a desired thickness of scale on the surface of the strip to provide less mill force and downstream control of the strip.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mold powder supply apparatus using the waste heat of a tundish, which can collect waste heat from molten steel in the tundish, and preheat and dry mold powder. The mold powder supply apparatus using the waste heat of a tundish according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a powder hopper that is mounted to a frame close to a tundish to absorb heat radiated from the top of the tundish, through one side; an agitator that agitates mold powder filled in the powder hopper; and a supply pipe that is connected to the bottom of the powder hopper to supply the powder hopper into a mold.

Abstract: A continuous casting machine and method using molten mold flux, wherein the continuous casting machine includes a mold cover for covering an upper portion of a mold; a mold flux melting unit for melting mold flux to be supplied into the mold; and a mold flux delivery unit for supplying the mold with the molten mold flux melted in the mold flux melting unit, wherein the delivery unit includes an injection tube with one end connected to the mold flux melting unit and the other end positioned in the mold through the mold cover, and an injection tube heater for heating the injection tube. Since a slag bear continuous casting machine and method using molten mold flux is removed, the consumption of mold flux is greatly increased compared with the case of a conventional casting work, so that the friction between a mold and a solidified shell is reduced. As a result, an amount of scarfing of a cast piece is greatly reduced and no carbon pick-up occurs.

Abstract: A process of reducing friction, which is encountered in molds utilized in injection molded, solder processing, and wherein glass mold plates have mold pits etched therein. The mold pates are subjected to a heat treatment so as to smooth or round-off sharp edges along the periphery of the mold pits.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a molten metal coated steel strip configured to control the amount of a metal coated on surfaces of a steel strip by blowing a gas from gas wiping nozzles to the surfaces of the steel strip continuously drawn from a molten metal, includes molten-metal-reducing members arranged on both sides of the steel strip below the surface of the molten metal in the coating bath to face the steel strip, each of the molten-metal-reducing members having a length equal to or longer than the steel-strip width, and shields arranged between the molten-metal-reducing members each extending along an extension of a corresponding one of the surfaces of the steel strip.

Abstract: A release agent spray method and apparatus for a die casting machine. As a movable die plate is moved in a die closing direction, a spray head is moved in a perpendicular direction to a spray position. The movable die plate is stopped when it has reached a position at which the distance between the spray head and a die cavity surface of a movable die and the distance between the spray head and die cavity surface of a fixed die both become equal to a spray distance. A release agent is sprayed from the spray head onto the cavity surfaces of the movable die and the fixed die.

Abstract: A gas flow control system for molten metal molds with permeable perimeter walls, wherein an approximately constant gas mass flow is maintained in individual molds and approximately equal gas mass flows are maintained in molds on the same mold table. A PLC is utilized in combination with a gas mass flow controller to continually monitor and maintain the approximately desired mass flow of gas to the mold cavities.

Abstract: A continuous casting apparatus, continuous casting method and aluminum alloy cast bar enable stable and smooth high-speed casting with a reduced amount of a lubricant and prevent occurrence of breakout and lubricant reaction products, resulting in reduction in ingot failure.

Abstract: A seal for a continuous casting furnace having a melting chamber with a mold therein for producing a metal cast includes a passage between the melting chamber and external atmosphere. As the cast moves through the passage, the cast outer surface and the passage inner surface define therebetween a reservoir for containing liquid glass or other molten material to prevent the external atmosphere from entering the melting chamber. Particulate material fed into the reservoir is melted by heat from the cast to form the molten material. The molten material coats the cast as it moves through the passage and solidifies to form a coating to protect the hot cast from reacting with the external atmosphere. Preferably, the mold has an inner surface with a cross-sectional shape to define a cross-sectional shape of the cast outer surface whereby these cross-sectional shapes are substantially the same as a cross-sectional shape of the passage inner surface.

Abstract: A seal for a continuous casting furnace having a melting chamber with a mold therein for producing a metal cast includes a passage between the melting chamber and external atmosphere. As the cast moves through the passage, the cast outer surface and the passage inner surface define therebetween a reservoir for containing liquid glass or other molten material to prevent the external atmosphere from entering the melting chamber. Particulate material fed into the reservoir is melted by heat from the cast to form the molten material. The molten material coats the cast as it moves through the passage and solidifies to form a coating to protect the hot cast from reacting with the external atmosphere. Preferably, the mold has an inner surface with a cross-sectional shape to define a cross-sectional shape of the cast outer surface whereby these cross-sectional shapes are substantially the same as a cross-sectional shape of the passage inner surface.

Abstract: A gas flow control system for molten metal molds with permeable perimeter walls, wherein an approximately constant gas mass flow is maintained in individual molds and approximately equal gas mass flows are maintained in molds on the same mold table. A PLC is utilized in combination with a gas mass flow controller to continually monitor and maintain the approximately desired mass flow of gas to the mold cavities.

Abstract: A seal for a continuous casting furnace having a melting chamber with a mold therein for producing a metal cast includes a passage between the melting chamber and external atmosphere. As the cast moves through the passage, the cast outer surface and the passage inner surface define therebetween a reservoir for containing liquid glass or other molten material to prevent the external atmosphere from entering the melting chamber. Particulate material fed into the reservoir is melted by heat from the cast to form the molten material. The molten material coats the cast as it moves through the passage and solidifies to form a coating to protect the hot cast from reacting with the external atmosphere. Preferably, the mold has an inner surface with a cross-sectional shape to define a cross-sectional shape of the cast outer surface whereby these cross-sectional shapes are substantially the same as a cross-sectional shape of the passage inner surface.

Abstract: A perimeter wall lubrication system for molten metal molds wherein the lubricant conduit within the permeable perimeter wall is configured with a K constant which is lower than 40 or more in the equation where X is the perimeter of the groove in the permeable perimeter wall and Y is the perimeter to area ratio, relative to the equation k=XY in a plot of the respective values.

Abstract: In a lubricant composition suitable for use in the manufacture of aluminum alloys comprising lubricant base selected from the group consisting of solid lubricants, liquid lubricants, grease lubricants, emulsion lubricants, and dispersion lubricants, the improvement wherein the lubricant composition further comprises: an effective amount of water and surfactant. It is believed that mixing oil with water and surfactant provides a method for uniformly distributing the surface oxide at the meniscus for casting applications. Uniform distribution of the oxide at the meniscus reduces vertical fold formation that can lead to cracks in the aluminum ingot. In addition, the mixture promotes uniform heat transfer around the mold. Uniform heat transfer around the mold allows the solidifying aluminum alloy to stay in contact with the mold longer and form stronger ingot shells. A process for continuous or semi-continuous casting of aluminum alloys via the use of this lubricant composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hot-top mold for a strand casting apparatus, consisting of a hot-top, which lies on the upper side of a parting agent distributor and presses it with its underside against the surface of a mold, an overhang being formed on the radially inner surface of the hot-top, which protrudes beyond the parting agent distributor in the direction of take off of the strand, the hot-top being centered and held by an outer ring, which is releasably fastened to the mold. The mold surrounds a function ring toward the bearing surface of the mold which, together with the parting agent distributor, forms function surfaces with adjustable roughness on the surfaces. In the parting agent distributor, radial channels are formed at the upper side and the underside, the channel cross sections at the upper side and the underside being in a ratio of 1:3 to 1:5 to one another.

Abstract: In a lubricant composition suitable for use in the manufacture of aluminum alloys comprising lubricant base selected from the group consisting of solid lubricants, liquid lubricants, grease lubricants, emulsion lubricants, and dispersion lubricants, the improvement wherein the lubricant composition further comprises: an effective amount of water and surfactant or water and a compound comprising phosphates, borates, fluorides, and silicates. It is believed that mixing oil with water and surfactant or one of these compounds provides a method for uniformly distributing the surface oxide at the meniscus for casting applications, thereby reducing vertical fold formation that lead to cracks in aluminum ingots. In addition, the mixture promotes uniform heat transfer around the mold allowing the solidifying aluminum alloy to stay in contact with the mold longer and form stronger ingot shells.

Abstract: In a lubricant composition suitable for use in the manufacture of aluminum alloys comprising a lubricant base, the improvement wherein the lubricant composition further comprises: an effective amount of water, surfactant, and a high viscosity organic material having a low vapor pressure. It is believed that this mixture provides a method for uniformly distributing the surface oxide at the meniscus for casting applications and increasing meniscus stability. Uniform distribution of the oxide and increased stability at the meniscus reduces vertical fold formation that can lead to cracks in the aluminum ingot. In addition, the mixture promotes uniform heat transfer around the mold. Uniform heat transfer around the mold allows the solidifying aluminum alloy to stay in contact with the mold longer and form stronger ingot shells. A process for continuous or semi-continuous casting of aluminum alloys via the use of this lubricant composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: A die casting machine injecting and filling a molten metal into a cavity formed between a pair of dies so as to cast a product, comprising an ejecting pin for ejecting a casting by its front and sticking out inside the cavity and a powder feeder for feeding a powder release agent for promoting release of the casting from the dies, the ejecting pin including a release agent feed path for guiding powder release agent fed from the powder feeder to a front end of the ejecting pin and feeding it to the cavity.

Abstract: A mold spraying system for emitting one or more sprayable materials onto portions of a mold, such as a die-cast mold, while the mold is located in a molding machine. The spraying system has an emitter, such as a spray head, for directing the one or more materials onto portions of each half of the mold when the mold is in an opened position between molding cycles of the molding machine. The spray head is connected to a manipulator for positioning the spray head between the mold halves. A pressure boosting unit is employed to ensure that the sprayable materials are supplied to the spray head at a sufficient pressure, notwithstanding any system pressure losses and/or the high frequency of spraying operations required to be performed as a result of a short molding machine cycle.

Abstract: A lubrication control system for use with or in a metal casting mold. Aspects of the invention include a lubricant flow stop or plug which prevents or controls the flow of lubricant from the mold during non-casting times.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for providing consistent lubricant and/or gas flow through multiple permeable perimeter walls in a casting mold table. One or more of the properties of the perimeter walls indicative of the lubricant flow or gas flow rates through the perimeter walls are predetermined and the sizing of the surface area of the delivery conduits providing the lubricant or the gas are determined based on a correlation to the properties related to the measured or estimated lubricant flow rate and/or measured or estimated gas flow rates through the perimeter walls.

Abstract: Molds are fabricated having a substrate of high density, high strength ultrafine grained isotropic graphite, and having a mold cavity coated with titanium carbide. The molds may be made by making the substrate (main body) of high density, high strength ultrafine grained isotropic graphite, by, for example, isostatic or vibrational molding, machining the substrate to form the mold cavity, and coating the mold cavity with titanium carbide via either chemical deposition or plasma assisted chemical vapor deposition, magnetron sputtering or sputtering. The molds may be used to make various metallic alloys such as nickel, cobalt and iron based superalloys, stainless steel alloys, titanium alloys and titanium aluminide alloys into engineering components by melting the alloys in a vacuum or under a low partial pressure of inert gas and subsequently casting the melt in the graphite molds under vacuum or low partial pressure of inert gas.

Abstract: A lubrication control system for use with or in a metal casting mold. Aspects of the invention include a lubricant flow stop or plug which prevents or controls the flow of lubricant from the mold during non-casting times.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for providing consistent lubricant and/or gas flow through multiple permeable perimeter walls in a casting mold table. One or more of the properties of the perimeter walls indicative of the lubricant flow or gas flow rates through the perimeter walls are predetermined and the sizing of the surface area of the delivery conduits providing the lubricant or the gas are determined based on a correlation to the properties related to the measured or estimated lubricant flow rate and/or measured or estimated gas flow rates through the perimeter walls.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for providing consistent lubricant and/or gas flow through multiple permeable perimeter walls in a casting mold table. One or more of the properties of the perimeter walls indicative of the lubricant flow or gas flow rates through the perimeter walls are pre-determined and the sizing of the surface area of the delivery conduits providing the lubricant or the gas are determined based on a correlation to the properties related to the measured or estimated lubricant flow rate and/or measured or estimated gas flow rates through the perimeter walls.

Abstract: A process and a continuous casting installation for the production of thin slabs, preferably of steel with a predetermined solidification thickness of, e.g., 50 mm, in which an optimum surface quality and internal quality of the strand with minimal and predetermined solidification thickness and plant capacity, and accordingly minimal rolling effort, is achieved by a qualitative adjustment of casting and rolling in the region of the strand guide, oscillation of the casting mold by a hydraulically operated lifting platform, feeding of casting powder to the mold, and an immersion nozzle with a specific cross sectional area of flow relating to the process and continuous casting installation, resulting in a satisfactory supply of casting slag and bath movement in the cast surface compared with a standard slab with a thickness of 200 mm.

Abstract: When a body of startup material has been interposed in the cavity between the starter block and a first cross sectional plane of the cavity transverse the axis thereof, the starter block has commenced reciprocating along the axis, and the body of startup material has commenced reciprocating in tandem with it, through a series of second cross sectional planes, layers of molten metal are successively superimposed on the body of startup material adjacent the first cross sectional plane of the cavity, and the layers promptly distend relatively peripherally outwardly from the axis under the inherent splaying forces therein. The invention confines the relatively peripheral outward distention of the layers with a casting surface which is peripherally outwardly flared about the axis of the cavity.

Abstract: Device and corresponding method for the continuous casting of molten materials, comprising a vertical duct having the shape of a funnel made of refractory material for receiving molten material, and a second duct where the molten material is cooled off, the two ducts being set one on top of the other and being axially aligned. The molten material is injected into the channel, around a stretch of which electromagnetic means are set for generating magnetic forces on the molten material, the said means consisting of a plurality of windings of electrically conductive material and of a ferromagnetic core and may be electrically supplied to produce a magnetic flux along the direction of the channel, thus producing a set of forces acting on the molten material which are directed orthogonally with respect to the direction of the said magnetic flux so as to maintain detachment of the outer surface of the molten material from the walls of the channel.

Abstract: A continuous casting apparatus includes a dispensing assembly for introducing granular mold flux onto the top of a slab being cast within a continuous casting mold. The apparatus has a delivery apparatus for feeding granular mold flux from an intermediate hopper to the top of a slab being cast, and the delivery apparatus has at least one delivery tube assembly interconnected with the intermediate hopper, with a mechanism for controlling the flow rate of the mold flux through the delivery tube assembly. In the first two embodiments, the flow rate control mechanism is a variable diameter pinch valve located between the intermediate hopper and the delivery tube assembly. In the third and fourth embodiments, the flow rate control mechanism is an air pump and a mechanism for varying the air volume through the air pump so that the granular mold flux delivered is a function of the air volume of the air pump.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling the flow of granular mold flux onto the top of a strand of steel being cast within a continuous casting mold. The apparatus includes a source of granular mold flux, and a transport apparatus interconnected with the source of granular mold flux and capable of moving the granular mold flux at varying rates onto the top of a strand of steel being cast within a continuous casting mold. A sensing apparatus is provided which is capable of determining a parameter of the mold flux on the top of the strand of steel being cast, which sensing apparatus may be a temperature sensor or a level sensor. A control is also provided which is responsive to the sensing apparatus to regulate the rate of flow of the granular mold flux onto the top strand of steel.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cooling and coating a mold in a continuous caster. The cooling of the mold is controlled in at least one of the x- or y-directions. The coating of the mold is accomplished subsequent to the cooling.

Abstract: A process and a continuous casting installation for the production of thin slabs, preferably of steel with a predetermined solidification thickness of, e.g., 50 mm, in which an optimum surface quality and internal quality of the strand with minimal and predetermined solidification thickness and plant capacity, and accordingly minimal rolling effort, is achieved by a qualitative adjustment of casting and rolling in the region of the strand guide, oscillation of the casting mold by a hydraulically operated lifting platform, feeding of casting powder to the mold, and an immersion nozzle with a specific cross sectional area of flow relating to the process and continuous casting installation, resulting in a satisfactory supply of casting slag and bath movement in the cast surface compared with a standard slab with a thickness of 200 mm.

Abstract: A method for cleaning and lubricating an injection sleeve and plunger tip during a fill and injection cycle in a cold chamber die casting machine, in which the plunger tip has an annular generally arcuate recess, lubricating nozzles, lubricating conduits and scrap exhaust conduits. Pressurized air is released into the recess during the injection cycle and debris is exhausted through the scrap exhaust conduits. Upon completion of the injection cycle, the release of pressurized air into the recess is terminated. A mixture of pressurized air and lubricant is released through the recess onto the injection sleeve during the withdrawal cycle. Upon completion of the withdrawal cycle, release of the mixture of pressurized air and lubricant into the recess is terminated.

Abstract: When the starter block commences reciprocating along the axis of an open ended mold cavity, with a body of start up material in tandem with it, successive layers of molten metal are relatively superimposed on the body of start up material, and layers thereof are confined to a first cross sectional area of the cavity but permitted to distend relatively peripherally outwardly from the circumferential outline of the first cross sectional area at relatively peripherally outwardly inclined angles to the axis while thermal contraction forces are generated in the respective layers and the magnitude of the forces is controlled so that the thermal contraction forces counterbalance the splaying forces in the respective layers and confer a free-formed circumferential outline on the resulting body of metal as it becomes form-sustaining.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for lubricating an edge dam in a twin-roll type strip casting machine are disclosed. A continuous uniform lubrication boundary layer is formed on the friction face between the casting rolls and the edge dam, so that the wear of the edge dam refractory material can be reduced, and that the friction faces of the casting roll can be protected, thereby improving the performance and the durability of the machine. The apparatus includes a lubricant spouting nozzle disposed adjacently to a friction face of the casting roll, and a lubricant supplying device for supplying a lubricant to the lubricant spouting nozzle so as to make the lubricant spouted and adhered on the friction face of the casting roll. Further a lubricant spreading roller is installed at a rear of the lubricant spouting nozzle, for pressing the lubricant onto the friction face of the casting roll with a certain pressure so as to make the lubricant clad on the friction face. The method includes the following steps.

Abstract: While an insufficient lubricating effect caused by lack of lubricant is prevented and also while contamination of molten metal and insertion of molten metal caused by excessive feed of lubricant are prevented, a lubricating effect can be provided and continuous casting can be conducted over a long period of time. Molten metal is poured into a molten metal pool formed by a pair of cooling drums and side dams. The thus poured molten metal is cooled and solidified on circumferential surfaces of the cooling drums, so that a strip can be produced. In the above continuous strip casting method, the side dam is composed in such a manner that a portion of the ceramic plate on the inlet side in the rotational direction of the cooling drum is chamfered, wherein the portion comes into contact with an end surface of the cooling drum.

Abstract: Casting equipment for continuous or semi-continuous direct chill casting of metals, in particular casting of slugs or billets of aluminum, includes a mold having a cavity with an inlet which opens upwards, an intermediate overhang which extends along the mold and is thermally insulated (a hot-top) and an outlet with a support which can be moved vertically, as well as a supply means for supplying water for chilling molten metal. The wall of the cavity is formed wholly or partially of a permeable material and oil and/or gas are/is supplied through the permeable material so as to form an oil and/or gas layer between the metal and the wall of the mold. This prevents the metal from coming into direct contact with the mold wall. At least the part of the cavity wall where the oil is supplied to the cavity is made of the same fireproof material as the hot-top and constitutes an integral part of the hot-top.

Abstract: Automatic and manual methods of wiping and applying a mold release solution to a rotary chill casting wheel, which eliminate the problems of improper manual application of mold release fluids and the inadequate cleaning of the casting wheel due to lateral and elliptical displacement of the rotating casting ring mold. The mold is wiped with a combination of felt pads during a casting run. The mold is lubricated with a mold release fluid from an atomizer assembly, which accurately deposits the lubricant fluid to encompass the entire casting surface of the rotary chill casting wheel surface while the casting wheel rotates, before introduction of the metal melt.

Abstract: An apparatus and a process for making semi-finished products in the form of ti metal bars having a width-gauge ratio of over 60 and a maximum sheet metal gauge tolerance of 2%. A metal profile is fed continuously and upwardly through a pool of melt material having the same composition as the metal profile so as to form a coated metal profile. The metal profile is fed at a rate which would result in a coated metal profile having a thickness of at least three times that of the uncoated metal profile. The coated metal profile is subjected to a smoothing pass between a pair of smoothing rolls when the mean temperature in the crystallized layer of the coated metal profile meets a given condition. The smoothing rolls are adjustably disposed inside a housing at a distance of 0.5 to 5 m from the melt pool surface.

Abstract: A process and apparatus are described for direct chill casting. The apparatus comprises an open ended mould cavity formed by a casting surface with an upper and lower end. A refractory sleeve is located at the upper end of this mould cavity and has an inner diameter less than the inner diameter of the mould, whereby the sleeve forms an overhang with the mould cavity. This sleeve is adapted to receive molten metal. Below the lower end of the mould, means are provided for supplying coolant to chill the descending hot metal body thereby forming an ingot. A permeable wall element is disposed in the peripheral wall of the mould cavity below the overhang and this element has an inner wall forming part of the cavity. Means are provided for feeding gas into and through the permeable wall element to discharge through its inner wall.

Abstract: The method enhances the quality of cast metal being cast in a continuous casting process. In particular, the method combines temperature and quality control sensing to achieve closed-loop control of the cooling of molten metal in a continuous caster.

Abstract: Mold for continuously casting rolling slabs or extrusion billets where the mold is in the form of a hollow cylindrical body with a cylindrical mold interior, and an inlet and an outlet opening, and the mold comprises at least two closed, ring-shaped mold elements with a common concentric central axis, the mold axis, where a mold element, the inner sleeve, lies on the inside with respect to the mold axis and defines the sides of the cylindrical mold interior, and the other mold element, the supporting member, lies outside with respect to the central axis of the mold and accommodates the inner sleeve.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is a method of lubricating a mold (1) for the continuous casting of a metal product (16), of the type including a vigorously-cooled vertically-oscillating metal tubular element (2) defining a passage (4) for the cast metal and intended to cause, in contact with its wall (3) in said passage, the solidification of said metal product, in which a lubricant in the liquid state is injected through said metal tubular element toward said metal product being solidified, wherein said injection is carried out at points distributed annularly at a single level of said tubular element, said level lying at a distance greater than 20 cm from the lowest level at which solidification of said product is able to be initiated, and in that the flow rate of said lubricant is sufficient to cause a fraction of said lubricant to rise up along said wall to the level at which solidification of said product is effectively initiated.

Abstract: Casting equipment for continuous or semi-continuous direct chill casting of metals, in particular the casting of billets or ingots of aluminum, has a mold cavity (4) with an inlet (2) that is upwardly open, an intermediate, inwardly facing and heat insulated overhang or hot-top (8), and an outlet with a vertically movable supporting device (5). A slit (10) supplies water to cool the molted metal. The wall in the mold cavity is wholly or partly constituted by a permeable material, whereby oil and/or gas are supplied through the permeable material to form an oil and/or gas layer between the metal and the wall of the mold to prevent the metal from coming into direct contact with the wall of the mold. The oil and gas are supplied separately through two independent, and, by means of a sealing element (14) or the like, physically separated rings or wall elements (12, 13).

Abstract: A strip caster (10) for producing a continuous strip (24) includes a tundish (12) for containing a melt (14), a pair of horizontally disposed water cooled casting rolls (22) and devices (29) for electrostatically coating the outer peripheral chill surfaces (44) of the casting rolls with a powder flux material (56). The casting rolls are juxtaposed relative to one another for forming a pouting basin (18) for receiving the melt through a teeming tube (16) thereby establishing a meniscus (20) between the rolls for forming the strip. The melt is protected from the outside air by a non-oxidizing gas passed through a supply line (28) to a sealing chamber (26). A preferred flux is boron oxide having a melting point of about 550.degree. C. The flux coating enhances wetting of the steel melt to the casting roll and dissolves any metal oxide formed on the roll.

Abstract: An applicator spreads a treatment agent, such as flux powder or granules, uniformly on the surface of molten metal during continuous casting. The flux is supplied to the applicator and argon or other gas under pressure is also supplied adjacent the applicator in at least two directions. A programmable controller controls the gas feed in each of the directions so that each gas flow is independently controllable. The applicator preferably is a frusto-triangular-shaped pan having a narrow end and a wider end with the narrow end connected to the supply of flux. The applicator is supported by a base having an upper surface with a series of channels defined by vanes so that the flux is divided along the channels and then exits at the wider end of the applicator. The base is either flat or domed.