Abstract: A continuous casting device having multi-stage convergence control is disclosed. Cooling surfaces of the continuous casting device can be articulated in stages, providing individual convergence control to longitudinally spaced-apart regions of the casting cavity. In a proximal region, during which the molten metal exhibits solidification shrinkage, a first convergence profile can be used to optimally account for the solidification shrinkage. In a subsequent distal region, a second convergence profile can be used, such as to provide optimal control of exit temperature of the continuously cast article. Multi-stage convergence control can be achieved through individually articulatable cooling pads or other supports positioned opposite the cooling surfaces from the casting cavity to displace the cooling surfaces and thereby adjust the convergence profile of the casting cavity.

Abstract: A continuously operating casting and rolling system with a strip tension control includes a casting unit having a melt-containing feed vessel with a horizontal casting channel and a discharge region in the form of a casting nozzle, and a primary cooling zone with two guide rolls and a circulating cooled casting strip and at least one downstream rolling unit having at least two drivable rollers. In order to minimize the tension on the cast strip, the casting unit and the subsequent rolling unit are mechanically decoupled, wherein for the decoupling at least one driver unit having at least two drivable rollers for driving the strip is arranged between the casting belt and the rolling unit.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a method and apparatus for continuously casting a metal slab. The method involves continuously introducing molten metal into an inlet of a casting cavity defined between advancing casting surfaces, cooling the metal in the cavity to form a metal slab, and discharging the slab from the cavity through an outlet. The casting surfaces have an ability to remove heat from the metal but this ability is reduced, thus reducing heat flux, for at least one of the casting surfaces in a region of the cavity spaced from both the inlet and the outlet and extending transversely to the casting direction. This reduced ability to remove heat is relative to such ability of the casting surface in immediately adjacent upstream and downstream regions of the cavity. The apparatus may be a twin belt caster or other form of continuous caster modified to perform the method.

Abstract: An arrangement includes a continuous band made of metal, at least two guiding rollers, around which the continuous band is guided, and a first drive, which is set up to move the metal strip. Furthermore, the arrangement includes a textile band, a pressing device, which is set up to press the textile band against the metal strip, and a second drive which is set up to move the textile band past the pressing device. The textile band is set up to clean the continuous band made of metal. In addition, a strip casting installation is also provided which includes an arrangement of this type.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a method and apparatus for continuously casting a metal slab. The method involves continuously introducing molten metal into an inlet of a casting cavity defined between advancing casting surfaces, cooling the metal in the cavity to form a metal slab, and discharging the slab from the cavity through an outlet. The casting surfaces have an ability to remove heat from the metal but this ability is reduced, thus reducing heat flux, for at least one of the casting surfaces in a region of the cavity spaced from both the inlet and the outlet and extending transversely to the casting direction. This reduced ability to remove heat is relative to such ability of the casting surface in immediately adjacent upstream and downstream regions of the cavity. The apparatus may be a twin belt caster or other form of continuous caster modified to perform the method.

Abstract: The invention relates to a speed synchronization system for an aluminum alloy slab continuously casting and rolling line having a twin-belt casting machine and skin pass rolling machine which controls the belt speed of the twin-belt casting machine and roll speed of the skin pass rolling machine. An actually measured value of a slab speed during advance from a twin-belt casting machine to a skin pass rolling machine is compared with a line speed setting to control roll speed of the skin pass rolling machine by proportional/integrated control and simultaneously control belt speed of the twin-belt casting machine based on the line speed setting and a solidification shrinkage rate of the aluminum alloy to be cast.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a method and apparatus for continuously casting a metal slab. The method involves continuously introducing molten metal into an inlet of a casting cavity defined between advancing casting surfaces, cooling the metal in the cavity to form a metal slab, and discharging the slab from the cavity through an outlet. The casting surfaces have an ability to remove heat from the metal but this ability is reduced, thus reducing heat flux, for at least one of the casting surfaces in a region of the cavity spaced from both the inlet and the outlet and extending transversely to the casting direction. This reduced ability to remove heat is relative to such ability of the casting surface in immediately adjacent upstream and downstream regions of the cavity. The apparatus may be a twin belt caster or other form of continuous caster modified to perform the method.

Abstract: A speed synchronization system in an aluminum alloy slab continuous casting and rolling line having a twin-belt casting machine and skin pass rolling machine which suitably controls a belt speed of the twin-belt casting machine and roll speed of the skin pass rolling machine so as to obtain a sound aluminum alloy continuously cast and rolled slab and a production facility and method of production of an aluminum alloy continuously cast and rolled slab using the same.

Abstract: There is provided a twin-belt casting machine which prevents an uneven cooling condition between the top surface and the bottom surface of a slab between a pair of endless belts disposed vertically. The twin-belt casting machine 1 comprises a pair of rotating belt units 3 including respective endless belts 2 and arranged up and down so as to face each other, a cavity 4 formed between the pair of rotating belt units 3, and cooling means 10 which is arranged inside the rotating belt unit 3. The twin-belt casting machine 1 continuously casts a slab S as a metal liquid is supplied in the cavity 4. The twin-belt casting machine 1 further comprises distance adjusting means which is arranged inside at least one of the pair of rotating belt units arranged up and down so as to face each other, and which moves apart or closer the endless belt relative to the slab S in accordance with a part where the slab and the endless belt become distant from each other.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for casting NF metal baths, particularly copper or copper alloys, to produce flat products at least 20 mm thick, ensure melt introduction into a pool while preventing gas pockets or impurities flushing into the melt of a casting mould. The melt continuously flows along a flow-off element from a tundish to a bath level of the mould, at a casting angle of up to 15° and a constant or decreasing rate, and is conducted below a pool surface of the mould without influencing flow rate. Vortexes generated by melt hitting the bath surface are prevented from extending within the mould by a cover surrounding a top surface of the flow-off element. Gaseous components produced when the melt flows, escape via a free space above the flow. Gravity determines a flow rate of the free melt flowing from tundish to molten bath of a revolving strip-casting mould.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the invention provide a side dam for a continuous metal casting apparatus having elongated opposed casting surfaces forming a casting cavity. The side dam has an elongated upstream part and an elongated downstream part that are mutually laterally pivotable, and a smooth metal-contacting side surface extending continuously from an upstream end to a downstream end of the side dam. The surface has regions thereof formed on the upstream part and the downstream part. Mutual pivoting of the upstream part and the downstream part of the side dam enables the regions of the smooth metal-contacting side surface to be moved out of mutual coplanar alignment. The side dams can therefore be used to form either a convergent or divergent casting cavity to assists the casting procedure and to enhance the properties of the cast article.

Abstract: There is provided a twin-belt casting machine which prevents an uneven cooling condition between the top surface and the bottom surface of a slab between a pair of endless belts disposed vertically. The twin-belt casting machine 1 comprises a pair of rotating belt units 3 including respective endless belts 2 and arranged up and down so as to face each other, a cavity 4 formed between the pair of rotating belt units 3, and cooling means 10 which is arranged inside the rotating belt unit 3. The twin-belt casting machine 1 continuously casts a slab S as a metal liquid is supplied in the cavity 4. The twin-belt casting machine 1 further comprises distance adjusting means which is arranged inside at least one of the pair of rotating belt units arranged up and down so as to face each other, and which moves apart or closer the endless belt relative to the slab S in accordance with a part where the slab and the endless belt become distant from each other.

Abstract: A twin-belt casting machine for casting metal strip. The machine is provided with a casting cavity which includes an upstream fixed casting region, in which the belts are in fixed convergent paths in contact with the cast slab, and an adjacent downstream portion in which the belts are adjustable between alignment with the fixed convergent paths and non-alignment therewith (being less convergent or divergent). When the adjustable portions of the paths are moved outwardly relative to the fixed convergent paths, the belts separate from the cast slab at differing predetermined points within the casting cavity. By adjusting the downstream portion of the casting cavity in this manner, the casting machine can operate at essentially constant throughput for a wide range of alloys while ensuring that the cast slab exiting the caster has a temperature within a predetermined range suitable for further rolling to produce sheet product.

Abstract: A continuous belt casting apparatus is provided with a casting cavity, and at least one flexible metal belt having an elongated casting surface passing through and at least partially defining the casting cavity. A motor is provided for rotating the metal belt in the longitudinal direction of the casting surface whereby the casting surface passes through the casting cavity in the longitudinal direction. A molten metal supply device delivers molten metal continuously to the casting cavity, so that molten metal supplied to the casting cavity is solidified and removed as a continuous strip ingot from the casting cavity by rotation of the belt. The casting surface is provided with a plurality of grooves oriented in substantially the same direction. The invention also relates to a casting belt for such an apparatus and a method of casting using the apparatus.

Abstract: A casting belt for using in a single-belt or twin-belt casting apparatus is disclosed. The casting belt is made of aluminum alloy such as an alloy from the AA5XXX and AA6XXX systems, preferably having a thickness in the range of 1 to 2 mm. The aluminum casting belt of the invention is suitable for casting non-ferrous and light metals such as aluminum, magnesium, copper, zinc and their alloys, especially aluminum alloys such as Al—Mg, Al—Mg—Si, Al—Fe—Si and Al—Fe—Mn—Si alloy systems. A belt casting machine and process using the aluminum casting belt of the invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of continuous casting non-ferrous alloys which includes delivering molten non-ferrous alloy to a casting apparatus. The casting apparatus rapidly cools at least a portion of the non-ferrous alloy at a rate of at least about 100° C. thereby solidifying an outer layer of the non-ferrous alloy surrounding an inner layer of a molten component and a solid component of dendrites. The dendrites are altered to yield cast product exhibiting good resistance to cracking.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuous casting of metal strip, the apparatus having (i) a first endless belt supported and moved on the surfaces of a first entry pulley and a first exit pulley and (ii) a second endless belt supported and moved on the surfaces of a second entry pulley and a second exit pulley, with an entry nip defined between the first and second entry pulleys and an exit nip defined between the first and second exit pulleys. Opposing surfaces of the first and second belts progressively diverge from each other in the direction of movement thereof. The apparatus may include a cooled roll in place of the first pulley and first belt with a nip defined between the cooled roll and the second entry pulley.

Abstract: A belt cooling and guiding apparatus for a casting belt of a twin belt caster. The cooling and guiding apparatus includes at least one nozzle having a support surface facing a reverse surface of the casting belt (a surface opposite to a casting surface in the casting mold), provided with a continuous slot in the support surface arranged transversely substantially completely across the casting belt. The slot allows for delivery of cooling liquid to the reverse surface of the belt in the form of a continuous film having uniform thickness and velocity of flow when considered in the transverse direction of the belt. This allows for even cooling transversely of the belt. The nozzle arrangement is also provided with a drainage opening for removal of cooling liquid downstream from the continuous slot, and a vacuum system associated with the drainage opening for applying suction to the drainage opening.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuous casting of metal strip, the apparatus having (i) a first endless belt supported and moved on the surfaces of a first entry pulley and a first exit pulley and (ii) a second endless belt supported and moved on the surfaces of a second entry pulley and a second exit pulley, with an entry nip defined between the first and second entry pulleys and an exit nip defined between the first and second exit pulleys. Opposing surfaces of the first and second belts progressively diverge from each other in the direction of movement thereof. The apparatus may include a cooled roll in place of the first pulley and first belt with a nip defined between the cooled roll and the second entry pulley.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuous casting of metal strip, the apparatus having (i) a first endless belt supported and moved on the surfaces of a first entry pulley and a first exit pulley and (ii) a second endless belt supported and moved on the surfaces of a second entry pulley and a second exit pulley, with an entry nip defined between the first and second entry pulleys and an exit nip defined between the first and second exit pulleys. Opposing surfaces of the first and second belts progressively diverge from each other in the direction of movement thereof. The apparatus may include a cooled roll in place of the first pulley and first belt with a nip defined between the cooled roll and the second entry pulley.

Abstract: A belt cooling and guiding apparatus for a casting belt of a twin belt caster. The cooling and guiding apparatus comprises at least one nozzle having a support surface facing a reverse surface of the casting belt (a surface opposite to a casting surface in the casting mold), provided with a continuous slot in the support surface arranged transversely substantially completely across the casting belt. The slot allows for delivery of cooling liquid to the reverse surface of the belt in the form of a continuous film having uniform thickness and velocity of flow when considered in the transverse direction of the belt. This allows for even cooling transversely of the belt. The nozzle arrangement is also provided with a drainage opening for removal of cooling liquid downstream from the continuous slot, and a vacuum system associated with the drainage opening for applying suction to the drainage opening.

Abstract: A method of continuous casting non-ferrous alloys which includes delivering molten non-ferrous alloy to a casting apparatus. The casting apparatus rapidly cools at least a portion of the non-ferrous alloy at a rate of at least about 100° C. thereby solidifying an outer layer of the non-ferrous alloy surrounding an inner layer of a molten component and a solid component of dendrites. The dendrites are altered to yield cast product exhibiting good resistance to cracking.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for strip casting of metals on at least one endless belt. The apparatus employs a tapered molding section that is large at the point of molten metal entry and tapers to a smaller thickness where a pair of pinch rolls apply a compressive force that sets the final thickness of the cast strip.

Abstract: Non-rotating, belt-levitating, cylindrical air-pillow method supporting and guiding a moving, tensed, flexible, heat-conductive casting belt along a convex, cylindrically shaped path toward an entrance into a continuous casting machine. Pressurized air is applied in belt-levitating relation to the inner surface of the casting belt moving along the path. Stationary belt-guiding elements define the path. Pressurized air is fed through throttling passages communicating with regions between stationary elements or communicating with outwardly facing stationary plateau surfaces. For reducing flexural stress in the belt moving toward the entrance, a variable radius R+ progressively increases toward the entrance. Escape of pressurized air is restricted by throttling barrier on a perimeter of the belt path. A cylindrical shell supports the stationary elements and is adjacent to a plenum chamber feeding pressurized air through throttling passages in the shell.

Abstract: Non-rotating, belt-levitating, cylindrical air-pillow apparatus and method supporting and guiding a moving, tensed, flexible, heat-conductive casting belt along a convex, cylindrically shaped path toward an entrance into a continuous casting machine. Pressurized air is applied in belt-levitating relation to the inner surface of the casting belt moving along the path. Stationary belt-guiding elements define the path. Pressurized air is fed through throttling passages communicating with regions between stationary elements or communicating with outwardly facing stationary plateau surfaces. The pressure level of belt-levitating air is at least about 90% but not exceeding 100% of a pressure level which lifts the casting belt away from contact with the stationary elements.

Abstract: A non-rotating, belt-levitating, cylindrical air-pillow apparatus supports and guides a moving, tensed, flexible, heat-conductive casting belt along a convex, cylindrically shaped path toward an entrance into a continuous casting machine. Pressurized air is applied in belt-levitating relation to the inner surface of the casting belt moving along the path. Stationary belt-guiding elements define the path. Pressurized air is fed through throttling passages communicating with regions between stationary elements or communicating with outwardly facing stationary plateau surfaces. A cylinder shell supports the stationary elements and is adjacent to a plenum chamber feeding pressurized air through throttling passages in the shell. Stationary elements of suitable, durable, wear-resistant, slippery material are mounted in grooves in the shell. The air-pillow apparatus includes belt coolant application deflector or nozzles.

Abstract: A strip casting plant with a circulating belt. In the cooling area, the belt is sucked against carriers by a negative pressure in the cooler. The carriers are arranged so that, with given mechanical properties of the circulating belt, a deflection that compensates for the thermal elongation takes place between the supporting surfaces of the carriers.

Abstract: An improved casting nozzle for continuous slab casting machines is provided. The nozzle includes a sloped surface which reduces molten metal turbulence during the casting process. The nozzle also includes a resilient, thermal insulation layer which prevents undesired backflow and premature solidification of the molten metal near the nozzle tip. The nozzle may also include a friction reducing layer which prevents excessive wear or fracture of the nozzle as it contacts the casting mold. The casting nozzle is suitable for use with both horizontal and vertical continuous casting machines, and may be used with various types of casting molds including continuous belt or caterpillar molds, and stationary molds. The improved nozzle may be used to cast various metals such as aluminum and aluminum alloys.

Abstract: Method and device for cooling belts of single or twin belt casters. The belt is cooled by a liquid which is contacted with the inner surface of the belt by a system of feed tubes and collection tubes. Liquid is passed out the feed tube, into a channel that communicates with the inner surface of the heated belt, the belt is cooled, and the liquid is removed through collection tubes with a vacuum assist.

Abstract: A metal strip is continuously cast between a pair of heat conductive endless belts which serve to form a molding zone to solidify molten metal. The endless belts remove heat from the molten metal and are cooled when the belts are not in contact with the molten metal, which minimizes belt distortion.

Abstract: A device to control the gap in between two drums or belts that are used in a strip casting apparatus. It comprises a means to move either side of the drums or belts in two planes. This ability enables the operator to control the gap to provide flexibility and increased performance during casting.

Abstract: A double-belt system for processing viscous melts includes a driven upper belt having a lower working run, and a driven lower belt having an upper working run spaced beneath the lower working run to form a gap therewith for receiving a viscous melt. A gap-adjusting mechanism includes upper rollers engaging an upper surface of the lower working run, and lower rollers engaging a lower surface of the upper working run. A distance between the upper rollers and lower rollers is adjustable to vary a size of the gap. A compensation mechanism is disposed over the lower working run to apply an upward force thereto for pulling the lower working run against the upper rollers, thereby resisting sagging of the lower working run. At least one delivery mechanism applies a temperature-controlled liquid across an entire width of the lower working run for controlling a temperature thereof. The liquid is extracted by an extraction mechanism disposed downstream of the delivery mechanism.

Abstract: A caster including a device for delivering a gas into a space created by the apparatus that define the mold of the caster and the nozzle of the caster. Introducing a gas into the space resists backflowing and freezing of the molten metal to the nozzle.

Abstract: A cooling system for a belt caster including at least one movable belt. The cooling system includes a plurality of rollers and a plurality of nozzles arranged between the rollers to deliver coolant to the belt. The rollers provide a rolling support surface upon which the belt may be supported and are constructed and arranged so that a maximum number of nozzles can be provided to deliver coolant to the belt of the caster. In another embodiment, the cooling system includes a cooling box having (i) a first chamber for receiving coolant from a coolant supply; (ii) supply tubes for delivering coolant from the first chamber to a second chamber defined by a cooling face of the cooling box and the cooling surface of the belt; and (iii) a third chamber for receiving coolant from the second chamber. Associated methods of casting a molten metal into a metal product are also disclosed.

Abstract: The assembly is designed for transferring molten metal from a molten metal reservoir to a mold for casting molten metal. The assembly comprises a casting nozzle having an electrically conductive top wall and bottom wall and two side walls joined to the top wall and the bottom wall to form a passage therebetween for flowing molten metal from the reservoir to the mold, the top wall having a first outside surface and the bottom wall having a second outside surface. An inductive heater is positioned on at least one of the first surface and the second surface, the inductive heater positioned to heat the top wall and bottom wall. A layer of insulation is provided between the inductive heater and the first and second surfaces. A magnetic shield is provided to partially surround the inductive heater, the shield positioned to direct magnetic flux into the nozzle.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a tundish, a nozzle for receiving molten metal from the tundish and discharging molten metal into a mold of a caster and a plurality of tubes interposed between the tundish and the nozzle for transporting the molten metal from the tundish to the nozzle. The apparatus further includes a plurality of wear strips having a first end portion secured to the tundish and a second end portion secured to the nozzle. The wear strips secure the nozzle to the tundish, provide a tight secure fit of the tubes to the nozzle and protect the nozzle from wearing.

Abstract: A caster including at least one belt driving and guiding system for driving and guiding a movable belt through a casting zone where molten metal is cast. The belt driving and guiding system includes a first coil having an axis of rotation, the first coil being positioned relative to the caster such that the first coil can be moved so that its axis of rotation is spaced generally parallel to its axis of rotation before it was moved. The belt driving and guiding system also includes a second coil. In this way, the movable belt can be alternately uncoiled and coiled from the first coil and the second coil without having to dismount either the first or second coil from the caster. An associated method of casting molten metal is also disclosed.

Abstract: A cooling system for a belt caster including at least one movable belt. The cooling system includes a plurality of rollers and a plurality of nozzles arranged between the rollers to deliver coolant to the belt. The rollers provide a rolling support surface upon which the belt may be supported and are constructed and arranged so that a maximum number of nozzles can be provided to deliver coolant to the belt of the caster. In another embodiment, the cooling system includes a cooling box having (i) a first chamber for receiving coolant from a coolant supply; (ii) supply tubes for delivering coolant from the first chamber to a second chamber defined by a cooling face of the cooling box and the cooling surface of the belt; and (iii) a third chamber for receiving coolant from the second chamber. Associated methods of casting a molten metal into a metal product are also disclosed.

Abstract: A layer of liquid parting agent, and any solid detritus contained therein, is completely removed from a casting surface of a rotating belt after contact with molten metal. A new layer of liquid parting agent is applied to the casting surface thereafter and prior to renewed contact with the molten metal. The removal of used parting agent and the application of fresh helps to prevent the formation of surface blemishes and defects on the cast metal strip product. Such blemishes and defects can also be minimized by using an injector having a flexible tip used to inject the molten metal onto the casting surface and preferably one or more spacers to create a gap between the tip and the casting surface itself. The spacer is preferably a screen of wire strands orientated to minimize disruption of the new layer of liquid parting agent applied to the casting surface. By avoiding disruption of the new layer of liquid parting agent, surface blemishes on the cast product are minimized.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for strip casting of metals on at least one endless belt whereby the belt is cooled when it is not in contact with molten metal deposited on its surface.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for strip casting of metals on at least one endless belt whereby the belt is cooled when it is not in contact with molten metal deposited on its surface.

Abstract: A roll for use in a belt caster. The roll has a plurality of axial segments, at least one of which can be adjusted to compensate for transverse distortions in the belt. Generally uniform tension is maintained transversely in the belt so that the belt remains generally planar in the portion that contacts the molten metal that is cast in the belt caster.

Abstract: Electrostatic application of a dusting of dry, electrostatically adherable, thermally insulative powder particles over a workface of a continuous metal-casting machine in which the mold surface or surfaces which provide the workface or workfaces revolve in a generally oval course. A dry dusting of protective powdery refractory material is applied to the workface after being entrained in an air stream and electrostatically charged by suitable electrostatic apparatus. The workface to be dusted is electrically grounded for attracting the charged powder particles for adhering them to the workface. The resultant coating formed by the dusting so deposited is remarkably uniform over a substantial area of the workface, a phenomenon explainable by mutual electrostatic repulsion of the dry powder particles being deposited.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved casting tip for a continuous caster, the tip designed for transferring molten metal from a molten reservoir to a continuously advancing mold for casting the molten metal, the tip comprising a top wall, a bottom wall and two side walls joined to the top wall and bottom wall to form a passage therebetween having inside surfaces exposed to molten metal passing from the reservoir to the mold, the tip fabricated from a composite material comprised of a base layer of a titanium alloy and a refractory layer bonded to the base layer, the refractory layer resistant to attack by the molten metal.

Abstract: In a continuous casting apparatus having a pair of moving mold walls between which is defined a molten metal reservoir, the surface of molten metal is covered with an insulating member disposed within the molten metal reservoir. Projecting from opposite sides of the insulating member at locations adjacent the moving mold walls and toward the direction of movement of the mold walls are immersion walls which are immersed into the molten metal. The horizontal distance between the surface of each immersion wall and the surface of the moving mold wall closer thereto is more than 3 mm but not more than 10 mm. The molten metal within the gap between the moving mold wall and the immersion wall steadily flows outward following the movement of the mold wall, and accordingly fresh molten metal flows into the gap and circulates within the gap without stagnation. Therefore, even if slag flows into the gap, the slag positively flows outward without becoming accummulated therein.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously cooling a moving web while simultaneously removing the cooling fluid from the web in which a stream of quenching fluid is applied transversely across the web to cool it and a fluid containment gas is positioned on either side of the quenching fluid to direct a containment fluid toward the quenching fluid and establish a continuous containment fluid curtain stream to prevent passage of the quenching fluid beyond the point of which the containment fluid is introduced.

Abstract: Electrostatic application of a dusting of dry, self-adhering, thermally and electrically insulative powder particles over a work face of an endless, thin, flexible, water-cooled, metallic casting belt advantageous for use in a continuous metal-casting machine. A dry dusting of protective powdery refractory substance is applied to the belt after being rendered airborne and electrostatically charged by various embodiments of suitable electrostatic apparatus. The casting belt to be dusted is electrically grounded for attracting the charged powder particles for adhering them to the casting belt. The dusting so deposited is remarkably uniform over a substantial area, a phenomenon explainable by mutual electrostatic repulsion of the dry powder particles being deposited. Continuously re-applied dusting over the work face of an endless casting belt during a cast provides an immediately useful repair of lost dusting powder. The dusting may be removed at will by means of an air knife.

Abstract: A side wall construction for a continuous belt caster includes a metallic side wall body and a refractory layer attached on the central portion of the side wall body. The metallic side wall body has side edge portion extending substantially in flush with the the surface of the refractory layer. The refractory layer is formed with a center projection of essentially triangular cross-section. The height of the peak of the projection is gradually decreased toward downstream of transfer direction of the liquidus and solidus metal. On the other hand, it may be possible to formulate the refractory layer as double layer construction of a heat insulating refractory layer and a wear-resistantive refractory layer.

Abstract: The flatness of a casting belt in a continuous metal casting machine is continuously monitored and thereby also the condition of its thermal protective coating. One or more non-contacting eddy-current sensing probes are placed in proximity to the reverse or coolant side of a belt for sensing and measuring the distance of the belt from the probe to reveal irregularities in the flatness of the belt while it travels past the probe. A deficiency of insulative belt coating can cause variations in belt flatness during casting. By monitoring such variations an operator of the continuous casting machine is alerted that the coating needs to be retouched or replaced without interrupting the casting process. Or such monitoring can alert the operator that the belt has become inherently not flat. A similar proximity sensing probe is utilized for the purpose of supplying an instant report of the initial entrance of molten metal into the casting cavity adjacent to a casting belt at the start of a cast.

Abstract: This device comprises plates held against front faces (1a, 2a) of the rolls (1, 2) in order to close the ends of a casting space (3) delimited by the rolls; each front face (1a, 2a) of a roll is equipped with a flexible endless band (5, 5') bearing, on the one hand, on the roll at the junction of its front face (1a) and its cylindrical surface (1b) and, on the other hand, on the opposite face of the associated closing plate (4), in order to ensure the seal between the latter and the front faces of the rolls.