Abstract: A control device for continuous casting continuously producing a slab by injecting a molten metal from a nozzle to a mold and extracting the molten metal while solidifying the molten metal, includes a molten metal level meter measuring a molten metal level in the mold, a main control unit obtaining an operation amount of a flow rate adjusting mechanism that adjusts a flow rate of a molten metal injected to the mold from the nozzle such that a molten metal level measured by the molten metal level meter follows a molten metal level target value, a flowmeter measuring the flow rate of the molten metal injected to the mold from the nozzle, an input disturbance correction unit obtaining a first correction amount for the operation amount of the flow rate adjusting mechanism obtained by the main control unit.

Abstract: A heat flux derivation unit (202) derives a value qy of a y-axis direction component of a heat flux vector. A molten metal surface level derivation unit (203) derives, as a molten metal surface level, a position where the absolute value of the value qy of the y-axis direction component of the heat flux vector whose y-axis component vector is in a direction opposite to a casting direction is maximum.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for using magnetic fields (e.g., changing magnetic fields) to control metal flow conditions during casting (e.g., casting of an ingot, billet, or slab). The magnetic fields can be introduced using rotating permanent magnets or electromagnets. The magnetic fields can be used to induce movement of the molten metal in a desired direction, such as in a rotating pattern around the surface of the molten sump. The magnetic fields can be used to induce metal flow conditions in the molten sump to increase homogeneity in the molten sump and resultant ingot.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for reducing macrosegregation in cast metals. Techniques include providing an eductor nozzle capable of increasing mixing in the fluid region of an ingot being cast. Techniques also include providing a non-contacting flow control device to mix and/or apply pressure to the molten metal that is being introduced to the mold cavity. The non-contacting flow control device can be permanent magnet or electromagnet based. Techniques additionally can include actively cooling and mixing the molten metal before introducing the molten metal to the mold cavity.

Abstract: Provided are a molten steel treatment apparatus and a molten steel treatment method capable of quickly measuring an inclusion adhesion state inside a nozzle during an operation. The molten steel treatment apparatus includes a container, a nozzle equipped in a molten steel tap hole of the container, a liner disposed on a portion of an inner circumferential surface of the nozzle and formed of an ion-conductive material, a power supply for applying electric power to the molten steel and the liner, and a measuring unit for measuring a voltage value or a current value between the molten steel and the liner. The molten steel treatment method includes measuring a voltage value or current value between the molten steel and the liner; and determining a thickness of an inclusion adhering to an interface between the molten steel and the liner by using the voltage value or the current value.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for diagnosing cracking in a solidified shell in a mold, in which whether longitudinal cracking has occurred in the solidified shell can be diagnosed in real time by using a variation in temperature of the solidified shell in the mold during a continuous casting process. The system comprises: a plurality of temperature sensors arranged in a matrix form in a mold, wherein the plurality of temperature sensors are divided into a first group and a second group based on where cracking occurs; and a processor configured to: calculate a temperature difference between the temperature of the first group and the temperature of the second group from the temperatures detected by the plurality of temperature sensors; and determine, using the calculated temperature difference, whether cracking has occurred in a solidified shell discharged from the mold.

Abstract: Automated processes that dynamically control rate of delivery of molten metal to a mold during a casting process. Such automated processes can use dynamic metal level variation, control pin pulses and/or oscillation during the mold fill and transient portion of the cast. It has been found that such pulses keep metal flowing in a manner that addresses problems, particularly at the beginning of an ingot cast, associated with metal meniscus contracting and pulling away from the mold on the short faces and corners.

Abstract: Automated processes that dynamically control rate of delivery of molten metal to a mold during a casting process. Such automated processes can use dynamic metal level variation, control pin pulses and/or oscillation during the mold fill and transient portion of the cast. It has been found that such pulses keep metal flowing in a manner that addresses problems, particularly at the beginning of an ingot cast, associated with metal meniscus contracting and pulling away from the mold on the short faces and corners.

Abstract: A method and a system for forming a solid casting. A material is fed into a mold having a retractable bottom. A first portion of the material at a first, lower position within the mold is allowed to solidify to thereby form a portion of the casting. The retractable bottom is withdrawn downwards at a withdrawal rate. A second portion of the material at a second, upper position within the mold is maintained in a liquid state by application of heat thereto, using a plasma arc generated by a plasma arc torch. A voltage of the plasma arc is measured, and the withdrawal rate of the retractable bottom is controlled based on the voltage of the plasma arc.

Abstract: Steam exhaust ports are located around a perimeter of a direct chill casting pit, at various locations from below the top of the pit to the pit bottom to rapidly remove steam from the casting pit with addition of dry excess air. Gas introduction ports are also located around a perimeter of the casting pit and configured to introduce an inert gas into the casting pit interior.

Abstract: An MMC cylinder liner comprises an inner tubular portion and an outer tubular portion. The inner tubular portion includes a metal matrix composite formed of a compact impregnated with an Al—Si alloy wherein the compact is made of a reinforcing material. The outer tubular portion is formed of the Al—Si alloy. The Si concentration of the Al—Si alloy impregnated into the compact of the inner tubular portion is different from the Si concentration of the Al—Si alloy of the outer tubular portion.

Abstract: Surface 27 of molten metal within a mold is constantly monitored by camera 25. Camera 25 records the surface from an obliquely upward position of the mold in an area that does not affect the casting process. Various analyzing frames such as analysis band 35, molten metal pattern 37, and injection monitoring part 43, are set with respect to the information recorded by the camera 25. The analysis band 35 includes the surface (molten metal part 31c), and is set to a predetermined width so that the direction of surface change is in the longitudinal direction. The width of the analysis band 35 is set as wide as possible in a range that does not block the discharge part (molten metal part 31a). Inside the analysis band 35, the rate of change of the binary data is calculated by the analyzing part.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for the measurement of a thickness, particularly for use in casting systems for strips or profiles, having a measuring device, wherein the thickness of a liquid or pasty melt, or of a solidified cast product is measured on a die, or in a vessel.

Abstract: A method of controlling composition of a molten copper or a molten copper alloy during continuous cast, comprising the steps of determining continuously specific resistance of the molten copper or the molten copper alloy; calculating the composition of the molten copper or the molten copper alloy based on relationships between specific resistance of the molten copper or the molten copper alloy and each constituent which are preliminarily comprehended; and controlling the composition of the molten copper or the molten copper alloy based on the calculated composition. It is possible to consider temperature or content of dissolved oxygen to calculate the composition.

Abstract: A process for producing a copper alloy material from a copper alloy of a precipitation reinforced type, which contains a process to perform individually a dissolution of a pure copper and a dissolution of an additional element or a mother alloy containing the same, comprises the steps of: melting an element and/or a mother alloy at a same time, that is selected from a Ni, a Co, an Si, a Ni—Cu mother alloy, a Co—Cu mother alloy, an Si—Cu mother alloy, a Ni—Si—Cu mother alloy, and a Co—Si—Cu mother alloy with combining therebetween, and melting thereof with an assistance of a generation of a heat of mixing, in a case of forming a high density melt containing at least either one of the Ni or the Co, and the Si, as high density thereof; forming the high density melt as a content of the Ni to be 80 mass % at maximum; and forming an alloy molten metal having a predetermined component and concentration, by adding the melt into a pure copper molten metal to be supplied from another melting furnace.

Abstract: A method of continuously casting metal strip for a twin roll caster may include steps of sensing images of a casting pool in the casting area indicative of the casting pool depth, displaying the sensed images to an operator, and controlling a flow of molten metal from a metal supply system into the casting pool responsive to the sensed images indicative of the casting pool depth. The method may include producing separate electrical signals corresponding to the sensed images and controlling the flow of molten metal from the metal supply system into the casting pool responsive to one or more of the electrical signals. The electrical signals may be processed to determine the casting pool depth in each of the plurality of locations and the casting pool depth displayed to the operator. One or a combination of the electrical signals may be selected for providing a determined casting pool depth, and the flow of molten metal may be controlled responsive to the determined casting pool depth.

Abstract: A method for continuously casting a billet with a small cross section in which a curved type or vertical type continuous casting machine is used while oscillating the mold upward and downward is characterized in that the casting machine is provided with a mechanism for withdrawing speed oscillation. The mechanism has structural play in the directions of driving and reverse driving in such a manner that the amount of a play-incurred displacement from the neutral position of the structural play in the direction of billet driving or reverse driving is ±2 to ±30 mm in the direction of driving on the pinch roll circumferential length equivalent basis. The mechanism produces a returning force toward the neutral position and operational parameters such as the billet length, the specific amount of secondary cooling water, the casting speed as well as the oscillation amplitude and frequency are optimized.

Abstract: Continuously casting a billet with a small cross section by pouring molten steel into a mold using a cylindrical immersion nozzle is characterized by measuring the molten steel level in the mold using an eddy current sensor. The level is controlled based on the thus-measured value, motion of steel in the mold is adjusted by electromagnetic stirring, a cooling zone during the final period of solidification is disposed within a certain region ranging from the meniscus to the specific site, and casting speed is adjusted so that the region in which the solid phase ratio at the billet center is 0.3-0.99 may be included in the cooling zone during the final period of solidification. The secondary cooling water amount and the billet surface temperature at the entrance to the cooling zone the density of cooling water in the cooling zone during the final period of solidification are optimized.

Abstract: A method for producing wide strips of copper is performed by pouring a molten liquid into a revolving wide strip mold via a distribution container and a pour nozzle. A surface of the molten metal in the distribution container is maintained at a constant level above the place where the pour nozzle is fixed in the distribution container in the range of 75 mm to 90 mm with respect to the level of the bath surface of the mold. The molten metal is guided by an ascending channel from the distribution container to the pour nozzle and is distributed within the pour nozzle symmetrically over a width corresponding to the width of the strip. Within the pour nozzle, the molten metal is guided through first and second flow restrictors and is separated into numerous small individual flows in a vertical direction over the entire strip width of the mold.

Abstract: A process for producing a copper alloy material from a copper alloy of a precipitation reinforced type, which contains a process to perform individually a dissolution of a pure copper and a dissolution of an additional element or a mother alloy containing the same, comprises the steps of: melting an element and/or a mother alloy at a same time, that is selected from a Ni, a Co, an Si, a Ni—Cu mother alloy, a Co—Cu mother alloy, an Si—Cu mother alloy, a Ni—Si—Cu mother alloy, and a Co—Si—Cu mother alloy with combining therebetween, and melting thereof with an assistance of a generation of a heat of mixing, in a case of forming a high density melt containing at least either one of the Ni or the Co, and the Si, as high density thereof; forming the high density melt as a content of the Ni to be 80 mass % at maximum; and forming an alloy molten metal having a predetermined component and concentration, by adding the melt into a pure copper molten metal to be supplied from another melting furnace.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sequence casting process for producing a high-purity cast metal strand from a metal melt, the metal melt being fed in controlled fashion from a metal vessel to a tundish and being discharged in controlled fashion from this tundish into a continuous-casting mold, and the supply of the metal melt into the continuous-casting mold being continued without interruption. To allow a high-quality metal strand to be cast even during the change of melt vessel in this process, with the restart phase being kept as short as possible, it is proposed that during a period of time from the resumption of the supply of metal melt into the tundish until the point at which a quasi-steady operating bath level in the tundish is reached, the inflow rate into the tundish is greater than the outflow rate out of the tundish, and for 70% to 100% of this period the inflow rate into the tundish is less than or equal to double the outflow rate out of the tundish.

Abstract: Continuously casting a billet with a small cross section by pouring molten steel into a mold using a cylindrical immersion nozzle is characterized by measuring the molten steel level in the mold using an eddy current sensor. The level is controlled based on the thus-measured value, motion of steel in the mold is adjusted by electromagnetic stirring, a cooling zone during the final period of solidification is disposed within a certain region ranging from the meniscus to the specific site, and casting speed is adjusted so that the region in which the solid phase ratio at the billet center is 0.3-0.99 may be included in the cooling zone during the final period of solidification. The secondary cooling water amount and the billet surface temperature at the entrance to the cooling zone the density of cooling water in the cooling zone during the final period of solidification are optimized.

Abstract: A method of continuously casting metal strip for a twin roll caster may include steps of sensing images of a casting pool in the casting area indicative of the casting pool depth, displaying the sensed images to an operator, and controlling a flow of molten metal from a metal supply system into the casting pool responsive to the sensed images indicative of the casting pool depth. The method may include producing separate electrical signals corresponding to the sensed images and controlling the flow of molten metal from the metal supply system into the casting pool responsive to one or more of the electrical signals. The electrical signals may be processed to determine the casting pool depth in each of the plurality of locations and the casting pool depth displayed to the operator. One or a combination of the electrical signals may be selected for providing a determined casting pool depth, and the flow of molten metal may be controlled responsive to the determined casting pool depth.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sequence casting process for producing a high-purity cast metal strand from a metal melt, the metal melt being fed in controlled fashion from a metal vessel to a tundish and being discharged in controlled fashion from this tundish into a continuous-casting mold, and the supply of the metal melt into the continuous-casting mold being continued without interruption. To allow a high-quality metal strand to be cast even during the change of melt vessel in this process, with the restart phase being kept as short as possible, it is proposed that during a period of time from the resumption of the supply of metal melt into the tundish until the point at which a quasi-steady operating bath level in the tundish is reached, the inflow rate into the tundish is greater than the outflow rate out of the tundish, and for 70% to 100% of this period the inflow rate into the tundish is less than or equal to double the outflow rate out of the tundish.

Abstract: A computer program product for controlling an apparatus for continuous casting of metals. The computer program product includes a computer readable medium and computer program instructions recorded on the computer readable medium executable by a processor for performing the steps of supplying a molten metal to a casting mold with an elongated horizontal cross section, applying at least one magnetic field to the to exert an influence on the movement of the molten metal, generating a stationary magnetic field with a variable strength across the elongated cross section of the casting mold in the vicinity of, or below, where the molten metal is supplied, and generating a variable magnetic field in an area of the upper surface of molten metal in a region that is centrally located with respect to the elongated cross section and in the vicinity of where the molten metal is supplied.

Abstract: In a process of pouring molten metal under pressure into a die cavity C through a pouring gate G, a molten metal pressure in a part of the die cavity to be filled with the molten metal later than the rest thereof, or in the vicinity of the part, is detected by a first pressure sensor S5, and a cavity backpressure in the part of the die cavity to be filled with the molten metal later than the rest thereof, or in the vicinity of the part is detected by a backpressure sensor 12. Then, a pouring rate of the molten metal is controlled in accordance with changes in the respective detected pressures.

Abstract: In a method for the continuous casting of a thin metal strip according to the two-roll method, metal melt is cast into a casting gap formed by two casting rolls of the thickness of the metal strip to be cast, under formation of a melting bath. In order to form a particular texture within the cast metal strip and/or to influence the geometry of the metal strip, continuous casting is carried out by an on-line calculation based upon an arithmetic model describing the formation of the particular texture of the metal and/or the formation of the geometry of the metal strip, wherein variables of the continuous casting method affecting the formation of the texture and/or the geometry are adjusted in an on-line dynamic fashion, i.e. while casting takes place.

Abstract: A method and a system are for the control of a gas-containing hidden flow of molten metal in a space defined by a tubular device. From measurements in at least one predetermined layer of the metal flow in the space, an indication is obtained of the appearance of the flow which is compared with stored values. The result of the comparison is used for controlling at least one flow-affecting parameter in such a manner that a desired type of flow is provided at least in the layer.

Abstract: A molten metal sensing and automation system for use with or in a metal casting mold. Aspects of the invention include a molten metal automation system which may include a bleedout detection system which provides an automated response, and an automated system for the preparation of the starting blocks for casting.

Abstract: A system provided in a high-speed continuous casting plant for casting a metallic strand for automatically operating the high-speed continuous casting plant. In the system, the stopping or slide movement, the modification of the steel level, the heat currents through the mold walls, the temperature of the liquid metal and the drawing-off speed are measured over the casting time, supplied to a computer and compared with predetermined limit values for an automatic operating mode.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for automatically opening a high-speed continuous casting plant According to said method the stopping or slide movement, the modification of the steel level, the heat currents through the mold walls, the temperature of the liquid metal and the drawing-off speed are measured over the casting time, supplied to a computer and compared with predetermined limit values for an automatic operating mode.

Abstract: The method for controlling flow pattern of molten steel in continuous casting, comprises the steps of: (a) continuously casting a molten steel injected through an immersion nozzle; (b) measuring temperatures of a copper plate on longer side of the mold in width direction thereof at plurality of points; (c) detecting a flow pattern of the molten steel in the mold based on the time-sequential variations of temperatures of the copper plate at individual measurement points; and (d) controlling the flow pattern to establish a specified pattern on the basis of the detected result. The temperatures of mold copper plate are measured by plurality of temperature measurement elements buried in the rear face of the mold copper plate for continuous casting. The temperature measurement elements are arranged in a range of from 10 to 135 mm distant from the melt surface in the mold in the slab-drawing direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method, which is used in the area of secondary metallurgy (4) in its entirety with a final temperature-determining process step (4.1) such as a ladle furnace, for controlling the temperature of steel from the surface of the bath of a continuous casting ingot mold (1) up to the furnace tap (5) of a steel producing process. According to the invention, the temperature of the steel in the surface of the bath is controlled based on the equation TML=TLI+X° C. (X=5-15° C. and while respecting the same such that a jump in temperature (9) between the surface of the bath in the ingot mold (1) and a distributor (3) is detected according to the pouring rate (6) for a predetermined billet size.

Abstract: A continuous extrusion machine has a chassis (1) supporting a wheel (2) for rotation by a motor. An endless groove (7) extends around the periphery of the wheel (2). A shoe (3) is mounted in the chassis (1) and has an enveloping surface shaped to closely envelop an arc of the wheel (2) periphery so that the groove (7) co-operates with the shoe (3) to form a passage. An abutment is mounted on the shoe (3) to extend into the passage at a downstream end. Tooling is mounted in the shoe (3) including a die such that a material such as aluminium or copper bar fed into the groove (7) is extruded through the die as a consequence of the energy transfer via friction from the rotating wheel (2). A gap (12) exists between the enveloping surface and the wheel (2). The gap (12) is used to provide the orifice of a sonic gap (12) sensor whereby the size of the gap (12) can be accurately and directly measured.

Abstract: A model-based strategy is provided for determining casting roll operating temperature in a continuous thin strip casting process. A first temperature sensor produces a first temperature signal indicative of the temperature of cooling liquid supplied to the casting rolls and a second temperature sensor produces a second temperature signal indicative of the temperature of cooling liquid temperature exiting the casting rolls. A computer determines a heat flux value as a function of the first and second temperature signals, and computes the operating temperature of the casting rolls as a function of the heat flux value, the second temperature signal and a number of constants defined by fixed-valued operating parameters of the continuous thin strip casting process. A control strategy is also provided to modify one or more operating parameters of the continuous thin strip casting process as a function of the casting roll temperature.

Abstract: A model-based strategy is provided for determining casting roll operating temperature in a continuous thin strip casting process. A first temperature sensor produces a first temperature signal indicative of the temperature of cooling liquid supplied to the casting rolls and a second temperature sensor produces a second temperature signal indicative of the temperature of cooling liquid temperature exiting the casting rolls. A computer determines a heat flux value as a function of the first and second temperature signals, and computes the operating temperature of the casting rolls as a function of the heat flux value, the second temperature signal and a number of constants defined by fixed-valued operating parameters of the continuous thin strip casting process. A control strategy is also provided to modify one or more operating parameters of the continuous thin strip casting process as a function of the casting roll temperature.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the flow of material, such as molten metal, from a container is disclosed. The apparatus includes a first closing element for the outlet from the container, a support system for the first element, an actuator system for moving the support system and first element, a fixed support frame for mounting the support system and first element, and a bearing system between the fixed support frame and the support system to facilitate movement of the support system relative to the fixed support frame. The bearing system comprises one or more contact surfaces between a component of the support framework and a component of the support system, at least one of the components providing a contacting surface capable of rotation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting the condition of the flow of liquid metal in or from a teeming vessel includes one or more sensors for detecting vibration caused by a flow of liquid metal in or from the teeming vessel and for outputting a sensor signal corresponding to mechanical and acoustic vibrations detected by the sensor. A signal processor receives the sensor signal and compares the sensor signal to a reference calibration signal and outputs a comparison signal. A logic unit receives the comparison signal and outputs a status signal indicative of the condition of the flow of the liquid metal in or from the teeming vessel which can be used to stop the flow of metal. The calibration signal can be static or may be dynamically updated.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring the level of a free surface of molten metal in an electromagnetic continuous casting process using an AC electromagnetic field. A detection coil is provided to detect the sum of a magnetic field applied from an induction coil and an induced magnetic field based on eddy current in the molten metal. An arithmetic unit is provided to detect the surface level of the molten metal by removing a variation of the applied magnetic field with a variation in current to the induction coil from an output signal from the detection coil. The surface level of the molten metal can be accurately measured by determining whether a variation in the output of the detection coil results from a variation in the applied magnetic field or a variation in the surface level of the molten metal.

Abstract: A method and device are provided for casting a strand of liquid metal which is cast into a mold, and which is drawn as a strand out of the mold. The casting level, e.g., a level of the liquid metal in the mold, is regulated to a predetermined casting-level desired value using a casting-level controller having at least one integrator. The output of the integrator of the casting-level controller is replaced by a predetermined value when the difference between the casting-level actual value and the casting-level desired value exceeds a tolerance threshold.

Abstract: A method and a belt casting device for producing thin billets, in particular composed of steel, has an endless belt to which liquid metal is supplied via a feed device which has a casting channel and is connected to a metallurgical vessel. In this case, the feed device is in the form of a casting channel which has a first casting channel part in the form of a restriction channel part, and which has a second casting channel part whose opening faces the endless belt and whose size corresponds to the cross-sectional area of the finished product. The feed device is connected to a container to which liquid melt can be fed from a metallurgical vessel. Measurement elements are provided, which can be used to detect the level of the liquid melt in the container and/or the thickness of the billet located on the endless belt. Furthermore, the measured values are connected via a measurement and control element to an actuator which is connected to an element for adjusting the outlet rate from the metallurgical vessel.

Abstract: The method for controlling flow pattern of molten steel in continuous casting, comprises the steps of: (a) continuously casting a molten steel injected through an immersion nozzle; (b) measuring temperatures of a copper plate on longer side of the mold in width direction thereof at plurality of points; (c) detecting a flow pattern of the molten steel in the mold based on the time-sequential variations of temperatures of the copper plate at individual measurement points; and (d) controlling the flow pattern to establish a specified pattern on the basis of the detected result. The temperatures of mold copper plate are measured by plurality of temperature measurement elements buried in the rear face of the mold copper plate for continuous casting. The temperature measurement elements are arranged in a range of from 10 to 135 mm distant from the melt surface in the mold in the slab-drawing direction.

Abstract: The process is characterized in that, before starting casting, an initialization position is determined for the stopper rod control actuator when the stopper rod is resting on its seat under its own weight and after having filled the tundish equipped with this stopper rod, the actuator is operated to place it in a controlled superclosed position and, to start casting, the actuator is driven according to an imposed movement versus time law, time (t1) for start of casting being determined from this law and the control actuator continues to be driven in opening direction to enable the metal to flow into the ingot mould.

Abstract: A method and a device for the casting of rectangular billets from metal, in particular from steel, close to final dimensions, and for the subsequent inline rolling out of the billet, with a material supply vessel, via the outlet nozzle of which the liquid metal is deposited onto the upper strand of a conveyor belt, on which it solidifies and is transferred to a roll stand for forming, characterized by the following steps: a) before the start of casting aa) the point at which the liquid metal is deposited onto the conveyor belt is predetermined approximately, ab) the conveying speed of the conveyor belt is set as a function of the desired rolling thickness and rolling speed of the roll stand, b) during casting ba) the position of thorough solidification of the metal billet located on the conveyor belt is detected, bb) the temperature of the rolling stock is detected in the region of the roll stand, and bc) the position of thorough solidification and the temperature of the rolling stock are used as contr

Abstract: A continuous casting method and apparatus in which a distributor deposits a strand of molten steel upon a cooled surface of casting roll to a thickness of 1.0 to 6.0 mm, the cooling strand passes through the nip or gap between a fist counterroll and the casting roll and hardening strip is then passed through at least a first further nip between one or more further counterrolls and the surface of the casting roll. The height of the molten metal in the distributor is controlled to be constant by detecting the surface of the melt and regulating the outflow from an intermediate receptacle into the distributor and/or from the casting ladle into the intermediate receptacle so that the peripheral speed of the casting roll is matched to the speed with which the strand emerges from the distributor onto the casting roll.

Abstract: A method for automatic, vertical continuous casting of metals, in particular aluminium alloys, in a casting facility having several molds. According to the method, the liquid metal is fed from a furnace along a spout to the molds and guided, via nozzles with adjustable through-flow, to the molds which are initially closed off by the dummy blocks arranged on a lowerable casting table. The metal through-flow volume of each nozzle is adjusted individually for each mold on the basis of an initial time (t0) and an initial metal level (N0) at which adjustment of the metal level begins, in such a way that the metal in all molds at a pre-set starting time (tS) is at substantially the same starting level (NS) at which the casting table starts being lowered for the production of the metal strands.

Abstract: A method of controlling the level of molten metal in a mold for continuous casting by using a molten metal level control system incorporating a molten metal level controller in the control loop thereof, which comprises damping selectively the predetermined frequency of frequencies of periodical molten metal level fluctuations through a notch filter installed in the control loop. The control loop preferably includes the phase compensation calculation part for compensating the phase delay of the stopper opening position control signal for adjusting the amount of the molten metal to be fed to the mold. The control apparatus in the control loop comprises a molten metal level senser, an FFT analyzer, an automatic tuning device for dealing with the results of the FFT analysis, a molten metal level controller and a notch filter.

Abstract: An improved molten metal feed system is provided for high speed, continuous casting of metals and alloys. The feed system includes a distributor box having an insulative lining which supports an internal flow distributor board. The flow distributor board includes a plurality of openings of various sizes and shapes spaced apart along the width of the board. The presence of the flow distributor board effectively separates the box into lower and upper sections and restricts the flow of liquid metal through the board and thus, forces entering liquid metal to fill the entire width of the distributor box below the flow distributor board. In addition, the liquid metal is stabilized across the width of the distributor box resulting in a balanced temperature gradient. Once the lower section of the distributor box is filled, the metal flows through the openings in the board into the upper section of the distributor box and into the feed tip nozzle.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for the early recognition of ruptures when continuously casting steel using an oscillating mold constructed of copper plates, wherein the method includes continuously and comparatively measuring operating parameters, for example, the temperature distribution with respect to location and time in the copper plates, and analyzing the obtained measurement results. For increasing the probability of an accurate evaluation of indications of an acute tendency of ruptures, two measuring data to be compared are coupled with each other as well as with measuring data of at least one third measuring row, and the measuring data are preferably analyzed online.

Abstract: Casting metal strip by delivering molten metal to a casting pool (81) supported on a pair of parallel casting rolls (16) and passing metal downwardly between the rolls to produce solidified strip (20). Flow of metal to the casting pool (81) is controlled by an input flow control valve (47). At start of casting when pool (81) is being filled speed of rolls (16) is varied in response to variations between actual instantaneous pool level and predicted level until pool approaches desired operational level. Thereafter any variations between instantaneous roll speed and desired operational roll speed are caused to adjust valve (47) to being pool level and roll speed to desired operational valves.