Abstract: An apparatus for indicating by electromagnetic means the level in metallurgical vessels means with transmitting and receiving coils which combined into a measuring unit having a transmitting coil which extends in the direction of the fill height and at least two receiving coils assigned thereto and staggered vertically. This simplifies and facilitates the assembly work.

Abstract: During continuous casting, in order to avoid a cessation of the casting operation which is caused by a narrowing of the flow channel of a tundish equipped with a sliding gate, two processes are utilized. A first process enables an automatic rinsing so as to flush away any obstructions causing the narrowing, and, if the rinsing process is unsuccessful, a second process is effected in which the obstructions are manually removed by an operator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process and apparatus for controlling an electromagnetic casting system. The process and apparatus utilize at least one sense loop and an electrical parameter relating to the sense loop, e.g. the mutual inductance between the sense loop and a containment inductor, to control during casting the height of the contained head of molten material and/or the ingot size. In a first embodiment, a sense loop is positioned in the air gap between the containment inductor and the outer surface of the forming ingot or the molten metal head, preferably in a location in the vicinity of the liquid-solid interface. In a second embodiment, a plurality of sense loops are used to control the casting system.

Abstract: Disclosed are method of and apparatus for continuously casting a compound metal bar, the bar comprising a core member encased in a clad member which in combination form a unitary metal matrix. Said compound metal bar is cast by continuously pouring a first molten metal into a casting mold and discharging a second molten metal beneath the surface of the first molten metal beneath the surface of the first molten metal and continuously solidifying both molten metals to form said compound metal bar.

Abstract: An alloying ingredient is added to molten steel entering the tundish in a continuous casting process. The concentration of the alloying ingredient is maintained substantially uniform throughout the cast by exercising certain controls. Small scale, short term variations in the mass flow rates of the alloying ingredient and molten steel and in the recovery of the alloying ingredient are attenuated by employing a system having certain characteristics.

Abstract: In a method of intermittently charging a molten principal raw material and any supplementary material as needed to provide a specified raw material formulation into a melting furnace and continuously discharging a molten material therefrom, the discharge of the molten material is effected by determining the weight of the tiltable melting furnace, said weight changing with change of the raw materials and discharging of the molten material, computing the rate of change in weight of the molten material with respect to time from the determined weights of said furnace, and tilting said furnace to a position indicated by comparison of said computed rate of change in weight of the molten material with respect to time and the set rate of change in weight of the molten material with respect to time.

Abstract: In a method of casting a metal melt from a metallurgical vessel, in which the metal melt is covered by a slag layer, into another metallurgical vessel, the metal melt is guided through a casting tube, which covers the casting jet between the vessels. In order to reliably ascertain the passage of slag through the casting tube with very little expenditure, magnetic fields are induced in the casting jet by two coils peripherally surrounding the casting tube. The difference of the inductivity variations caused in the two coils by the eddy currents produced by the magnetic fields in the casting jet is continuously measured and compared to a least one limit value and casting is interrupted in case the limit has been exceeded or fallen short of.

Abstract: The level of molten metal in the mold of a continuous metal caster is controlled by regulating the open area of a variable outlet nozzle in a tundish. The level of molten metal is monitored, and the extent and direction of any detected deviation is signalled to a computer which also receives a signal indicating the position of a movable valve member in the tundish outlet nozzle and a separate signal representing the rate of withdrawal of the cast metal from the mold. The computer determines the extent of movement of the valve member to correct the liquid metal level in the mold and controls actuation of a hydraulic drive system to move the valve member to reduce the position error to zero. The velocity of movement of the valve member is measured and fed back to the computer, with the velocity measurement being utilized by the computer to control the hydraulic system and more accurately position the movable valve member.

Abstract: A method for continuously casting strip material onto a casting surface moving past a nozzle in a molten metal holding tundish is disclosed comprising the steps of pouring molten metal into the tundish at a rate sufficient to establish a metallostatic head pressure of at least one-quarter pound per square inch at the nozzle within one second after pouring is initiated, and pouring additional molten metal into the tundish at a rate sufficient to maintain a substantially constant operating pressure at the nozzle throughout the casting operation. A tundish for holding molten metal to be cast into strip material onto a casting surface moving past a nozzle in the tundish, is also disclosed comprising a front wall having an inside surface, a rear wall having an inside surface and sidewalls enclosing a molten metal holding area defined between the inside surfaces of the front and rear walls.

Abstract: A device for electromagnetically regulating the pouring rate in continuous casting, including a cylindrical molten steel container having a molten steel inlet formed in a peripheral section of an upper surface thereof and a molten steel outlet formed in central section of a lower surface thereof to pour the molten steel into a mold, and electromagnetic coils disposed around the side wall of the molten steel container so as to generate a rotating magnetic field perpendicularly to the side wall. The pouring rate is determined by the interactive function of the head of the molten steel in the tundish disposed above the molten steel container with the outlet thereof joined to the inlet of the molten steel container, the intensity of the rotating magnetic field, namely, the magnitude of the electric current supplied to the electromagnetic coils, and the size of the molten steel outlet, namely, a replaceable pouring nozzle.

Abstract: For preventing break-out in a continuous casting plant in which the quantity of molten material being supplied to a mold is controlled to a predetermined level, changes in the quantity of molten material being supplied to the mold is constantly monitored. The time behavior of quantity increases of molten material being supplied to the mold is determined and a break-out signal is produced when the quantity of molten material increases at more than a predetermined rate. The break-out signal may be produced only when the rate of change of molten material in the mold and the rate of change of the speed of a casting leaving the mold are less than predetermined values.

Abstract: A process for controlling the molten metal level in continuous thin slab casting in which molten metal poured from a large-sized tundish into a small-sized tundish through a sliding nozzle is caused to overflow from the small-sized tundish for casting through a tiltable casting spout into a twin-belt-type continuous casting machine is disclosed. The process comprises measuring the level of molten metal on the casting machine to provide a deviation signal representative of a deviation of the level of the molten metal from a target value; and adjusting a directly influencing factor on the molten metal level, such as a pouring rate of the molten metal into the mold and a pulling speed of the molten metal according to the deviation signal.

Abstract: A process for continuously casting thin slabs, which comprises the steps of pouring a molten metal from a large-sized tundish through a sliding nozzle into a small-sized tundish, over-flowing the molten metal from the small-sized tundish to pour the molten metal into a continuous casting machine of the twin-belt type is disclosed. According to the process, a pouring rate into the small-sized tundish is calculated prior to overflow on the basis of a change in weight of the small-sized tundish and the degree of opening of the sliding nozzle is adjusted so as to make the calculated pouring rate come close to the target pouring rate into the small-sized tundish or into the casting machine.

Abstract: A molten metal treatment apparatus comprising a passage of predetermined size and length for receiving superheated molten metal from a source thereof, and for supplying the molten metal for subsequent casting; a gas inlet and a control valve for controlling the velocity of the molten metal through the passage by exposing the molten metal to a source of pressurized gas; a cooling jacket at least partially surrounding the passage for controlling the temperature of the molten metal within the passage between predetermined upper and lower limits for forming a thin solidified shell having a molten metal core within the passage; the combination of the velocity of molten metal and the temperature of the molten metal within the passage for allowing dendrites to grow into the molten core from the solidified shell, and for breaking off portions of the dendrites and entraining them in the molten metal thereby producing a solids content within the molten metal for subsequent casting.

Abstract: A method and system for continuously or semicontinuously casting a composite metal article, such as a structurally composite ingot or the like, wherein one of the principal structural components of the ingot comprises an aluminum-lithium alloy. During such casting by a D.C. (direct chill) conventional tubular mold or electromagnetic process, the aluminum-lithium structural component of a structurally composite ingot is encircled or peripherally encased by a further outer metal cladding component that can be cast simultaneously with the aluminum-lithium component such as another outer aluminous alloy from which lithium is absent as a constituent or impurity, although it may be present and tolerated as a trace element. In this arrangement the aluminum-lithium structural component is prevented during casting from coming into direct contact with the chilling coolant, normally water, with which lithium can react violently.

Abstract: Disclosed are method of and apparatus for continuously casting a compound metal bar, the bar comprising a core member encased in a clad member which in combination form a unitary metal matrix. Said compound metal bar is cast by continuously pouring a first molten metal into a casting mold and discharging a second molten metal beneath the surface of the first molten metal beneath the surface of the first molten metal and continuously solidifying both molten metals to form said compound metal bar.

Abstract: The abnormality is detected during a flow thereof through the mold. The detection is achieved by means of at least a pair of upper and lower temperature detecting elements, located along the flow of the casting metal. The abnormality is determined to exist when a temperature inversion, that is T.sub.U .ltoreq.T.sub.L, takes place. The symbols T.sub.U and T.sub.L denote the temperatures measured by the upper and lower temperature detecting elements, respectively, in which a relationship, that is T.sub.U >T.sub.L, stands under a normal casting operation.

Abstract: Control method for preventing a breakout or/and a crack of the slab of continuous casting equipment. Heat flux waveforms or heat flux values commensurate to extracted heat values at various positions of a mold are measured by means of thin plate type surface heat flux meters (14, 14x, 14y, 14z) provided at various positions on side shell plate (11, 11c) of the mold (10). When an abnormality or a deviation from a target value is detected, pouring rate is changed, scope of supply, brands and the like of mold powder are controlled, or taper value of short sides of the mold is controlled, so that a breakout or/and a crack of the slab is prevented.

Abstract: A process for monitoring continuous casting molds is presented. A primary coil coaxially surrounding the continuous casting mold is powered with currents whose Fourier analysis includes several frequencies. Several secondary coils are also arranged coaxially between the primary coil and the mold and surround the mold. The secondary coils are placed around the liquid metal pool level region, with the secondary coil in the lowest location being located beneath the pool surface at all times and serving as a reference coil. The differences between the Fourier components of the signals measured on the various secondary coils and the reference coil are taken, related to the intensities in the primary coil, and analyzed by magnitude or phase. By comparison of the various signals, the presence of liquid metal or slag, the temperature prevailing in the particular region of the mold wall, are determined.

Abstract: This invention is directed to the process and system for controlling the level of molten metal in a plurality of vertically oriented, continuous or semicontinuous casting units, particularly electromagnetic casting units. The flows of molten metal to the individual casting units are adjusted automatically in response to a control set point signal from a master controller in order to maintain essentially the same molten metal level in all of the casting units. Improved startup and termination procedures are also given.

Abstract: An apparatus or process for casting metals by electromagnetically forming molten metal into a desired shape by applying a magnetic field to the molten metal. The magnetic field defines a containment zone for the molten metal. The hydrostatic pressure exerted by the molten metal in the containment zone is sensed and in response thereto the flow of molten metal into the containment zone is controlled. This minimizes changes in the hydrostatic pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for casting metals wherein the molten metal is contained and formed into a desired shape by the application of an electromagnetic field. The apparatus includes an inductor and a non-magnetic shield. Changes in the location or the location of the top surface of the molten metal head are continuously displayed during the casting run by monitoring electrical parameters of the electromagnetic casting system including at least one electrical parameter of the non-magnetic shield.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mechanism for continuous casting, such as from a melt container. Between the melt container and the casting mold there is arranged an intermediate ladle having a heating device and an outlet to the mold as well as an indicator for predicting the temperature in the melt container. The output signal of the indicator is adapted to be compared with a desired value signal to obtain a comparison signal to control the heating device for substantially constant temperature at the outlet of the intermediate ladle.

Abstract: During the continuous casting process, metal melt flows from a reservoir covered with a slag layer into a tundish covered with a slag layer, and from there into a mould. In order to prevent a damage to the strand or the continuous casting plant on account of the slag entry into the mould and the jeopardization of the operating personnel, the height of the metal-melt-bath level on the one hand and the height of the slag-bath level on the other hand are continuously determined. From the relation of these values the slag amount present in the tundish is determined.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for controlling the extrusion of molten metal from a tundish through a nozzle onto a rotating quenching surface in the high speed continuous casting of glassy metal alloy continuous filaments. An inverted pressure bell is disposed in the tundish containing molten metal. A controller, in response to the sensing of the liquid level outside the pressure bell, regulates the gas pressure inside the pressure bell to maintain a constant liquid level outside the pressure bell as molten metal flows from the tundish through the nozzle and therefore to maintain a substantially constant pressure at the nozzle inlet. As the quantity of the molten metal in the tundish is depleted, the controller, in response to the sensing of the gas pressure inside the pressure bell, causes molten metal to be supplied to the tundish as a low liquid level limit is approached in the pressure bell.

Abstract: A multi-strand apparatus and process for casting molten material into ingots of desired shape. A plurality of structures are provided for receiving and electromagnetically forming the molten material into the desired shape. Each receiving and forming structure includes an inductor for applying a magnetic force field to the molten material. When the inductor is in operation, it is spaced from the molten material by a gap extending from the surface of the molten material to the opposing surface of the inductor. Structure is provided for distributing a current in the inductor to generate the magnetic field. The improvement comprises a device arranged below the inductor for modifying the current distribution in the inductor to minimize the variations in the gap.

Abstract: The level of a melt in a vertically reciprocating continuous-casting mold is detected by a method wherein a nonhomogeneous steady magnetic field is formed extending horizontally through the mold into the melt generally at the melt level. This field is vertically reciprocated jointly and synchronously with the mold and its field strength is detected at a sensing location after the field passes through the mold. This location is also vertically reciprocated jointly and synchronously with the mold. The melt level is derived from the detected field strength, normally taking into account melt conductivity and relative displacement rate of the mold and melt. With the use of a steady field the effect of the mold is automatically eliminated as the field does not move appreciably relative to the mold, so it generates virtually no eddy currents in it that would generate secondary fields.

Abstract: An electromagnetic casting system for casting materials comprising the apparatus and process for electromagnetically containing and forming molten material during a casting run into a desired shape. During the casting run, a liquid-solid interface defines molten material head and solid material portions of the casting. The electromagnetic containing and forming device includes an inductor applying a magnetic field to the molten material. The magnetic field defines a containment zone for the molten material. An alternating current is applied to the inductor to generate the magnetic field. The improvement comprises controlling the location of the liquid-solid interface in the containment zone. The location of the liquid-solid interface along the periphery of the casting is monitored.

Abstract: A non-contact, optical method is provided for controlling a gap between a crucible orifice and a rapidly moving chill surface during casting of metal strip. The method comprises setting a desired value for the gap; measuring the gap by continually scanning it with a light beam; generating a deviation signal that indicates whether there is a difference between the measured and desired values; and using the deviation signal to adjust the crucible position so as to minimize the difference. In a preferred embodiment, the light beam is provided by a laser.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for controlling the level of a molten metal surface in a continuous casting mould uses a probe located either in the molten or above the surface of the molten metal. The probe is connected to a high-frequency transmitter which is arranged to induce voltages in each of two secondary receiver-coils, the receiver-coils being in coupling relationship with a compensating coil and a further coil connected to the probe. The receiver-coils are connected in opposition to one another so that a difference voltage of zero is arranged to be produced when the molten metal surface is at the required level but that the difference voltage is used, when departing from zero, for control purposes of the height of the molten metal surface.

Abstract: During the continuous casting of at least two strands, withdrawn with the same speed from the continuous casting molds, the withdrawal speed for both strands should be adjusted in accordance with the quantity of cast metal, typically steel, infed to the first continuous casting mold i.e. also the level of molten metal therein. The infed quantity of steel is regulated in at least one further continuous casting mold as a function of such withdrawal speed or velocity.

Abstract: A method of quickly predicting the degree of nodularity of spheroidal graphite cast iron from a molten iron sample is disclosed. The method comprises steps of reading out the lowest temperature T.sub.EU due to undercooling and the highest temperature T.sub.EM due to recalescence subsequent to the undercooling which occur at the time of eutectic solidification of a number of samples of molten iron for spheroidal graphite cast iron during cooling and solidifying under a predetermined cooling condition; reading out an elapsed time Z from the lowest temperature T.sub.EU to the highest temperature T.sub.EM ; determining constants a, b, c and e in the following formula which shows a relation between the values of the thus read out temperatures and the elapsed time and any of the characteristics D.sub.

Abstract: In a continuous casting plant, the ingot leaves the mold in a downward direction with only a thin skin of solidified metal, the metal within the solidified skin remaining molten until it progressively solidifies. While the skin is still thin, "break-out" can occur, that is, a rupture of the skin with subsequent outflow of the molten metal. When this happens, according to the present invention, the flow of liquid metal into the mold is interrupted and cooling powders are added to the mold, having a particle size of 0.1-5 mm, at a rate of 5 to 100 kg/min. After 0.1 to 5 minutes, the flow of liquid metal to the mold can be resumed.