Abstract: A method for manufacturing a permanent magnet by fabricating rapidly cooled alloy thin strip of amorphous composition which has good tenacity, simple working properties and an average thickness of 10 &mgr;m˜200 &mgr;m, from a molten alloy of a specific composition containing 6 at % or less of rare-earth element and 15 at %˜30 at % of boron, by means of specific rapid cooling conditions, and then subjecting this rapidly cooled alloy thin strip, after cutting or punching to a prescribed shape, to crystallization heat treatment such that the average crystal grain size thereof becomes 10 nm˜50 nm, and by layering together two or more of these thin permanent magnets and bonding and uniting the layered thin strips by means of an inorganic adhesive material or a resin, it is possible readily to provide a high-performance layered permanent magnet having a desired thickness and a prescribed shape, without using a method involving crushing and bonded magnet forming processes and without needing to car

Abstract: A method for preparing a mould lubricant for use in direct chill casting of reactive metals, including magnesium, magnesium alloys, aluminum, and aluminum alloys, proceeds through combining a casting lubricant and a gaseous oxidation-inhibiting agent in a vessel external from the mold under vacuum conditions. The casting lubricant is selected from a variety of casting oils and casting greases. The gaseous oxidation-inhibiting agent is selected from a variety of inert gases, including sulfur hexafluoride (SF6).

Abstract: The problem with continuous casting methods is the production in a single cast of structured material shapes presenting hollow cavities. To this end the invention provides for a continuous casting method comprising the following steps: a) the material is melted and a continuous strand formed from said material; b) the material strand is cooled or left to cool so that at least a part thereof has a temperature at which its structure is pasty; c) gas is introduced into that part of the material strand which has a pasty structure so as to form hollow cavities, the material strand being moved from the top towards the bottom; and d) the material is left to solidify. The invention also relates to a device for carrying out this method.

Abstract: The continuous casting installation includes an ingot mould the walls (1) of which are formed by cooled metal walls (2) surmounted by a hot-top element (3) made of a heat insulating material. Holes for injecting a gas under pressure, such as a slot (10), lead into the ingot mould at least at the interface between the hot-top element and the metal wall. The insulation includes means (13 to 17), connected to the said holes, for supplying a gas or a gaseous mix with a thermal expansion capacity adjustable according to the composition of the cast metal alloy and the casting conditions. The adjustment of the thermal expansion capacity of the injected gas enables the adjustment of the heat flux density extracted from the cast metal in the zone where it starts to solidify.

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. An associated method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for producing coated hot-rolled or cold-rolled products, particularly steel strip, and an apparatus for carrying out the method, wherein thin strip is cast especially by a travelling mold and the cast strip is guided on-line as a master strip into an inversion casting plant for strip coating, the surface of the coated strip is smoothed with rolls, and if necessary, the thickness of the coated and smoothed strip is reduced in a rolling process.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for casting metal ingots comprises a series of ingot moulds (12) mounted along an endless conveyor (11) which is arranged to be driven around spaced-apart rotatable members (15) and (17). A molten metal supplying device (20) has a discharge member for supplying molten metal to empty moulds (12) moving along an upper run (14) of the conveyor (11) from a supply end (16) to a discharge end (18) of the upper run (14) of the conveyor (11). A casting hood (13) overlies at least a portion of the moulds (12) on the upper run (14) of the conveyor (11). Adjacent moulds (12) of the portion of moulds are closely contiguous during passage beneath the casting hood (13) whereby passage of protective gas between said adjacent moulds is minimized. The casting hood (13) and the portion of moulds (120) form a substantially gas-tight enclosure above the portion of moulds (12) into which gas can be introduced. The enclosure houses the discharge member of the molten metal supplying device (20).

Abstract: An object of this invention is to provide a thin-film magnet having a residual magnetic flux density Br of not less than 10 kG, a cost performance equal to that of a hard ferrite magnet, and a thickness of 70-300 &mgr;m contributing to the miniaturization and thinning of a magnetic circuit, and a method of manufacturing the same. When a molten alloy of a predetermined structure having a small content of a rare earth element is subjected to continuous casting using a cooling roll in an inert gas atmosphere with reduced pressures of not more than 30 kPa at a predetermined peripheral speed of the roll, it turns into a crystalline structure substantially not less than 90% of which comprises a Fe3B type compound and a compound phase having &agr; —Fe and Nd2Fe14B type crystalline structures compatible with the former.

Abstract: A casting C obtained by solidification of molten metal by using a pair of water cooled casting rolls 2a, 2b is subjected to temperature adjustment in a temperature zone so that an austenite structure exists in its matrix. Thereafter, the casting is rolled by an in-line rolling mill 5 at a temperature ranging from 850.degree. C. to less than 1,350.degree. C. and at a reduction of 5 to 50%. In this way, overall variance of elongation of the steel material is kept within 5% in terms of the standard deviation.

Abstract: The invention provides continuously-cast product free of ambient atmosphere contaminants and free of nonmetal solid entrapment. Methods and apparatus are provided for flow of molten metal from ladle to tundish to mold machine, free of contact with ambient atmosphere; and, tundish slag cover is removed, by discharge of a nonreactive gas to provide a selected limited surface area of tundish metal, which is free of slag cover, for insertion of a ladle shroud to deliver molten metal, free of entrapment of nonmetal slag cover, for continuous casting. Transitional casts, before clean metal is obtainable with each new ladle of molten metal, are eliminated; and the duration of uninterrupted continuous casting of clean metal is extended.

Abstract: A mother strip with a metallically pure surface is passed through a melt bath of a metal and whereby the coating is smoothed by rolling immediately after leaving the melt bath. The mother strip, having been preheated, to a temperature clearly above ambient temperature, especially above 200.degree. C., is introduced into the metal bath. The preheating is carried out by indirect heat exchange with the melt bath in an oxygen-free environment. The melt freshly supplied to the melt bath has an increased temperature in accordance with the heat lost due to preheating.

Abstract: A process for cooling molten steel, in particular by continuous casting of hoop-steel. At least part of the molten mass that leaves a metallurgical vessel through a metal nozzle solidifies when contacting a cooling surface. A gaseous stream that forms a reducing atmosphere is directed onto the surface of the freely accessible liquid hoop-steel immediately after it leaves the metal nozzle and the surface of the hoop-steel is exposed to this gaseous atmosphere at least until it is completely solidified.

Abstract: The solidification of the strip (9) is performed by introducing liquid metal between two horizontal rolls rotating in opposition directions (1, 1') which are cooled by an internal circulation of a coolant fluid. A casting space is defined between the rolls and their outer surfaces (3, 3') have a roughness. The casting space is blanketed by a cooling gas or a mixture of gases through a lid (10) covering the casting space. An adjustment of the crown or profile of the rolls (1, 1') is performed by modulating the quantity of cooling gas blown onto the rolls and/or the nature and composition of the gas at least in the vicinity of the surface of each roll (1, 1') upstream of its region of contact with the liquid metal (2).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing an amorphous metal ribbon provides the following: jetting a molten metal from a nozzle, which has a slit-shaped opening, to a cooling roll, which rotates at a high speed, so as to form a puddle on the cooling roll; and spreading the puddle for rapid solidification. Additionally, the present invention provides at a position upstream from the puddle in a direction opposite the direction of rotation of the cooling roll, cleaning the surface of the cooling roll by blowing carbon dioxide gas to which ultrasonic vibration is applied.

Abstract: To suppress generation of scales on surfaces of a strip and to reduce the amount of non-oxidising gas consumed in the casting of strip in a twin roll caster there is provided downstream apparatus comprising pinch rolls 17a and 17b for pinching a strip 4 continuously cast by a pair of casting rolls 1a and 1b, a coiler 8 for coiling the strip 4 delivered from the pinch rolls 17a and 17b, an upstream chamber 19 for enclosing a travelling path of the strip 4 from the casting rolls 1a and 1b to the pinch rolls 17a and 17b, a downstream chamber 24 for enclosing a travelling path of the strip 4 from the pinch rolls 17a and 17b to a position before the coiler, a shutter on an end of the downstream chamber closer to the coiler and a gas supply source for supplying non-oxidising and reducing gases to the upstream and downstream chambers 19 and 24 and quenching means within the downstream chamber to cool the strip so that it leaves the chamber at a temperature of 300.degree. C. or below.

Abstract: Ingress of gas such as air through the joint of a pour tube and tube holder of a continuous caster is prevented or inhibited by passing an inert gas into a circumferential channel around the orifice and at the interface of the joint; the gas is evenly distributed within the channel over the entire configuration of a porous refractory insert in the circumferential channel; the porous refractory insert assures even distribution of the gas to the desired location in the joint.

Abstract: A tundish used in a continuous steel casting operation is sealed to permit effective purging of the tundish to eliminate free oxygen and nitrogen by providing a plurality of generally rectangular planar sealing boards of refractory fiber material having sufficient density to be self-supporting and placing the boards in side-by-side relation on the open top of the tundish prior to installation of the refractory cover whereby the sealing boards form a gasket between the cover and tundish top wall, and form a continuous panel underlying the cover. The refractory fiber material may be penetrated by the ladle shroud tube and/or the tundish stopper rod(s).

Abstract: Disclosed are an amorphous iron based alloy having excellent magnetic characteristics as well as bendability and a method of manufacturing the amorphous iron based alloy. The amorphous iron based alloy has a mean centerline Ra surface roughness of about 0.8 .mu.m or less and the formula Fe.sub.X B.sub.Y Si.sub.Z Mn.sub.a in approximate proportions wherein:75.ltoreq.X.ltoreq.82 at %7.ltoreq.Y.ltoreq.15 at %,7.ltoreq.Z.ltoreq.17 at %, and0.2.ltoreq.a.ltoreq.0.5 at %.The method of manufacturing the amorphous iron based alloy comprises quenching and solidifying a molten alloy having the formula Fe.sub.X B.sub.Y Si.sub.Z Mn.sub.a in approximate proportions wherein:75.ltoreq.X.ltoreq.82 at %7.ltoreq.Y.ltoreq.15 at %,7.ltoreq.Z.ltoreq.17 at %, and0.2.ltoreq.a.ltoreq.0.5 at %, andeffecting the quenching and solidifying steps in a Co.sub.2 atmosphere containing H.sub.2 in an amount of about 1-4% by volume.

Abstract: A process for semiliquid casting ingots from which to produce high-mechanical-performance die castings, whereby a metal alloy in the form of pigs and containing ceramic particles is smelted in a smelting furnace, transferred to a ladle, degassed, and fed into a pressurized furnace from which it is cast in the semiliquid state by feeding it at the solidification stage and under laminar flow conditions into a static mixer. At the outlet of the mixer the rheocast material is collected under laminar flow conditions, possibly with the interposition of a siphon type collecting tank and with protective gas shielding, through a cooled metal die, and solidified into a single billet. The billet is then guided by rollers past a saw and cut into pieces from which to obtain ingots of desired weight and size.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing a thin amorphous metal strip. Molten metal is injected onto a single cooling roll rotating at high speed. A gas flow impeding wall is disposed adjacent to the surface of a cooling roll and extends across the body of the cooling roll. The wall is located upstream of the molten metal injection nozzle. CO.sub.2 gas is jetted along one surface of the gas insulating wall which faces the molten metal injection nozzle and toward the surface of the cooling roll. An atmosphere rich in CO.sub.2 gas is maintained adjacent the roll surface just upstream of the molten metal injection nozzle.

Abstract: According to the present invention, in the PFC (planar flow casting) method, He gas at room temperature is blown onto the surface of a cooling roll at a flow rate of 0.1 to 5 liters/min.multidot.cm.sup.2 through a He gas blow nozzle provided upstream of a molten alloy (a puddle) ejected through a molten alloy ejection nozzle onto the surface of the cooling roll at a distance from the ejection nozzle, the distance from the surface of the cooling roll and an angle of inclination of the nozzle within respectively specified ranges, thereby forming a He gas atmosphere around the puddle, and a thin strip is dragged out of said puddle. This enables a thin amorphous alloy strip having a very small thickness and a smooth surface free from significant uneven portions and pores to be easily produced at a low cost without use of any vessel for regulating the atmosphere or an apparatus for heating the blown gas.

Abstract: Oxygen-free copper, particularly wire, is manufactured in a casting and rolling plant composed of melting plant, continuous casting mold and a subsequently arranged continuous rolling mill. The method includes bending a billet leaving the casting plant along a straight line into the horizontal, after the billet has been reduced in at least one shaping pass. The arrangement for carrying out the method includes at least one shaping stand arranged following the continuous casting mold, wherein the rolling axis of the shaping stand coincides with the longitudinal center axis of the continuous casting mold. The region between melting furnace and continuous casting mold and the region between continuous casting mold and the shaping stand are arranged under gas shrouding.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for the continuous casting of aluminum alloys in multiple moulds to form continuous castings of improved quality. The invention comprises supplying gas at a predetermined gas flow rate to each mould during the mould filling stage, sensing the gas pressure during the second casting or cooling stage and increasing or reducing the gas flow rate to maintain a predetermined gas pressure in the moulds during the continuous extrusion process.

Abstract: During melting in an electric melting furnace of iron products such as pig iron, scrap iron, directly reduced iron pellets, and various alloy metals, or mixtures of the foregoing having greatly varying impurities, solid carbon dioxide is led over the melting hearth shortly before, during, and after charging. Explosive burning of the combustible constituents is thus prevented in that the oxygen is displaced during the charging operation by the expanding gaseous carbon dioxide produced. The method makes possible electric steel production with reduced accumulation of dust and fumes in that formation thereof is largely eliminated directly at the source. By cutting down on the high volumes of gas and gas temperatures occurring during charging without carbon dioxide, substantially smaller filter installations are needed, whereby the amount of savings on investment and operating costs economically compensates for the cost of the carbon dioxide utilization.

Abstract: A continuous cast method comprises continuously supplying molten metal from a tundish through a break ring to a cooled mold having an inlet and an outlet. A cast section is formed by continuously cooling the molten metal in the mold and starting the solidification of the molten metal below its surface and intermittently withdrawing the cast section with respect to the mold through its outlet. During continuous casting, a sealing gas having a pressure higher than atmospheric and soluble in the molten metal is constantly supplied to the entirety of the contact area of the mold and the break ring.

Abstract: This invention relates to a direct production process of a length of continuous thin two-phase stainless steel strip having excellent superplasticity and surface properties by casting molten two-phase stainless steel directly on either a single roller or a pair of rollers, so that the molten metal is quenched, and a small amount of austenite appears in ferrite matrix.

Abstract: A process for improving the surface condition and thickness regularity of a thin metal strip cast on a rotating wheel by injection of a molten metal having a free surface forming a meniscus in contact with the wheel. The process comprises detecting undulations or variations in thickness of the strip of at least 10 .mu.m, forming a gas cushion above the free surface utilizing a porous body disposed facing the free surface, and adjusting the pressure of the gas cushion, the location of the porous body or both to control the variations or undulations.

Abstract: A gaseous atmosphere having a predetermined composition is formed near an injected molten metal flow and an injection nozzle of the atmospheric gas so as to manufacture a thin metal strip exhibiting excellent surface property. A thin strip manufacturing apparatus includes an injection nozzle 1 for injecting a molten metal onto a cooling roll 2, an atmospheric gas injection nozzle 3 for injecting an atmosphere having a predetermined composition, a sensor 5 for measuring the concentration of the atmospheric gas, a control device 6 for adjusting a flow rate of the atmospheric gas on the basis of the output of the sensor 5, a cover 4 for maintaining the concentration of the atmospheric gas, and a heating device for preventing cooling of the injection nozzle 1.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for feeding molten metal to the ingot mold (2) of an installation for the continuous casting of thin cogs (3). At least one jet (6) coming from a nozzle (8) connected to a distributor (4) feeds an ingot mold (2) in which the level of metal is regulated. The distributor (4) is movable vertically in order to keep the height of the jet (6) constant and horizontally in the direction of the largest dimension of the ingot mold in order to subject the jet (6) to an alternating lateral movement. The nozzle (8) and the casting tube (10) are protected by a liquefied neutral gas circulating between the tube (10) and a sleeve (25) surrounding the tube (10).

Abstract: An inert gas flow is introduced into a molten metal bath at a location in a vessel. The absolute pressure of the gas flow through the molten metal other than zero flow is determined. The pressure acting on the surface of the bath is measured and the difference between the surface pressure and the absolute pressure is determined. The difference in converted into a distance measurement that reflects the actual distance between the surface of the bath and the location of introduction of the gas flow into the bath. The distance measurement is compared with a predetermined desired distance value and a resultant measurement is formed therefrom. The level of the bath is regulated as a function of the resultant measurement. The resultant measurement is converted into an electric setting signal and sent to a setting member for regulating the level of the bath and/or the amount flowing out of or withdrawn from the vessel.

Abstract: A magnesium alloy consists essentially of the formula Mg.sub.bal Al.sub.a Zn.sub.b X.sub.c, wherein X is at least one element selected from the group consisting of manganese, cerium, neodymium, praseodymium, and yttrium, "a" ranges from about 0 to 15 atom percent, "b" ranges from about 0 to 4 atom percent, and "c" ranges from about 0.2 to 3 atom percent, the balance being magnesium and incidental impurities, with the proviso that the sum of aluminum and zinc present ranges from about 2 to 15 atom percent. Second phase particles contained by the alloy are less susceptible to corrosion attack. Articles produced from the alloy have superior corrosion resistance and mechanical properties comparable to those made from commercial magnesium alloys. Such articles are suitable for application as structural members in helicopters, air frames, such as gear box housings, where good corrosion resistance in combination with low density and good strength are required.

Abstract: Molten metal is supplied to a pouring basin formed between cooling members, such as movable cooling drums. A closed space is formed at a meniscus area whereat any one of the cooling members starts to come into contact with the molten metal, and a soluble gas or a mixture of soluble and insoluble gases is supplied to and filled in the closed space, thereby covering the meniscus area with the gas or the mixture. This arrangement enables a continuous casting of a thin metal sheet without surface cracks and having excellent surface characteristics.

Abstract: A continuous casting method of a reduced height with a horizontal or almost horizontal oscillating crystallizer, whereby an immersed teeming nozzle teems molten metal into the crystallizer below the meniscus, regulation of the flow being obtained with regulation means corresponding to the formula: V.gtoreq.K.multidot..sqroot.2gh-2p/.rho., a pressure being kept within a tube portion of the teeming nozzle at least transiently which is correlated with the pressure surrounding the teeming nozzle itself and with the pressure acting on the meniscus of the molten metal in the crystallizer, the pressure within the tube portion of the teeming nozzle being such as will at least hinder the migration of gas from the exterior of the nozzle to the inside of the bore of the tube portion.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for feeding molten metal to the ingot mold (2) of an installation for the continuous casting of thin cogs (3). At least one jet (6) coming from a nozzle (8) connected to a distributor (4) feeds an ingot mold (2) in which the level of metal is regulated. The distributor (4) is movable vertically in order to keep the height of the jet (6) constant and horizontally in the direction of the largest dimension of the ingot mold in order to subject the jet (6) to an alternating lateral movement. The nozzle (8) and the casting tube (10) are protected by a liquified neutral gas circulating between the tube (10) and a sleeve (25) surrounding the tube (10).

Abstract: In a continuous casting a hollow ingot by means of a forcedly cooled tubular mold and a core, gas is introduced around an outer peripheral surface of the core along longitudinal slits to form an annular gap surrounding an inner peripheral surface of hollow metallic molten metal, and gas pressure is applied on said inner peripheral surface of the hollow molten metal. Refractory heat-insulative material, starter bar, is brought into contact with the molten metal poured into said annular space at the casting start, encased in the metal solidified thereon, and withdrawn together with the hollow ingot being withdrawn. By these methods smooth cast skin is formed on the inner peripheral surface of a hollow ingot.

Abstract: Method and apparatus (20) for obtaining a wire (12) of amorphous metallic loy, characterized by the fact that a jet (7) of molten amorphizable alloy (4) is contacted with a gas (55) capable of reacting chemically with at least one of the components of the alloy (4) before the jet (7) reaches a cooling liquid (9), so as to form a layer around the jet (7) which is capable of stabilizing it. A distance traversed by the jet (7) between the nozzle and the cooling liquid is greater than 1 cm.

Abstract: In a method for continuous casting of an aluminum-lithium alloy through an open-ended mold for forming an ingot, wherein gas under pressure is brought into contact with a molten surface part of said ingot directly before solidification, the gas used consists of from 1 to 15 volume % of oxygen and balance of inert gas. The casting is stabilized and cast skin is improved by the use of said gas.

Abstract: Molten metal is teemed through a discharge nozzle controlled by a shut-off device during which inert gas is injected into an inlet portion of the discharge nozzle. A reduction of the cross section of the discharge nozzle due to the formation therein of deposits is prevented by injecting at least a portion of the inert gas into the inlet portion in a pulse-like manner by controlling the supply of the inert gas with respect to time and volume. The inert gas may be supplied from a source as partial volumes through plural branch lines each provided with shut-off and control valves, and the operation of such valves may be programmed to control the duration and repetition period of the supply of each partial volume.

Abstract: A method and apparatus utilizing a core is located at a central portion of a molten metal storing portion in a vertical semi-continuous mold. The molten metal is poured into the molten metal storing portion, and casting takes place with the inner diameter of a solidified distal portion of the molten metal being controlled by a distal portion of the core. This approach provides a reliable method for the manufacture of high-quality hollow billets which are free from internal defects.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for casting metal strip includes a moving chill body that has a quench surface. A nozzle mechanism deposits a stream of molten metal on a quenching region of the quench surface to form the strip. The nozzle mechanism has an exit portion with a nozzle orifice. A depletion mechanism supplies a reducing gas to a depletion region located adjacent to and upstream from the quenching region. The reducing gas reacts exothermically to lower the density to provide a low density reducing atmosphere within the depletion and substantially prevent formation of gas pockets in the strip.

Abstract: In the casting of ingots of aluminium alloys, containing a readily oxidizable component, in an open-ended mould, a space is enclosed over the molten metal surface adjacent the mould wall and is filled with an inert gas. The enclosure is maintained by a baffle which dips into the molten metal surface close to the baffle. The molten metal surface between the baffle and the mould wall is preferably covered by a layer of an oxide-dissolving flux, which cleanses the meniscus at the metal meniscus/mould wall interface.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for fabricating continuous metal strip composed of a low density, readily oxidizable aluminum based alloy. The alloy is cast directly from the metal through a slotted nozzle onto a moving chill substrate. A scraping mechanism located upstream of the nozzle is adapted to ride on the substrate and remove therefrom the gaseous boundary layer associated therewith. Disposed between the scraping mechanism and the nozzle is a gas supply mechanism adapted to introduce a replacement gas that is carried by the substrate to the nozzle. A shielding means configured to form a semi-enclosed chamber around the nozzle and the substrate apparatus to direct and confine the replacement gas in the vicinity of the nozzle. The alloy preferably has the form of a foil and a composition consisting essentially of about 10 to 13 weight percent silicon, 0 to 3 weight percent magnesium, 0 to 4 weight percent copper, 0 to 0.

Abstract: Process for protecting against oxidation and/or nitridation of a liquid metal stream flowing from the outlet orifice of a ladle or a distribution vessel, comprising surrounding the pouring stream with a tube substantially throughout the height of the stream and injecting a protective gas at least around the pouring stream so as to minimize the contact of the molten metal with the ambient air and avoid the dilution of the protective gas and the aspiration of ambient air. A device for carrying out the process includes two complementary semi-shells for surrounding the pouring stream and a hinge articulating the semi-shells for opening and closing the latter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for casting rapidly solidified metallic strip includes a nozzle mechanism which has an orifice for directing a stream of molten metal onto a movable quench surface. An upstream constraint mechanism constrains an upstream portion of a melt puddle formed on the quench surface by molten metal from the molten metal stream. A side constraint mechanism constrains two, opposite side portions of the melt puddle, and a downstream constraint mechanism provides a selected gas pressure, constraining force against a downstream, top surface of the melt puddled.

Abstract: Process of casting steel from a ladle into a tundish, in which the metal which is in the tundish is protected against oxidation and nitridation. The process comprises two consecutive steps: a first step which includes flushing the tundish before the start of the casting of the liquid metal during which a high flow of dry ice or liquid argon is introduced until the oxygen concentration in the vicinity of the zone corresponding to the base of the jet of liquid metal at the start of the casting is lower than about 0.5%; and a second step for the upkeep of the atmosphere in the vicinity of the base of the jet which begins when the liquid metal starts to flow in the tundish, during which dry ice or liquid argon is injected as an upkeep flow which is less than the flushing flow, so as to maintain an oxygen concentration lower than about 0.5% in the vicinity of the base of the jet.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for the continuous casting of tubular shapes wherein molten metal from which the tubular shape is formed is centrifugally deposited adjacent to the outlet of a fluid-cooled mold by a nozzle assembly, with the metal being cooled and rapidly solidified by the mold to form a cylindrical shell upon which additional metal is deposited to incrementally build the thickness of the tubular shape. The tubular shape being formed is withdrawn continuously from the mold, and is further cooled by coolant directed thereon. The nozzle assembly may be rotated to discharge the molten metal or, alternatively, the mold may be rotated as the metal is deposited thereon. Single-layer tubular shapes, with or without reinforcing material, may be cast and multiple-layer composite shapes may be produced having layers of different material composition and thicknesses. An inert atmosphere is maintained to prevent oxidation of the molten metal.

Abstract: Blanketing of molten aluminum-lithium alloys is performed under a nontoxic and noncorrosive dichlorodifluoromethane containing gas atmosphere, which produces a thin self-passivating fluxing film on the melt surface. The blanketing atmosphere protects the melt from oxidation, burning, and lithium evaporation, improves alloy cleanliness and can be used in any furnace, transfer or casting operation. The blanketing atmosphere can be applied in the entire range of commercial or master aluminum-lithium alloys including pure lithium melts. The dichlorodifluoromethane concentration in the blanketing atmosphere can range from 0.05 to 100 vol % with the remainder being an inert gas such as argon.

Abstract: An improved melt drag metal strip casting apparatus and process in which molten metal is delivered from a supply thereof into contact with a cooled casting surface driven at a predetermined linear rate to quench and withdraw a continuous strip of metal from the molten metal supply. An air knife is employed to direct an elongated narrow jet of gas into contact with the top surface of the strip and with the molten metal supply as the strip is withdrawn to impart the desired shape and finish to the top surface of the strip and to control the amount of liquid metal adhering to the top surface as it is withdrawn to thereby control the thickness of the strip.

Abstract: A method and belt composition for improving the performance and flatness of thin revolving flexible casting belts of continuous casting machines wherein at least one wall of the moving mold is provided by a thin flexible endless metallic casting belt having a permanent insulative coating with fluid-accessible porosity in this permanent coating. Contrary to prior methods and apparatus which have sought to protect the wide thin casting belts, the present method for improving belt flatness and performance involves providing a Helium-containing gaseous film between the metal and the front face of the casting belt which is coated with a permanent insulative porous coating.

Abstract: Metals are continuously cast in an ingot mould having a feeder head disposed thereabove. An isolating ring disposed around the lower portion of the feeder head forms an annular chamber which is maintained under an inert gas pressure throughout the duration of the casting operation by a conduit which is in communication with a source of inert gas.