Specific Molten Metal Dispensing Patents (Class 164/488)
  • Patent number: 11154925
    Abstract: A tundish with improved flow characteristics for molten metal has an outlet in its base. The outlet is spaced longitudinally in the tundish from a pour zone. The pour zone is positioned to receive a stream of molten steel from a ladle. The outlet is provided with a refractory barrier at its upper end. A portion of the floor of the tundish circumferential to the outlet is provided with a refractory structure having an interior free volume. Structures within the tundish, such as a dam extending upwardly from the tundish floor between the pour zone and the outlet, or a well in the tundish floor surrounding the outlet, may be used to affect the flow of molten metal in the tundish.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: Vesuvius U S A Corporation
    Inventors: Khushwant Saini, Donald Zacharias, Thongxai Vouthy, John Morris
  • Patent number: 11052459
    Abstract: A submerged entry nozzle for a continuous casting process includes a pair of triangular shaped ports that narrow from a top portion to a bottom portion of the ports. These triangular shaped ports may improve fluid flow at the discharge of the ports by increasing the velocity of the liquid steel exiting the nozzle and into the mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: Cleveland-Cliffs Steel Properties Inc.
    Inventor: Ken Morales Higa
  • Patent number: 10259037
    Abstract: A primary object of the present invention is to provide a technique of avoiding occurrence of surface defects caused by an electromagnetic brake while checking internal defects with this electromagnetic brake, so that cleanliness of a cast steel can be improved compared with prior arts, and the present invention provides a method for continuously casting steel, the method comprising supplying molten steel into a mold while applying an electromagnetic brake to an outlet flow discharged from an outlet port of an immersion nozzle, wherein magnetic flux density (B) of the electromagnetic brake is within a range of the following (Formula 1): B min ? B ? B max , ? B min = 800 · ( D max D 0 ) 3 · ( H SEN H 0 ) ( v · sin ? ? ? ) , and ? ? B max = 3000 · ( D max D 0 ) 3 · ( H SEN H 0 ) ( v · sin ? ? ? ) 2 .
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: NIPPON STEEL & SUMITOMO METAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masahito Hanao, Hiroaki Uchiyama, Kohei Fujimoto, Masatoshi Miyahara
  • Patent number: 9073117
    Abstract: The invention relates to a diecasting die, in particular in a diecasting hot-runner system, wherein the diecasting die is provided in a feeding region for forming a plug of solidified molten material that interrupts a flow of the molten material and can be completely remelted. A diecasting die is provided according to the preamble of the invention that is suitable for different molten materials, in which a heating acts directly on the molten material with high power and largely without delay. Cooling is not required and the injection-molding method can be carried out at a high operating machine speed and under feeding conditions that can be monitored and reproduced well. A feeding region is provided comprising direct resistance heating that produces a melting heat and is in direct thermal contact with the molten material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: Ferrofacta GmbH
    Inventor: Walter Müller
  • Publication number: 20150144291
    Abstract: Continuous casting equipment for a flow of liquid metal from a tundish into a mould is provided. The equipment includes a vertical duct disposed upstream of the mould with respect to the direction of travel of the liquid metal. The duct includes from upstream to downstream a refractory ring, a copper tube with an internal diameter D and a submerged entry nozzle. A dome is disposed inside the refractory ring and includes a sloped upper part, the upper part is defined so as to deflect the liquid metal coming from the tundish towards the inner walls of the vertical duct. The diameter D of the copper tube ranges between a minimum diameter equal to Q/3.75 and a maximum diameter equal to Q/1.25, where Q is the nominal liquid metal flow rate of the equipment and is between 200 and 800 kg/min and D is the diameter expressed in mm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2012
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: Arcelormittal Investigacion Y Desarrollo, S.L.
    Inventors: Mathieu Brandt, Jean-Paul Fischbach, Paul Naveau
  • Patent number: 8978738
    Abstract: In a twin roll continuous caster, the casting nozzle in the continuous casting apparatus is arranged such that the outlet passages and/or tapered walls in the main portion within the casting nozzle provide flow of molten metal downwardly converging toward the nip between the casting rolls of a twin roll caster. The casting nozzle having a reservoir portion for directing molten metal converging toward the triple point region to inhibit the washing of shells forming on the casting surfaces of the casting rolls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Nucor Corporation
    Inventors: Gary McQuillis, Kevin Keown, Eric Fulbright
  • Patent number: 8813828
    Abstract: In a twin roll continuous caster, the casting nozzle in the continuous casting apparatus is arranged such that the outlet passages and/or tapered walls in the main portion within the casting nozzle provide flow of molten metal downwardly converging toward the nip between the casting rolls of a twin roll caster. The casting nozzle having a reservoir portion for directing molten metal converging toward the triple point region to inhibit the washing of shells forming on the casting surfaces of the casting rolls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Nucor Corporation
    Inventors: Gary McQuillis, Kevin Keown, Eric Fulbright
  • Publication number: 20140216679
    Abstract: A casting system and method. The casting system can include an energy source and a hearth, which can have a tapered cavity. The tapered cavity can have a first end portion and a second end portion, and the tapered cavity can narrow between the first and second end portions. Further, the tapered cavity can have an inlet at the first end portion that defines an inlet capacity, and one or more outlets at the second end portion that define an outlet capacity. Where the cavity has a single outlet, the outlet capacity can be less than the inlet capacity. Where the cavity has multiple outlets, the combined outlet capacity can match the inlet capacity. Further, the cross-sectional area of the tapered cavity near the inlet can be similar to the cross-sectional area of the inlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: ATI PROPERTIES, INC.
    Inventors: Evan H. Copland, Matthew J. Arnold, Ramesh S. Minisandram
  • Patent number: 8413711
    Abstract: A device in connection with equipment for continuous or semi-continuous casting of metal, in particular direct mold (DC) casting of aluminum in the form of a billet or wire billet. The device includes a mold with a cavity or a mold (3) that is provided with an inlet connected, via supply channels (6, 18) and a distribution chamber (5), to a metal reservoir (13) and an outlet arranged in the mold with a support and devices for cooling the metal. In connection with the supply channels (6, 18) between the metal reservoir (13) and the molds (3), a metal lifting container (15) is arranged at an inlet (16) to the metal reservoir (13) via a channel (18) and to the distribution chamber (5) and the molds (3) via an outlet (17) via another channel (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Norsk Hydro ASA
    Inventors: Bjørn Vaagland, John Olav Fagerlie, John Erik Hafsås, Arild Håkonsen, Geir Øyen, Terje Iveland
  • Patent number: 8361378
    Abstract: An immersion nozzle used for measuring a level of molten metal, wherein a first conductive portion and a second conductive portion which are made of carbon are imbedded in a pair of slots which are provided on the surface of the immersion nozzle separately from each other and along the longitudinal direction in such a way that the first and second conductive portions form integral parts of the surface of the immersion nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Nireco Corporation
    Inventor: Koichi Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 8360136
    Abstract: In a continuous casting method, the outside surface of a continuous casting nozzle which supplies molten metal into a mold while immersed in the molten metal in the mold, is heated to 1000° C. or higher by a nozzle heating device comprising an external heater which performs radiant heating, while the molten metal passes through the continuous casting nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Nippon Steel Corporation
    Inventors: Taijiro Matsui, Shinichi Fukunaga, Hiroshi Imawaka, Kohichiroh Kataoka
  • Patent number: 8272427
    Abstract: A casting element for a casting installation for transferring liquid metal comprises a plurality of casting elements in successive contact and forming a canal along which the metal can flow, the casting element comprising a tube, notably a ladle shroud, the axis of which corresponds to the axis of the canal. The casting element is able to make contact with an upstream element of the installation and comprises means for controlling the angular orientation of the tube about its axis with respect to the upstream element, these means being capable of giving the tube at least three distinct orientations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Vesuvius Crucible Company
    Inventor: Eric Hanse
  • Patent number: 8251129
    Abstract: In an operation of continuous casting of steel grade such as aluminum-killed steel where a nozzle clogging phenomenon is particularly likely to occur, it is intended to prevent adhesion of inclusions (typically, Al2O3) on a nozzle used in the casting operation, and clogging of the nozzle due to the inclusions. A refractory material 10 is arranged to define a part or an entirety of a molten steel-contacting surface of a continuous casting nozzle, wherein the refractory material 10 contains: a CaO component in an amount of 0.5 mass % or more; one or both of B2O3 and R2O (R is one selected from the group consisting of Na, K and Li) in an amount of 0.5 mass % or more; Al2O3 in an amount of 50 mass % or more; and free carbon in an amount of 8.0 to 34.5 mass %, and wherein a total amount of CaO, B2O3 and R2O is in the range of 1.0 to 15.0 mass %, and a mass ratio of CaO/(B2O3+R2O) is in the range of 0.1 to 3.0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Krosakiharima Corporation
    Inventors: Katsumi Morikawa, Akinari Sasaki, Hiroshi Otsuka, Yuichi Tsukaguchi
  • Patent number: 8225845
    Abstract: A metal delivery apparatus for casting metal strip includes at least one elongated segment having a main portion extending longitudinally through the main portion with end walls at opposite ends thereof, the main portion communicating with outlets along opposite sides of each segment adapted to upwardly discharge flow of molten metal into a casting pool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Nucor Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Schlichting, Brian Bowman, Clark Ponder, Peter Woodberry
  • Patent number: 8210239
    Abstract: A continuous casting method of molten metal using electromagnetic force to improve the cast slab surface properties and reduce the nonmetallic inclusions and bubbles trapped inside the cast slab is provided. An alternating current is run through an electromagnetic coil arranged around a casting mold so as to surround a casting space to control the meniscus shape to improve the cast slab surface properties. The discharge ports of a submerged entry nozzle are oriented upward and the direction of the discharge flow from the discharge ports is above the intersection of the casting mold short side and meniscus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Nippon Steel Corporation
    Inventors: Takehiko Toh, Masahiro Tani, Kazuhisa Tanaka, Shinichi Fukunaga
  • Patent number: 8113267
    Abstract: Provided is a twin-roll casting machine capable of suppressing irregularities in crosswise thickness distribution of a strip. The twin-roll casting machine comprises chilled rolls, side weirs, and nozzle pieces. A plurality of openings for supply of molten metal to between the chilled rolls are formed alternately on portions of each of the nozzle pieces adjacent to the one and the other rolls, respectively, and are spaced apart from each other axially of the rolls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: IHI Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Otsuka, Katsumi Nakayama
  • Publication number: 20110308759
    Abstract: A hot-top is disclosed that continuously casts an ingot by pouring molten metal down into a cylindrical space in a continuous casting mold from a molten metal flow-down port. The inner shape of a flow-down port forming part corresponds to the inner shape of a cylindrical space forming part. The hot-top forms an annular groove about the molten metal flow-down port, and has a barrier between the annular groove and the flow-down port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicants: NIPPON LIGHT METAL CO., LTD., TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takehito Kobayashi, Noriyuki Ueno, Ryuuichi Masuda, Kaoru Sugita
  • Publication number: 20110277951
    Abstract: [OBJECT] In an operation of continuous casting of steel grade such as aluminum-killed steel where a nozzle clogging phenomenon is particularly likely to occur, it is intended to prevent adhesion of inclusions (typically, Al2O3) on a nozzle used in the casting operation, and clogging of the nozzle due to the inclusions [SOLUTION] A refractory material 10 is arranged to define a part or an entirety of a molten steel-contacting surface of a continuous casting nozzle, wherein the refractory material 10 contains: a CaO component in an amount of 0.5 mass % or more; one or both of B2O3 and R2O (R is one selected from the group consisting of Na, K and Li) in an amount of 0.5 mass % or more; Al2O3 in an amount of 50 mass % or more; and free carbon in an amount of 8.0 to 34.5 mass %, and wherein a total amount of CaO, B2O3 and R2O is in the range of 1.0 to 15.0 mass %, and a mass ratio of CaO/(B2O3+R2O) is in the range of 0.1 to 3.0.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2010
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Applicant: KROSAKIHARIMA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Katsumi MORIKAWA, Akinari SASAKI, Hiroshi OTSUKA, Yuichi Tsukaguchi
  • Patent number: 8056612
    Abstract: A discharge device discharges liquid steel into a roller crystallizer for the continuous casting of thin strip. The discharge device reduces turbulence at the meniscus to a minimum so as to eliminate the relative defects on the cast strip by passing the steel between two crystallizer rollers. A relative casting process provides expedients for improving the steel feeding from a tundish to the crystallizer. Advantageously, the feeding of guided steel jet streams inside the nozzle, or delivery nozzle, eliminates the disturbance at the meniscus caused by the air bubbles which can form when free-falling jet streams come into contact with the air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Danieli & C. Officine Meccaniche S.p.A.
    Inventors: Nuredin Kapaj, Alfredo Poloni, Fabio Vecchiet
  • Patent number: 8051894
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for centering a submerged entry nozzle. The present invention includes: a plurality of laser beam generators 20 that is disposed above a mold 3 for continuous casting to radiate a laser beam toward the center of the mold; a tundish moving unit 15 that moves a tundish 1 above the mold 3; and a control unit that is linked with the laser beam generators 20 and controls the tundish moving unit 15 to center the installation position of the submerged entry nozzle 5 provided at the lower portion of the tundish, in response to signals transmitted from the laser beam generators 20. According to the present invention, in addition to accurately and quickly centering the submerged entry nozzle 5, it is possible to maintain the submerged entry nozzle that has been centered, such that it is possible to minimize a channeling phenomenon of molten steel. Accordingly, it can be expected to improve the quality of a slab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Hyundai Steel Company
    Inventors: Hongkil Moon, Kaeyoung Lee, Jutae Choi, Jaehwan Ahn, Hyojoong Kwon
  • Patent number: 8047264
    Abstract: A metal strip casting apparatus and method of casting continuous metal strip include assembling a pair of counter-rotatable casting rolls having casting surfaces positioned laterally forming a nip between for casting, and delivering molten metal through a delivery nozzle disposed above the nip to form a casting pool supported on the casting rolls. The delivery nozzle includes at least one segment having a main portion and an end portion and an inner trough extending longitudinally through the main portion and into the end portion with end walls at opposite ends thereof, the inner trough communicating with outlets adjacent bottom portions formed in each segment adapted to deliver molten metal to a casting pool and the end portion having a reservoir portion having passages adapted to deliver molten metal to a casting pool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Nucor Corporation
    Inventors: Brian E. Bowman, Rama Ballav Mahapatra, Peter A. Woodberry
  • Patent number: 8037924
    Abstract: An immersion nozzle for continuous casting, including (1) a tubular body with a bottom, the tubular body having an inlet for entry of molten steel disposed at an upper end and a passage extending inside the tubular body downward from the inlet, and (2) a pair of opposing outlets disposed in a sidewall at a lower section of the tubular body so as to communicate with the passage, the nozzle comprising: a pair of opposing ridges horizontally projecting into the passage from an inner wall between the pair of outlets, the inner wall defining the passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Krosaki Harima Corporation
    Inventors: Koji Kido, Joji Kurisu, Hiroshi Otsuka, Arito Mizobe, Takahiro Kuroda
  • Patent number: 7934627
    Abstract: This invention discloses a molten metal supply system that can supply molten metal to a downstream process at a constant pressure and molten metal flow rate. The molten metal supply system includes a molten metal supply source, a plurality of injectors, and a plurality of check valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Alcoa Inc.
    Inventors: Vivek M. Sample, David E. Gaylord, Vincent A. Paola, Domenic A. Ghiardi, Ronald G. Chabal, Jacob A. Kallivayalil
  • Patent number: 7926550
    Abstract: A metal strip casting apparatus and a method of casting continuous metal strip includes assembling a pair of counter-rotatable casting rolls having casting surfaces positioned laterally forming a nip between for casting, and delivering molten metal through a delivery nozzle disposed above the nip capable to form a casting pool supported on the casting rolls. The delivery nozzle comprises segments each having elongate nozzle body with longitudinally extending side walls, end walls and a bottom part to form an inner trough, a nozzle insert disposed above bottom portions of the inner trough of each segment and supported relative to the nozzle body through which incoming molten metal may be delivered to the inner trough of each segment of the delivery nozzle, and the elongate nozzle body of each segment having passageways in fluid communication with the inner trough and outlet openings capable of discharging molten metal from the nozzle body outwardly into the casting pool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Inventors: Walter N. Blejde, Mike Schueren, David J. Sosinsky, Brian D. White, Mark Schlichting, W. Kent Cooper, James Leacock McIntosh, Peter Woodberry, Rama B. Mahapatra, Malcolm McDonald
  • Patent number: 7926549
    Abstract: A method of and apparatus for casting metal strip involving assembling a pair of casting rolls laterally disposed to form a nip between them, assembling an elongated metal delivery nozzle extending along and above the nip between the casting rolls, with at least one segment having opposing side walls and end walls, an inner trough extending longitudinally within between side walls and forming passages between the side walls and the inner trough and communicating with side outlets adjacent bottom portions, introducing molten metal through the elongate metal delivery nozzle to form a casting pool of molten metal supported on the casting rolls above the nip, such that molten metal is caused to flow into the inner trough of the delivery nozzle, from the inner trough through the passages between the inner trough and sidewalls, and from the passages through the side outlets in a substantially lateral direction into the casting pool, and counter rotating the casting rolls to deliver cast strip downwardly from the ni
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Nucor Corporation
    Inventors: W. Kent Cooper, James Leacock McIntosh, Peter Woodberry, Rama B. Mahapatra, Malcolm McDonald
  • Patent number: 7905272
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: MKM Mansfelder Kupfer und Messing GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Albrecht, Joachim Dauterstedt, Hans-Jürgen Schütt, Michael Starke
  • Patent number: 7891408
    Abstract: A method of producing an immersion nozzle for continuous casting, which includes integrally molding a first zirconia-graphite compound applied to a powder-line portion of the nozzle, and a second compound applied to at least an inner hole portion of the nozzle. The second compound includes 10 mass % or more of clinker particles each containing CaO as a mineral phase, and the surface of at least a part of the clinker particles is subjected to an anti-hydration treatment, such as a heat treatment to be performed under a CO2 atmosphere to convert CaO to CaCO3. The method can suppress volume expansion caused by the reaction between CaO and water released from resin added as binder, so as to prevent the occurrence of cracks during a burning process of the molded piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignees: Krosakiharima Corporation, LWB Refractories Company
    Inventors: Koji Ogata, Donald Bruce Hoover
  • Patent number: 7757747
    Abstract: A submerged entry nozzle (SEN) for use in a casting machine to conduct molten steel from a tundish to a mold may include a housing having an inlet capable of receiving an incoming flow of molten steel from the tundish, a distribution zone capable of delivering the molten steel to the mold; and a main body having a bore capable of conducting molten steel therethrough from the inlet to the distribution zone, the bore having sectional geometries capable of alternately compressing and decompressing the molten steel flow in flow path zones to alternately increase and decrease the steel flow velocity with at least two flow path zones capable of compressing the molten steel flow, and to deliver the molten steel from the distribution zone into the mold with flow turbulence inhibited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Nucor Corporation
    Inventor: James L. McIntosh
  • Patent number: 7637307
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for optimizing melting of titanium for processing into ingots or end products. The apparatus provides a main hearth, a plurality of optional refining hearths, and a plurality of casting molds or direct molds whereby direct arc electrodes melt the titanium in the main hearth while plasma torches melt the titanium in the refining chambers and/or adjacent the molds. Each of the direct arc electrodes and plasma torches is extendable and retractable into the melting environment and moveable in a circular pivoting or side to side linear motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Ajax Tocco Magnethermic Corporation
    Inventors: Edward Scott Jackson, David O. Warren
  • Publication number: 20090266506
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method for continuous casting of a metal in the form of a hollow jet into a nozzle arranged between a pouring ladle or a tundish and a continuous casting ingot mold, said nozzle including in its upper part a dispensing member capable of deflecting at least part of the liquid metal reaching the nozzle inlet towards an inner wall of the nozzle before it penetrates into the ingot mold. Said method includes injecting into an inner volume of the hollow jet finely-divided solid material, characterized in that the finely-divided solid material comprises technical ceramic nanoparticles, of characteristic size less than 200 nm and preferably less than 100 nm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2006
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Applicant: Centre de Recherches Metallurgiques asbl- Centrum Voor Research in de Metallurgie vzw
    Inventors: Paul Naveau, Astrid De Ro
  • Publication number: 20090266505
    Abstract: The present invention provides a continuous casting method of steel preventing alumina and other nonmetallic inclusions becoming causes of slivers and argon bubbles becoming causes of blowholes from being entrained and thereby enabling the production of a cast slab superior in surface and internal quality, that is, one giving an inside bore 21 of an immersion nozzle 21 a horizontal sectional shape of an elliptical shape or oblong shape with a length ratio DL/DS of that long axis DL and short axis DS of 1.2 to 3.8, making a direction of that long axis substantially parallel to a long side direction of the casting mold 3, and making the sliding direction of the sliding nozzle 1 a direction perpendicular to said long axis to supply the molten steel in the casting mold 3. Note that a ratio S1/S0 of a sectional area Si at a smallest sectional area part 23 of the inside bore 21 and a sectional area S0 of a nozzle hole 11 of the sliding nozzle 1 is made 0.5 to 0.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2006
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Inventors: Toshiaki Mizoguchi, Masanobu Hayakawa, Yoshiaki Suematsu, Akira Mikasa
  • Patent number: 7591976
    Abstract: Disclosed is a continuous casting nozzle having a refractory portion formed to contain a dolomite clinker and arranged to define a surface region adapted to be in contact with molten steel, which is capable of protecting a working surface of the nozzle from alumina build-up due to alumina in molten steel, while improving corrosion resistance, even during long-term continuous casting of molten steel. The refractory portion is prepared by adding a binder to a mixed material and subjecting the obtained mixture to kneading, forming and heat treatment. The mixed material comprises a dolomite clinker which has an average particle size of 0.8 mm or less and a CaO content of 50 mass % or less. The mixed material has a ratio W1/W2 of 0.33 or more, wherein W1 is a content by mass of CaO, and W2 is a content by mass of MgO. The mixed material comprises a dolomite clinker and a magnesia clinker. Alternatively, the mixed material comprises a dolomite clinker and a magnesia clinker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Krosakiharima Corporation
    Inventors: Koji Ogata, Saeko Koga, Shinichi Fukunaga
  • Patent number: 7487820
    Abstract: A method for deciding objectively whether a refractory plate of a slide gate valve used to control the flow of a molten metal during the pouring of the metal from an upper vessel to a lower vessel can be reused or should be discarded. Values of parameters measured during pouring or proper to the plate are determined during successive uses of the plate. The values are compared to threshold values to reach a decision. Also, a device for making decisions according to this method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Vesuvius Crucible Company
    Inventor: Philippe Mutsaarts
  • Patent number: 7445037
    Abstract: A method and equipment for continuous or semi-continuous casting of metal, in particular directly-cooled (DC) casting of aluminum, including at least one mold (3) with a mold cavity (11) that is provided with an inlet (4) linked to a metal store and an outlet with devices (27) for cooling the metal so that an object in the form of an extended string, rod or bar is cast through the outlet. The metal is supplied to the mold (3) in such a way and with such regulation that the metallostatic pressure in the contact point (solidification zone) against the mold wall is virtually zero during casting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Norsk Hydro ASA
    Inventors: Bjarne Anders Heggset, Bjørn Vaagland, Steinar Benum, Geir Olav Ånesbug, Torstein Sæther, John Erik Hafsås
  • Patent number: 7363959
    Abstract: A partial SEN capable of having flow diverter parts installed therein, and a method of using the SEN in a continuous casting system are disclosed. The partial SEN includes a hollow distribution zone at a bottom portion of the SEN which is designed to allow the installation of at least two different types of flow diverter parts, one type of flow diverter parts for a first type of caster mold, and a second type of flow diverter parts for a second type of caster mold. The design of the flow diverter parts and the resulting angles achieved when the flow diverter parts are installed in the partial SEN are matched to a caster mold such that the flow characteristics of molten steel exiting the SEN into the caster mold during continuous casting operation are of a desired and optimal nature to prevent various types of casting defects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Nucor Corporation
    Inventors: Robert C. Hanna, Kirby Joe Teeter
  • Publication number: 20080041555
    Abstract: A method for forming a metal product includes providing a counter stress feature in the metal product that is positioned to balance the stress in the metal product. The method includes providing a metal product having a neutral axis; providing a cutout in the metal product on a first side of the neutral axis; and providing a counter stress feature on a second side of the neutral axis. The position and size of the counter stress feature is predetermined such that the counter stress feature balances the stress introduced by the cutout. An extruded metal product includes a web having a neutral axis, at least one cutout in the web on a first side of the neutral axis, and at least one indentation in the web on a second side of the neutral axis. The at least one indentation is positioned to balance the stress introduced by the at least one cutout.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2006
    Publication date: February 21, 2008
    Applicant: INDALEX INC.
    Inventors: Thomas M. Zurewich, Edward M. Urban
  • Patent number: 7302993
    Abstract: Techniques for forming cast parts for medical devices suitable for contact with internal regions of patients are described herein. Such parts can be small in scale (e.g., having a major axis less than 0.3 inches, and/or a minor axis less than about 0.08 inches), and can be formed from metals that have a high melting point and high reactivity with environmental components or mold surfaces, such as stainless steel and titanium alloys. Such techniques can include injecting molten metal into the sprue of a mold tree such that the side runners are backfilled after the molten metal impacts a closed end of the sprue. Side runners can be oriented in particular directions and positions to promote backfilling. As well, flask temperatures and the use of surfactants can also promote cast part formation, hindering the formation of surface defects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: William A. Crawford, Tracy J. Potter, Donald F. Heaney, Brain S. DeForce, Samardh Onukuri
  • Patent number: 7275584
    Abstract: A nozzle for continuous casting of clean steel is capable of preventing adhesion of Al2O3-based inclusions to a wall surface of the inner hole of the nozzle while fully achieving an effect of a swirl vane. The swirl vane prevents drift in molten steel passing through the inner hole. The swirl vane is disposed in the inner hole. A wall surface is at least partly formed as a tubular-shaped refractory layer and is prepared by controlling a weight ratio of CaO/MgO and an apparent porosity to have a thickness of 3 to 20 mm, so as to prevent adhesion of Al2O3-based inclusions to the wall surface and the swirl vane while effectively maintaining the anti-drift effect for long hours. Further, inert gas is injected into a molten steel flow between an upper nozzle and the swirl vane to facilitate surfacing of Al2O3-based inclusions in a mold and reduce Al2O3-based inclusions in molten steel so as to achieve stable casting operation and high-quality steel with high cleanness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Krosakiharima Corporation
    Inventors: Katsumi Morikawa, Joki Yoshitomi, Keisuke Asano, Saeko Uchida
  • Patent number: 7237596
    Abstract: The present invention concerns an element for the casting of a liquid metal, comprising a base body made from a refractory material, said body comprising an outer surface and an inner surface defining a pouring channel for the casting of the liquid metal. This element is characterized in that at least a part of the element inner surface is coated with an insulating coating forming, at the metal liquid contact, a gas impermeable layer. Such an element has an excellent thermal shock resistance which permits its use without preheating. Then a layer reducing advantageously the gas permeability is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: Vesuvius Crucible Company
    Inventors: Eric Hanse, François Delvoye, Philippe Laval
  • Patent number: 7108048
    Abstract: To achieve the highest possible separation rate for foreign particles in a tundish combined, at the same time, with a minimized level of inclusions, the refractory-lined interior space of the tundish, as a function of an operating bath level (h), satisfies the condition that a dimensionless ratio (?) of the refractory-lined surface area (Aref) to the filling volume (V) which is delimited by this refractory-lined surface area and the bath-level-dependent exposed surface area (ATop) and results from the relationship ? = A ref ( V ) 2 3 be between 3.83 and 4.39.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Voest-Alpine Industrieanlagenbau GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Markus Brummayer, Gerald Eckerstorfer, Gerald Hohenbichler, Karl Moerwald
  • Patent number: 7108046
    Abstract: In an immersion nozzle exchanging apparatus for supporting an immersion nozzle at a flange underside thereof by a plurality of key plates parallel provided on both sides to horizontally pushing out and exchange an immersion nozzle much used with a new immersion nozzle, in order to secure high realability in the joint surface at between the immersion nozzle and the refractory positioned above thereof, the immersion nozzle exchanging apparatus comprises urge pressure providing mechanisms independent of each key plate for continuously changing a deflection amount of a spring body thereof depending on a moving position of the immersion nozzle upon exchanging the immersion nozzle and at the same time changing an immersion nozzle urging force caused on the respective key plates, and a slide frame having a spring body supporting seat surface formed with a taper surface in part thereof. The immersion nozzle to be used therein has a concave surface for holding a seal member having a depth of 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Krosaki Harima Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuo Kawano, Nobuyuki Yokoi, Junichi Funato, Yukio Inoue, Motoki Toyota
  • Patent number: 7024750
    Abstract: A method for the production of a layered metal slab by casting, which strip contains a central layer (2) and surface layers (3) on either side of it. The central layer (2) is introduced as a strip through a mould (4), into which is introduced molten metal (5), the mould (4) is cooled, whereupon a layered structure (1) is formed as the metal solidifies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Outokumpu Oyj
    Inventors: Mika Isokytö, Saara Koski-Laine, Taisto Koskinen, Ari Lind, Kauko Rajamäki
  • Patent number: 7013949
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: MPC Metal Process Controll AB
    Inventors: Michel Cervantes, Mats Jalk, Håkan Kelvesjö, Willy Ohlsson
  • Patent number: 6890392
    Abstract: A method of making a material alloy for an iron-based rare earth magnet includes the step of forming a melt of an alloy with a composition of (Fe1-mTm)100-x-y-z-n(B1-pCp)xRyTi2Mn. T is Co and/or Ni; R is at least one element selected from Y (yttrium) and the rare earth elements; and M is at least one element selected from Al, Si, V, Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, Zr, Nb, Mo, Ag, Hf, Ta, W, Pt, Au and Pb, wherein the following inequalities are satisfied: 10<x?25 at %, *6?y<10 at %, 0.5?z?12 at %, 0?m?0.5, 0?n?10 at % and 0?p?0.25. Next, the melt is fed onto a shoot with a guide surface tilted at about 1 degree to about 80 degrees with respect to a horizontal plane, thereby moving the melt onto a melt/roller contact region. The melt is then rapidly cooled using a chill roller to make a rapidly solidified alloy including an R2Fe14B phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: Neomax Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hirokazu Kanekiyo, Toshio Miyoshi, Satoshi Hirosawa
  • Patent number: 6860318
    Abstract: Apparatus for the continuous or semi-continuous casting of molten aluminium to form an ingot in the mould (8) of a casting machine, including a launder (4), a casting mould and feed means (2) which is coupled to the launder and extends into the casting mould. The feed means is connected to the underside of a tundish (3), and the tundish is provided with an inlet member (10) for admitting molten aluminium from the launder (4) into the tundish. The tundish is also provided with pressure-reducing means (5) for lowering the absolute gas pressure in the part of the tundish which is above the molten aluminium admitted into the tundish.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Corus Technology BV
    Inventors: Gabriël Julius Raoul Tahitu, Jean Pierre André Westerveld
  • Publication number: 20040226681
    Abstract: A magnesium-alloy plate manufactured by completely melting a magnesium-alloy material received in a hermetic type melting furnace; transferring the molten magnesium-alloy into a hermetic type heat insulation furnace through a hermetic type transfer runner; discharging the molten magnesium-alloy received in the heat insulation furnace into a recessed portion of a casting wheel through a casting runner, to which a mixed gas containing SF6 is injected by ignition-suppression gas injection tubes; and continuously casting the molten magnesium-alloy entered into the recessed portion of the casting wheel into a magnesium-alloy plate using a casting band circulating around the casting wheel while coming into contact with an upper portion of the recessed portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2003
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Applicant: Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials
    Inventors: Bong-Sun You, Ha-Sik Kim, Byung-Gi Moon, Won-Wook Park
  • Publication number: 20040206473
    Abstract: A metal distribution system for the simultaneous production of a plurality of logs or round billets from molten metal comprising: 1) a trough for the introduction of molten metal; 2) a plurality of side streams extending from the trough and each of the side streams including a plurality of opposing apertures each of the apertures including a thimble for the shaping of molten metal passing through the trough and the side streams and into the thimbles. A uniform flow of molten metal into the side streams and the individual apertures is provided by the controlled negative angular orientation of the most upstream opposing pair of apertures thereby providing relative uniformity of the temperature of molten metal reaching each of the plurality of apertures. A unique unitized thimble configuration and trough damming arrangement are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2003
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventors: Alan R. Sale, Sylvain P. Tremblay, Richard J. Collins
  • Publication number: 20040154783
    Abstract: A molten metal supply system (90) includes a plurality of injectors (100) each having an injector housing (102) and a reciprocating piston (104). A molten metal supply source (132) is in fluid communication with the housing (102) of each of the injectors (100). The piston (104) is movable through a first stroke allowing molten metal (134) to be received into the housing (102) from the molten metal supply source (132), and a second stroke for displacing the molten metal (134) from the housing (102). A pressurized gas supply source (144) is in fluid communication with the housing (102) of each of the injectors (100) through respective gas control valves (146). The molten metal supply system (90) is in fluid communication with an outlet manifold (140) having a plurality of outlet dies (404), which may be used to form continuous metal articles including rods, bars, ingots, and continuous plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2004
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventors: Vivek M. Sample, Scott E. Reighard, Vincent A. Paola, Ronald G. Chabal
  • Patent number: 6712125
    Abstract: A molten metal supply system (90) includes a plurality of injectors (100) each having an injector housing (102) and a reciprocating piston (104). A molten metal supply source (132) is in fluid communication with the housing (102) of each of the injectors (100). The piston (104) is movable through a first stroke allowing molten metal (134) to be received into the housing (102) from the molten metal supply source (132), and a second stroke for displacing the molten metal (134) from the housing (102). A pressurized gas supply source (144) is in fluid communication with the housing (102) of each of the injectors (100) through respective gas control valves (146). The molten metal supply system (90) is in fluid communication with an outlet manifold (140) having a plurality of outlet dies (404), which may be used to form continuous metal articles including rods, bars, ingots, and continuous plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Alcoa Inc.
    Inventors: Vivek M. Sample, Scott E. Reighard, Vincent A. Paola, Ronald G. Chabal
  • Patent number: 6712126
    Abstract: A molten metal supply system (90) includes a plurality of injectors (100) each having an injector housing (102) and a reciprocating piston (104). A molten metal supply source (132) is in fluid communication with the housing (102) of each of the injectors (100). The piston (104) is movable through a return stroke allowing molten metal (134) to be received into the housing (102) from the molten metal supply source (132), and a displacement stroke for displacing the molten metal (134) from the housing (102). A pressurized gas supply source (144) is in fluid communication with the housing (102) of each of the injectors (100) through respective gas control valves (146). The gas supply source (144) is used to pressurize a space formed between the molten metal (134) and the piston (104) during the return stroke of the piston (104) of each of the injectors (100).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Alcoa, Inc.
    Inventors: Vivek M. Sample, Scott E. Reighard, Vincent A. Paola, Ronald G. Chabal