Abstract: A method and apparatus which enables a continuous horizontal casting of thin slabs operates on the principle of cooling the molten steel and the cooling mold from the top and bottom while the sides of the cooling mold are comprised of refractory materials which prevent solidification along the short sides of the mold. Consequently, during the initial phases of the solidification process the steel solidifies from the top and the bottom forming sheets of increasing thickness which squeeze and sandwich the molten liquid center. The process avoids formation of voids or other irregularities in the finished metal slabs and it results in a very low rejection rate of finished product. Particularly for application wherein thin metal slabs measuring less than 4 or 5 inches in thickness are produced, the upper side of the mold curves upwardly toward the inlet opening to prevent freezing of the molten metal at the opening.

Abstract: An electromagnetic horizontal casting process for continuously casting a flat ingot in a horizontal direction, including the steps of: transferring a mass of molten metal through a nozzle having an opening which has a rectangular cross sectional shape substantially corresponding to a rectangular transverse cross sectional shape of the flat to be formed, the cross sectional shape of the opening having long sides extending in the horizontal direction; causing the mass of molten metal to continuously emerge in the horizontal direction from an exit end of said nozzle; levitating the mass of molten metal which has emerged from the nozzle, in the horizontal direction with electromagnetic forces created by an upper and a lower electromagnetic coil which are disposed in a mutually vertically spaced-apart relation adjacent to the exit end of the nozzle; solidifying the levitated mass of molten metal into the flat ingot, by direct contact of the molten mass with a cooling fluid; and withdrawing the flat ingot continuou

Abstract: A break ring formed by providing a frame having a cross-section complementary to the exterior portion of the break ring, and the frame having an interior base of the cross-section of the break ring which will be in contact with the molten metal in the continuous caster is disclosed. The frame is thereafter filled with plasma sprayed boron nitride, silicon nitride, or whatever material is to immediately contact the metal in the horizontal continuous caster. This is subsequently followed by the spraying of a substrate onto the skin of the break ring, whereafter the body portion is finally filled. Detonation gun-type spraying is also contemplated, but a plasma gun forms a superior coating and gives more flexibility. Finally, the body is formed interiorly of the break ring further by plasma application or by casting. In one option, a cooling tube is laid into the body portion.

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: In a horizontal continuous casting machine having a casting withdrawing cycle consisting of withdrawing, stopping and push-back periods, a method of controlling the stop of the flow of a casting during the stopping period of the withdrawing cycle so as to stop the flow of the casting within a predetermined period. The desired braking torque is calculated in consideration of the load variations due to the casting condition of the horizontal continuous casting machine and the braking torque is applied to the pinch roll shafts upon the termination of the withdrawing period thereby effecting the stop of the flow of the casting during the stopping period within the predetermined time.

Abstract: In the horizontal continuous casting of metal, an upper contact part and a lower contact part of the metal body are horizontally displaced with the inner wall of the tubular chilled mold relative to one another, so that the lower contact part is positioned downstream relative to the upper contact part. Gas pressure is used to displace the contact point.

Abstract: Continuous casting apparatus comprises a mould defining a horizontal mould passage, a break ring having a tapered portion positioned in a correspondingly tapered inlet to the mould passage, a refractory feed tube supported in a mounting assembly and means for urging the assembly towards the mould so that an end face of the tube abuts against an end face of the break ring. The assembly is pivotally mounted so that the feed tube is pivotable relative to the break ring about a pair of axes which are at right angles to each other and at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the mould passage.

Abstract: A method for controlling the billet pushing back length for a horizontal continuous casting system is disclosed wherein, for allowing stable formation of the billet shell, the billet is pushed or forced back towards the mold during the transient stop or halt cycle of the intermittent billet extracting process. The pushing or forcing back pressure executed by the pinch rolls in controlled for each extracting cycle in order that the billet is pushed or forced back towards the mold a preset length.

Abstract: Horizontal casting apparatus which includes a composite sleeve or ring at the entrance to the mould comprising a graphite inner portion and an insulating outer portion. The apparatus can optionally have an inert gas shield around the composite ring to protect the graphite component thereof against oxidation.

Abstract: A silicon aluminum oxynitride containing refractory for use in continuous casting is placed between a mold and a tundish and is formed by sintering an admixture of silicon nitride (Si.sub.3 N.sub.4), aluminum nitride (AlN), boron nitride(BN), and a mineral clay. The refractory further includes aluminum oxide(Al.sub.2 O.sub.3).

Abstract: A method of horizontal continuous casting of thin and wide ingots. The method includes providing a withdrawal or extraction length of 50 to 300 mm at a speed in excess of 3 meters per second up to 20 meters per second and holding the ingot for 1 to 5 seconds. Further, the ingot can be retracted to correspond to the length reduction due to cooling. The effect of the invention is an improvement in ingot quality.

Abstract: A process for casting molten metallic material having a solidification ra of temperatures, especially alloys containing more than 80% aluminium, involves simultaneously stirring and cooling the molten material to a temperature between 0.degree. C. and 75.degree. C. above the liquidus temperature of the metallic material using hollow heat transfer rods (9) extending across a duct (4), down which the material is caused to flow. The material is then caused to solidify with a substantially non-dendritic microstructure by rapidly cooling it in a continuous casting machine. The solidified bar so produced may then be reheated at a steady rate to a point between its liquidus and solidus temperature until it contains between 30% and 70% by volume solids content but can still be maneuvered without losing its shape. It may then, with a minimum of delay, be rapidly formed into a solid article of any desired shape by, for example, casting in a pressure casting machine.

Abstract: In a continuous casting process, molten metal is supplied into a generally open top horizontal mold having an inner wall maintained at a temperature which is higher than the solidification temperature of the molten metal, while the molten metal is maintained under generally zero pressure at the outlet opening of the mold. A dummy bar is drawn horizontally away from the outlet opening of the mold to cause the molten metal to be drawn out of the mold opening and undergo solidification at the surfaces thereof directly proximate to the outlet opening. The exposed surface of the molten metal in the mold is heated through the open mold top by a heater spaced out of contact with the molten metal surface.

Abstract: A process and nozzle for the continuous casting of molten metal to the mold of a caterpillar track type mold wherein the distance of the nozzle from the moving mold belts is regulated during the casting operation by altering the temperature at a plurality of places inside the nozzle body and/or by creating a pressurized gas cushion at a plurality of locations between the nozzle and the moving mold belts. The nozzle for feeding molten metal to the mold includes heating elements for altering the temperature of the nozzle and, if desired, at least one gas channel for forming a gas cushion between the nozzle and the moving mold belts.

Abstract: In a method for oscillating an inherently rigid horizontal continuous casting mold for metals, by subjecting the mold to sinusoidally oscillating horizontal stroke movements alternately in the casting direction and in the direction opposite to the casting direction, while casting is advanced in the casting direction and is removed continuously, the mold is oscillated at a frequency, f, of at least about 100 cycles/minute, and the oscillation frequency, f, and mold stroke, H, are given values related to casting rate, V.sub.0, such that the average value of 2 fH/V.sub.0 is at least 0.64 and the displacement of the mold relative to the casting during each movement of the mold in the casting direction is no greater than 1 mm.

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: A method and apparatus for semi-horizontal continuous casting is disclosed employing an essentially horizontally extending continuous casting mold provided at its upper side or top wall with a mold inlet opening for the infeed of the metal to be cast, especially steel. At least one strand guide arrangement serves to guide at least one continuously cast strand which is fed laterally out of the continuous casting mold. The strand guide arrangement for each stand possesses two strand guide tracks or paths curved in opposite direction, the center of curvature of the first curved guide track or path, viewed in the direction of travel of the cast strand, being located below its related path of travel, and the center of curvature of the second curved guide track or path being located above its related path of travel.

Abstract: An improved roll caster tip apparatus is disclosed comprising a molten metal reservoir comprising a sidewall terminating in a bottom plate and a nozzle tip member attached to the sidewall having a top wall, a bottom wall and a pair of side riser members between the top wall and the bottom wall forming a passageway terminating in an exit port for molten metal to flow from the reservoir to a pair of rollers, an opening is provided in the reservoir sidewall extending along the entire width of the nozzle tip member, and a baffle member is mounted in the reservoir extending across the entire width of the sidewall opening to provide a uniform friction for the molten metal flowing from the reservoir into the nozzle tip member whereby metal flowing into the nozzle tip member from the reservoir will have a uniform entrance velocity across the entire width of the nozzle.

Abstract: A molten metal stream is fed downwardly, especially essentially vertically, into a double-ended, chilled horizontal mold where the molten metal is formed into two strands which are cooled and simultaneously bidirectionally withdrawn from opposed ends of the horizontal mold. The infed hot molten metal stream is deposited within the double-ended horizontal mold such that a so-to-speak hot wall forms at the immediate vicinity of the inflow region where the molten metal enters the horizontal mold. This hot wall precludes formation of a strand shell or skin which otherwise would undesirably interconnect the two formed strands, so that not only is the resistance to mold oscillation decreased, but the individual strands can be cleanly withdrawn from each side of the mold without the danger of undesired and uncontrolled interaction arising between the two withdrawn strands and without the need to have to rupture any such interconnecting strand shell or skin.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for removing fine cold shut cracks on a horizontally and continuously cast steel strand, using ejection of a plurality of metal shots, comprises: horizontally and intermittently withdrawing a cast steel strand from a horizontal mold by a plurality of cycles each comprising a pull and a push, cooling the cast steel strand in a cooling zone provided following the horizontal mold on the same horizontal level as that of the horizontal mold, increasing the temperature of the surface portion of the solidified shell of the cast steel strand in a heat-restoring zone provided following the cooling zone on the same horizontal level as that of the cooling zone, to soften the surface portion of the solidified shell of the cast steel strand, and then continuously ejecting a plurality of metal shots from a plurality of shooters in a shooting zone provided following the heat-restoring zone on the same horizontal level as that of the heat-restoring zone onto the cast steel strand, to weld fine cold

Abstract: An electromagnetic within-mold stirring method and apparatus wherein electromagnetic stirring is imparted to molten steel passing through a mold, under the following conditions where the maximum flux density (in gauss) of a magnetic field induced by an electro-magnetic coil ranges from 1045.e.sup.-0.16f to 2054.e.sup.-0.12f (f: frequency, 1-15 Hz) and the place of the maximum magnetic flux density is within the range of 350 mm from the junction between the pouring nozzle and the mold in the direction of drawing of the cast-piece.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for controlling the position of a cast ingot is provided so that unwanted distortions of the casting are substantially avoided. The instant process and apparatus also permit substantially uniform heat transfer about the casting periphery. A control system for maintaining the casting within a mold so that the casting outer periphery is substantially uniformly spaced from the mold inner wall comprises a casting supporting mechanism adjacent the mold exit and non-thermal position detectors.

Abstract: Molten metal is supplied into a mold having an inlet and an outlet opening in such a manner that the molten metal may have a substantially zero pressure at the outlet opening of the mold, while the inner wall of the mold is maintained at a temperature sufficiently higher than the solidifying temperature of the molten metal so that the contiguous surface of the metal remains liquid until it has left the molten outlet. A dummy bar having a temperature lower than the solidifying temperature of the molten metal is brought into contact with the molten metal at the outlet opening of the mold, and moved away from the outlet opening, whereby a solidified body of the metal is formed continuously on the end of the dummy bar.

Abstract: A horizontal continuous casting method for continuously feeding a molten metal stored in a tundish through a tundish nozzle located in the vicinity of the tundish at its bottom to a mold horizontally connected to the tundish nozzle to produce a strand, wherein an electromagnetic field generating device is arranged in the vicinity of the boundary between the tundish nozzle and the mold for exerting an electromagnetic force directed toward a center of the molten metal flowing through the vicinity of the boundary or in a strand withdrawing direction, to separate the molten metal from the inner surface of the tundish mozzle anterior to the boundary with respect to the strand withdrawing direction, to allow the molten metal to come into contact with the inner surface of the mold posterior to the boundary with respect to the strand withdrawing direction.

Abstract: A continuous casting process and apparatus for feeding a molten metal into a mold from a metal supply system through a metal feeding duct, effecting a stepwise withdrawal of a continuous strand or casting from the mold for a measured length and simultaneously feeding a molten metal into the latter, producing a superpressure on the forming skin of casting at the side of molten metal at intervals between the casting withdrawal cycles. On completion of the withdrawal cycle, the molten metal is fed from the metal supply system to an auxiliary vessel prefilled with an inert gas, whereupon a preset pressure is built up in the molten metal inside the auxiliary vessel and in the casting being formed. Next, the molten metal is moved to and fro between the auxiliary vessel and the metal feeding duct of the metal supply system. As the casting is withdrawn from the mold for a given length, the molten metal is concurrently fed into the mold from the auxiliary vessel and from the metal supply system.

Abstract: In a method of introducing a starter bar head of a starter bar into the open ends mould of a horizontal continuous casting plant, the mould is removed from the continuous casting plant and placed vertical. Then the starter bar head separated from the starter bar is threaded into the mould and fixed in its position relative thereto. The mould, together with the starter bar head fixed to it, is installed into the plant. Subsequently, the starter bar head is coupled with the starter bar lying in the strand guide and then the fixation of the starter bar head is undone. In an arrangement for carrying out this method, the starter bar head has a larger longitudinal extension than the secondary cooling apparatus. One end of it projects into the mould cavity and the other end is connectable with the starter bar outside of the secondary cooling apparatus. A fixing element for the starter bar head introduced into the mould is provided.

Abstract: The continuous metal casting method includes continuously forming a portion of an ingot in the open-ended mold of the primary cooling zone under pressure, with a cold junction being formed at the end of the portion. The portion of the ingot is intermittently drawn into the secondary cooling zone, to produce the ingot subdivided by the cold junctions into portions of a required length. In the intervals between the successive drawing cycles, the ingot is treated in the secondary cooling zone to effect constrained shrinkage, while producing in the cold junction areas a bending strain of a value not short of the yield strength of the metal. The plant includes a vessel for the metal to be cast, communicating with the open-ended mold of the primary cooling zone.

Abstract: A horizontal continuous casting method and apparatus is disclosed. Liquid metal, held in a storage container, is continuously maintained at a height not less than the height of the continuous casting mold. Additionally, adjustment of the relative positions with respect to one another of a magnetic coil surrounding a portion of the continuous casting mold, the storage container, in both the horizontal and vertical directions and the drain pipe extending from the storage container into the continuous casting mold is disclosed.

Abstract: An arrangement for continuously casting a metal strand includes a continuous casting mould reciprocating in the longitudinal direction. A casting tube sealed relative to the inner walls of the mould projects into the continuous casting mould. An extraction means for the strand running out of the continuous casting mould is provided. In order to start casting without using a starter bar and by observing the shortest set-up times possible, the mould and the extraction device composed of driving rolls are arranged on a car or sledge that is displaceable to and fro in the longitudinal direction of the continuous casting mould. A coolable closure piece for the mould cavity is insertable and removable between the run-out side end of the mould and the extraction device.

Abstract: A method of casting metallic strands in a closed pouring or teeming system wherein the metal is cast through a refractory distributor vessel-pouring structure, such as a pouring spout, into an open-ended mold connected in flow communication with the pouring structure. To improve the quality of the strand and to increase the production capacity or output of such installations at the region of a connection plane of the distributor vessel-pouring structure and the open-ended mold the metallic melt is maintained away from the wall of the mold inlet opening by means of a constricting or bundling electromagnetic field.

Abstract: A method for horizontal type continuous casting, which comprises: withdrawing a cast strand from a mold provided horizontally at the lower part of a tundish at a prescribed withdrawing speed for a prescribed period of withdrawing time; then, pushing back said cast strand for a prescribed period of pushback time in the direction opposite to the direction of withdrawal; and, withdrawing said cast strand again from said mold at said prescribed withdrawing speed for said prescribed period of withdrawing time; repeating said withdrawal and said pushing back, the distance of said withdrawal being longer than that of said pushing back; thereby intermittently withdrawing said cast strand from said mold; said method being characterized by comprising: limiting said prescribed withdrawing speed within the range of from 1.0 to 10.0 m/minute; limiting said prescribed period of withdrawing time within the range of from 0.05 to 1.5 second; and, limiting said prescribed period of pushback time within the range of from 0.

Abstract: A horizontal continuous casting apparatus comprising a furnace having a bottom wall, side walls and a top wall. A holding block is supported within the furnace and has a vertical opening and a horizontal opening communicating with the vertical opening, the vertical opening extending upwardly. A crucible is mounted within the furnace and has a downwardly extending opening. A vertical adapter provides communication between the opening of the crucible and the vertical opening of the holding block. A side wall of the furnace has a horizontal opening. A horizontal adapter provides communication between the horizontal opening of the holding block and a die associated with the horizontal opening.

Abstract: In a method for forming shaped articles from molten metallic material the melt is caused to flow from a holding vessel therefor through a refractory duct having at least one static thermally-conducting element extending transversely within the duct so dimensioned and located to both cool and stir by shear the melt flowing therethrough. The melt is cooled to a temperature within its freezing range, if it is an alloy, or at its freezing point, if it is a metal, and is stirred to precipitate a solid phase as fragmented dendrites. The cooled and stirred metal outflow from the duct is cast into shaped articles. The invention has one specific application in producing the precipitating solid phase as non-degenerate micro-crystalline particles.

Abstract: In a device for the horizontal continuous casting of ingots or billets without pronounced structure there is provided in the wall of the trough an opening which connects up with another opening in the lower part of a disc-shaped nozzle which is used to transfer the molten metal to the mold. For casting rectangular ingots this nozzle opening is in plan view approximately in the form of a dog bone shaped slit, and is provided with a run-out surface inclined in the direction of casting and running into the inner face of the mold. The opening forms a trumpet-shaped taper towards the inside of the trough.