Abstract: An example insulation enclosure for cooling a mold includes a support structure having a top end, a bottom end, and an interior, the bottom end defining an opening for receiving a mold within the interior of the support structure, and insulation material supported by the support structure and extending at least from the bottom end to the top end, wherein one or more thermal properties of at least one of the support structure and the insulation material varies longitudinally from the bottom end to the top end. In some cases, the one or more thermal properties are further varied about a circumference of the support structure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided to cast a metal ingot using a continuous casting mold so that the ingot is essentially free of gas pockets which otherwise would result from gas bubbles being entrapped in the mushy zone and solid portion of the ingot during formation, wherein such bubbles may be caused by pouring molten metal into a molten liquid portion of the forming ingot and by impingement of a plasma plume of a plasma torch on the upper surface of the molten liquid portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a energy-saving steel production apparatus, including an hot-rolling production line and a continuous casting equipment (5) for producing semi-manufactured products or billets (10), said production line and said equipment facing one each other and being connected through fast transport means (7) moving said billets (10). The invention also relates to a method for processing energy-saving steel, comprising the following steps: a. taking the steel to a casting temperature; b. casting said steel in suitable moulds for obtaining a semi-manufactured product (10); c. transferring directly said casted semi-manufactured product (10) towards a rolling mill through fast transport means; d. taking said semi-manufactured product (10) to a value of temperature corresponding to a maximum value of plasticity; e. subjecting said semi-manufactured product (10) to a rolling process.

Abstract: Rolling method for the production of flat products with low productivity, which comprises a continuous casting step at a speed comprised between 3.5 m/min and 6 m/min of a thin slab with a thickness comprised between 25 and 50 mm. It also comprises a roughing step to reduce the thickness in at least one roughing stand to a value comprised between 6 mm and 40 mm, and suitable for winding, a rapid heating step by means of induction in order to at least restore the temperature lost in the segment downstream of casting and in the roughing step, a winding/unwinding step in a winding/unwinding device with two mandrels. The method also comprises a rolling step in a rolling unit that consists of a single reversing stand of the Steckel type to roll the product unwound by the winding/unwinding device, which comprises at most five rolling passes, or four inversions, in order to obtain a final product with a thickness comprised between about 1.4 mm and 10 mm, preferably between about 1.

Abstract: A melt charging system for the horizontal strip casting of a molten metal with a run-out element, in particular with a nozzle (9), is characterized in that at least one heating device (21, 22; 28) is arranged in the region of the run-out element for heating up the run-out element.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for continuously or semi-continuously producing hot steel strip which, starting from a slab guided through a slab-guiding device, is rolled in a roughing train having at least four-stands, the method comprising: casting a slab in a die, the slab being reduced to a thickness of between 60 and 95 mm in a liquid core reduction process by the adjoining slab-guiding device, a slab support length measured between the meniscus, i.e., the bath level, of the die and an end of the slab-guiding device facing the roughing train being between 12 m and 15.5 m, and a casting speed ranging from 3.8 to 7 m/min. The disclosed combination of casting parameters may ensure that the crater tip of the slab extends to the vicinity of the end of the slab-guiding device independently of the respective maximum casting speeds which are dependent on the particular grade of material.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for continuously or semi-continuously producing hot steel strip which, starting from a slab guided through a slab-guiding device, is rolled in, for example, an at least four-stand roughing train to form an intermediate strip and, in a further sequence in a finish rolling train, into a final strip. The thickness of a slab cast in a die is reduced in the liquid core reduction process by means of the adjoining slab-guiding device to between 85 and 120 mm, a slab support length measured between the meniscus, i.e., the bath level, of the die and an end of the slab-guiding device facing the roughing train being at least 18.5 m, a casting speed ranging from 3.8 to 7 m/min, and slabs of different thicknesses being cast as a function of given casting speeds. Using the disclosed casting parameters, high-quality finishing may be provided with high production capacities.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing elongated rolled products contains a steelmaking station for producing liquid metal having at a first production rate, a rolling mill having a second production rate, and a continuous casting station located between the steelmaking station and the rolling mill. The continuous casting station contains at least two casting lines, each line being operable to produce elongated intermediate products. A first casting line is directly aligned with the rolling mill to feed the rolling mill with casted products, and at least one second casting line not aligned with the rolling mill and not feeding the rolling mill. The apparatus further contains a varying device for varying simultaneously the production rate of the first casting line and the production rate of the at least one second casting line depending on a difference between the steelmaking station production rate and the rolling mill production rate.

Abstract: A method and a device for producing a metal strip by continuous casting and rolling, in which a thin slab is initially cast into a casting machine, and is subsequently rolled in at least one rolling train using primary heat from the casting cycle. The cast thin slab is passed between the casting machine and the at least one rolling train and at least one holding oven as well as at least one induction oven. The holding oven and the induction oven are activated or deactivated according to a selected mode of operation, that is, a first mode of operation for the continuous production of the metal strip and a second mode of operation for the discontinuous production of the metal strip.

Abstract: The invention relates to a manufacturing method for making an unwrought semi-finished product having at mid thickness a density of micropores of size greater than 90 ?m less than 50% and preferably less than 20% of the density of micropores of size greater than 90 ?m obtained by a method according to prior art. The method according to the invention comprises in particular an ultrasound treatment step for the molten metal bath in a furnace and/or a vessel using an immersed device comprising at least one ultrasound transmitter. The semi-finished products obtained according to the method of the invention are particularly advantageous for manufacturing by rolling sheets designed for the aircraft industry to produce spars, ribs, upper and lower wing skins and for manufacturing by extrusion sections designed for the aircraft industry to produce stiffeners.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the continuous casting of a slab (1), in particular of steel, wherein the cast slab (1) is conveyed through a furnace (2) and the slab (1) is subjected to a descaling operation. To increase the quality of the slab by reducing scale, the invention provides for the slab surface to undergo reduction in at least one section (3) of the furnace (2) as a result of an atmosphere consisting of an inert gas and hydrogen (H2) or of pure hydrogen being maintained in said section (3) of the furnace (2). The invention further relates to an apparatus for the continuous casting of a slab.

Abstract: A rolling method in a rolling line, to obtain strip with a thickness varying from 0.7 mm to 20 mm, for steel which can be cast in the form of thin slabs with a thickness from 30 mm to 140 mm, the line includes a continuous casting device; a tunnel furnace for maintenance/equalization and possible heating; a rolling train having a roughing train and a finishing train; a rapid heating unit, with elements able to be selectively activated, interposed between the roughing train and the finishing train. For each lay-out of the rolling line, the position of the rapid heating unit which defines the number of stands which form the roughing train, disposed upstream of the unit, and the number of stands which form the finishing train, disposed downstream of the unit, is calculated as a function of the product of the thickness and speed of the thin slab.

Abstract: A rolling method in a rolling line, to obtain strip with a thickness varying from 0.7 mm to 20 mm, for steel which can be cast in the form of thin slabs with a thickness from 30 mm to 140 mm, the line includes a continuous casting device; a tunnel furnace for maintenance/equalization and possible heating; a rolling train having a roughing train and a finishing train; a rapid heating unit, with elements able to be selectively activated, interposed between the roughing train and the finishing train. For each lay-out of the rolling line, the position of the rapid heating unit which defines the number of stands which form the roughing train, disposed upstream of the unit, and the number of stands which form the finishing train, disposed downstream of the unit, is calculated as a function of the product of the thickness and speed of the thin slab.

Abstract: A method for producing a wide steel strip using thin slab continuous casting and rolling by the following steps a) casting a molten steel into a thin slab having a thickness of between 50 and 90 mm; b) cutting; c) soaking; d) heating by electromagnetic induction; e) descaling; f) rolling; g) cooling with laminar flow; and h) coiling. The method can effectively control the solution and precipitation of carbon, nitrogen, and sulfide in steel with a low cost. The process is easy and flexible, and steel can be produced in a wide range of categories. Further provided is a system for producing a wide steel strip with thin slab continuous casting and rolling.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for producing hot-rolled products in a combined casting-rolling installation. A method and a combined casting-rolling installation with which an uninterrupted continuous casting process can be maintained not only when there is a planned interruption to production but also when there is an unplanned interruption to production, occurring for example in a heating zone, a finishing mill train, a cooling zone or a storage device.

Abstract: A process and system for manufacturing metal strips of 0.14-20 mm thickness and metal sheets of 10-100 mm thickness from slabs of thickness between 30 and 300 mm by continuous casting of the bow type. The slab upon casting is fed without discontinuity directly to the rolling step after heating in an induction furnace without any intermediate product. The rolled flat product is withdrawn as sheet upon controlled cooling, by means of cutting and withdrawal device or wound on a reel to form a coil of a continuous strip severable by cutting device downstream of a cooling system. Surface cooling devices can be provided between rolling stands. The feed speed from continuous casting to the end of rolling is increasing step by step in relation to the thickness reductions and the quality of the end product, with regulation in cascade to the downstream direction.

Abstract: A method for producing a wide steel strip using thin slab continuous casting and rolling by the following steps a) casting a molten steel into a thin slab having a thickness of between 50 and 90 mm; b) cutting; c) soaking; d) heating by electromagnetic induction; e) descaling; f) rolling; g) cooling with laminar flow; and h) coiling. The method can effectively control the solution and precipitation of carbon, nitrogen, and sulfide in steel with a low cost. The process is easy and flexible, and steel can be produced in a wide range of categories. Further provided is a system for producing a wide steel strip with thin slab continuous casting and rolling.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a metal strip (1) by continuous casting and rolling. According to said method, a thin slab (3) is initially cast into a casting machine (2), which is subsequently rolled in at least one rolling train (4, 5) using primary heat from the casting cycle. According to the invention, in order to improve the functionality of the continuous casting and rolling installation, the cast thin slab (3) is passed between the casting machine (2) and the at least one rolling train (4, 5) and at least one holding oven (6) as well as at least one induction oven (7). The holding oven (6) and the induction oven (7) are activated or deactivated according to a selected mode of operation, that is, a first mode of operation for the continuous production of the metal strip (1) and a second mode of operation for the discontinuous production of the metal strip (1). The invention further relates to a device for producing a metal strip by continuous casting and rolling.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing steel long products provides for starting from a continuous casting step with liquid core reduction, followed by induction heating without interruption until the end of a rolling step in a plurality of stands. The blooms or billets subjected to such a process have initial thickness in the range between 120 and 400 mm and a high “mass flow” passing in the time unit at the outlet from the continuous casting, as well as an average temperature in the cross-section which is higher than the surface temperature, being in the core or inner middle region higher by 100° C. than on the surface, that is of about 1200° C. A plant for carrying out such a process is also described.

Abstract: In a silicon casting apparatus according to the present invention, silicon melted by electromagnetic induction heating is continuously solidified using an electrically-conductive bottomless cold crucible and an induction coil surrounding the cold crucible. The cold crucible is made of copper alloy containing beryllium (desirably containing beryllium of 0.1 to 5 mass %), whereby the generation of electric-discharge flaw can be effectively prevented in performing electromagnetic casting. The use of the silicon casting apparatus according to the present invention can greatly extend a crucible life to reduce facility costs. Additionally, a solar-cell silicon ingot can be produced with high quality.

Abstract: A process for the manufacturing of steel strips with solution of continuity is described, comprising a continuous casting step for thin stabs with a high “mass flow”, a shearing step and subsequent heating in furnace, followed by a multiple stand rolling step, wherein the average temperature of the product at the inlet of the rolling is higher than the surface temperature, which is equal to at least 1100° C., lower than that measured in the inner central area by about 100° C. A plant is also described for the accomplishment of such process, wherein at the inlet of a furnace (25; 35), possibly of the induction type, combined with a temperature maintaining tunnel (36) a shear (3) is provided for, cutting into pieces (24; 34) a slab (22; 32) coming from continuous casting (21; 31), wherein the distance between the outlet of said continuous casting and the inlet into the finishing rolling mill (29; 39) is not greater than 100 m.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electromagnetic continuous casting apparatus for a material having a low electric conductivity. The casting apparatus includes a crucible having a vertical axis. The crucible comprises an upper hot crucible and a lower cold crucible. The crucible is surrounded with an induction coil. The hot crucible is formed of a non-metallic material having a high electric conductivity and is not water-cooled. The cold crucible has a cooling structure and is formed of a metallic material having a high thermal conductivity and a high electric conductivity.

Abstract: To restrict to a low level a temperature gradient of an ingot immediately after solidification in a bottomless crucible in a electromagnetic induction casting method using an electrically conductive bottomless crucible. An upper section and a lower section of an electrically conductive bottomless crucible to be disposed inside an induction coil are configured as a water-cooled section and a non-water-cooled section. Both the water-cooled section and the non-water-cooled section are divided by vertical slits into a plurality of portions in a circumferential direction. Rapid cooling with water in the lower section of the crucible is restricted.

Abstract: A device for continuous or semi-continuous casting of metal has a cooled continuous casting mold assembly and an inductive coil arranged at the top end of the mold assembly. The mold assembly is divided into at least two mold assembly parts separated and electrically insulated from each other by partitions, which are oriented in the casting direction and where each partition is formed with an electrically insulating barrier. Each mold assembly part has a mold part associated with a corresponding mechanically supporting mold back-up structure part, and an electrical conductor, with an electrical conductivity higher than the electrical conductivity of the back-up structure. The conductor is arranged with the mold back-up structure part on the side of the mold back-up structure part facing away from the mold, the outside face.

Abstract: Hot-chamber diecasting machines for processing magnesium melts include a casting vessel, an inductive heating system, and an additional ring inductor in an area of the neck of the casting vessel in order to achieve a heating also in this area. The ring inductor is formed of a one-piece tube made of an elastic material which is open at one point and can be bent open by the extent of the diameter of the neck of the casting vessel and can be pushed laterally onto the casting vessel, and through which air can also flow for the cooling.

Abstract: Method, system and apparatus for controllably heating copper alloy dam blocks in revolving edge dam chains in twinbelt continuous casters by induction heating of thermally-sprayed ferromagnetic layers bonded in shallow depressions in such blocks. High thermal conductivity of such blocks advantageously quickly conducts inductive heat from ferromagnetic layers into the blocks. For casting a slab of electrolytic anodes having aligned opposed protruding lugs, such chains include uniformly spaced lug-molding pocket blocks. Periodic induction heating of ferromagnetic layers on dam blocks of one chain or the other keeps pocket blocks aligned as revolving chains travel downstream along opposite sides of moving mold casting regions. Directly induction heating copper alloy dam blocks is very impractical. Therefore, ferromagnetic layers are thermally sprayed into depressions in blocks prior to assembling such chains.

Abstract: Continuous casting device and method with rollers for plane products such as strip (13) or sheet, comprising counter-rotating rollers (11) immersed in a receptacle (14) containing molten metal (15), said receptacle (14) including a bottom (114) and side walls (214), said rollers (11) being arranged parallel and adjacent to define a transit gap (12) through which the strip (13) to be produced is extracted, the device comprising holding elements (19) of the electromagnetic type arranged in cooperation with each of the ends of said rollers (11), said holding elements (19) having an inner edge, an outer edge and a curved shape suitable to surround, without contact, at least partly the surface of said rollers (11) immersed in said molten metal (15), said holding elements (19) comprising at least a coil (29) suitable to be passed through by an alternating current to generate a magnetic field in said molten metal (15) and generating currents induced therein in order to obtain the lateral confinement of said molten m

Abstract: An apparatus and method for continuously casting molten metal, wherein the apparatus comprises first and second endless belts and first and second edge dam block continuous belts disposed to form a casting region wherein molten metal can be cast into strip. The edge dam blocks have a length longer than the endless belts to form catenaries spaced from the first endless belt. The edge dam blocks are inductively heated with induction heaters disposed in the catenaries to avoid temperature shock to the edge dam blocks during the casting and to minimize undesirable heat losses.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of forming balls includes a metering device 2, a melting device 14 and a cooling device 20. The metering device 14 stamps a desired volume of solid material in the form of a slug 12 which passes through the melting device 14 where it is caused to levitate and transform state from a solid to a molten liquid. The molten liquid material 13 is released from the melting device 14 and descends through the cooling device 20 where it transforms state once again from a molten material to a solid material while maintaining a ball shape. A forming gas is passed over the molten material 13 in a direction opposite to the falling molten material 13. The balls 15 are finally cooled in a cooling bath 32.

Abstract: The assembly is designed for transferring molten metal from a molten metal reservoir to a mold for casting molten metal. The assembly comprises a casting nozzle having an electrically conductive top wall and bottom wall and two side walls joined to the top wall and the bottom wall to form a passage therebetween for flowing molten metal from the reservoir to the mold, the top wall having a first outside surface and the bottom wall having a second outside surface. An inductive heater is positioned on at least one of the first surface and the second surface, the inductive heater positioned to heat the top wall and bottom wall. A layer of insulation is provided between the inductive heater and the first and second surfaces. A magnetic shield is provided to partially surround the inductive heater, the shield positioned to direct magnetic flux into the nozzle.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for continuous casting steel. A vertical continuous-casting mold consists of a pair of long side frames and a pair of short side frames formed of a metal having low electrical conductivity. An immersion nozzle supplies molten steel to the mold. An induction heating coil surrounded by a backup frame surrounds the vertical continuous-casting mold. The induction heating coil induction-heats the surface of the molten steel and neighboring portions thereof. The apparatus meets the following conditions;.xi..sup.2 =.sigma..sub.1 /.sigma..sub.2 .ltoreq.41/10.ltoreq. .eta.=(2.mu. .sub.0 .multidot..sigma..sub.2 .multidot..omega.).sup.0.5 .multidot.d.ltoreq. 10where .xi. designates the ratio of electrical conductivity of the mold and the molten steel.sigma..sub.1 designates the electrical conductivity of the mold.sigma..sub.2 designates the electrical conductivity of the molten steel.mu..sub.0 designates the permeability in a vacuumd designates the thickness of the mold.omega.

Abstract: The apparatus includes casting stations disposed around a melt chamber of a furnace. Each casting station has a tundish for selectively transporting melt to the desired casting station. The apparatus is provided with apertures in the walls of the melting chamber to allow the tundishes to enter the melt chamber through fixed vacuum seals to receive molten metal from a tiltable melting unit and to convey the melt through the vacuum gate valve to the desired casting station.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming round wire from non-round wire has: a heat extracting drum having a semi-circular channel formed in and entirely around its outer circumferential surface; a feed device for directing a precursor wire into the channel; and a heater for melting the precursor wire in the channel. The wire is typically flat and is stood up on edge, perpendicular to the surface of the drum, melted with the heater, solidified and removed. The surface tension and wetting characteristics of the liquid metal cause it to "bead up", forming a near round wire when solidified.

Abstract: An induction heating system is applied to a continuous molten metal casting apparatus having two endless flexible casting belts. The belts are arranged such that front surfaces of each belt faces the other belt and a pair of dam blocks arranged at the edges of one of the belts along with the belts themselves form a casting region. Molten metal is delivered to the casting region to form rectangular sheets of cast metal. Inductive heaters preheat the endless belts prior to the belts entry to the casting region. This preheating allows for continuous smooth casting.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for recrystallization of thin strip material includes a device for electromagnetically melting the thin strip material to provide a molten surface layer and a substantially solid core. Apparatus provides relative movement between the thin strip and the device for electromagnetically melting. Also, an apparatus resolidifies the molten surface layer to provide a preferred crystal structure in the thin strip material.

Abstract: Apparatus for heating intermediate ladles or tundishes, for example, in continuous casting processes. The apparatus comprises at least one coil having an iron core, which is disposed adjacent the ladle or tundish. The ladle or tundish and the coils are arranged so as to be movable with respect to each other. The ladle or tundish is adapted to be placed in a heating position adjacent to the coil, which is thus closely connected with the bottom or lower parts or corners of the ladle or tundish, in order primarily to heat the lowermost parts of the melt stored in the tundish.

Abstract: Continuous casting apparatus is provided having a highly conductive, cooled flow-through mold, a feeder for the mold having an upstream and a downstream section with the downstream section in abutment with the mold, a heater associated with the upstream section for maintaining metal in contact therewith above liquidus temperature, the feeder sections being made of refractory material and dimensioned such that the heat from the upstream section is not bled off so rapidly into the cooling elements of the adjacent mold as to start the strand shell development in the upstream section, but sufficiently to let it start in the downstream secton of the feeder.

Abstract: In a continuous caster including a crucible for metal to be melted and a mold coupled to the crucible, the crucible and the mold can be screwed together so that easy removal and replacement of the mold is possible. The crucible and the upper part of the mold are surrounded by an induction heating coil to maintain the metal in a molten condition. A gasket of zirconium oxide is clamped between the mold and the crucible.

Abstract: A casting system includes an enclosure for covering a bowl-shaped entry port to an investment cavity for use in the lost-wax casting process. A delivery system is provided for delivering an inert gas to the enclosure to displace the original atmosphere which is driven out an exit port. The gas delivery system also provides a high-pressure environment in the enclosure for forcing molten metal, contained in the entry port, to pass by sprues into the mold cavity. Induction heating is provided for melting a solid metal ingot, controlled by a timer and pyrometer to occur prior to the injection, as well as during and optionally subsequent to the injection of compressed inert gas. The casting system is particularly useful for light-weight metals which can be cast only with difficulty in a centrifuge and is also modified for application to glass ingots and metals which do not heat well by induction.

Abstract: A process for electromagnetically containing and forming molten material into a desired thin strip shape. At least two inductors are employed which are powered at respectively different frequencies. The frequency of the current applied to the upstream inductor is substantially lower than the frequency applied to the downstream inductor thereby providing improved efficiency and reduced power consumption.

Abstract: Apparatus for casting directionally solidified articles is disclosed. Concepts for obtaining a desired temperature profile in an induction furnace are discussed.An induction furnace 10 has increased heating capacity at the withdrawal end 32 of the susceptor 28. A hot zone baffle 42 is disposed at the withdrawal end to inhibit the radiation of heat energy from the hot zone 12. A plurality of grooves 34 are formed about the interior of the susceptor at the withdrawal end to inhibit the conduction of heat energy out of the susceptor. A preferred thermal profile in the operating furnace with a peak temperature in close proximity to the withdrawal end results.