Abstract: An electric induction system and method is provided for induction heating and melting of basalt charge for the production of molten process basalt that can be used for molten basalt processes that produce basalt articles of manufacture including cast basalt articles and continuous basalt casting processes for producing basalt articles such as fibers and filaments.

Abstract: A method of controlling the amount of hydrogen in steel for consistent heat transfer in continuous casting by adding a hydrocarbon to the molten metal. A heat of molten steel is formed in a ladle metallurgy furnace adapted for use in continuous casting. Then, a hydrocarbon is added to the molten metal in the ladle metallurgy furnace in an amount sufficient to increase hydrogen levels in the molten steel for casting. And finally, the molten steel with a desired level of hydrogen is delivered to a caster to continuously cast a steel product.

Abstract: A snorkel (10) having a double shell core (16, 26) that defines an annular gap (40) between the shells and that has an array of baffles (66) arranged in the annular gap to define a serpentine flow path for cooling gases that pass through the annular gap. In an embodiment, a snorkel includes a flange (12) that defines an internal passageway (84) such that the fluid pathway through annular gap (40) includes passage of cooling medium through internal passageway (84).

Abstract: A device and a method for removing impurities in an aluminum melt are provided, in which the device includes an upper furnace body, a lower furnace body, an intermediate partition plate, a crucible, heating elements and a charging opening. The intermediate partition plate is mounted between the upper furnace body and the lower furnace body. The upper furnace body, a mixing chamber and a heating element are above the intermediate partition plate. The crucible is mounted in the lower furnace body. A heating element is provided around the lower furnace body. The mixing chamber and the crucible are connected by a jet pipe passing through the intermediate partition plate. For the device and the method, impurity removal is quick, efficiency is high and the process is closed, so there is no environmental pollution, and the aluminum melt after impurity removal may be directly cast.

Abstract: A vacuum refining furnace, including a furnace body, a graphite heater, an electrode, and a sealed furnace housing. The furnace body includes an evaporation laminate, a graphite condensing casing, and a graphite insulating casing. The evaporation laminate includes a plurality of evaporators. The evaporation laminate is nested within the graphite insulating casing, and the graphite insulating casing includes a plurality of through holes. At least two graphite condensing casings having different diameters are provided. The graphite insulating casing is nested within the graphite condensing casing having a smallest diameter, and the graphite condensing casing having a relatively small diameter is nested within the graphite condensing casing having a relatively large diameter. All the graphite condensing casings except for the graphite condensing casing having the largest diameter include a plurality of through holes.

Abstract: A degassing apparatus having duplex vacuum vessels for removing impurity gases from molten steel by backflow of molten steel thereby homogenizing molten steel composition. The apparatus includes duplex vacuum vessels of first and second vacuum vessels fixedly arranged at a predetermined interval to a floor which is provided horizontally at a predetermined height from a bottom; first and second ladle carriages arranged to run on first and second rails, respectively, to reciprocate between a treatment position directly under the first and second vacuum vessels and a tapping position where refined molten steel is tapped, each of the first and second ladle carriage loaded with a corresponding one of first and second ladles; and first and second lifting cylinders each for raising and lowering each of the first and second ladles in the treatment position so that a bottom end of each of the first and second vacuum vessels is immersed by molten steel in each of the first and second ladles.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a molten material from a reservoir of molten material includes a dispensing chamber in communication with the reservoir and a first valve adapted to regulate communication of the dispensing chamber with the reservoir. A riser communicates with the dispensing chamber for dispensing the molten material, and a second valve is adapted to regulate communication of the riser with the dispensing chamber. Also disclosed is a method for reducing the inclusion of oxides in a casting of a molten metal.

Abstract: In a straight barrel type vacuum refining apparatus, use is made of a combination of: a decarburization method wherein the flow rate of oxygen fed into a vacuum tank and the flow rate of an inert gas fed into the vacuum tank are regulated and, at the same time, the flow rate of oxygen gas blown is reduced at a rate of 0.5 to 12.5 Nm3/h/t/min in a low carbon concentration region having a carbon concentration of not more than the critical carbon concentration; and a vacuum refining apparatus provided with dust accumulation preventing means.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for the continuous degassing of molten metals and subsequent casting of the degassed metal, according to which the molten metal is guided into a vacuum for the purpose of degasification and after degasification is transferred into a casting chamber. To make it possible to carry out these operations continuously and to prevent the degassed metal from coming into contact with untreated metal, the invention provides for the molten metal to be transferred from a first chamber via an ascension pipe having an inlet opening located below the level of the metal bath into a vacuum chamber serving as degasification chamber by utilizing only the lift force resulting from the pressure differential between the vacuum chamber and the first chamber and no other means of transport. From the vacuum chamber the molten meal by gravity flows into the downpipe whose outlet opening is below the level of the molten metal bath in the casting chamber and enters the casting chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a metallurgical reactor for the treatment under reduced pressure of a liquid metal (1) such as steel, contained in a ladle (2), of the type comprising a chamber (25), connected to a gas-suction plant (30) which can maintain a reduced pressure therein, and two tubular snorkels (26, 27), the upper ends of which emerge in orifices (35, 36) made in the bottom (28) of the chamber (25) and the lower ends of which may be immersed in said liquid metal (1) contained in said ladle (2), one (26) of said snorkels, called the "ascending snorkel", having means (29) for injecting a gas into its internal space for the purpose of creating a circulatory motion in the liquid metal (1) between the ladle (2) and the chamber (25) during said treatment, the reactor also comprising an enclosure (17) which is provided with means (20) for injecting a gas into its internal space, these means being suitable for creating a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure in the enclosure (17), and the ladle (2) being p

Abstract: A molten steel refining apparatus and a method therefor, in which the carbon component of molten steel can be easily removed, the temperature drop of molten steel can be effectively reduced, and a stable operation is realized. The apparatus for refining molten steel for manufacturing ultra low carbon steel includes an RH vacuum-degassing device consisting of a vessel and a snorkel composed of an up-leg and a down-leg. The apparatus further includes a plurality of gas injection lance nozzles each consisting of an inner tube and an outer tube, and installed on the side wall of the vessel of the RH vacuum-degassing device so as to inject gas toward molten steel within the vessel. The inner tube includes a throat for forming a jet stream of super-sonic velocity, and the outer tube injects cooling gas for cooling the inner tube.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a system for the filtration of molten material. The system is particularly useful for removing MgO impurities present in molten magnesium chloride electrolyte. The invention also comprises a method for removing solid particles from molten materials. Preferred molten materials include magnesium, aluminum, magnesium chloride electrolyte and aluminum electrolyte. The concentration of solid remaining in the molten material is less than 0.05 wt %.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a snorkel for a degassing vessel, with a refractory lining and a gas-purging device arranged therein with a plurality of channels, which, distributed over the circumference of the snorkel, extend through the refractory lining in the radial direction in relation to the central longitudinal axis of the snorkel and can be connected on the outside to at least one gas supply line.

Abstract: A process for adjusting the composition of a liquid metal, such as steel, is provided wherein liquid metal is sucked up from a start receptacle into a reactor which is at a reduced pressure with respect to the start receptacle. First, the liquid metal is made to flow inside the reactor under conditions close to plug flow where it undergoes a metallurgical treatment. Next, after the liquid metal has been conveyed through the reactor it is completely discharged into a finish receptacle which is also at a reduced pressure with respect to the reactor. To insure thorough mixing, the reactor is divided into a plurality of cells, each of which has its own independent gas injector for agitating the liquid metal therein.

Abstract: A composite diffusion type nitriding method and a composite diffusion type nitriding apparatus of the present invention are effectively used for nitriding various materials, such as machine parts, as well as a material which is difficult for nitriding by a conventional method. The composite diffusion nitriding apparatus is formed of a container filled with solid granular materials, a furnace for housing the container therein, a nitriding gas introduction path for introducing the nitriding gas into the container, and an exhausting path for exhausting the gas from the container. In the method, the material to be nitrided is placed in the solid granular materials, and the nitriding gas is supplied to flow through the solid granular materials to thereby nitride the material.

Abstract: A gas flushing device for a blowpipe of a degassing vessel, the blowpipe being cladded with a fire resistant material. The gas flushing device has a plurality of channels which are distributed around the circumference of the blowpipe and pass through the fire resistant cladding radially in relation to the central longitudinal axis of the blowpipe and can be connected on the outside to at least one gas feed pipe. The channels are between 0.5 and 2 mm in diameter, are spaced at intervals of less than 10 mm and can be pressurized in such a way that the gas on entering the blowpipe rises in the immediate vicinity of the blowpipe inner wall.

Abstract: A method for degassing molten steel comprises the use of a lift gas which includes carbon dioxide. The inventive method includes providing a reaction zone isolated from the ambient atmosphere, and providing a bath of molten steel, at least a portion of which is located in the reaction zone. The pressure is reduced in the reaction zone to a sub-atmospheric pressure. A gas comprising carbon dioxide is supplied to the bath of molten steel in order to vertically circulate the molten steel. The method also preferably includes (a) supplying carbon dioxide, e.g., with a tuyere, to the reaction zone and (b) supplying carbon dioxide to the bath of molten steel, e.g., by gas bubbling or stirring. An apparatus for performing the method steps is also disclosed.

Abstract: A gas-shielded siphonic valve for controlling the flow of molten metal from one vessel to another. The valve includes a hollow conduit extending between the vessels above the surfaces of the metal therein with opposite ends thereof immersed in the metal in both vessels. An exhaust port permits evacuation of the inside of the conduit sufficiently to draw enough metal up into the conduit to effect a siphoning action between the vessels. A housing surrounding the conduit defining a chamber about the conduit for holding an inert gas. Any leaks in the system will neither break the siphoning action nor contaminate the metal. Varying the amount of vacuum applied to the system can be used to control the rate of flow of metal therethrough.

Abstract: A vacuum degassing method wherein a molten substance at an elevated temperature in a storage tank is sucked to a vacuum degassing vessel through an uprising pipe connecting the storage tank and the vacuum degassing vessel by maintaining the vacuum degassing vessel at a negative pressure, the molten substance is degassed and the degassed molten substance falls to a guiding duct through a downfalling pipe connecting the vacuum degassing vessel and the guiding duct characterized by that a first flow quantity of the molten substance rising in the uprising pipe is restrained and a second flow quantity thereof falling in the downfalling pipe is controlled thereby maintaining a quantity of the molten substance in the vacuum degassing vessel at a pertinent level.

Abstract: This invention relates to a degassing vessel for the vacuum treatment of liquid steel, consisting of a lower, middle and upper part. To protect the heater rod, which in the degassing vessel is oriented at a right angle to the center axis, the invention essentially proposes that the middle part has a cylindrical shape with the same radius as the lower part, that in the vicinity of the connection to the upper part there is a flat gas guide surface parallel to the heater rod and at an angle to the cylindrical jacket, and that finally the jacket of the upper part connected to the middle part has the shape of a half-tube, which is closed by a flat surface oriented parallel to the center axis.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the vacuum treatment of metals. In a tightly sealed vacuum treatment vessel, molten metal is preferably divided, on the surface, into a generally circular sector and a generally ring-shaped sector surrounding the generally circular sector. Preferably, each sector of the molten metal is exposed to different vacuum pressures during vacuum treatment, wherein a generally lower vacuum pressure is applied to the ring-shaped sector than to the circular sector. The two sectors are preferably separated to an immersion depth, in the molten bath, of between 10 and about 20 cm, as measured starting from the ring-shaped sector.

Abstract: A vessel for processing steel under vacuum is provided and includes a vessel body, a cover placed thereupon in a vacuum-tight manner, and a connection for a vacuum pump. To heat the vessel a heating mechanism is provided that comprises a graphite rod that extends diametrically through the vessel, with contact studs being provided at the ends of the graphite rod for the transfer of electrical power. To increase the service life of the graphite rods, the rod with its contact studs is fixably held in position on the vessel wall at one end, and at the opposite end the rod is displaceably disposed relative to the vessel wall. To compensate the force originating from the vacuum that prevails in the vessel, a compensating mechanism that is acted upon by the vacuum of the vessel is provided for supporting the moveable mounting of the graphite rod.

Abstract: A vessel is provided having a first chamber 1 open to atmospheric pressure for receiving liquid metal and a second chamber 2 from which the metal is dispensed interconnected with the first chamber. The second chamber is sealed and coupled to means 4, 6 for reducing the pressure therein to sub-atmospheric whereby to create a higher level of metal in said second than said first chamber.The first and second chambers may be interconnected via a refractory filter.

Abstract: A degresser snorkel for circulating molten metal from a ladle to a vacuum vessel to thereby degas the molten metal. The degasser snorkel includes an outer castable layer lined over the outer surface of a stainless steel snorkel can. An inner refractory lining is secured to the inner surface of the snorkel can by pressure grout. A plurality of grout keys in the form of annular bands are secured to the inner surface of the steel can and cooperate with the grout in supporting the inner refractory lining. The refractory lining is formed of a plurality of interlocking refractory bricks, each of which has an hour glass-like shape. A plurality of annular rows of the interlocking bricks are built-up to thus form the inner refractory lining.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for vacuum degassing blows gas into molten metal so as to form a substantially uniformly distributed bubble over the path area defined by an induction pipe. In order to achieve this, discharge nozzles are separated into at least two groups. The pressures of the gases discharged through the discharge nozzles in different groups are controlled independently of the other so that gas blown through a first group of nozzles forms bubbles at around the central portion of the induction pipe and the pressure of the gas blown through the other group of nozzles is adjusted for forming the bubbles in the vicinity of the periphery of the induction pipe.

Abstract: Apparatus for purifying a melt which, besides one or more impurities to be volatilized, contains essentially a light metal, in particular aluminum. The apparatus comprises a vacuum processing vessel, a vacuum pump, one or more conduits for supplying the melt to the vacuum processing vessel and means for spraying the melt into the vacuum processing vessel. According to the invention, the vacuum processing vessel is provided with discharge means for discharging impurities expelled from the melt. The discharge means are connected to a means for separating the impurities in solid or liquid form, connected to the vacuum pump used for maintaining the subatmospheric pressure in the vacuum processing vessel. Connected to the vacuum processing vessel are at least one supply conduit and one return conduit for the melt, the supply conduit being provided with a pump for the melt to be purified and a spray nozzle for atomizing the melt supplied by the pump into the vacuum processing vessel.

Abstract: A method for treating molten steel utilizing an induction coil, a ladle, a treating vessel and at least one passage pipe interconnecting the ladle and the treating vessel which includes the steps of lifting up a part of the molten steel from the ladle to the treating vessel disposed over the ladle through adjustment of molten steel composition and/or degassing in the treating vessel, thereafter returning the molten steel to the ladle through the at least one passage pipe, circulating or reciprocating the molten steel between the ladle and the treating vessel while heating the molten steel by the induction coil disposed around the at least one passage pipe and operating the linear motor at a frequency of 50 to 60 cycles.

Abstract: A molten-metal treating vessel is described having a lower section immersed in a bath of molten metal in a container so that the metal may be treated as desired while it is being partly introduced into and out of the treating vessel in a closed circuit, including a vessel body the lower section of which is open at the lower end, and an immersion drum removably attached to the upper peripheral edge to the lower opening edge of the vessel body and containing upward and downward flow passages. In the treatment vessel disclosed the ratio RS of the total cross sectional area (S.sub.1 +S.sub.2) of the upward and downward flow passages, which is the sum of the total cross sectional area S.sub.1 of the upward passages and that S.sub.2 of the downward passages, to the cross sectional area S of the opening at the lower end of the lower section of the vessel is not less than 0.3.

Abstract: A vacuum degassing method wherein a molten substance at an elevated temperature in a storage tank is sucked to a vacuum degassing vessel through an uprising pipe connecting the storage tank and the vacuum degassing vessel by maintaining the vacuum degassing vessel at a negative pressure, the molten substance is degassed and the degassed molten substance falls to a guiding duct through a downfalling pipe connecting the vacuum degassing vessel and the guiding duct characterized by that a first flow quantity of the molten substance rising in the uprising pipe is restrained and a second flow quantity thereof falling in the downfalling pipe is controlled thereby maintaining a quantity of the molten substance in the vacuum degassing vessel at a pertinent level.