Abstract: A method to control the temperature of an electromagnetic pump in an apparatus wherein a liquid metal is supplied through a feed tube from a container adapted to contain a liquid metal to an evaporator device in a vacuum chamber, wherein the temperature of the electromagnetic pump is controlled by controlling one or more of the force exerted on the liquid metal in the container, the current of the electromagnetic pump, and/or the strength of the magnet field of the electromagnetic pump.

Abstract: A mold transfer assembly includes a transfer housing providing an interior defined by one or more sidewalls and a top. The transfer housing is sized to receive and encapsulate a mold as the mold is moved between a furnace and a thermal heat sink. An arm is coupled to the transfer housing to move the transfer housing and the mold encapsulated within the transfer housing between the furnace and a thermal heat sink. The transfer housing exhibits one or more thermal properties to control a thermal profile of the mold.

Abstract: A refractory well (16) for melting scrap metal pieces into a molten metal bath, comprises an inlet (18) for introducing metal into said well, the inlet being located so as to cause a circular flow of molten metal in said well, an outlet (19) for the flow of metal from said well and an electromagnetic pump (22) located beneath the refractory well for pumping said molten metal from said well through said outlet.

Abstract: A method to automatically quantify dendrite arm spacing in dendritic microstructures. Once a location of interest in a cast material specimen has been identified, the information contained in it is automatically analyzed to quantify dendrite cell size information that is subsequently converted into a quantified dendrite arm spacing through an empirical relationship or a theoretical relationship. In one form, the relationship between DCS and DAS is such that the DAS in dendritic structure of cast aluminum alloys may be automatically determined from the measurement of one or more of dendrite cell size and the actual volume fraction of the eutectic phases in the local casting microstructure. Non-equilibrium conditions may be accounted for in situations where a theoretical volume fraction of a eutectic phase of the alloy in equilibrium condition is appropriately modified.

Abstract: An induction heating inductor and perforated susceptor are formed as an integral unit to provide a low cost, physically stable, efficient, and easily cleaned unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for regulating the flow rate and for slowing down non-ferromagnetic, electrically conducting liquids and melt streams through magnetic fields, in particular in the tapping of metallurgical containers such as blast furnaces and melt furnaces.

Abstract: A method to predict a distribution of material properties of a cast component. In one form, the method includes accepting at least one of dendrite arm spacing data and porosity data that have been previously determined, as well as accepting casting geometry data and structural analysis geometric data, calculating material properties of the casting based on one or both of dendrite arm spacing data and porosity data at each of the various nodes within the casting FEA or FD mesh and mapping the calculated material properties to the various nodes of the finished part FEA mesh. The method may be used as a basis for conducting fatigue or a related durability analysis on the component.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for regulating the flow rate and for slowing down melt streams through magnetic fields in the tapping of metallurgical containers such as blast furnaces and melt furnaces. The method is characterized in that the melt stream is routed in a closed routing element using at least two magnetic fields disposed in series one after the other in the flow direction of the melt, said magnetic fields having a constant polarity opposite to one another, in such a way that the magnetic field lines transversally penetrate the melt flow across the entire cross section thereof and such that opposite voltages are induced in the melt stream by the magnetic fields, there being at least three eddy current fields produced thereby in the melt stream that are disposed axially one after the other, and that due to the interactions between the magnetic fields and the eddy currents forces are generated that can be used to reduce the flow rate of the melt stream.

Abstract: A regulating device regulates the flow rate of non-ferromagnetic, electrically conducting liquids and melt streams through magnetic fields inducing eddy currents in the melt stream. In a preferred embodiment, the regulating device controls the melt stream using at least one stationary magnetic field with a constant polarity, at least one stationary magnetic alternating field or using a multi-poled magnetic travelling field, in such a way that the magnetic field lines transversally penetrate the melt flow across the entire cross section thereof and such that a voltage is induced in the melt stream by the magnetic fields.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for producing large diameter superalloy ingots are disclosed. A material comprising at least one of a metal and a metallic alloy is introduced into a pressure-regulated chamber in a melting assembly. The material is subjected to a wide-area electron field within the pressure-regulated chamber to heat the material to a temperature above the melting temperature of the material to form a molten alloy. At least one stream of molten alloy from the pressure-regulated chamber is provided from the melting assembly and is fed into an atomizing assembly, where particles of the molten alloy are generated by impinging electrons on the molten alloy to atomize the molten alloy. At least one of an electrostatic field and an electromagnetic field are produced to influence the particles of the molten alloy. The particles of the molten alloy are deposited onto a collector in a spray forming operation to form an alloy ingot.

Abstract: One non-limiting embodiment of an apparatus for forming an alloy powder or preform includes a melting assembly, an atomizing assembly, and a collector. The melting assembly produces at least one of a stream of a molten alloy and a series of droplets of a molten alloy, and may be substantially free from ceramic in regions contacted by the molten alloy. The atomizing assembly generates electrons and impinges the electrons on molten alloy from the melting assembly, thereby producing molten alloy particles.

Abstract: One non-limiting embodiment of an apparatus for forming an alloy powder or preform includes a melting assembly, an atomizing assembly, and a collector. The melting assembly produces at least one of a stream of a molten alloy and a series of droplets of a molten alloy, and may be substantially free from ceramic in regions contacted by the molten alloy. The atomizing assembly generates electrons and impinges the electrons on molten alloy from the melting assembly, thereby producing molten alloy particles.

Abstract: A non-ferrous metal melting furnace includes a non-ferrous metal melt pump, a vortex chamber body, and a magnetic field device formed of permanent magnets. The vortex chamber body makes a non-ferrous metal melt flow into a vortex chamber from an inlet, makes the non-ferrous metal melt flow in a spiral shape by applying a driving force to the non-ferrous metal melt in the vortex chamber, and discharges the non-ferrous metal melt from the vortex chamber to an outlet. The magnetic field device formed of permanent magnets is disposed outside the vortex chamber and below a bottom plate of the vortex chamber, and applies the driving force that is generated by current flowing in the non-ferrous metal melt and magnetic lines of force from the magnetic field device formed of permanent magnets.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for facilitating removal of molten metal from an electrolysis cell are provided. In one embodiment, a system includes a container and an electrical source coupled to the container. The electrical source may be configured to provide complementary current to a spout of the container. This complementary current may create a complementary electromagnetic field at least proximal a tip portion of the spout. When the spout of the container receives the complementary current, and when the spout is in liquid communication with the molten liquid of the electrolysis cell, the complementary electromagnetic field of the complementary current may at least partially assist to increase the flow of molten metal into the spout of the container.

Abstract: Provided are a non-ferrous metal melt pump having a simple structure capable of tapping non-ferrous metal melt at a low cost without the help of a person, and a melting furnace system using the same. The non-ferrous metal melt pump includes: a container body which includes an inner space and a non-ferrous metal melt passageway, the non-ferrous metal melt passageway having a spiral passageway formed inside a side wall so that a lower end inlet and an upper end open portion, respectively formed in the side wall to be open to the outside, communicate with each other; a magnetic field device, which is rotatable about the vertical axis line, arranged inside the inner space, and the magnetic field device having a magnitude of a magnetic field such that lines of magnetic force moves while penetrating non-ferrous metal melt inside the spiral passageway during the rotation; and a drive device which rotationally drives the magnetic field device.

Abstract: A refractory well (16) for melting scrap metal pieces into a molten metal bath, comprises an inlet (18) for introducing metal into said well, the inlet being located so as to cause a circular flow of molten metal in said well, an outlet (19) for the flow of metal from said well and an electromagnetic pump (22) located beneath the refractory well for pumping said molten metal from said well through said outlet.

Abstract: An agitator for applying an alternating field to a melting furnace main body in order to melt a row material to form a melt includes a plurality of magnets, which are arranged so that magnetic lines of force emitted from one of the magnets pass through the melt in the melting furnace main body and return to another magnet, the magnets being fixed to an inclined surface which is inclined by an angle with respect to a horizontal surface, and being rotatable around an axis substantially perpendicular to the inclined surface.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved furnace structure and methods of melting material in furnaces, particularly aimed at reducing the start up time for such furnaces. The furnace (2) defines a container for the molten metal having a maximum depth of molten metal in that container during use. A flow generator (30) for the molten metal within the furnace is fed through a first conduit (32) and supplies material back to the furnace through a second conduit (36). The first conduit entrance is provided in the upper 60% of the maximum depth of the molten metal in the container and/or the second conduit exit is provided in the lower 25% of the maximum depth of the molten metal in the container. The flow generator may receive material preferentially from around the periphery of the container and/or direct material towards the centre of the container. The inlet and outlet to the flow generator may be angled downwards towards the container.

Abstract: One non-limiting embodiment of an apparatus for forming an alloy powder or preform includes a melting assembly, an atomizing assembly, and a field generating assembly, and a collector. The melting assembly produces at least one of a stream of a molten alloy and a series of droplets of a molten alloy, and may be substantially free from ceramic in regions contacted by the molten alloy. The atomizing assembly generates electrons and impinges the electrons on molten alloy from the melting assembly, thereby producing molten alloy particles. The field generating assembly produces at least one of an electrostatic field and an electromagnetic field between the atomizing assembly and the collector. The molten alloy particles interact with the at least one field, which influences at least one of the acceleration, speed, and direction of the molten alloy particles. Related methods also are disclosed.

Abstract: Thus, as shown by an exact electrodynamic computation of EMBF and the estimations described above of the velocity of turbulent flows arising due to their effect, application of amplitude- and frequency-modulated helically traveling (rotating and axially traveling) electromagnetic fields in metallurgical and chemical technologies and foundry can considerably increase the hydraulic efficiency of MHD facilities, intensify the processes of heat and mass transfer in technological plants, significantly increase their productivity, considerably decrease energy consumption for the production of metals, alloys, cast articles, and chemical products, and improve their quality.

Abstract: Electromagnetic helical pump for high-temperature transportation of molten metal, comprising an explicit-pole or implicit-pole inductor exciting a rotating magnetic field (RMF), and a helical channel consisting of a thick-wall ceramic pipe with a quick-change helical core made of graphite or graphitized carbon. The pump can be used for transportation and batching of molten aluminum, magnesium, copper, etc. and their alloys.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a thixotropic metallic melt by simultaneously controlledly cooling and stirring the melt to form solid particles of a first phase suspended in a residual liquid second phase. Vigorous stirring of the metallic melt results in the formation of degenerate dendritic particles having substantially spheroidal shapes. The metallic melt is stirred to rapidly and efficiently circulate the forming semi-solid slurry. Circulation of the forming semi-solid slurry results in a substantially uniform temperature throughout. Through precision stirring and cooling, a semi-solid slurry is formed having a first solid phase of about 70–80 wt. % suspended in a second liquid phase.

Abstract: In a high-speed fabrication process for producing highly uniform metallic microspheres, a molten metal is passed through a small orifice, producing a stream of molten metal therefrom. A series of molten metal droplets forms from the break up of the capillary stream. To achieve high uniformity of the spheres and avoid defects, the droplets are cooled before being captured. Separating the droplets, by causing them to travel in different paths than their adjacent droplets, helps to facilitate the cooling of the droplets. The droplets can be separated by electrostatically charging them as they break off from the capillary stream. The droplets are then passed through an electric field, which can be produced by a pair of deflection plates. The droplets are dispersed by varying the electric field—e.g., by rotating the plates or by varying the voltage applied thereto—or by varying the electrostatic charge of the droplets.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a thixotropic metallic melt by simultaneously controlledly cooling and stirring the melt to form solid particles of a first phase suspended in a residual liquid second phase. Vigorous stirring of the metallic melt results in the formation of degenerate dendritic particles having substantially spheroidal shapes. The metallic melt is stirred to rapidly and efficiently circulate the forming semi-solid slurry. Circulation of the forming semi-solid slurry results in a substantially uniform temperature throughout. Through precision stirring and cooling, a semi-solid slurry is formed having a first solid phase of about 70-80 wt. % suspended in a second liquid phase.

Abstract: A molten metal holding apparatus for the continuous hot dip coating of a metal strip includes a vessel that is substantially rectangular in cross section having long sides and short sides and has formed a slot-shaped opening in a bottom surface, the vessel containing molten metal; subsidiary vessels formed following an outer circumference of an upper end of the vessal and for temporarily storing molten metal that overflows from the upper end of the vessel; chambers formed outwardly following long sides of a lower end of the vessel and that communicate with the vessel via slit-shaped branch openings formed at a predetermined slant toward the vessel; a plurality of subsidiary tubes communicating with the subsidiary vessels; and alternating current electromagnets including a core mounted adjacent to outside side surfaces of the vessel and between the subsidiary vessels and the chambers and a coil wound around the core and to which an alternating current is supplied.

Abstract: A container system including a vessel for holding a thixotropic semi-solid aluminum alloy slurry during its processing as a billet and an ejection system for cleanly discharging the processed thixotropic semi-solid aluminum billet. The crucible is preferably formed from a chemically and thermally stable material (such as graphite or a ceramic). The crucible defines a mixing volume. The crucible ejection mechanism may include a movable bottom portion mounted on a piston or may include a solenoid coil for inducing an electromotive force in the electrically conducting billet for urging it from the crucible. During processing, a molten aluminum alloy precursor is transferred into the crucible and vigorously stirred and controlledly cooled to form a thixotropic semi-solid billet. Once the billet is formed, the ejection mechanism is activated to discharge the billet from the crucible. The billet is discharged onto a shot sleeve and immediately placed in a mold and molded into a desired form.

Abstract: Method precisely, quickly controls flow of molten metal to metal-casting apparatus by pumping, braking or throttling. The Faraday-Ampére principle of current flow in a unidirectional magnetic field is employed. Permanent magnets comprising neodymium or similar high-energy, rare-earth materials provide “reach-out” magnetism. These neo-magnets, usually shown as cubes, are arranged in various powerful configurations driving intense unidirectional magnetic field B across a non-magnetic gap many times larger than economically feasible otherwise. This gap accommodates a conduit for pressurizing and moving a flow of molten metal. In making multiple identical castings, a controlled, intermittent, predetermined flow of molten metal is fed to a series of identical individual molds. The invention obviates needs for operating metallurgical valves or expensive tilting mechanisms for metallurgical furnaces.

Abstract: An auger pump for pumping molten magnesium and its alloys from a furnace to a die casting machine, ingot mould, DC caster or the like is disclosed. The pump is comprised of a linearly aligned upper and lower portion. The upper portion is comprised of a housing which is attached to the furnace lid. An inverter duty electric motor is attached to the top of the housing and is controlled by a PLC. The auger shaft runs longitudinally between each portion and is supported in position by guide bearings located in the upper portion. The lower portion comprises a tubular casing which contains a gas inlet aperture and an feeder inlet aperture for drawing the molten magnesium into the pump. The outlet of the pump, a connector, is attached to a heated transfer tube, which conveys the molten magnesium to the mould.

Abstract: Apparatus, system and method for precisely and quickly controlling the flow of molten metal to metal-casting apparatus, either by pumping or by braking or throttling. The Faraday-Ampére electromagnetic principle of current flow in a unidirectional magnetic field is employed, wherein Faraday's three-finger rule shows pumping direction or throttling direction. Permanent magnets comprising neodymium or similar high-energy, rare-earth materials provide a unique “reach-out” magnetism. These neo-magnets, usually shown as cubes, are arranged in various powerful configurations for driving an intense unidirectional magnetic field B across a non-magnetic gap many times larger than is economically feasible otherwise. This gap accommodates a conduit for pressurizing and moving a flow of molten metal. Molten metal may be pumped to a distributor or a siphon at an entrance to a metal-casting machine.

Abstract: A container system including a vessel for holding a thixotropic semisolid aluminum alloy slurry during its processing as a billet and an ejection system for cleanly discharging the processed thixotropic semisolid aluminum billet. The crucible is preferably formed from a chemically and thermally stable material (such as graphite or a ceramic). The crucible defines a mixing volume. The crucible ejection mechanism may include a movable bottom portion mounted on a piston or may include a solenoid coil for inducing an electromotive force in the electrically conducting billet for urging it from the crucible.

Abstract: A flat inductor heating system for inducing heat in a variety of applications including heating, melting and holding a melt at temperature. The system may also be used to stir the melt. The system includes at least one flat induction coil cast in an aggregate of shot and a binding material. The aggregate serves to direct magnetic flux to the melt, thereby improving efficiency. The system is situated above a refractory holding the melt and may either rest on the refractory or be raised and lowered into and out of the refractory.

Abstract: Apparatus, system and method precisely, quickly control flow of molten metal to metal-casting apparatus by pumping, braking or throttling. The Faraday-Ampère principle of current flow in a unidirectional magnetic field is employed. Permanent magnets comprising neodymium or similar high-energy, rare-earth materials provide “reach-out” magnetism. These neo-magnets, usually shown as cubes, are arranged in various powerful configurations driving intense unidirectional magnetic field B across a non-magnetic gap many times larger than economically feasible otherwise. This gap accommodates a conduit for pressurizing and moving a flow of molten metal. In making multiple identical castings, a controlled, intermittent, predetermined flow of molten metal is fed to a series of identical individual molds. The invention obviates needs for operating metallurgical valves or expensive tilting mechanisms for metallurgical furnaces.

Abstract: A tubular thermal sprayed melt containment component for transient containment of molten metal or alloy wherein the tubular member includes a thermal sprayed inner melt-contacting layer for contacting molten metal or alloy to be processed, a thermal sprayed heat-generating layer deposited on the inner layer, and an optional thermal sprayed outer thermal insulating layer. The thermal sprayed heat-generating layer is inductively heated as a susceptor of an induction field or electrical resistively heated by passing electrical current therethrough. The tubular thermal sprayed melt containment component can comprise an elongated melt pour tube of a gas atomization apparatus where the melt pour tube supplies molten material from a crucible to an underlying melt atomization nozzle.

Abstract: A method for controlling electromagnetic flux concentration in a discharge guide tube for a metal refining apparatus is provided. The discharge guide tube comprises a base plate, an extension, a central orifice that extends through the extension from a source of liquid metal to an outlet in the discharge guide tube for directing a stream of metal therethrough, and an interior discharge guide tube flux concentration configuration; an induction heater system that generates an electromagnetic field in the discharge guide tube, the induction heater system being disposed on the extension with a gap defined therebetween, the induction heater system and the discharge guide tube being capable of relative vertical movement and subsequent positions with respect to each other with the gap being essentially constant.

Abstract: A molten metal transfer pipe 52 for transferring an injection sleeve 51 has a bent pipe portion 3 thereof reduced in diameter to provide a throttle part 4 attaining a pressure loss effect. A melting and holding furnace 101 with a tilting mechanism has a melting and holding furnace section 101 and an electrical lifter 113 for holding the melting and holding furnace section 101 horizontally and for tilting the melting and holding furnace 101 together with a molten metal supplying apparatus 102 upwardly about the melting chamber 104 serving as a tilting fulcrum C to hold the same in the tilted position.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for melting solid metals, including iron, are provided. The apparatus includes a vertical shaft furnace through which the metal is fed. The shaft furnace is mounted on a horizontal induction furnace containing a molten pool of metal. Metal solids are charged at the top of the vertical shaft furnace down onto a refractory pedestal in the molten metal pool or suspended magnetically in the vertical shaft above gas burners. The metal is melted by contact with the molten metal pool. The combination of oxygen fuel burner preheating and induction melting creates an extremely efficient melting unit that can process metal at a much lower cost than conventional systems while preventing the oxidation problems incurred by apparatuses which melt metal using combustion only.

Abstract: In a process for splashing and/or teeming liquid metal, in particular steel, through a discharge in the wall or in the bottom of a metallurgical vessel, the discharge is electromagnetically coupled to the electromagnetic field of at least one fluid-cooled, in particular air-cooled, inductor. The inductor and the discharge are at least partially disposed in the wall or in the bottom of the metallurgical vessel. For teeming, the electromagnetic field of the inductor, or of the inductors, is coupled directly to the discharge and also the liquid metal. For this purpose, the frequency of the electromagnetic field or the electromagnetic fields, if appropriate, is adjusted correspondingly.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a process and an apparatus for the discontinuous tapping of melts. An inductor surrounds a passage through which the melt is discharged from a vessel. The inductor applies radial electromagnetic energy to the passage to maintain the melt in a molten state. To stop flow of the melt through the passage, an outlet opening of the passage is closed and the inductor is electrically switched off while a cooling medium is flowed through the inductor. To begin flow of the melt, the outlet opening of the passage is opened and the inductor is electrically switched on.

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: Tapping method for molten metal from containers (13) including at the lower part a tapping channel (14) associated at the end part with a discharge hole (15) substantially vertical or sub-vertical, the discharge hole (15) being associated at the lower part with a sliding interception device (19), wherein the tapping channel (14) comprises, associated with the walls, an electromagnetic device (17) with spirals (18) and a system for cooling the walls, wherein, during the end-of-tapping step of the liquid metal the sliding interception device (19) is activated by closing the discharge hole (15) and allowing the metal in the tapping channel (14) to solidify so as to form at least a layer which lines both the tapping channel (14) and the discharge hole (15) filling it completely, and that during the start-of-tapping step the sliding interception device (19) is activated by leaving the discharge hole (15) free and the metal which is blocking the discharge hole (15) is melted by means of the electromagnetic device (

Abstract: Method and apparatus for controlling stirring of molten metal(24) during processing in a metallurgical vessel(20), free of mechanical-contact with the molten metal(24). Efficiencies of metal processing and improvements in metallurgical properties are achieved by selecting configurations and placement of interacting apparatus(40), and by controlling electromagnetic field characteristics. Apparatus(40) can be retrofitted to an existing vessel and a reduction in vessel maintenance results from a decreased rate of slag buildup during usage.

Abstract: An apparatus and method relate to tapping a molten metal bath from a reactor. The apparatus includes a tapping pipe having a tapping pipe inlet and tapping pipe outlet for withdrawing a portion of the molten bath from the reactor. The molten bath can flow from the reactor through the tapping pipe inlet through tapping pipe to a tapping pipe exit. The tapping pipe is attached to the reactor at the tapping pipe inlet and the tapping pipe includes a susceptor, formed of a suitable material, such as graphite, which heats upon application of induction current. An induction coil assembly is annularly disposed about the tapping pipe, wherein the induction coil assembly can apply an induction current to heat the tapping pipe to a temperature that is higher than that of a solidified bath metal component within the tapping pipe. The induction current melts the solidified bath metal, whereby the molten metal bath can be tapped from the reactor.

Abstract: A simple yet highly reliable technique for ejecting a droplet of heated solder, or other liquid conductive material, is described. Small droplets of an electrically-conductive liquid are ejected on-demand from a drop generator operating on a magnetohydrodynamic principle. The drop generator consists of two substantially parallel conductive paths separated by a thin electrically-insulating material. A channel for the conductive liquid contains a drop ejecting orifice, and the conductive liquid in the channel forms a first of these two parallel conductive paths. The other path is either a solid conductor or a second channel filled with the conductive liquid. A current on the order of 10-1000 amperes is pulsed through the two parallel conductive paths, and the interaction of the magnetic fields generated by the electric currents through the parallel paths with these currents forces a droplet of the conductive liquid through the orifice in the first channel.

Abstract: An apparatus for depositing a selected pattern of solder onto a substrate comprising a substrate support, a solder ejector, and a gas-delivery system associated with the solder ejector. The substrate support has structure for bearing a substrate on which one or more electronic components are to be mounted. The solder ejector has a housing that defines an orifice for producing a stream of molten solder droplets along a selected trajectory relative to the substrate support to deposit molten solder onto the substrate in a selected pattern. The gas delivery system has an input for receiving pressurized inert gas and an output aligned with the directed stream of molten droplets for discharging from the orifice of the solder ejector a flow of inert gas aligned with the ejected molten solder droplets. A method for depositing a selected pattern of solder onto a substrate is also described.

Abstract: A liquid metal casting conduit (1) is shaped as a partial torus and has an inductor (3) embedded in concrete and whose turns are asymmetrical with respect to the axes (XX') and (YY') of the conduit. It is used for to the homogenization of the metal temperature when the conduit is secured to a low pressure casting ladle (7).

Abstract: A solder drop ejector is disclosed where a current through liquid solder in a channel flows in a direction opposite to the direction of current through a fixed conductor insulated from the channel. The magnetic fields generated repulse the solder toward an orifice to eject a droplet of solder. The dielectric layer separating the fixed conductor and the solder is formed of a film. The film may be made extremely thin, such as 0.1 microns, so that the necessary repulsion force generated by the oppositely flowing currents may be achieved with relatively low driving currents of 10-200 amperes. The thin dielectric film is not molded and is not required to provide mechanical support to a channel wall. Hence, the manufacturing of the resulting solder jet printhead is simplified and its reliability is improved.

Abstract: An electromagnetic valve for controlling the flow of molten, magnetic material is provided, which comprises an induction coil for generating a magnetic field in response to an applied alternating electrical current, a housing, and a refractory composite nozzle. The nozzle is comprised of an inner sleeve composed of an erosion resistant refractory material (e.g., a zirconia ceramic) through which molten, magnetic metal flows, a refractory outer shell, and an intermediate compressible refractory material, e.g., unset, high alumina, thermosetting mortar. The compressible refractory material is sandwiched between the inner sleeve and outer shell, and absorbs differential expansion stresses that develop within the nozzle due to extreme thermal gradients. The sandwiched layer of compressible refractory material prevents destructive cracks from developing in the refractory outer shell.

Abstract: A liquid metal electromagnetic pump 17 operates by passing an electric current through the liquid metal in a direction transverse to an applied magnetic field and the longitudinal axis of the liquid metal flow pipe. The direction of the pump is reversible by reversing the electric current. It is used to transfer batches of contaminated solder from a reservoir 12 in a hot air solder leveller 11 to a treatment tank (TA or TB). Contamination of the solder is removed by a cleaning process and the liquid solder returned to the reservoir 12 after heating to the required process temperature.

Abstract: A regulation and closure apparatus for a metallurgical vessel includes a stator to be disposed in a vessel wall and a rotor is rotatably supported in the stator for choking or blocking melt flow. A heating capability is provided in that the rotor is encompassed by an inductor to whose field melt in a through-passage channel in the rotor or the rotor can be coupled electromagnetically.

Abstract: In a molten metal holding apparatus in which an alternating magnetic flux is generated in the horizontal direction at a lower end portion of a molten metal and the molten metal 7 is held within an upper and lower opening container 6 by an electromagnetic force, solid conductors 8 which are not strong magnetic substances are attached to inner surfaces of both side plates 6x of a portion where the alternating magnetic flux passes through of the upper and lower opening container 6. Further, an apparatus including a circuit 3 to overlay a direct current on an exciting coil 2 or an exciting device 20 to let a direct current magnetic flux act is disclosed.