Abstract: A molten alloy solidification analyzing method of the invention is characterized in that the amount of change in fraction solid is calculated based on the solidification rate of molten alloy and the solidification rate parameter that is a parameter for evaluating the influence of the solidification rate on solidification of the molten alloy, according to the fraction solid. By conducting such a simulation that takes into consideration the supercooling, a highly accurate solidification analysis is relatively easily performed for various molten alloys.

Abstract: A method is provided for influencing the properties of cast iron by adding magnesium to the cast iron melt and measuring the oxygen content of the cast iron melt. Magnesium is added to the cast iron melt until the oxygen content of the cast iron melt is approximately 0.005 to 0.2 ppm at a temperature of approximately 1,420° C. A sensor for measuring the oxygen content in cast iron melts contains an electrochemical measuring cell containing a solid electrolyte tube.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for nodularizing treatment of ductile iron using a ladle treatment method for nodularizing of a magnesium ferrosilicon alloy, where a magnesium ferrosilicon nodularizing alloy consisting essentially of 40 to 80% by weight of silicon, 2 to 15% by weight of magnesium, 0.3 to 5% by weight of lanthanum, 0 to 6% by weight of calcium, 0 to 5% by weight of aluminum, the balance being iron, is added to the ladle whereafter the molten iron is supplied to the ladle.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing compacted graphite cast iron, in which graphite modifying alloying agents, in the form of a so-called treatment alloy, are added to low-sulphurous molten cast iron. The treatment alloy is added to the molten iron by being sprayed into a jet of the molten iron as the latter is being discharged from a casting furnace. A dosed amount of treated iron is maintained for a predetermined period of time inside a casting box for homogenization and slag flotation, whereupon it is poured into a casting mold.

Abstract: In order to manufacturer a tee nut by plastic working steps, a swollen portion is formed on a metal plate, a through hole is formed in the forward end surface of this swollen portion, and then the outer diameter and therewith the wall thickness of a forward end portion of the swollen portion is relatively reduced as compared to a base portion of the swollen portion. Then, the outer and inner diameters of the base portion are reduced while substantially maintaining its wall thickness. Thus, the forward end portion defines a relatively thin portion to be caulked, and the base portion defines a relatively thick female screw forming portion of the tee nut. Thus, it is possible to form a tee nut having a shaft with a uniform outer diameter and having a relatively thin forward end portion forming the portion to be caulked while the tee nut is held by the metal plate.

Abstract: A method for producing nodular or compacted graphite iron castings in a mould having a sprue, an ingate and a mould cavity, having a first part below and a second part above the level of the ingate, comprises delivering particulate magnesium-containing and silicon-containing treatment agent from a dispenser into a stream of molten metal entering the sprue such that the treatment agent is added at a constant rate of addition while the first part of the mould cavity is filled with iron, and at a decreasing rate while the second part is filled. The addition of the treatment agent is controlled by means of apparatus comprising a container, a measuring and data capture device connected via signal transforming means to a control means, conveyor means located below the container and connected to the signal transforming means, and means for injecting the particulate treatment agent into the metal stream.

Abstract: A novel ladle and method for spheroidizing molten iron is disclosed. A cover made of a porous body defining continuous blow holes is mounted at the upper portion of ladle main body containing spheroidizing material therein, and spheroidizing is effected by pouring molten metal into the ladle main body through the porous body cover. Alternatively, the cover is partly cut-away, and spheroidizing is effected by pouring molten metal into the ladle main body through the cut-away portion of the cover.

Abstract: A magnesium treatment process is proposed for the production of a treated iron melt containing less than 100 grams per ton non-metallic inclusions. The treatment reaction is so arranged that the magnesium is introduced into the melt from a chamber at a depth of at least 200 mm below the surface of the melt. Thus, the quantity of vaporized magnesium produces a mixing energy of at least 1,000 W/m.sup.3, which ensures the necessary elimination of non-metallic inclusions. The surface of the molten mass is covered by a non-oxidizing, preferably a reducing atmosphere.

Abstract: Conventionally, heat treatment was necessary in the final stage of producing nodular cast iron products to give the nodular cast iron with desired mechanical properties. This was necessary because of the loss of graphitization capability of the molten metal when it is being formed into nodular cast iron during the process of spheroidization, and the heat treatment is therefore required to decompose cementite formation and thereby promote graphitization. The process of producing nodular cast iron according to the present invention can achieve the promotion of graphitization and the increase in the number of graphite nodules, which are both important for the production of high-quality thin-shell cast iron products, through the synergetic effect of processing the molten metal with a graphitization agent such as SiC or CaC.sub.2 and of adding a graphite atomization agent such as Bi.

Abstract: In a fuel cell system employing an internally reforming fuel cell and a gas transfer device for recycling hydrogen gas in the fuel cell exhaust back to the fuel cell, the supply fuel is passed through the transfer device so as to allow controllable transfer of water with the transferred hydrogen, thereby providing a stream automatically containing water necessary for the steam reforming reaction in the fuel cell.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for storing and maintaining the temperature level of molten metals, such as a cast iron melt which has been treated with pure magnesium. The apparatus includes a heatable furnace chamber (3) having a pressure-tight cover (4) and an inlet and an outlet (2), which also may be provided with a cover (6). The inlet and outlet (2) is preferably formed as a common inlet and outlet siphon. The closed furnace chamber (3) is supplied with a medium such as argon or nitrogen under pressure. A cast iron melt which has been treated with particular additives can be maintained at a certain temperature over longer periods of time with a decaying effect.

Abstract: A method of keeping inductor spouts, downgates and outlet casting channels and the like free of deposits during the production of a cast iron melt involves treatment with pure magnesium. Such deposits, which occur as reaction products and block the channels causing considerable maintenance expense, are prevented by the use of pure magnesium. The cast iron melt is flushed free of suspended highly basic reaction products, such as MgO, CaO, Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, FeO and MgS, in a predetermined magnesium treatment of the cast iron melt with pure magnesium by a simultaneous evaporation of magnesium not consumed in the magnesium treatment. By preventing the formation of deposits, the life of the vessel used is increased and maintenance costs are decreased.

Abstract: The refining additive is an alloy in the form of granules of a metal selected from the group of alkaline earth metals and zinc with a small quantity of a metallic element capable of giving the alloy a substantially lower melting point. The alloy can be a eutectic alloy.This alloy, which is in the form of granules, allows the treatment of steels, cast iron and non-ferrous metals at lower temperatures and with a substantial reduction in bubble formation.The alloy may be introduced in the form of a core wire.