EP2486156A1 - Control pin and spout system for heating metal casting distribution spout configurations - Google Patents
Control pin and spout system for heating metal casting distribution spout configurationsInfo
- Publication number
- EP2486156A1 EP2486156A1 EP09850303A EP09850303A EP2486156A1 EP 2486156 A1 EP2486156 A1 EP 2486156A1 EP 09850303 A EP09850303 A EP 09850303A EP 09850303 A EP09850303 A EP 09850303A EP 2486156 A1 EP2486156 A1 EP 2486156A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- control pin
- spout
- molten metal
- control
- flow
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B22—CASTING; POWDER METALLURGY
- B22D—CASTING OF METALS; CASTING OF OTHER SUBSTANCES BY THE SAME PROCESSES OR DEVICES
- B22D41/00—Casting melt-holding vessels, e.g. ladles, tundishes, cups or the like
- B22D41/50—Pouring-nozzles
- B22D41/60—Pouring-nozzles with heating or cooling means
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C21—METALLURGY OF IRON
- C21C—PROCESSING OF PIG-IRON, e.g. REFINING, MANUFACTURE OF WROUGHT-IRON OR STEEL; TREATMENT IN MOLTEN STATE OF FERROUS ALLOYS
- C21C5/00—Manufacture of carbon-steel, e.g. plain mild steel, medium carbon steel or cast steel or stainless steel
- C21C5/28—Manufacture of steel in the converter
- C21C5/42—Constructional features of converters
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B22—CASTING; POWDER METALLURGY
- B22D—CASTING OF METALS; CASTING OF OTHER SUBSTANCES BY THE SAME PROCESSES OR DEVICES
- B22D41/00—Casting melt-holding vessels, e.g. ladles, tundishes, cups or the like
- B22D41/14—Closures
- B22D41/16—Closures stopper-rod type, i.e. a stopper-rod being positioned downwardly through the vessel and the metal therein, for selective registry with the pouring opening
- B22D41/18—Stopper-rods therefor
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C21—METALLURGY OF IRON
- C21C—PROCESSING OF PIG-IRON, e.g. REFINING, MANUFACTURE OF WROUGHT-IRON OR STEEL; TREATMENT IN MOLTEN STATE OF FERROUS ALLOYS
- C21C5/00—Manufacture of carbon-steel, e.g. plain mild steel, medium carbon steel or cast steel or stainless steel
- C21C5/28—Manufacture of steel in the converter
- C21C5/42—Constructional features of converters
- C21C5/46—Details or accessories
- C21C5/4653—Tapholes; Opening or plugging thereof
Definitions
- This invention pertains to a control pin and spout system for pre-heating and/or heating the metal casting distribution spout configurations for pouring non-ferrous metal such as molten aluminum into casting molds; more particularly, a metal flow control pin and/or spout configuration which provides heat before, during and/or after casting at the metal flow control pin and/or spout.
- Metal ingots, billets and other castparts may be formed by a casting process which utilizes a vertically oriented mold situated above a large casting pit beneath the floor level of the metal casting facility, although this invention may also be utilized in horizontal molds.
- the lower component of the vertical casting mold is a starting block.
- the starting blocks are in their upward-most position and in the molds.
- molten metal is poured into the mold bore or cavity and cooled (typically by water)
- the starting block is slowly lowered at a pre-determined rate by a hydraulic cylinder or other device.
- solidified metal or aluminum emerges from the bottom of the mold and ingots, rounds or billets of various geometries are formed, which may also be referred to herein as castparts.
- Figure 1 illustrates one example.
- the vertical casting of aluminum generally occurs beneath the elevation level of the factory floor in a casting pit.
- a caisson 103 Directly beneath the casting pit floor 101a is a caisson 103, in which the barrel 102 for the hydraulic cylinder is placed.
- the components of the lower portion of a typical vertical aluminum casting apparatus shown within a casting pit 101 and a caisson 103, are a hydraulic cylinder barrel 102, a ram 106, a mounting base housing 105, and a starting block base 1 14 (also referred to as a starting head or bottom block), all shown at elevations below the casting facility floor 104.
- the mounting base housing 105 is mounted to the floor 101a of the casting pit 101 , below which is the caisson 103.
- the caisson 103 is defined by its side walls 103b and its floor 103a.
- a typical mold table assembly 1 10 is also shown in Figure 1 , which can be tilted as shown by hydraulic cylinder 1 1 1 pushing mold table tilt arm 1 10a such that it pivots about point 1 12 and thereby raises and rotates the main casting frame assembly, as shown in Figure 1.
- Figure 1 further shows the starting block base 1 14 partially descended into the casting pit 101 with castpart or ingot 1 13 being partially formed.
- Ingot 1 13 is on the starting block base 1 14, which may include a starting head or bottom block, which usually (but not always) sits on the starting block base 1 14, all of which are known in the art and need not therefore ; be shown or described in greater detail.
- starting block is used for item 1 14, it should be noted that the terms bottom block and starting head are also used in the industry to refer to item 1 14, bottom block typically used when an ingot is being cast and starting head when a billet is being cast.
- the lowering of the starting block 1 14 may be accomplished by any one of a number of different means or mechanisms, such as hydraulic as shown, ball screws or cable systems.
- the embodiment shown in the figure may utilize a metering of the hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic cylinder at a pre-determined rate, thereby lowering the ram 106 and consequently the starting block at a pre-determined and controlled rate (which may also be subject to manual intervention by operators or controllers).
- the mold is controllably cooled during the process to assist in the solidification of the emerging ingots or billets, typically using water cooling means.
- the upper side of the typical mold table operatively connects to, or interacts with, the metal distribution system.
- the typical mold table also operatively connects to the molds which it houses.
- the molten metal is cooled in the mold and continuously emerges from the lower end of the mold as the starting block base is lowered.
- the emerging billet, ingot or other configuration is intended to be sufficiently solidified such that it maintains its desired shape. Below that, there is also a mold air cavity between the emerging solidified metal and the lower portion of the mold and related equipment.
- the mold table is typically tilted upward and away from the top of the casting pit, as shown in Figure 1.
- spouts are utilized to distribute and pour molten metal such as aluminum into molds, including molds which produce castparts referred to as ingots.
- Some of these distribution systems may be comprised of troughs which distribute molten metal to the necessary molds, all of which are generally known and used in the industry.
- a series of dams and other blocking devices may be used to initiate, stop or otherwise control the flow to some or all of the molds, in aspects of this invention.
- control pins that are generally used to control the flow of the molten metal as delivered to the spouts from the metal distribution system, although the control pins may also be utilized for some part of the starting and stopping of molten metal flow through the spouts and into the molds. Due to several factors such as the surface area to volume and temperature of metal, the spout areas present an area where the molten metal tends to solidify if the process is not sufficiently controlled. Solidification of a sufficient amount of molten metal at the spout area results in the uneven flow of molten metal into one mold versus another in a mold table with multiple molds and may lead to blockage of the spout and/or the need to abort a cast before it is completed.
- Heated spout pins or control pins are generally placed within the aperture in the spout to block the aperture or plug the hole when desired, normally at the beginning and at the end of the cast.
- the control pins are placed within the apertures in the spouts to block the flow of molten metal to the molds until the desired time, such as when all molds can be supplied approximately simultaneously. These control pins are then moved to change the aperture size to vary metal flow rates over the length of cast.
- Some advantages that may be achieved by different embodiments or aspects of this invention, although not required, may be the reduction or elimination of freeze ups due to solidification of molten metal.
- Three steps result in a shutdown of the system, cleaning of the freeze up area and then re-starting or initiating the casting process (which takes unnecessary time and requires unnecessary expense). It may for example in some applications require a twenty-five minute cool down period before action may be taken at the control pin and spout location and then another forty-five minutes to reheat to prepare for the next casting.
- Embodiments of this invention may also eliminate heating ovens which may be used in prior art to maintain temperatures at a sufficient level.
- thermocouple data provided by the thermocouple readings may give an indication of the health or status of the control pin and spout, allowing preventative maintenance to be performed, which should reduce unexpected failures in some cases.
- Another possible advantage in some embodiments of this invention is the saving of time, namely time in dealing with spout heaters.
- a further advantage of embodiments of this invention may be that better control may be maintained over the process at temperatures inherent in the process.
- a still further advantage of embodiments of this invention is the reduction of personnel time in and around the molds to deal with some or all of the problems described above and which may be eliminated by this invention.
- Figure 1 is an elevation view of a prior art vertical casting pit, caisson and metal casting apparatus
- Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a prior art control pin configuration, illustrating a solid control pin in the spout of a distribution trough, in one example of a semi-continuous metal distribution and casting system;
- Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a control pin and spout system in a semi-continuous metal distribution and casting system contemplated by this invention
- Figure 4 is the cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the control pin and spout system illustrated in Figure 3, only wherein the control pin has been removed from blocking molten metal flow through the spout;
- Figure 5 is a perspective cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a control system spout pin which may be utilized as contemplated by this invention
- Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a control system spout pin which may be utilized as contemplated by this invention
- Figure 6A is portion 6A from Figure 6 of the embodiment of the control system spout pin which may be utilized as contemplated by this invention
- Figure 6B is portion 6B from Figure 6 of the embodiment of the control system spout pin which may be utilized as contemplated by this invention
- Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a control system spout which may be utilized as contemplated by this invention, wherein the spout includes a heating element to provide heat;
- Figure 7A is detail 7A from Figure 7;
- Figure 8 is an exemplary elevation cross-sectional view of one example of another embodiment of components that may be utilized in practicing aspects of this invention, showing a differently configured control pin primarily controlling the flow of molten metal generally at or toward the top portion of the spout; is an exemplary elevation cross-sectional view of one example of another embodiment of components that may be utilized in practicing aspects of this invention, showing a differently configured control pin primarily controlling the flow of molten metal generally at or toward the middle portion of the spout;
- FIG. 1 is an exemplary elevation cross-sectional view of one example of another embodiment of components that may be utilized in practicing aspects of this invention, showing a differently configured control pin primarily controlling the flow of molten metal generally at or toward the lower portion of the spout;
- FIG. 1 is an exemplary elevation cross-sectional view of one example of another embodiment of components that may be utilized in practicing aspects of this invention, showing a differently configured control pin primarily controlling the flow of molten metal generally at or toward the middle portion of the spout;
- FIG. 1 is an exemplary elevation cross-sectional view of one example of another embodiment of this invention illustrating heat transfer from the control pin to the spout;
- FIG. 1 is an exemplary elevation cross-sectional view of one example of another embodiment of this invention illustrating heat transfer from the spout to the control pin.
- Figure 1 is an elevation view of a typical prior art vertical casting pit, caisson and metal casting apparatus, and is described in more detail above.
- Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a prior art control pin configuration, illustrating a solid control pin in the spout of a distribution trough, in one example of a semi-continuous metal distribution and casting system.
- Figure 2 illustrates molten metal distribution launder 125, molten metal distribution trough 120, refractory material 122 defining molten metal distribution trough 120, launder framework 123, spout 127 and control arm 132.
- the cast part mold framework 129 is shown above bottom block 130 before the beginning of a cast.
- cooler surfaces when interfacing with molten metal, may cause a cooling or solidification of the molten metal on the surface of the material, which would typically be a refractory material.
- the metal distribution trough 120 shown in Figure 2 is made of any one of a number of refractory materials designed to withstand the high heat present in molten metal casting systems.
- Prior art control pins 121 are generally made of a refractory material and solid core, although some tubular or hollow pins such as that, disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 7,165,757, issued January 23, 2007, are constructed or comprised of different materials and combinations.
- control pin 121 is shown inserted in spout 127 to control the flow of metal there-through.
- spout 127 In a typical casting facility there would be trough configurations above a plurality of molten metal casting molds with a plurality of control pins 121 inserted in spouts such as spout 127 to control the flow of molten metal provided into the trough configuration.
- the molten metal then flows through the control pin 121 and spout 127 configuration, with the control pin 121 being utilized to control the flow of the molten metal It can be seen from the configuration of the spout 127 and control pin 121 how blockages may occur in and around the spout 127, the aperture in the spout and the control pin 121.
- control pin or "pin”
- pin is used to identify the component referred to herein.
- term will be used, however, it is not used to limit the component to any particular shape, geometry or configuration - but instead any such configuration utilized to control or manage the flow of molten metal through the spout may be contemplated in aspects of this invention.
- Some examples are shown in later figures, but they are by no means a limitation on the different shapes or configurations that may be utilized to practice different embodiments and aspects of this invention.
- Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a control pin 143 contemplated by this invention, inserted into spout 144 and partially or wholly blocking the flow of molten metal 140 through the aperture.
- Figure 3 illustrates molten metal distribution launder 138, launder framework 123, trough 139 defined by refractory material 122 and the inner surface 147 of the molten metal distribution trough 139, with molten metal 140 contained therein, and control arm 132.
- Figure 3 further illustrates one example of an embodiment of a control pin 143 contemplated by this invention inserted into spout 144 and blocking the flow of molten metal 140 through the aperture in spout 144.
- Lines 145 illustrate the flow of heat from control pin 143 into spout 144 and partially into the trough area, which tends to maintain an outer surface of control pin 143 and a suitable temperature such that molten metal does not solidify on that outer surface, or on the inner surface within the aperture in spout 144. More detail on control pin 143 is provided in later figures.
- Figure 3 further illustrates how heat provided from within the interior cavity of control pin 143 will not only heat the external or outer surface of control pin 143, but may also be configured or designed to also transfer heat to the spout 144 and internal surface of spout 144. This has the effect of reducing the tendency for molten metal to solidify on the outer surface of the control pin 143 and on the inner surface of spout 144.
- the hollow control pin configuration illustrated in the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 3 may be constructed out of any one of a number of different refractory materials, with a material such as one at least partially comprised of a composite ceramic material which includes a fibrous reinforcing material embedded within a ceramic matrix such as disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 7,165,757.
- control pin 143 may be accomplished by any one of a number of different mechanisms known or yet to be discovered in the art.
- One example of such is a control system which includes a linear actuator work in combination with a fulcrum.
- the heating may be provided by any one of a number of mechanisms, means or sources within the contemplation of this invention, including without limitation, 1 electric resistance heat as shown, inductive heating, hot air or gas flame heating, and also a chemical reaction of some sort, as will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill.
- Figure 4 is the cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the control pin and spout system illustrated in Figure 3, only wherein the control pin has been removed from blocking molten metal flow through the spout.
- Figure 4 illustrates control arm 132 rotated to lift control pin 143 as illustrated by arrow 150 such that control pin 143 is no longer blocking the molten metal in molten metal distribution trough 139 from flowing through the internal passageway through spout 144, as shown by metal flow arrows 152.
- the lower end 143a of control pin 143 is shown above the entry opening to spout 144. All other items shown in Figure 4 are like items to those shown in Figure 3 and will not therefore be described in further detail here.
- Control pin 143 may be housed, secured or held by control pin holder 137 in order to secure a hollow or tubular control pin such as control pin 143 for vertical movement and location, and to help facilitate the providing of heating elements such as heating coils, and heating control elements such as thermocouples, within the interior cavity of hollow control pin 143.
- Control pin holder 137 will have an internal cavity which generally corresponds to the external surface and configuration of control pin 143 to allow it to be secured thereto by any one of a number of different mechanisms, such as for example with a mechanical pin, or by placing glue there-between.
- an external gas spout heater is utilized to heat the spout in an attempt to prevent or reduce solidification of molten metal in the spout area and embodiments of this invention will allow the elimination of spout heaters in the molten metal systems.
- Figure 5 is a perspective cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a control pin 170 and spout system which may be utilized as contemplated by this invention.
- Figure 5 illustrates control pin 170 with control pin body 142, a hollow or tubular body 142 with an internal cavity therein and being closed at its lower end 142c.
- Tubular body 142 includes lower body portion 142a, and central body portion 142b, and upper body portion 142d.
- the upper body portion 142d has a reduced diameter (although not necessarily required to practice embodiments of this invention) where the pin holder 137 (shown in other figures) operatively attaches thereto.
- Control pin holder apertures 173 may be utilized to interact with or operatively attach control pin 170 to control pin holder 137 (shown in prior figure).
- control pin body illustrated includes an internal cavity into which the heater is inserted or mounted
- the term internal cavity as used herein and in the claims may also include embodiments wherein the heater coil or heater unit is molded into the control pin body such that its outer boundaries or surfaces comprise the internal cavity.
- the same use of internal cavity will be used if heater elements are within (such as molded within) the spout (as described below with respect to Figure 7).
- Figure 5 further illustrates control pin inner cavity liner 151 within control pin inner cavity 145, heating coil 143, and heating coil electrical conductors 171.
- Figure 5 also schematically shows thermocouple 147 within the interior cavity 145 of control pin 170, which may be utilized for control and process purposes to monitor and control the desired heat or temperatures. It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that any one of a number of different types and configurations of thermocouples may be utilized to monitor and/or control the temperature which the heating coil 143 brings the control pin to.
- Thermocouples may also be utilized within or near the spout or inner surface of the spout, such as the thermocouple shown in Figure 3 as item 152. This thermocouple may be utilized to monitor and control when the temperature of the style has reached a predetermined or desired level for process control purposes.
- control pin 170 may be utilized to provide the desired amount of heat within control pin 170. It will be further appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that any one of a number of different types of specific thermocouples may also be utilized within control pin 170 in order to monitor and control the temperature and heat provided within control pin 170, all within the contemplation of embodiments of this invention.
- FIG. 5 also schematically illustrates controller 155 which may be utilized to receive data and control the electrical input through heater coils 143 to reach the desired or predetermined temperature, which may be monitored and controlled through use of one or more thermocouples 147 operatively connected to controller 155.
- controller 155 which may be utilized to receive data and control the electrical input through heater coils 143 to reach the desired or predetermined temperature, which may be monitored and controlled through use of one or more thermocouples 147 operatively connected to controller 155.
- suitable thermocouple controllers and/or an electric heater controller are well-known and used in the art and will not therefore be described further herein, and no one particular type or kind is required to practice embodiments of this invention.
- the middle portion of the control pin 170 may be approximately twelve inches and the top portion may be referred to as the cold zone or top portion. It may be desirable to maintain a certain minimum distance between the top of the control pin 170 and the molten metal because the tope of the control pin 170 may be where wires or other connections are exposed and a minimum distance may serve to protect or preserve those components.
- the system may preheat the control pin and/or spout for approximately one hour to a temperature within the control pin for example reaching nine hundred to one thousand degrees Celsius, whereas the temperature between the outer surface of the control pin and the spout may be approximately four hundred fifty degrees Celsius.
- Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a control pin 170 which may be utilized as contemplated by embodiments of this invention.
- Figure 6 illustrates control pin 170 represented in two sections, namely section 6A and section 6B, which are presented in figure 6 for illustrative purposes and more detail.
- Control pin body 142 is shown with lower portion 142a and lower end 142c.
- Control pin holder apertures 173 are shown toward the upper end of control pin 170 and are utilized to operatively attach control pin 170 to a control pin holder (not shown in Figure 6).
- Figure 6 further illustrates an exemplary thermocouple 181 with thermocouple wires 182 operatively attached thereto and extending through the interior cavity 145 of control pin 170 a controller or monitor for monitoring the temperature and increasing or decreasing electrical input to the electrical coil to increase or decrease the heater temperature of the exterior surface of the control pin or of the interior surface of the spout (shown in other figures).
- Figure 6 further illustrates electrical heater coil 143 with heater coil conductor 171 operatively attached thereto and extending through the interior cavity 145 of control pin 170.
- Figure 6 also illustrates internal cavity liner 151 within internal cavity 145 of control pin 170.
- the internal liner 151 may be made of any one of a number of different materials or compositions, with no one in particular being required to practice this invention. However, stainless steel may be utilized in embodiments such as those shown herein.
- Figure 6A is portion 6A from Figure 6 of the embodiment of the control pin and spout system which may be utilized as contemplated by this invention.
- the same items referred to are numbered in a like manner and will not be further described herein.
- Figure 6B is portion 6B from Figure 6 of the embodiment of the control pin and spout system which may be utilized as contemplated by this invention.
- the same items referred to are numbered in a like manner and will not be further described herein.
- Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a control system spout which may be utilized as contemplated by this invention, wherein the spout includes a heating element to provide heat.
- Figure 7 illustrates another embodiment of this invention wherein the heater coils 208 are cast into spout 205, or embedded therein.
- Figure 7 illustrates distribution trough 200, refractory material 201 , control pin holder 204, molten metal 202, spout 205, control pin body 207, control pin interior cavity liner 21 1 , and molten metal distribution launder framework 209.
- Figure 7 also illustrates how control pin holder 204 utilizes pins 199 inserted into control pin 207 apertures such as shown as items 173 in Figure 5.
- Control pin holder adapter 203 secures and surrounds control pin holder 204.
- Figure 7A is detail 7A from Figure 7, and illustrates control pin 207, spout 205, heater coils 208, and the arrows 210 illustrate that heater coils 208 are in a circular or coiled pattern around the control pin 205.
- Figure 8 is an exemplary elevation cross-sectional view of one example of another embodiment of components that may be utilized in practicing aspects of this invention, showing a differently configured control pin primarily controlling the flow of molten metal generally at or toward the top portion of the spout.
- Figure 8 illustrates refractory material 201, molten metal 202, molten metal distribution launder framework 209, and spout 251 with spout aperture 252 through which molten metal flows.
- the heater 248 in control pin 250 may also be sized sufficiently to allow sufficient transfer of heat from heater 248, through control pin body and to the upper portion of spout 251.
- control pins are used to control the flow of molten metal and due to operational issues, may not completely plug the aperture 252 in the spout 251.
- the control may be exerted at any location within or relative to the spout aperture 252 in spout 251 , such as at or near the top of the spout as shown in Figure 8, at or near the middle portion of the spout 251 (as shown for example in Figures 9 & 11), or at or near the lower portion of the spout 251 (as shown for example in Figure 10), all within the contemplation of embodiments of this invention.
- Figure 9 is an exemplary elevation cross-sectional view of one example of another embodiment of components that may be utilized in practicing aspects of this invention, showing a differently configured control pin primarily controlling the flow of molten metal generally at or toward the middle portion of the spout 251.
- Figure 9 illustrates refractory material 201 , molten metal 202, molten metal distribution launder framework 209, and spout 251 with spout aperture 252 through which molten metal flows.
- Figure 9 further illustrates control pin 261 , control pin shaft 260 and heater 262, with the embodiment of the control pin 261 shown controlling the flow of molten metal through the spout aperture 252 in spout 251 in the middle portion of the spout 251.
- Figure 10 is an exemplary elevation cross-sectional view of one example of another embodiment of components that may be utilized in practicing aspects of this invention, showing a differently configured control pin primarily controlling the flow of molten metal generally at or toward the lower portion of the spout.
- Figure 10 illustrates refractory material 201, molten metal 202, molten metal distribution launder framework 209, and spout 251 with spout aperture 252 through which molten metal flows.
- Figure 10 further illustrates control pin 271, control pin shaft 270 and also includes a heater although not specifically identified in Figure 10, with the embodiment of the control pin 271 shown controlling the flow of molten metal through the spout aperture 252 in spout 251 at or near the lower portion of the spout 251.
- Figure 1 1 is an exemplary elevation cross-sectional view of one example of another embodiment of components that may be utilized in practicing aspects of this invention, showing a differently configured control pin primarily controlling the flow of molten metal generally at or toward the middle portion of the spout.
- Figure 1 1 illustrates refractory material 201, molten metal 202, molten metal distribution launder framework 209, and spout * 251 with spout aperture 252 through which molten metal flows.
- Figure 1 1 further illustrates control pin 281 , control pin shaft 280 and also includes a heater although not specifically ; identified in Figure 1 1 , with the embodiment of the control pin 281 shown controlling the flow of molten metal through the aperture 252 in spout 251 at or near the lower portion of the spout 251.
- Figure 12 is an exemplary elevation cross-sectional view of one example of another embodiment of this invention illustrating heat transfer represented by arrows 291 from the heater in the control pin 290, through the control pin body portion, and to the spout 194 by either or both of conduction and convection, depending on the level and nature of contact between the outer surface of the control pin 290 and the interior surface of the aperture 293 in the spout 251.
- Figure 12 also illustrates refractory material 201 , molten metal 202, and molten metal distribution launder framework 209.
- this invention facilitates the use of either the spout body and/or the control pin body as a heat transfer medium to transfer heat from the heater which is in the internal cavity of either the spout body or the control pin body, through that body and to the body of the other (either the spout body or the control pin body), to achieve the desired preheating of the system.
- this invention would include embodiments wherein the body of the control pin 290 is not only pre-heated itself, but is also used as a heat transfer conduit or medium to transfer heat and thereby pre-heat the spout as well.
- Figure 13 is an exemplary elevation cross-sectional view of one example of another embodiment of this invention illustrating heat transfer represented by arrows 302 from the heater 301 in the spout 300 to the control pin 306.
- Figure 13 also illustrates refractory material 201 , molten metal 202, and molten metal distribution launder framework 209.
- this invention would include embodiments wherein the body of the spout 300 is not only pre-heated itself with heater elements 301 , but is also used as a heat transfer conduit or medium to transfer heat and thereby pre-heat the control pin 306 as well.
- a control pin for use in controlling the flow of molten metal in a molten metal distribution system for casting
- the control pin comprises: a control pin body with an internal cavity and an outer surface, wherein the outer surface is sized and configured to operatively interact with an internal surface of a spout to effectively plug or control a spout aperture; and a heater element within the internal cavity of the control pin body.
- control pin referred to herein may also, in some embodiments of this invention, further be configured wherein the heater element is molded into the control pin body; or wherein the control pin body is made at least partially of a laminated composite ceramic material that includes multiple layers of a reinforcing fabric embodied within a cast ceramic matrix.
- a preheat control system for use in a combination of a control pin and a spout used in managing molten metal flow from a molten metal distribution system into a casting mold
- the preheat control system is comprised of: a control pin with a control pin body and an internal cavity within the control pin body; a spout with a spout body and an internal cavity within the spout body; a heater in one of the internal cavities within the control pin body or in the internal cavity in the spout body; wherein heat is transferred from the heater through one of the control pin body or the spout body, to the other one of the control pin body or the spout body, to preheat both the control pin body and the spout body.
- a method for preheating a control pin used in controlling the flow of molten metal through a molten metal distribution system and into casting molds comprising the following: providing a spout with a spout aperture configured to facilitate flow of molten metal from the molten metal distribution system into casting molds; providing a control pin body with an internal cavity and an outer surface, wherein the outer surface is sized and configured, to operatively plug the spout aperture when inserted therein; providing a heater within the internal cavity of the control pin body; inserting the control pin into the spout to prevent the flow of molten metal through the spout; increasing the temperature of the heater within the control pin to pre-heat the control pin prior to introducing metal to the- spout; and retracting the control pin from the spout to thereby allow molten metal to flow through the spout.
- the method may further comprise further
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- Metallurgy (AREA)
- Organic Chemistry (AREA)
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- Casting Support Devices, Ladles, And Melt Control Thereby (AREA)
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Abstract
Description
Claims
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US2009/005556 WO2011043759A1 (en) | 2009-10-08 | 2009-10-08 | Control pin and spout system for heating metal casting distribution spout configurations |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP2486156A1 true EP2486156A1 (en) | 2012-08-15 |
EP2486156A4 EP2486156A4 (en) | 2014-07-23 |
Family
ID=43857025
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP09850303.0A Withdrawn EP2486156A4 (en) | 2009-10-08 | 2009-10-08 | Control pin and spout system for heating metal casting distribution spout configurations |
Country Status (10)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP2486156A4 (en) |
JP (1) | JP5936543B2 (en) |
KR (1) | KR20120086305A (en) |
CN (2) | CN102648297A (en) |
AU (1) | AU2009353658B2 (en) |
BR (1) | BR112012007695A2 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2775694A1 (en) |
RU (1) | RU2549817C2 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2011043759A1 (en) |
ZA (1) | ZA201202442B (en) |
Families Citing this family (4)
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CN104475716A (en) * | 2014-12-15 | 2015-04-01 | 西南铝业(集团)有限责任公司 | Distribution flow groove |
CA2936381C (en) | 2015-03-26 | 2017-05-16 | Pyrotek High-Temperature Industrial Products Inc. | Heated control pin |
CN109732071A (en) * | 2019-01-24 | 2019-05-10 | 北京利尔高温材料股份有限公司 | A kind of stopper with anti-crusting heat insulation function |
CN111940716B (en) * | 2020-08-27 | 2022-03-08 | 山东钢铁股份有限公司 | Method for preventing rare earth steel continuous casting nozzle from being blocked |
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EP0379647A2 (en) * | 1988-12-19 | 1990-08-01 | Didier-Werke Ag | Refractory nozzle and induction coil therefor |
JPH06262329A (en) * | 1993-03-15 | 1994-09-20 | Ube Ind Ltd | Trough type molten metal supplying device |
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DE10035097A1 (en) * | 2000-07-17 | 2002-02-07 | Didier Werke Ag | Immersion heating element used for changing, maintaining and/or comparing the bath temperature of a molten metal comprises an inner inductor arranged in a refractory casing having a flat cross-section and closed on its base |
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JPS4839324A (en) * | 1971-09-27 | 1973-06-09 | ||
SU933205A1 (en) * | 1980-06-24 | 1982-06-07 | Могилевское Отделение Физико-Технического Института Ан Бсср | Sleeve for feeding metal into continuous casting mould |
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2009
- 2009-10-08 AU AU2009353658A patent/AU2009353658B2/en active Active
- 2009-10-08 EP EP09850303.0A patent/EP2486156A4/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2009-10-08 KR KR1020127011765A patent/KR20120086305A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2009-10-08 RU RU2012118633/02A patent/RU2549817C2/en active
- 2009-10-08 CN CN2009801628104A patent/CN102648297A/en active Pending
- 2009-10-08 WO PCT/US2009/005556 patent/WO2011043759A1/en active Application Filing
- 2009-10-08 JP JP2012533122A patent/JP5936543B2/en active Active
- 2009-10-08 CN CN201610773846.8A patent/CN106334788A/en active Pending
- 2009-10-08 CA CA2775694A patent/CA2775694A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2009-10-08 BR BR112012007695A patent/BR112012007695A2/en not_active Application Discontinuation
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2012
- 2012-04-03 ZA ZA2012/02442A patent/ZA201202442B/en unknown
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EP0379647A2 (en) * | 1988-12-19 | 1990-08-01 | Didier-Werke Ag | Refractory nozzle and induction coil therefor |
JPH06262329A (en) * | 1993-03-15 | 1994-09-20 | Ube Ind Ltd | Trough type molten metal supplying device |
DE19603607A1 (en) * | 1995-10-05 | 1997-04-10 | Didier Werke Ag | Multi-region inductor unit |
DE10035097A1 (en) * | 2000-07-17 | 2002-02-07 | Didier Werke Ag | Immersion heating element used for changing, maintaining and/or comparing the bath temperature of a molten metal comprises an inner inductor arranged in a refractory casing having a flat cross-section and closed on its base |
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See also references of WO2011043759A1 * |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2011043759A1 (en) | 2011-04-14 |
AU2009353658B2 (en) | 2016-05-26 |
BR112012007695A2 (en) | 2016-08-23 |
JP5936543B2 (en) | 2016-06-22 |
KR20120086305A (en) | 2012-08-02 |
AU2009353658A1 (en) | 2012-04-19 |
JP2013507255A (en) | 2013-03-04 |
ZA201202442B (en) | 2012-12-27 |
CN102648297A (en) | 2012-08-22 |
RU2012118633A (en) | 2013-11-20 |
RU2549817C2 (en) | 2015-04-27 |
CN106334788A (en) | 2017-01-18 |
EP2486156A4 (en) | 2014-07-23 |
CA2775694A1 (en) | 2011-04-14 |
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