GB919869A - Improvements relating to continuous casting - Google Patents

Abstract

919,869. Continuous casting machines. CONTINUOUS CASTING CO. Ltd. Sept. 29, 1961 [Oct. 6, 1960], No. 34315/60. Class 83 (1). A method of operating a vertical continuous - casting plant having a receiver spaced vertically below the mould to receive severed sections of the casting, comprises severing a section from the lower end of the casting whilst holding a vertically movable buffer foot lightly in contact with the lower end of the section, and after severing is complete allowing the severed section to accelerate under gravity, pushing the foot downwardly beneath it without substantial restraint to the descent of the section until it reaches a predetermined speed, and thereupon causing the foot to apply a substantial upward. braking force to the severed section. The foot 21 is activated by hydraulic rams controlled by an electrohydraulic system including means for regulating escape of fluid from the ram cylinder under the load applied to it by the foot and such that when the section, cut off by a burner 17, approaches the bottom of the receiver 22 it is subjected to an increased braking force by the shoe to decelerate it to a slow speed at which it is deposited in the receiver. The receiver is pivoted into the horizontal position about a pivot 23 by an hydraulic cylinder 25, depositing the section 34 on to a conveyer 26 from which it is removed by a vertically movable platform 28. The section is held in the open-sided receiver during tilting by rollers 65, which are moved out of the way of the foot 21 during movement thereof by hydraulic cylinders 71. The shoe 21 may also be utilized for inserting the starter bar.