TW202419152A - Rotary device for treating molten metal - Google Patents

Abstract

A rotor (11) for use in the treatment of molten metal. The rotor (11) comprises a roof (12) having a central axis (A) and comprising a plurality of peripheral cut-outs (18). An intermediate plate (13) extends axially from the roof (12) and comprises a plurality of sides having arcuate portions (14). A plurality of blades (15) extend axially from the intermediate plate (13). The rotor is intended for use in casting operations, particularly in the treatment of non-ferrous metals.

Description

處理熔融金屬的旋轉裝置Rotating device for handling molten metal

本發明係與一種處理熔融金屬的旋轉裝置有關，本發明特別是關於一種旋轉裝置，係用於從熔融金屬去除不需要的雜質，例如溶解的氣體及固體夾雜物。The present invention relates to a rotary device for processing molten metal, and more particularly to a rotary device for removing unwanted impurities, such as dissolved gas and solid inclusions, from molten metal.

對於鑄造應用（特別是諸如鋁或鋁合金之非鐵金屬的鑄造），熔融金屬必須在鑄造之前經過處理―典型地藉由以下程序其中之一或更多：For casting applications (particularly the casting of non-ferrous metals such as aluminum or aluminum alloys), the molten metal must be treated prior to casting - typically by one or more of the following processes:

i) 除氣及夾雜物去除―熔融金屬中存在溶解氣體會對固化的產品帶來缺陷，且可能對它的機械特性有不利的影響。氫在液態鋁中具有高可溶性且隨著熔融溫度而增加，但它在固態鋁中的可溶性非常低，會導致固化的鑄造物有氣孔。氣體也可能在鑄造物或其他由鋁或鋁合金製成的產品之生產過程中擴散入空隙及不連續處（例如氧化物夾雜物），造成孔洞或氣泡形成。i) Degassing and Inclusion Removal - The presence of dissolved gases in the molten metal can introduce defects into the solidified product and may have an adverse effect on its mechanical properties. Hydrogen has a high solubility in liquid aluminium and increases with the melting temperature, but its solubility in solid aluminium is very low and can cause porosity in the solidified casting. Gases may also diffuse into voids and discontinuities (e.g. oxide inclusions) during the production process of castings or other products made from aluminium or aluminium alloys, causing the formation of voids or bubbles.

ii) 晶粒細化―鑄造物的機械特性可以藉由控制固化之金屬的晶粒尺寸而改善。ii) Grain refinement - The mechanical properties of a casting can be improved by controlling the grain size of the solidifying metal.

iii) 改質―金屬合金的微結構及特性可以藉由添加少量的某些‘改質’元素而改善，例如鈉或鍶。改質增加了耐熱裂性，並改善了合金澆注特性，減少收縮孔隙率。iii) Modification - The microstructure and properties of metal alloys can be improved by adding small amounts of certain 'modifying' elements, such as sodium or strontium. Modification increases the resistance to hot cracking and improves the pouring characteristics of the alloy, reducing shrinkage porosity.

iv) 清潔及除鹼―高濃度的鹼元素可以對合金特性有不利的影響，因此這些鹼元素需要被去除或減少。iv) Cleaning and Dealkali - High concentrations of alkaline elements can have an adverse effect on alloy properties and therefore these alkaline elements need to be removed or reduced.

藉由各種方法及設備，以上處理程序可被單獨地或同時地執行。The above processing procedures may be performed individually or simultaneously by various methods and apparatuses.

熔融金屬的除氣係典型地使用一旋轉除氣單元進行，係以一乾燥氣體的細微氣泡沖洗熔融金屬。該氣體可為惰性，例如氬或氮，或者是活性，例如氯或氫或可為其混合。旋轉除氣單元典型地包含有一中空軸桿，係受一轉子接附。在使用中，軸桿及轉子被旋轉，且氣體沿著軸桿向下傳遞並透過轉子而分散到熔融金屬中。當氣泡上升通過熔融物，氫擴散至它們中，且在氣泡到達表面時被噴射至大氣中。上升的氣泡亦收集固體夾雜物，並將它們攜帶至熔融物的頂部，它們可在那裡被掠除。除了引入氣體以去除氫（以及氧化物夾雜物），該旋轉除氣單元亦可用來將金屬處理劑注入熔融物，係透過該軸桿而與惰性氣體一起，或透過一與該軸桿相鄰的管。用於旋轉除氣單元之旋轉裝置的例子為WO2004/057045中描述的“XSR轉子”、WO2009/004283中描述的“FDR轉子”，以及如DE202013102823中所描述。Degassing of molten metal is typically performed using a rotary degassing unit, which flushes the molten metal with fine bubbles of a dry gas. The gas may be inert, such as argon or nitrogen, or reactive, such as chlorine or hydrogen, or a mixture thereof. A rotary degassing unit typically comprises a hollow shaft to which a rotor is attached. In use, the shaft and rotor are rotated, and the gas is passed down the shaft and dispersed through the rotor into the molten metal. As the bubbles rise through the melt, hydrogen diffuses into them and is ejected into the atmosphere as the bubbles reach the surface. The rising bubbles also collect solid inclusions and carry them to the top of the melt, where they can be skimmed off. In addition to introducing gas to remove hydrogen (and oxide inclusions), the rotary degassing unit can also be used to inject metal treatment agents into the melt, either through the shaft together with the inert gas, or through a tube adjacent to the shaft. Examples of rotary devices for rotary degassing units are the "XSR rotor" described in WO2004/057045, the "FDR rotor" described in WO2009/004283, and as described in DE202013102823.

轉子的幾何形狀很重要，因為它對完成金屬處理所需的時間有直接影響。為了提供希望的金屬處理率，現有的產品具有複雜的構造及複雜的形狀。The geometry of the rotor is important because it has a direct impact on the time required to complete metal processing. In order to provide the desired metal processing rate, existing products have complex constructions and complex shapes.

用於處理諸如鋁、鎂、銅及相關合金之熔融金屬的轉子，在傳統上的製造方式是將一固體石墨塊機械加工成希望的形狀。然而，機械加工可為一困難且昂貴的程序，且不是非常適合製造複雜的形狀―特別是在轉子的內表面，因為鑽孔工具需要使用瞄準線。機械加工也限制了可以製成轉子之材料的選擇，因為鑽孔工具可能無法鑽穿更耐用或更有磨蝕作用的陶瓷材料。如此之機械加工程序往往相對昂貴且／或緩慢，從而影響單元價格。Rotors used to process molten metals such as aluminum, magnesium, copper and related alloys are traditionally manufactured by machining a solid block of graphite into the desired shape. However, machining can be a difficult and expensive process and is not well suited to making complex shapes - especially on the inner surface of the rotor because the drilling tool requires the use of an alignment line. Machining also limits the choice of materials from which the rotor can be made because the drilling tool may not be able to drill through more durable or more abrasive ceramic materials. Such machining processes tend to be relatively expensive and/or slow, which affects the price per unit.

用於處理熔融金屬的轉子典型地為消耗品，熔融金屬的惡劣條件限制了一轉子在需要被更換之前可重複使用的次數，延長轉子的使用壽命會讓消耗較少轉子的終端使用者節省花費，更長的服務期間也會將維修及更換轉子所導致的停工時間減到最少，對成本及生產力有進一步的正面影響。Rotors used to handle molten metal are typically consumables. The harsh conditions of molten metal limit the number of times a rotor can be reused before it needs to be replaced. Extending the service life of the rotor will save costs for the end user who consumes fewer rotors. Longer service periods will also minimize downtime caused by repairs and replacements of rotors, which has a further positive impact on costs and productivity.

本發明旨在解決或減輕一或更多上述用於處理熔融金屬的轉子之相關問題。The present invention is directed to solving or alleviating one or more of the above-mentioned problems associated with rotors for processing molten metal.

根據本發明的一第一方面，提供一用於處理熔融金屬的轉子，該轉子可包含有一頂部，該頂部可具有一中心軸線，該頂部可包含有複數外圍切口，該轉子可包含有一中間板，該中間板可從該頂部軸向延伸，該中間板可包含有具有弓形部的複數側面，該轉子可包含有從該中間板軸向延伸的複數葉片，該中間板可與該頂部直接相鄰且連續。According to a first aspect of the present invention, a rotor for processing molten metal is provided, the rotor may include a top, the top may have a central axis, the top may include a plurality of peripheral cutouts, the rotor may include a middle plate, the middle plate may extend axially from the top, the middle plate may include a plurality of side surfaces having an arcuate portion, the rotor may include a plurality of blades extending axially from the middle plate, and the middle plate may be directly adjacent to and continuous with the top.

在使用中，該轉子方向可被設定成該頂部在該中間板及葉片上方。可以理解的是，該轉子可以其他角度使用。In use, the rotor direction can be set to the top above the middle plate and blades. It will be appreciated that the rotor can be used at other angles.

該複數側面可界定了該中間板，例如徑向地。該複數側面的弓形部可為凹形。在上下文中，當弓形部的中央較靠近該轉子的中心軸線（例如相較於弓形部的末端或一平直側面），弓形部為凹形。The plurality of sides may define the middle plate, for example radially. The arcuate portion of the plurality of sides may be concave. In this context, an arcuate portion is concave when the center of the arcuate portion is closer to the central axis of the rotor (for example compared to the end of the arcuate portion or a straight side).

該頂部及／或該板可從該中心軸線徑向地延伸，且在軸向上具有一厚度。該頂部可大概呈圓盤型。該頂部可被配置成徑向地延伸超過該中間板及／或葉片的末端，例如，該頂部可具有一半徑（即從該軸線測量），係大於或等於該中間板及／或葉片的等效尺寸。在某些實施例中，該頂部可具有一半徑，係等於該中間板及／或葉片在其最大處的半徑或長度。可以理解的是，該頂部的半徑意指該軸線與該頂部的最外邊緣，而非該等外圍切口，之間的距離。在該板及／或葉片具有一非圓形橫截面的情況，該用語‘半徑’旨在表示從該軸線到該板及／或葉片離該軸線最遠的點之距離。舉例而言，該中間板及／或該等葉片可延伸到達該頂部的邊緣（即徑向外邊緣）。在一較佳實施例中，該中間板及該等葉片在其最大處具有相同半徑，該頂部可具有一100～300mm、125～275mm、150～250mm，或大概200mm的直徑，該頂部可在軸向上具有一20～50mm、25～45mm、30～40mm，或大概35mm的厚度。將理解的是，此處之該等範圍的端點可以任意結合。該頂部具有間隔為其厚度的一頂面及一底面，該頂部的頂面可為平的，或大概是平的。該頂面可為彎曲的，或包含有與一中心軸桿相鄰的一彎曲區域。該頂部的底面可為平的。The top and/or the plate may extend radially from the central axis and have a thickness in the axial direction. The top may be approximately disc-shaped. The top may be configured to extend radially beyond the end of the middle plate and/or blade, for example, the top may have a half diameter (i.e. measured from the axis) that is greater than or equal to the equivalent size of the middle plate and/or blade. In some embodiments, the top may have a half diameter that is equal to the radius or length of the middle plate and/or blade at its largest point. It is understood that the radius of the top refers to the distance between the axis and the outermost edge of the top, rather than the peripheral cutouts. In the case where the plate and/or blades have a non-circular cross-section, the term 'radius' is intended to mean the distance from the axis to the point at which the plate and/or blade is furthest from the axis. For example, the middle plate and/or the blades may extend to the edge of the top (i.e. the radially outer edge). In a preferred embodiment, the middle plate and the blades have the same radius at their maximum, the top may have a diameter of 100-300 mm, 125-275 mm, 150-250 mm, or approximately 200 mm, and the top may have a thickness of 20-50 mm, 25-45 mm, 30-40 mm, or approximately 35 mm in the axial direction. It will be understood that the end points of the ranges herein may be arbitrarily combined. The top has a top surface and a bottom surface separated by a thickness thereof, the top surface of the top can be flat, or approximately flat. The top surface can be curved, or include a curved region adjacent to a central axis. The bottom surface of the top can be flat.

該複數外圍切口可包含有至少六個切口，較佳地至少八個切口，較佳地至少九個切口。切口數量較佳地為葉片數量的倍數，切口數量較佳地為葉片數量的至少兩倍且／或最大六倍。舉例而言，若該轉子包含有三個葉片，切口數量較佳地為六、九、十二、十六或十八。The plurality of peripheral cutouts may include at least six cutouts, preferably at least eight cutouts, preferably at least nine cutouts. The number of cutouts is preferably a multiple of the number of blades, preferably at least twice and/or at most six times the number of blades. For example, if the rotor includes three blades, the number of cutouts is preferably six, nine, twelve, sixteen or eighteen.

該等外圍切口可在水平橫截面上具有一弓形或半圓形，水平橫截面意思是該平面平行於基底，或者換句話說，“截切”平面垂直於軸向。該等外圍切口可延伸通過該頂部的厚度（例如軸向地），該等外圍切口可延伸通過該頂部的整個厚度，該等外圍切口可圍繞該頂部周緣地間隔分開，該等外圍切口可圍繞該頂部地等距間隔，或替代地，可圍繞該頂部地設有切口群。在某些實施例中，該頂部的全周圍設有切口，以例如提供一呈荷葉邊的外表面。The peripheral cuts may have an arcuate or semicircular shape in horizontal cross-section, meaning that the plane is parallel to the base, or in other words, the "cut" plane is perpendicular to the axial direction. The peripheral cuts may extend through the thickness of the top (e.g., axially), the peripheral cuts may extend through the entire thickness of the top, the peripheral cuts may be spaced apart around the circumference of the top, the peripheral cuts may be equally spaced around the top, or alternatively, a cluster of cuts may be provided around the top. In some embodiments, the top is provided with cuts all around its circumference, for example, to provide a ruffled outer surface.

該中間板可位於該頂部與該等葉片之間，在如此之實施例中，該頂部可位於該軸桿與該中間板之間，該中間板可直接從該頂部延伸，該中間板可與該頂部連續，該中間板可從該頂部軸向延伸而使得該頂部與該中間板之間沒有分開或間隔，該頂部與該中間板可為一體成型，該中間板的底面可為平的，該中間板的頂面可完全與該頂部的底面連續。The middle plate may be located between the top and the blades. In such an embodiment, the top may be located between the shaft and the middle plate. The middle plate may extend directly from the top. The middle plate may be continuous with the top. The middle plate may extend axially from the top without separation or spacing between the top and the middle plate. The top and the middle plate may be integrally formed. The bottom surface of the middle plate may be flat. The top surface of the middle plate may be completely continuous with the bottom surface of the top.

該頂部及中間板可包含有一通過其中的中心孔，例如用以與一流體供應源流體連通。The top and middle plates may include a central hole therethrough, for example for fluid communication with a fluid supply source.

在某些實施例中，該轉子不包含有徑向的洞或徑向的孔。如此處所使用的，一徑向的洞或孔，係指延伸穿過該轉子，例如，在所有的側面受到該轉子的部位圍繞或實質上圍繞，且在一徑向外表面上包含有一開口者。特別是，該頂部及中間板可不包含有徑向的洞或孔，該中間板及／或頂部可被配置成沒有徑向的洞或孔位於該中間板與頂部之間。In some embodiments, the rotor does not include a radial hole or a radial aperture. As used herein, a radial hole or aperture refers to a hole that extends through the rotor, for example, around or substantially around the portion of the rotor that is received on all sides, and includes an opening on a radial outer surface. In particular, the top and middle plate may not include a radial hole or aperture, and the middle plate and/or top may be configured such that no radial hole or aperture is located between the middle plate and the top.

該轉子可包含有一容室，係由（至少）該中間板及該等葉片的一內表面所定義。舉例而言，該容室可軸向地由該中間板及徑向地由該等葉片的一內表面所定義。該容室可被該中間板軸向地朝一方向界定，且可朝相反方向開放。舉例而言，該中間板的下表面可形成該容室的上表面。該容室可被該等葉片徑向地界定，且可局部地徑向開放。舉例而言，該等葉片可徑向地位於該容室外面，例如該等葉片的徑向最內表面可定義出該容室。在某些實施例中，該容室沒有延伸超過該等葉片且／或在其之間。該中心孔可朝該中心容室內開放。該等葉片至少其中之一的內表面可為彎曲的，以例如定義出一標稱圓柱容室，該容室可具有一20至60mm、25至55mm、30至50mm，或35至45mm的標稱半徑。在上下文中，該標稱半徑是從該中心軸線測量到該等葉片的內表面。該中心容室可具有一寬度或一標稱半徑，係大於該中心孔的寬度或半徑。舉例而言，該中心容室可具有一標稱半徑為該中心孔的標稱半徑之至少2倍、2.5倍、3（或更大）倍。該容室的橫截面積可大於該中心孔的橫截面積，在如此之實施例中，該等葉片沒有向內延伸遠至該中心孔。較佳地，該轉子包含有單一容室。如此處所使用的，該容室不被認為是一徑向的洞或孔，因為它的主要開口是軸向的，且因為該容室沒有下物理邊界。The rotor may include a chamber defined by (at least) the middle plate and an inner surface of the blades. For example, the chamber may be defined axially by the middle plate and radially by an inner surface of the blades. The chamber may be axially bounded in one direction by the middle plate and may be open in an opposite direction. For example, the lower surface of the middle plate may form the upper surface of the chamber. The chamber may be radially bounded by the blades and may be partially radially open. For example, the blades may be radially outside the chamber, for example, the radial innermost surfaces of the blades may define the chamber. In some embodiments, the chamber does not extend beyond the blades and/or between them. The center hole may open into the center chamber. The inner surface of at least one of the blades may be curved, for example, to define a nominal cylindrical chamber, which may have a nominal radius of 20 to 60 mm, 25 to 55 mm, 30 to 50 mm, or 35 to 45 mm. In this context, the nominal radius is measured from the central axis to the inner surface of the blades. The central chamber may have a width or a nominal radius that is greater than the width or radius of the center hole. For example, the central chamber may have a nominal radius that is at least 2 times, 2.5 times, 3 (or more) times the nominal radius of the center hole. The cross-sectional area of the chamber may be greater than the cross-sectional area of the center hole, in which case the blades do not extend inwardly as far as the center hole. Preferably, the rotor comprises a single chamber. As used herein, the chamber is not considered to be a radial hole or aperture because its major opening is axial and because the chamber has no lower physical boundaries.

在一系列的實施例中，該中間板包含有三個側面，係由三個轉角或末端連接。該等轉角可定義出一尖的末端或邊緣，或替代地，該等末端可為平的或圓的。該中間板可具有一大概是三角形或截頭三角形的橫截面（例如沿軸向看）。較佳地，各轉角或末端包含有所述複數葉片其中之一，雖然在某些實施例中，各轉角或末端可包含有所述複數葉片至少其中之一。該轉子可具有C3旋轉對稱性。在替代的實施例中，該中間板可包含有4、5、6或一更大數量的側面及轉角或末端。In one series of embodiments, the center plate comprises three sides connected by three corners or ends. The corners may define a pointed end or edge, or alternatively, the ends may be flat or rounded. The center plate may have a cross-section that is approximately triangular or truncated triangular (e.g., viewed axially). Preferably, each corner or end comprises one of the plurality of blades, although in some embodiments, each corner or end may comprise at least one of the plurality of blades. The rotor may have C3 rotational symmetry. In alternative embodiments, the center plate may comprise 4, 5, 6 or a greater number of sides and corners or ends.

該中間板的該複數側面可各包含有由所述弓形部其中之一所分隔開的一對平直部，該對平直部可共面。在某些實施例中，該等轉角或末端具有一60°的內角。在末端是平的或圓的實施例中，該中間板之相鄰側面（即該等平直部）的內角可為60°。在某些實施例中，該等轉角或末端可具有一40至80°或50～70°的內角，且該等平直部可彼此有相對角度。The plurality of sides of the middle plate may each include a pair of straight portions separated by one of the arcuate portions, and the pair of straight portions may be coplanar. In some embodiments, the corners or ends have an internal angle of 60°. In embodiments where the ends are flat or rounded, the internal angle of the adjacent sides of the middle plate (i.e., the straight portions) may be 60°. In some embodiments, the corners or ends may have an internal angle of 40 to 80° or 50 to 70°, and the straight portions may have a relative angle to each other.

該等葉片可具有與其所鄰接之該中間板的部位相同的一橫截面形狀。該等葉片可具有一10～50mm、15～45mm、20～40mm、25～35mm，或30mm的高度。在某些實施例中，該等葉片沒有徑向延伸超過該中間板及／或頂部。The blades may have a cross-sectional shape that is the same as the portion of the middle plate to which they are adjacent. The blades may have a height of 10-50 mm, 15-45 mm, 20-40 mm, 25-35 mm, or 30 mm. In some embodiments, the blades do not extend radially beyond the middle plate and/or the top.

該等葉片的外圍末端可為逐漸變細的，且可形成一尖的、平的或圓的邊緣或末端。在某些實施例中，平的或圓的邊緣或末端可因此大概形成一梯形（當沿軸向看時），它們可軸向地位於該頂部的切口之間，它們較佳地徑向延伸到達該頂部的側表面（例如該頂部的圓周或周圍外邊緣或表面）。The outer peripheral ends of the blades may be tapered and may form a pointed, flat or rounded edge or end. In some embodiments, the flat or rounded edge or end may thus approximately form a trapezoid (when viewed axially), they may be axially located between the cutouts of the top, and they preferably extend radially to the side surface of the top (e.g., the circumference or peripheral outer edge or surface of the top).

在某些實施例中，該頂部可設有一或更多翼片，該等翼片可從該頂部朝向該軸桿並遠離該中間板地軸向延伸。In some embodiments, the top may be provided with one or more fins that may extend axially from the top toward the shaft and away from the middle plate.

在某些實施例中，該頂部、該中間板及該複數葉片係一體成型，使得該轉子為連續的。在某些實施例中，該轉子係由一等靜壓耐火材料形成。在某些實施例中，該轉子可由一可模製耐火材料模製而成。在目前的背景下，模製意旨要包含有鑄造程序。任何適合等壓的耐火材料都可被使用，例如包含有金屬氧化物、碳化物或氮化物的耐火混合物。在某些實施例中，該轉子係由石墨、氧化鋁、矽酸鋁、碳結合氧化鋁、碳結合陶瓷、黏土結合石墨、氮化矽鋁、熔融石英、碳化矽、氧化鋯或其任何混合物製成。In some embodiments, the top, the middle plate and the plurality of blades are integrally formed so that the rotor is continuous. In some embodiments, the rotor is formed of an isostatic refractory material. In some embodiments, the rotor can be molded from a moldable refractory material. In the present context, molding is intended to include a casting process. Any refractory material suitable for isostatic pressure can be used, such as a refractory mixture containing metal oxides, carbides or nitrides. In some embodiments, the rotor is made of graphite, alumina, aluminum silicate, carbon-bonded alumina, carbon-bonded ceramic, clay-bonded graphite, aluminum silicon nitride, fused quartz, silicon carbide, zirconia or any mixture thereof.

根據本發明的一第二方面，提供一旋轉裝置，係包含有此處所描述之轉子及一軸桿，該轉子可設於該軸桿一端，該軸桿及轉子可一體成型，使得它們是連續的。According to a second aspect of the present invention, a rotating device is provided, comprising a rotor as described herein and a shaft, wherein the rotor may be arranged at one end of the shaft, and the shaft and the rotor may be integrally formed so that they are continuous.

在某些實施例中，該轉子的頂部設有用以接附於該旋轉裝置之軸桿的接合手段，該接合手段可包含有一螺紋壁，係讓該轉子可螺接於該軸桿一端的一相配之螺紋。替代地，該接合手段可包含有一在該轉子頂部內的凹處，係配置成具有一與該軸桿一端相配的尺寸及形狀，藉由一推合機構或使用一合適的耐火黏著劑，例如膨脹耐火泡沫黏著劑（例如由ZYP Coatings, Inc生產的Cera Foam），使得該轉子可以接附至該軸桿。替代地，該接合手段可包含有一鎖定機構。在一系列的實施例中，該接合手段包含有卡口連接器。In some embodiments, the top of the rotor is provided with an engagement means for attaching to the shaft of the rotating device, and the engagement means may include a threaded wall that allows the rotor to be threaded to a matching thread on one end of the shaft. Alternatively, the engagement means may include a recess in the top of the rotor, configured to have a size and shape that matches one end of the shaft, so that the rotor can be attached to the shaft by a push-fit mechanism or using a suitable refractory adhesive, such as an expanding refractory foam adhesive (e.g., Cera Foam produced by ZYP Coatings, Inc.). Alternatively, the engagement means may include a locking mechanism. In a series of embodiments, the engagement means includes a bayonet connector.

該頂部可配置成它具有一相對於該軸桿成傾斜角度的上表面，該頂部可配置成在一緊鄰該軸桿的區域內較厚，該頂部可逐漸變細而使得它朝向其外周面厚度逐漸減少。The top portion may be configured to have an upper surface that is inclined relative to the shaft, the top portion may be configured to be thicker in a region adjacent to the shaft, and the top portion may taper such that its thickness gradually decreases toward its outer periphery.

該軸桿可為中空的及／或管狀的，該軸桿可與該頂部及中間板內的中心孔流體連通。The shaft may be hollow and/or tubular and may be in fluid communication with the center holes in the top and middle plates.

前述方面之轉子或旋轉裝置可由一等靜壓耐火材料形成，替代地，該轉子或旋轉裝置可由一模製耐火材料形成。在某些實施例中，該轉子或旋轉裝置可由等靜壓及模製成分的混合體形成。The rotor or rotating device of the aforementioned aspect can be formed by an isostatically pressed refractory material, alternatively, the rotor or rotating device can be formed by a molded refractory material. In certain embodiments, the rotor or rotating device can be formed by a mixture of isostatically pressed and molded components.

根據本發明的一第三方面，提供一處理熔融金屬的方法，該方法可包含有將該旋轉裝置的轉子，以及選擇性地該軸桿的局部，浸泡至該熔融金屬內，該方法可包含有旋轉該轉子，該方法可包含有通過該旋轉裝置傳遞一或更多熔融金屬處理物並經由該轉子至該熔融金屬內。該熔融金屬可包含有熔融的鋁、鎂、銅，或其合金。According to a third aspect of the present invention, a method for processing molten metal is provided, the method may include immersing the rotor of the rotating device, and optionally a portion of the shaft, into the molten metal, the method may include rotating the rotor, the method may include passing one or more molten metal treatments through the rotating device and into the molten metal through the rotor. The molten metal may include molten aluminum, magnesium, copper, or alloys thereof.

該方法可包含有旋轉該軸桿，以旋轉該轉子。該方法可包含有以100至500rpm、或150至450rpm、200至400rpm、250至350rpm、300rpm，或其任何組合而旋轉該轉子。在一較佳實施例中，該方法包含有以250至450rpm旋轉該轉子。該方法可包含有攪拌該熔融金屬1至10分鐘、2至8分鐘、3至6分鐘或4至5分鐘。The method may include rotating the shaft to rotate the rotor. The method may include rotating the rotor at 100 to 500 rpm, or 150 to 450 rpm, 200 to 400 rpm, 250 to 350 rpm, 300 rpm, or any combination thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the method includes rotating the rotor at 250 to 450 rpm. The method may include stirring the molten metal for 1 to 10 minutes, 2 to 8 minutes, 3 to 6 minutes, or 4 to 5 minutes.

該等熔融金屬處理物可包含有通過該轉子及／或旋轉裝置傳遞一氣體，該氣體可包含有一惰性氣體，例如氬及／或氮，或一活性氣體，例如氫及／或氯。在某些實施例中，可使用氣體的混合物。該氣體可以每分鐘5至50公升的一流速供應，或較佳地10至30 l/min，該氣體可以每分鐘大約20公升的一流速供應。The molten metal treatments may include passing a gas through the rotor and/or rotating device, the gas may include an inert gas, such as argon and/or nitrogen, or a reactive gas, such as hydrogen and/or chlorine. In certain embodiments, a mixture of gases may be used. The gas may be supplied at a flow rate of 5 to 50 liters per minute, or preferably 10 to 30 l/min, the gas may be supplied at a flow rate of about 20 liters per minute.

在某些實施例中，該等熔融金屬處理物可包含有一粉狀的或粒狀的金屬處理物，該等粉狀的或粒狀的處理物可為任何用以支持液態金屬之除氣的化學處理物，該轉子可用來混合應用物，例如在一熔化爐中攪拌碎片。In certain embodiments, the molten metal process may include a powdered or granular metal process, which may be any chemical process used to support degassing of liquid metals. The rotor may be used for mixing applications, such as stirring chips in a melting furnace.

圖1至3顯示一旋轉裝置10的一第一實施例，該旋轉裝置10包含有一轉子11，係連接至一軸桿20。該軸桿20係呈管狀，且具有一延伸其長度的中心通道16A。該旋轉裝置10定義出一軸線A，係沿中心地延伸通過該軸桿20的長度、中心通道16A及該轉子11。該軸桿20具有呈喇叭形展開的一端，在那裡它以一曲面連接至該轉子11，以確保該軸桿20的外表面與該轉子11之間滑順的過渡。1 to 3 show a first embodiment of a rotary device 10, which includes a rotor 11 connected to a shaft 20. The shaft 20 is tubular and has a central passage 16A extending its length. The rotary device 10 defines an axis A extending centrally through the length of the shaft 20, the central passage 16A and the rotor 11. The shaft 20 has one end that is flared where it is connected to the rotor 11 with a curved surface to ensure a smooth transition between the outer surface of the shaft 20 and the rotor 11.

該轉子11大概形成三層，具有一與該軸桿20相鄰的頂部12、一從該頂部12軸向延伸的中間板13，以及從該中間板13軸向延伸的三個葉片15。該頂部12大概呈圓盤狀（即它在水平橫截面大概是圓形）且在軸向A上具有一厚度。該頂部12在它的外部（即外圍）表面設有一系列的切口18，係軸向地延伸通過該頂部12的厚度。該等切口18是弓形的，且具有一軸向地看呈彎曲的橫截面，以及在相對於軸線A之徑向上的一深度。換言之，該等切口18是弓形的，且具有在水平橫截面的一彎曲形狀，以及在相對於軸線A之徑向上的一深度。The rotor 11 is formed in approximately three layers, with a top 12 adjacent to the shaft 20, a middle plate 13 extending axially from the top 12, and three blades 15 extending axially from the middle plate 13. The top 12 is approximately disc-shaped (i.e., it is approximately circular in horizontal cross-section) and has a thickness in the axis A. The top 12 is provided with a series of cutouts 18 on its outer (i.e., peripheral) surface, extending axially through the thickness of the top 12. The cutouts 18 are arcuate and have a cross-section that is curved when viewed axially, and a depth in a radial direction relative to the axis A. In other words, the cutouts 18 are arcuate and have a curved shape in a horizontal cross section and a depth in a radial direction relative to the axis A.

如最佳地顯示於圖2者，該中間板13具有一大概呈三角形的橫截面，係由在轉角13b相接之一系列側面13a所形成。各側面13a具有一對平直部13c，係由徑向延伸至側面13a內的弓形部14分隔開。該等葉片15的外圍末端（即徑向最外端）及該中間板13係逐漸變細至一尖銳的邊緣或轉角13b。在所描繪的實施例中，該中間板13的尺寸係使得該板的轉角13b位於該頂部12的外圍邊緣，雖然在其他實施例中，該等轉角可與該頂部12的外圍邊緣間隔分開。中心孔16朝該中間板13的中央開放，因此提供了從該軸桿20通過該轉子11的一連續通道。As best shown in FIG. 2 , the middle plate 13 has a generally triangular cross-section formed by a series of side surfaces 13a joined at corners 13b. Each side surface 13a has a pair of straight portions 13c separated by arcuate portions 14 extending radially into the side surfaces 13a. The peripheral ends (i.e., radially outermost ends) of the blades 15 and the middle plate 13 taper to a sharp edge or corner 13b. In the depicted embodiment, the middle plate 13 is sized so that the corners 13b of the plate are located at the peripheral edges of the top portion 12, although in other embodiments, the corners may be spaced apart from the peripheral edges of the top portion 12. The central hole 16 opens towards the center of the intermediate plate 13, thus providing a continuous passage from the shaft 20 through the rotor 11.

從該中間板13之各轉角13b為一葉片15，係軸向地延伸遠離該中間板13及頂部12。該等葉片15具有一橫截面積（當在水平橫截面上看時），係與緊鄰之中間板13的區域相等，使得該等葉片15從該中間板13連續地延伸。該葉片15的形狀係因此由該等轉角13b、平直部13c及該中間板13之弓形部14的局部而定義。該等葉片15最靠近該中心軸線A的表面是彎曲的，且局部定義出一在該中間板13下面且在該三個葉片15之間的圓形容室17，該容室17係因此透過分別位於該等葉片15之間的空間而開放。From each corner 13b of the middle plate 13 is a blade 15 extending axially away from the middle plate 13 and the top portion 12. The blades 15 have a cross-sectional area (when viewed in horizontal cross section) that is equal to the area of the adjacent middle plate 13, so that the blades 15 extend continuously from the middle plate 13. The shape of the blade 15 is thus defined by the corners 13b, the straight portion 13c and a portion of the arcuate portion 14 of the middle plate 13. The surfaces of the blades 15 closest to the central axis A are curved and partially define a circular chamber 17 below the middle plate 13 and between the three blades 15, the chamber 17 thus opening through the spaces respectively located between the blades 15.

該等轉角13b及該等葉片15的前緣具有一60°的角度，使得平直部13c共面。在替代的實施例中（圖中未示），轉角角度可以不同，使得各對中的平直部13c彼此有相對角度。類似地，該等弓形部14可設有在一長度及深度（即徑向）範圍內的尺寸。The corners 13b and the leading edges of the blades 15 have an angle of 60° so that the straight portions 13c are coplanar. In alternative embodiments (not shown), the corner angles may be different so that the straight portions 13c in each pair are at an angle relative to each other. Similarly, the arcuate portions 14 may be provided with dimensions within a range of length and depth (i.e. radial).

該轉子11及軸桿20係由耐火材料製成，且可藉由等靜壓或藉由模製（包含有鑄造）方式形成。圖1至3中所示之旋轉裝置10係成型為單一的一體成型元件。在替代實施例中，該轉子11及軸桿20係成型為分離件並相接在一起，該軸桿20可設有一連接部，例如一螺紋部或推合裝置，在如此之實施例中，該轉子11可設有一插口，係具有一對應之連接部，例如一對應之螺紋部或推合插口。The rotor 11 and the shaft 20 are made of refractory materials and can be formed by isostatic pressing or by molding (including casting). The rotating device 10 shown in Figures 1 to 3 is formed as a single integral molded element. In an alternative embodiment, the rotor 11 and the shaft 20 are formed as separate parts and connected together. The shaft 20 can be provided with a connecting portion, such as a threaded portion or a push-fit device. In such an embodiment, the rotor 11 can be provided with a socket, which has a corresponding connecting portion, such as a corresponding threaded portion or a push-fit socket.

在使用中，該旋轉裝置10可以被固定在一具有一馬達及一氣體供應源的旋轉除氣單元內，且***置於一熔融金屬容器內。氣體可以沿該中空軸桿向下傳遞、通過該轉子11及該中心孔16，並進入該容室17，只要該旋轉裝置10可被該馬達驅動而繞該軸線A旋轉。該轉子11的旋轉將被充入該容室17的氣體驅散，使該氣體上升通過該熔融金屬。不希望受到理論限制，相信是位於該頂部12的外圍切口18對於上升通過該熔融金屬的氣泡起了作用。特別是，外圍切口18在氣泡從該容室17上升時收集了它們，並且因為該轉子11的旋轉而將氣泡從該轉子11徑向地投出，這導致氣泡特別有效地分佈遍及該熔融金屬。進一步地，已經發現該容室增加了該轉子下方之氣泡的保留時間，例如該等葉片的內面減緩並避免一些氣泡被該轉子的旋轉徑向地投出，相信這增加了該氣體與該熔融金屬之間的混合，且因此提升了該氣體對該熔融金屬的淨化作用。In use, the rotary device 10 can be mounted in a rotary degassing unit having a motor and a gas supply, and inserted into a molten metal container. Gas can pass down the hollow shaft, through the rotor 11 and the central hole 16, and into the chamber 17, so long as the rotary device 10 can be driven by the motor to rotate about the axis A. The rotation of the rotor 11 will disperse the gas filled into the chamber 17, causing the gas to rise through the molten metal. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that the peripheral cutouts 18 located at the top 12 are responsible for the gas bubbles rising through the molten metal. In particular, the peripheral cutouts 18 collect gas bubbles as they rise from the chamber 17 and radially project them from the rotor 11 due to the rotation of the rotor 11, which results in particularly efficient distribution of gas bubbles throughout the molten metal. Further, it has been found that the chamber increases the retention time of gas bubbles below the rotor, e.g. the inner surfaces of the blades slow down and prevent some gas bubbles from being radially projected by the rotation of the rotor, which is believed to increase mixing between the gas and the molten metal and thereby enhance the purification effect of the gas on the molten metal.

水模擬結果Water simulation results

各種轉子設計的性能係藉由水模擬進行測試，係在裝設一擋板的一全尺寸熔化鍋內。該熔化鍋被填裝220公升、16°C的水，且該轉子被浸泡至距離器皿底部190mm。水具有與熔融鋁相似的黏滯特性，因此為一有用的取代物來指出一轉子在熔融金屬中的性能。The performance of various rotor designs was tested by water simulation in a full-scale melting pot equipped with a baffle. The melting pot was filled with 220 liters of water at 16°C and the rotor was immersed to 190 mm from the bottom of the vessel. Water has similar viscous properties to molten aluminum and is therefore a useful proxy to indicate the performance of a rotor in molten metal.

比較二個轉子設計：（A）根據本發明如圖1至3所示的一設計，以及（B）如WO2004/057045所描述之本申請人的一市售轉子（XSR ^TMrotor）。 Two rotor designs are compared: (A) a design according to the present invention as shown in Figures 1 to 3, and (B) a commercially available rotor (XSR ^™ rotor) of the applicant as described in WO2004/057045.

攪拌功率Stirring power

以不同的旋轉速度執行力矩測量，來比較各轉子設計的相對攪拌功率，總共重複至少三次實驗，並計算一平均值。Torque measurements were performed at different rotational speeds to compare the relative stirring power of the various rotor designs. The experiments were repeated at least three times in total and an average value was calculated.

力矩測量結果如圖4所示，係一力矩（N·m）對旋轉速度（rpm）的圖表。在所有旋轉速度下，轉子設計A表現出比相較設計B更高的力矩，已經發現較大的力矩會導致通過該旋轉裝置引入之氣體有較小的氣泡，較小的氣泡尺寸會導致氣泡的表面積增加且上升速度較低，增加了氣體在熔融物內的停留時間，因此增進了使用中的液態金屬之除氣。The torque measurement results are shown in Figure 4, which is a graph of torque (N·m) versus rotational speed (rpm). At all rotational speeds, rotor design A exhibits higher torque than the comparative design B. It has been found that greater torque results in smaller bubbles in the gas introduced through the rotor. Smaller bubble size results in increased bubble surface area and lower rise velocity, increasing the residence time of the gas in the melt, thereby enhancing the degassing of the liquid metal in use.

除氣效率Degassing efficiency

將一測氧計浸泡在水中，朝向該熔化鍋的頂部。各以300rpm及400rpm旋轉轉子設計A及B，且測量氧氣準位到達一最小平緩段所需的時間。溶解在水中的氧氣表現出與溶解在熔融鋁中的氫相似的反應，因此這個測試給予一對熔融金屬內之除氣效率有用的測量。An oxygen meter is immersed in the water, toward the top of the melting pot. Rotor designs A and B are rotated at 300 rpm and 400 rpm respectively, and the time required for the oxygen level to reach a minimum plateau is measured. Oxygen dissolved in water exhibits a similar reaction to hydrogen dissolved in molten aluminum, so this test gives a useful measure of the degassing efficiency within the molten metal.

除氣結果如圖5所示，係一氧氣準位（mg/L）對時間（s）的圖表。根據本發明的轉子設計（例A）從水中去除氧的表現，在300rpm及400rpm都明顯比相較例B更快。增進除氣速率是理想的，可減少處理時間及增加鑄造廠的生產量。進一步地，在較低轉速下增進速率是特別理想的，可將該旋轉裝置及該旋轉除氣單元的其餘部分之磨損都減到最少，從而將維修成本和停機時間減到最少。The degassing results are shown in FIG5 , which is a graph of oxygen level (mg/L) versus time (s). The performance of the rotor design according to the present invention (Example A) in removing oxygen from water is significantly faster at both 300 rpm and 400 rpm than Example B. Increasing the degassing rate is desirable to reduce processing time and increase foundry throughput. Further, increasing the rate at lower speeds is particularly desirable to minimize wear on the rotor and the rest of the rotary degassing unit, thereby minimizing maintenance costs and downtime.

鋁熔融物測試結果Aluminum molten material test results

目視觀察Visual observation

將該旋轉裝置浸入400kg、720°C的液態鋁至一距離器皿底部200mm的深度，一擋板被裝設至該除氣單元且與該旋轉裝置之軸桿相鄰，氣體以不同的流速通過該旋轉裝置供應，且該轉子以不同的速度旋轉。熔融物表面的目視觀察記錄在表1，以測定該旋轉裝置的可接受工作條件。 氣體流速 旋轉速度 10 l/min 15 l/min 20 l/min 100 rpm 大氣泡 大氣泡 - 150 rpm 大氣泡 大氣泡 - 200 rpm 好的熔融物表面 大氣泡 大氣泡 250 rpm 好的熔融物表面 可接受的表面 可接受的表面 300 rpm 非常好的熔融物表面 可接受的表面 好的熔融物表面 350 rpm 非常好的熔融物表面，小渦流在軸桿周圍 好的熔融物表面 好的熔融物表面 400 rpm 非常好的熔融物表面，小渦流在軸桿周圍 好的熔融物表面 可接受，大量淨化氣體分佈良好 450 rpm 非常好的熔融物表面，渦流在軸桿周圍 小紊流，但可接受 可接受，大量淨化氣體分佈良好 500 rpm 紊流，渦流，但可接受 小紊流，但可接受 可接受，小渦流 表 1 The rotor was immersed in 400 kg of 720°C liquid aluminum to a depth of 200 mm from the bottom of the vessel, a baffle was attached to the degassing unit and adjacent to the shaft of the rotor, gas was supplied through the rotor at different flow rates, and the rotor was rotated at different speeds. Visual observations of the melt surface are recorded in Table 1 to determine acceptable operating conditions of the rotor. Gas flow rate Rotation speed 10 l/min 15 l/min 20 l/min 100 rpm Big Bubble Big Bubble - 150 rpm Big Bubble Big Bubble - 200 rpm Good melt surface Big Bubble Big Bubble 250 rpm Good melt surface Acceptable surface Acceptable surface 300 rpm Very good melt surface Acceptable surface Good melt surface 350 rpm Very good melt surface, small eddies around the shaft Good melt surface Good melt surface 400 rpm Very good melt surface, small eddies around the shaft Good melt surface Acceptable, large amount of clean gas with good distribution 450 rpm Very good melt surface, eddy current around the shaft Small turbulence, but acceptable Acceptable, large amount of clean gas with good distribution 500 rpm Turbulent, eddy, but acceptable Small turbulence, but acceptable Acceptable, small vortex Table 1

目視觀察測出該轉子之工作區間在250與450rpm之間，以及通過該轉子的一氣體流速為10～20 l/min。典型地，一相對平靜的熔融物表面是理想的，以避免負面效果。大氣泡是表示混合不良，以及氣泡表面積低，從而氣體效率低。紊流表面也較可將已經浮出該熔融物的雜質重新溶解。小渦流可導致較快的除氣速率及較佳的混合效率，但較大的渦流會導致夾帶較多空氣及氧化物，因此為了最大效率必須達到平衡。Visual observations determined that the rotor had an operating range between 250 and 450 rpm and a gas flow rate through the rotor of 10-20 l/min. Typically, a relatively calm melt surface is ideal to avoid negative surface effects. Large bubbles indicate poor mixing and low bubble surface area, resulting in low gas efficiency. Turbulent surfaces are also more likely to re-dissolve impurities that have floated out of the melt. Small vortices can result in faster degassing rates and better mixing efficiency, but larger vortices can result in more entrained air and oxides, so a balance must be achieved for maximum efficiency.

相較於現有的市售旋轉裝置，此旋轉裝置的工作區間使用較低的旋轉速度及較低的氣體消耗。較低的旋轉速度是理想的，因為減少了RDU及轉子本身的磨損，從而增加了旋轉裝置的工作壽命。Compared to existing commercially available rotary devices, this rotary device has a lower rotation speed and lower gas consumption in its working range. The lower rotation speed is ideal because it reduces wear on the RDU and the rotor itself, thereby increasing the working life of the rotary device.

除氣效率Degassing efficiency

減壓測試（reduced pressure testing；RPT）可以用來辨識一金屬樣品的密度指數（density index；DI），RPT是一種不昂貴且有效的方式來確定鋁中的氫準位，從而控制氣體孔隙率。從該熔融物取出一鋁樣品，且立刻放置於一減壓測試機的一真空圓頂下，讓該樣品在真空下固化大概4分鐘（即在8kPa的壓力），在真空下的固化使氫氣體積膨脹成比在正常大氣下固化大了大概十倍，從而可以測量和評估該熔融物中的氣體準位。Reduced pressure testing (RPT) can be used to identify the density index (DI) of a metal sample. RPT is an inexpensive and effective way to determine the hydrogen level in aluminum, thereby controlling gas porosity. An aluminum sample is taken from the melt and immediately placed under a vacuum dome in a reduced pressure testing machine. The sample is allowed to solidify under vacuum for about 4 minutes (i.e., at a pressure of 8 kPa). Solidification under vacuum causes the hydrogen volume to expand to about ten times greater than solidification under normal atmosphere, so that the gas level in the melt can be measured and evaluated.

為了測試該轉子在液態鋁中的除氫氣效率，執行了一系列的測試。將該旋轉裝置浸入400kg、720°C的液態鋁至一距離器皿底部200mm的深度。作為一基線，首先對液態鋁加氣4分鐘，係以15 l/min之包含有30%氫的混合氣體與5 l/min之惰性氣體的組合，並以400rpm的轉子速度。然後對鋁除氣，係使用該旋轉裝置，並根據表2中的旋轉速度及氣體流速。取回一樣品，計算密度指數 （DI），且在新的除氣參數下重複此程序。使用一新的鋁樣品重複此測試，且將平均記錄在表2。週期性地測量被加氣的鋁之DI，計算出平均為12.6%。 氣體流速 旋轉速度 10 l/min 15 l/min 20 l/min 200 rpm 4.6% - - 250 rpm 1.7% 0.2% 0.4% 300 rpm 0.5% 0.1% 1.3% 350 rpm 1.1% 0.2% 0.2% 400 rpm 0.8% 0.0% 0.2% 450 rpm 0.0% 0.2% 0.2% 500 rpm 0.3% 0.2% 0.2% 表 2 In order to test the degassing efficiency of the rotor in liquid aluminium, a series of tests were performed. The rotor was immersed in 400 kg of liquid aluminium at 720°C to a depth of 200 mm from the bottom of the vessel. As a baseline, the liquid aluminium was first aerated for 4 minutes with a combination of 15 l/min of a mixed gas containing 30% hydrogen and 5 l/min of inert gas, and a rotor speed of 400 rpm. The aluminium was then degassed using the rotor and the rotation speed and gas flow rate according to Table 2. A sample was retrieved, the density index (DI) calculated, and the procedure repeated with the new degassing parameters. The test was repeated using a new aluminium sample and the average recorded in Table 2. The DI of the aerated aluminum was measured periodically and calculated to be an average of 12.6%. Gas flow rate Rotation speed 10 l/min 15 l/min 20 l/min 200 rpm 4.6% - - 250 rpm 1.7% 0.2% 0.4% 300 rpm 0.5% 0.1% 1.3% 350 rpm 1.1% 0.2% 0.2% 400 rpm 0.8% 0.0% 0.2% 450 rpm 0.0% 0.2% 0.2% 500 rpm 0.3% 0.2% 0.2% Table 2

計算密度指數（%）是使用公式： ，其中ρ _atm及ρ _8kPa分別為在大氣壓力及8kPa壓力下固化所測量之樣品以g.cm ⁻³為單位的密度。 The density index (%) is calculated using the formula: , where ρ _atm and ρ _8kPa are the densities in g.cm ⁻³ of the samples cured at atmospheric pressure and 8kPa pressure, respectively.

此數據顯示已經發現該轉子對鋁熔融物除氣是高度有效的，即使在低旋轉速度及低氣體流速。The data show that the rotor has been found to be highly effective for degassing aluminum melts, even at low rotation speeds and low gas flow rates.

發明人已發現相較於市售轉子，本發明的轉子在較低旋轉速度及／或較低氣體消耗下，是同樣有效或更有效的。不希望受到理論限制，相信是中間板的弓形部有效增加了板的面積，且使該熔融物更好地加速，並使氣體―熔融物混合物更好地分佈。相信在該頂部的葉片及切口也增加了該轉子賦予的力矩，如先前所述，相信較大的力矩會產生具有較高表面積之較小氣泡，從而增進除氣效率。此組合因此提供一具有高力矩的轉子，係產生具有較長停留時間的氣泡，且對於混合該熔融物也非常有效。The inventors have found that the rotor of the present invention is equally effective or more effective at lower rotational speeds and/or lower gas consumption than commercially available rotors. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that the arcuate portion of the middle plate effectively increases the area of the plate and provides better acceleration of the melt and better distribution of the gas-melt mixture. It is believed that the blades and cutouts at the top also increase the torque imparted by the rotor, and as previously described, it is believed that greater torque produces smaller bubbles with higher surface area, thereby increasing degassing efficiency. This combination thus provides a rotor with high torque, produces bubbles with longer residence time, and is also very effective in mixing the melt.

進一步地，相較於需要3軸機械加工從而受限在諸如合成石墨之材料的市售轉子，此轉子較容易製造，此簡單設計的生產可以藉由，例如不需複雜的機械加工程序之等靜壓或模製／鑄造，以及在某些實施例中使用2軸機械加工。這允許使用比合成石墨耐用得多的替代材料，例如黏土石墨或可鑄造耐火材料。結果是增加轉子使用壽命，並減少維修，從而增進生產率。Further, the rotor is easier to manufacture than commercially available rotors that require 3-axis machining and are therefore limited to materials such as synthetic graphite. The simple design can be produced by, for example, isostatic pressing or molding/casting without complex machining procedures, and in certain embodiments using 2-axis machining. This allows the use of alternative materials that are much more durable than synthetic graphite, such as clay graphite or castable refractory materials. The result is increased rotor life and reduced maintenance, thereby improving productivity.

10:旋轉裝置 11:轉子 12:頂部 13:中間板 13a:側面 13b:轉角 13c:平直部 14:弓形部 15:葉片 16:中心孔 16A:中心通道 17:容室 18:切口 20:軸桿 A:軸線 10: Rotating device 11: Rotor 12: Top 13: Middle plate 13a: Side 13b: Corner 13c: Straight part 14: Arched part 15: Blade 16: Center hole 16A: Center channel 17: Chamber 18: Cutout 20: Shaft A: Axis

本發明的實施例現在將參考以下圖式描述，其中： 圖1為一旋轉裝置的一立體圖； 圖2為圖1之旋轉裝置的一立體圖； 圖3為圖1及2之旋轉裝置的一側視圖； 圖4為比較二個轉子設計之力矩的一圖表；以及 圖5為比較二個轉子設計之除氣效率的一圖表。 The embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the following drawings, in which: FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a rotating device; FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the rotating device of FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is a side view of the rotating device of FIGS. 1 and 2; FIG. 4 is a graph comparing the torque of two rotor designs; and FIG. 5 is a graph comparing the degassing efficiency of two rotor designs.

10:旋轉裝置 10: Rotating device

11:轉子 11: Rotor

12:頂部 12: Top

13:中間板 13: Middle board

14:弓形部 14:Arch section

15:葉片 15: Leaves

16:中心孔 16: Center hole

16A:中心通道 16A: Center channel

18:切口 18: Incision

20:軸桿 20: Shaft

A:軸線 A: Axis

Claims (17)

一種用於處理熔融金屬的轉子（11），該轉子（11）包含有： 一頂部（12），具有一中心軸線（A），且包含有複數外圍切口（18）； 一從該頂部（12）軸向延伸的中間板（13），包含有具有弓形部（14）的複數側面；以及 複數從該中間板（13）軸向延伸的葉片（15），特徵在於該中間板係與該頂部直接相鄰且連續。 A rotor (11) for processing molten metal, the rotor (11) comprising: a top (12) having a central axis (A) and including a plurality of peripheral cutouts (18); a middle plate (13) extending axially from the top (12) and including a plurality of side surfaces having an arcuate portion (14); and a plurality of blades (15) extending axially from the middle plate (13), characterized in that the middle plate is directly adjacent to and continuous with the top. 如請求項1之轉子（11），其中該複數側面的弓形部（14）為凹形，使得各弓形部的中央比該等弓形部的末端更靠近該轉子的一中心軸線。As in the rotor (11) of claim 1, the arcuate portions (14) of the multiple side surfaces are concave, so that the center of each arcuate portion is closer to a central axis of the rotor than the ends of the arcuate portions. 根據前述任一請求項之轉子（11），其中該複數外圍切口（18）包含有至少六個切口（18）。A rotor (11) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of peripheral cutouts (18) comprises at least six cutouts (18). 如前述任一請求項中之轉子（11），其中該中間板（13）位於該頂部（12）與該等葉片（15）之間。A rotor (11) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the intermediate plate (13) is located between the top (12) and the blades (15). 如前述任一請求項中之轉子，其中該中間板及／或該等葉片延伸到達該頂部的邊緣。A rotor as in any preceding claim, wherein the intermediate plate and/or the blades extend to an edge of the top. 如前述任一請求項之轉子（11），其中該頂部（12）及中間板（13）包含有一通過其中的中心孔（16），用以與一流體供應源流體連通。A rotor (11) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the top (12) and the middle plate (13) include a central hole (16) therethrough for fluid communication with a fluid supply source. 根據請求項6之轉子（11），其中該轉子（11）包含有一容室（17），係軸向地由該中間板及徑向地由該等葉片的一內表面所定義，且其中中心孔係朝該容室（17）內開放。A rotor (11) according to claim 6, wherein the rotor (11) includes a chamber (17) which is axially defined by the middle plate and radially by an inner surface of the blades, and wherein the center hole is open into the chamber (17). 根據請求項7之轉子（11），其中該容室具有一寬度或標稱半徑，係大於該中心孔的寬度或半徑。A rotor (11) according to claim 7, wherein the chamber has a width or nominal radius that is greater than the width or radius of the center hole. 如前述任一請求項之轉子（11），其中該中間板（13）包含有三個側面（13a），係由三個末端或轉角（13b）連接，且其中各末端或轉角包含有所述複數葉片（15）至少其中之一。A rotor (11) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the middle plate (13) comprises three sides (13a) connected by three ends or corners (13b), and wherein each end or corner comprises at least one of the plurality of blades (15). 如前述任一請求項之轉子（11），其中該中間板（13）的該複數側面（13a）各包含有由所述弓形部（14）其中之一所分隔開的一對平直部（13c）。A rotor (11) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of side surfaces (13a) of the intermediate plate (13) each include a pair of straight portions (13c) separated by one of the arcuate portions (14). 如前述任一請求項之轉子（11），其中該等葉片（15）具有與該中間板（13）的相鄰部位相同的一橫截面形狀。A rotor (11) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the blades (15) have a cross-sectional shape identical to that of adjacent portions of the intermediate plate (13). 根據前述任一請求項之轉子（11），其中該等葉片的外圍末端係逐漸變細並形成一尖的、平的或圓的邊緣。A rotor (11) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the outer peripheral ends of the blades taper gradually and form a pointed, flat or rounded edge. 如前述任一請求項之轉子（11），其中該轉子（11）具有C3旋轉對稱性。A rotor (11) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the rotor (11) has C3 rotational symmetry. 如前述任一請求項之轉子（11），其中該頂部（12）、該中間板（13）及該複數葉片（15）係一體成型，使得該轉子（11）為連續的。A rotor (11) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the top (12), the middle plate (13) and the plurality of blades (15) are integrally formed so that the rotor (11) is continuous. 一種旋轉裝置（10），包含有根據前述任一請求項中之轉子（11），以及一軸桿（20），且其中該轉子（11）係設於該軸桿（20）一端。A rotating device (10) comprises a rotor (11) according to any of the above claims, and a shaft (20), wherein the rotor (11) is arranged at one end of the shaft (20). 根據請求項1至14中任一項之轉子（11）或根據請求項15之旋轉裝置（10），其中轉子（11）及／或該旋轉裝置（10）係由一等靜壓耐火材料形成。A rotor (11) according to any one of claims 1 to 14 or a rotating device (10) according to claim 15, wherein the rotor (11) and/or the rotating device (10) is formed of a first-class static pressure refractory material. 一種處理熔融金屬的方法，其步驟包含有： 將根據請求項15或16之旋轉裝置（10）的轉子（11），以及選擇性地該軸桿（20）的局部，浸泡至該熔融金屬內； 旋轉該轉子（11）；以及 通過該旋轉裝置（100）傳遞一或更多熔融金屬處理物並經由該轉子（11）至該熔融金屬內。 A method for treating molten metal, the steps comprising: immersing the rotor (11) of the rotating device (10) according to claim 15 or 16, and optionally a portion of the shaft (20), into the molten metal; rotating the rotor (11); and transferring one or more molten metal treatments through the rotating device (100) and into the molten metal via the rotor (11).