Wagstaff, Inc.

Wagstaff Engineering, Inc.

Hans Fischer

Frank E Wagstaff

Roy V Twining

A David Sinden

A metal casting control device is provided for use in conjunction with a semi-continuous metal casting system. The control device is an integral module containing a metal surface elevation sensing device, a valve actuator for positioning a metal distribution control valve, and electronic circuits associated with these mechanical components. The control device module is adapted to be connected to an overhead metal distribution launder by a single quick-coupling for convenient and simple removal and replacement. Calibration of the control device is performed after installation by mounting a calibration target on the metal casting system and vertically adjusting the metal surface elevation sensing device until an integral calibration indicator positioned on the control device indicates that the proper vertical position has been attained. The metal surface elevation sensing device is formed by a manually-adjustable sensor carriage and a sensor support which is mounted for automatic vertical movement relative to the sensor carriage. An inductive proximity sensor is supported over a metal casting station by the sensor support. The vertical position of the sensor support is controlled to maintain the sensor within a fixed vertical distance from the surface of molten metal within the metal casting station.

Integrated non-contact molten metal level sensor and controller

A body of partially solidified metal emerging as ingot from the exit end 10 of an open ended mold 2, is direct cooled by charging liquid coolant into an annular retention chamber 32 circumposed about the exit end opening of the mold in the body thereof, and discharging the coolant from the chamber onto the surface of the ingot through a first passage 14 opening into the exit end of the mold and communicating with the chamber at an opening 50 therein. At times, such as in the butt-forming stage, a second passage 46 is formed in the chamber which is serially interconnected with the first passage 14 at the chamber opening 50 and operable to deliver the chamber coolant to the first passage at an increased rate of flow, relative to the rate at which the coolant was charged into the chamber. Pressurized gas is forced into the coolant flow through a body 72 of solid but porous, gas-permeable material that is incorporated into the wall 60 of the second passage at a surface thereof which extends generally parallel to the flow of coolant in the second passage. In this way, the coolant is amended to discharge through the first passage 14 in a discontinuous liquid phase in which it is laden with bubbles of undissolved gas that will alter the heat transfer characteristics of the coolant on the surface of the ingot to vary the rate at which heat is lost therefrom.

Growing community of inventors

Mead, WA, United States of America

Hans Fischer