Lauener Engineering, Ltd.

Golden Aluminum Company

Nichols Aluminum - Golden, Inc.

Nichols Aluminum

Golen Aluminum Company

Marcel Witschi

Rudolf Roder

Ernst Zurcher

Erich Luginbuhl

Michel Meyer

Ernst Z&uuml;rcher

The present invention includes a method and apparatus for enhancing the quality of cast metal being cast in a continuous casting process. In particular, the method and apparatus of the present invention combines temperature and quality control sensing to achieve closed-loop control of the cooling of molten metal in a continuous caster.

Method and apparatus for improving the quality of continuously cast metal

An apparatus and method for cooling and coating a mold in a continuous caster. The cooling of the mold is controlled in at least one of the x- or y-directions. The coating of the mold is accomplished subsequent to the cooling.

Apparatus for cooling and coating a mold in a continuous caster

A brush dislodges unwanted matter from a moving mold in a continuous caster. An enclosure contains the dislodged matter and a vacuum collects the dislodged matter. A high pressure fluid removes any left over unwanted matter from the moving mold.

Method of and apparatus for cleaning a continuous caster

The apparatus includes a chilling block and temperature measuring devices disposed in different positions. The output from the temperature measuring devices can be employed to provide ongoing control of cooling of the chilling block in x-, y- and/or z-directions.

The present invention provides novel methods and apparatus for continuously casting molten metal in a block caster. In accordance with the present invention, novel track and drive systems are provided for reducing imperfections that can be created in a cast by movement of a beam chain through a casting cycle.

Apparatus for continuously casting metal

The method includes the start up parameters are inputted into a device which controls the caster. Molten metal is cast in a moving mold and cooled by extracting heat from the moving mold, which in turn extracts heat from the molten metal. Casting parameters are obtained for a casting cycle and sent to the device which controls the cooling of the metal being cast. Data from one cycle is compared to data from a previous cycle and the cooling of the metal being cast is automatically controlled in response to the comparison of data.

Method for improving the quality of continuously cast metal

A block assembly is secured to a support beam and the block assembly is adjusted relative to the support beam. The block assembly is secured to the support beam by actuating at least some of a plurality of discrete fixing devices by application of a force to single point. The block assembly can be adjusted relative to the support beam in the z-direction, the x-direction and/or the y-direction.

Block fixation and adjustment in a continuous caster

The continuous block caster includes a block assembly, a support beam and an apparatus for securing the block assembly to the support beam. The securing apparatus includes a plurality of discrete fixing devices actuated simultaneously by applying a force to a single point.

Block fixation in a continuous caster

A roll support for use in transporting a support beam along a track having two opposed surfaces. Such roll support is particularly useful for transporting a support beam in a continuous block caster for casting metal. The invention can include mechanisms for adjusting the support beam on the roll support, devices for driving the support beam along the track and apparatus for meshing the roll support with the devices for driving.

Roll support apparatus for transporting a support beam

The physical position of a block assembly on a support beam in a continuous block caster is adjusted and maintained. In particular, the apparatus includes at least one device for adjusting and maintaining the physical position of the blocks in a beam chain.

Block adjustment in a continuous caster

The present invention provides novel apparatus for continuously casting molten metal in a block caster. In accordance with the present invention, novel track and drive systems are provided for reducing rotational forces that can be created in a cast by movement of a beam chain through a casting cycle.

Method and apparatus for continuously casting metal

The present invention provides novel apparatus for continuously casting molten metal in a block caster. In accordance with the present invention, a prestressed beam chain is provided for reducing imperfections that can be created in a cast.

Method and prestressed beam chain for use in an apparatus for

The method enhances the quality of cast metal being cast in a continuous casting process. In particular, the method combines temperature and quality control sensing to achieve closed-loop control of the cooling of molten metal in a continuous caster.

Apparatus for improving the quality of continously cast metal

A continuous block caster has a temperature sensor in each of the chilling blocks. The sensor monitor and control temperatures of the chilling blocks in the casting direction (the 'x-direction') and the direction transverse to the casting direction (the 'y-direction').

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Thun, Switzerland

Marcel Witschi