Mixing eductor nozzle and flow control device
AssigneeNovelis Inc.
InventorsSamuel R. Wagstaff, Robert B. Wagstaff
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Techniques are disclosed for reducing macrosegregation in cast metals. Techniques include providing an eductor nozzle capable of increasing mixing in the fluid region of an ingot being cast. Techniques also include providing a non-contacting flow control device to mix and/or apply pressure to the molten metal that is being introduced to the mold cavity. The non-contacting flow control device can be permanent magnet or electromagnet based. Techniques additionally can include actively cooling and mixing the molten metal before introducing the molten metal to the mold cavity.
Claims21
A method, comprising:
- delivering molten metal from a source of molten metal to a molten sump through a feed tube couplable to the source of molten metal, wherein a nozzle located at a distal end of the feed tube is submersible in the molten sump for delivering the molten metal to the molten sump;
- generating a changing magnetic field adjacent the feed tube by rotating at least one magnetic rotor of a flow control device positioned adjacent the feed tube, the at least one magnetic rotor comprising a plurality of permanent magnets;
- and
- inducing movement of the molten metal in the feed tube in response to generating the changing magnetic field.
A system comprising:
- a feed tube couplable to a source of molten metal;
- a primary nozzle located at a distal end of the feed tube, wherein the primary nozzle is submersible in a molten sump for delivering the molten metal to the molten sump;
- a secondary nozzle submersible in the molten sump and positionable adjacent the primary nozzle, wherein the secondary nozzle comprises a flow passage that is shaped as a molten flow restrictor that generates a low pressure area therein to circulate a portion of the molten sump through the restriction in response to the molten metal from the source passing through the restriction;
- and
- a flow control device adjacent the feed tube for controlling flow of the molten metal through the primary nozzle, wherein the flow control device includes one or more magnetic sources for generating a changing magnetic field within the feed tube.
A system, comprising:
- a feed tube couplable to a source of molten metal;
- a nozzle located at a distal end of the feed tube, wherein the nozzle is submersible in a molten sump for delivering the molten metal to the molten sump;
- and
- a flow control device positioned adjacent the feed tube, wherein the flow control device includes at least one magnetic rotor for inducing movement of the molten metal within the feed tube, the at least one magnetic rotor comprising a plurality of permanent magnets, wherein a changing magnetic field is generated in response to rotation of the at least one magnetic rotor.
A system, comprising:
- a feed tube couplable to a source of molten metal;
- a nozzle located at a distal end of the feed tube, wherein the nozzle is submersible in a molten sump for delivering the molten metal to the molten sump;
- and
- a flow control device positioned adjacent the feed tube, wherein the flow control device comprises at least one magnetic source for inducing movement of the molten metal within the feed tube, wherein the flow control device includes a stator, the stator including at least one first electromagnetic coil driven in a first phase, at least one second electromagnetic coil driven in a second phase, and at least one third electromagnetic coil driven in a third phase, wherein the first phase is offset from the second phase and the third phase by 120°, wherein the second phase is offset from the third phase by 120°, and wherein a changing magnetic field is generated in response to driving the stator.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.