US 10,898,949 B2 · Techniques and apparatus for electromagnetically stirring a melt material

Abstract

Techniques and apparatus for electromagnetically stirring a melt material are disclosed. In accordance with some embodiments, the system may include a containment vessel within which a melt material may be disposed. The melt material may include, for example, an electrically conductive alloy, which optionally may be non-ferromagnetic and/or glass-forming. In its molten state, the melt material may have alternating current (AC) applied directly thereto while being immersed in a magnetic field, which may be static or dynamic, depending on the desired stirring effect. Application of the AC and magnetic field may continue as the melt material cools and solidifies, the sinusoidal nature of the AC and the Lorentz force of the magnetic field providing convective motion which tends to agitate the molten melt material in a manner which may realize an improvement in heat transfer and chemical homogeneity of the resultant cast solid.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A melt material processing system comprising:

a containment vessel configured to contain a melt material comprising an electrically conductive alloy;
at least one electrode configured to:
be in direct physical contact with the melt material within the containment vessel;
and
apply an alternating current (AC) directly to the melt material;
a magnetic field source configured to apply a magnetic field to the melt material within the containment vessel, wherein the magnetic field source is configured to rotate along at least one of:
a central axis of the containment vessel;
and
a central axis of the magnetic field source;
and
a power supply configured for electrical communication with the at least one electrode to supply the AC applied directly to the melt material;
wherein the AC is of a frequency greater than 440 Hz and less than or equal to 1,000 Hz;
and
wherein the system is configured to provide stirring of a molten portion of the melt material via interaction between the AC and magnetic field.

11 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Techniques and apparatus for electromagnetically stirring a melt material

Life of this patent

Techniques and apparatus for electromagnetically stirring a melt material

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20