Method and aparatus for mixing a metal matrix composite
AssigneeEA Technology Limited
InventorPatrick James Hayes
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An method and apparatus is described for mixing solid particulates in a molten metal matrix to form a metal matrix composite product flow. The apparatus a refractory vessel to hold the metal matrix; a refractory conduit in communication with both the inlet and outlet of the refractory vessel so as to define a closed loop flow path. The inlet and outlet is spaced so as to encourage mixing within the vessel. A pump is provided to circulate the metal matrix to effect mixing. The apparatus and method further includes the metal matrix having a head with a vertical dimension in the excess of four times the cross sectional width of the conduit.
Claims24
An apparatus for mixing solid particulates in a molten metal matrix to form a metal matrix composite, the apparatus comprising a refractory vessel for containing the metal matrix in a molten state and defining an inlet and an outlet;
- refractory conduit means in communication with both the said inlet and said outlet so as to define with said vessel a closed loop flow path, said inlet and outlet being so spaced as to encourage mixing within said vessel;
- and pump means disposed within said flow path and operative to circulate the metal matrix and particulates around said closed loop path so as to effect a mixing thereof, said vessel containing a filling of the metal matrix having a head with a vertical dimension in excess of four times the cross-sectional width of said conduit means.
A method for mixing solid particulates in a molten metal matrix to form a metal matrix composite, the method comprising the steps of providing a refractory vessel in communication with refractory conduit means such that said vessel and said conduit means define a closed loop flow path;
- providing a molten metal matrix and particulates within said closed loop path;
- providing a quantity of the metal matrix in the vessel having a head of the metal matrix with a vertical dimension in excess of four times the cross-sectional width of the conduit;
- and circulating the metal matrix and particulates around said closed loop path so as to effect a mixing thereof.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.