BE430133A - - Google Patents

Description

       

    <Desc / Clms Page number 1>
    



  DESCRIPTIVE MEMORY filed in support of a request for B R E V E T D'I N V E N T I O N "Improvements to flat metal products"
The present invention relates to the manufacture of flat metal products directly to par. shot of molten metal.



   Another subject of the invention is an industrial process for the manufacture of metal bands. process which is simpler and more efficient than the processes heretofore used in industry and according to which sheets or strip-like products are formed directly from molten metal without the use of injected phases. - intermediates such as usual molding and rolling .;

  <Desc / Clms Page number 2>

   Many attempts have been made to form flat metal products directly from molten metal, but all of these attempts have either failed completely, or have been found to be highly doubtful from the standpoint of industrial practice both from the point of view of from the point of view of the process itself and from the point of view of the resulting product.



   One of these processes was imagined in 1865 by RESSEMER; it consisted in forming a mass of molten metal in the interval between two cylinders cooled above their closest point (an interval which will be designated in what follows' under the name of pocket, these cylinders rotating in opposite directions and in such a way that they evacuate, downwards and through the space between the cylinders, the solidified material which may have formed inside the aforementioned mass and that they deform it mechanically in the form of a flat product, the form in which this product is discharged.

   Variations of this process have been periodically tried, but the technical literature indicates that these trials have met with only poor success and only in the case of low melting point metals.



   In the application of the invention, advantage is taken of natural physical phenomena or laws which have not heretofore been used in previous attempts to obtain a material in sheet or strip form directly from. molten metal; under these conditions not only is obtained a product exhibiting novel and extremely advantageous physical characteristics, but also a process is achieved which is simple and efficient and which is capable of being used effectively in industry.

  <Desc / Clms Page number 3>

 



   A molten metal acts like many other liquids; it exhibits the physical characteristics of surface tension to varying degrees, characteristics which depend to some extent on the particular metal and its temperature, but its main characteristics, at the casting temperatures ordinarily used in industry are the following: his. mobility similar to that of a liquid, mobility which results from the reduction of the cohesive force between its atomic or molecular constituents; its faculty of easily assuming a form under the action of forces which are applied to it or of limiting force; its power to wet most materials with which it comes into contact;

   its characteristic which can be called self-leveling under the action of uniformly applied forces such as gravity or other directed force. The new process which is the object of the invention takes advantage of these inherent physical characteristics which the world metal exhibits at casting temperatures ordinarily used in industry and uses these characteristics for the production of a liquid layer having a controlled width and thickness, this layer being cooled to the solidification temperature and fed as a continuous flat or sheet-like solid product.



   The invention generally consists of: creating a controlled stream of molten metal existing at a determined temperature such as, for example, the ordinary industrial casting temperature; intercepting said current by a clean and extended cold surface of a heat absorbing agent, capable of being wetted by the molten metal and moving at a uniform speed in the direction of its extended surface and at a greater speed that the flow velocity of the metal, whereby the metal is actually brought to the moving surface, covers

  <Desc / Clms Page number 4>

 this surface or a portion thereof as a result of its wetting power, that is to say of its ability to adhere to this surface,

   and forms a layer of a certain thickness on this surface according to the interatomic or intermolecular forces (that is to say the cohesive forces), which thickness has a value which depends on the relative speed of the surface absorbing the heat and stream of molten metal; finally in solidifying the metal of this layer to bring it to the solid state while it is in contact with the surface of this heat-absorbing element and while it is in fact supported by said surface.



   Also according to the invention, a strip is produced continuously from molten metal such as steel as follows: a substantially uniform flow of molten metal is created in the form of a running in a limited space; this current is made to arrive on a heat-absorbing surface, disposed substantially horizontally, moving rapidly and capable of being wetted by the molten metal; the molten metal is brought to this surface so as to eliminate the effect of turbulence in the stream at the point of initial contact between the molten metal and the heat absorbing surface;

   . a molten layer is accumulated on this surface, this accumulation being made possible by the forces of cohesion and adhesion that said layer obtains; the layer thus formed is cooled below the solidification temperature and the layer is then discharged in the form of a continuous strip, while the force of contraction and expansion generated is used to release said heat absorbing element strip.



   One discovered that when molten metal such as, for example, a ferrous metal, was brought to such

  <Desc / Clms Page number 5>

 surface, the calm current brought continuously to. the. moving surface turned into a moving layer. the surface velocity and which increased in thickness, under the inaction of the combined forces of adhesion and cohesion, at the expense of the metal arriving below the principal part of the surface of the current in question.

   The metal in the layer has hydrostatic self-leveling properties while still in a molten state and highly plastic, but it is quickly solidified due to its large surface area and is highly plastic. is formed into a solid strip of substantially uniform width and thickness, which strip is first carried by the absorbent surface due to intimate contact between the strip and the surface, but which contracts when cools and is thus released from the support and cooling surface without any intervention.



   The width of the strip thus formed can be adjusted by adjusting the width of the stream of molten metal as it is supplied to the heat absorbing surface; it has been found that the thickness of the strip can be regulated between certain close limits by adjusting the relation existing between the speed of the absorbent surface and the speed of the flow of the stream of molten metal supplied to said surface.

   To clarify this point in another way, we can say that the cross section of the metal strip is determined and set between certain limits, approximated by the following relation: area of the cross section of the strip multiplied by the speed of the heat absorbing area = area of the cross section of the stream of molten metal (brought to the surface) multiplied by the speed of the flow of that stream.



   For example, if the stream of molten metal flows

  <Desc / Clms Page number 6>

 flowing through a rectangular slit 5 centimeters wide and one centimeter thick and at a speed of 0 m, 60 per second is made to rest on a heat-absorbing surface, such as that which has been described previously, and which moves at a speed of 15 meters per second, the section of the resulting continuous band can be calculated as follows: bx 1.25 x 0.60 / 16 = 0cm2, 25 In other words, the layer or strip of metal formed will have a cross section of 0.25 cm2.

   It has also been found that when a slit such as that which has been described above brings molten metal to a heat absorbing surface, such as that which has been indicated, under conditions such that it does not. there is little or no turbulence at all in the initial contact area between the stream and the heat absorbing surface, the width of the resulting layer or strip was substantially that of the slit;

   consequently, in the example given above, the width of the strip or film will be 0cm225, or 0cm05. 5 cm
Although the method of forming the continuous web can be varied, it follows from the above that the presently preferred method involves not only the use of all the forces heretofore enumerated, but also the selection of a surface absorbing the water. heat which may be wetted by the particular molten metal acting upon it.

   Further research may show variations in a molten metal's ability to wet different solid materials, but it has been found that most molten metals, including alloys, when brought to a clean surface, cold and dry solid material such as steel or copper or a copper alloy, gave good contact between the metal

  <Desc / Clms Page number 7>

 the molten surface and the surface no doubt as a result of the wetting action or the free action of the interatomic attraction between the metal of the absorbent surface and the molten metal fed to it.

   This force has a considerable value, even if other forces are included in it and it can be considered that it acts so that the molten metal adheres to the surface absorbing heat and moving and that it acts as a part integral with this surface (that is to say moving with it at the same speed and in the same direction) until the point where the adhesive and vacuum setting ceases, as a result of solidification complete tion and subsequent contraction which occurs under the action of the cooling achieved.



   It is evident, however, that even after the metal strip has been thus freed from the heat-absorbing and moving surface, it continues to move in the direction of the pushing forces which previously acted on it and under the action. of these forces.



   Although the molten metal layer adheres to and moves with the heat-absorbing surface, the absolute contact between the metal and the surface allows the two (layer and surface) to be considered as a single bi-metallic section for determination of heat exchange conditions. The heat exchange between the molten layer and the solid heat absorbing layer and through their respective thicknesses is directly proportional to the heat conductivity of each layer and to the degree of heat considered; consequently, the factors known above make it possible to determine the time during which this contact must be maintained between the two layers in order to solidify the molten layer and to release it from the heat absorbing layer.

   Other

  <Desc / Clms Page number 8>

 Said, the heat transmission which takes place is between a selected and regulated molten metal layer and a determined section of a selected heat-absorbing material; therefore, the desired speed of the heat absorbing surface having been chosen, the distance over which the combined or bi-metallic section must move (to achieve the desired cooling of the molten metal layer) can be mathematically determined.



   Although it has been stated that the thickness of the molten metal layer, and therefore that of the finished strip, could in fact be controlled by adjusting the relationship between the speed of the moving surface and the speed of The flow of the molten stream supplied to this surface, this indication is only correct, as far as has been found heretofore, for thicknesses of up to 6 mm. 3 or so, as other factors may affect the exact relationship when thicker molten metal bends are involved.

   In the foregoing, however, it has been stated that the known factors which can be used make it possible to determine exactly the quantity of heat dissipated and the rate of dispersion necessary to obtain the desired results and that the various facilities offered to the technician not only allow the dissipation of heat. This is an efficient way of dissipating the heat of the molten metal, but also of dissipating it so as to prevent the surface from being pitted or corroded by cracking or cracking or other harmful distortions of the heat absorbing member from occurring.

   It follows therefore that the heat-absorbing element can be established (from the point of view of its composition, its shape and its cooling facilities) so as to absolutely avoid any possibility of welding.

  <Desc / Clms Page number 9>

 or. bonding the molten metal to said element. As a result, excellent conditions can be achieved for. the surface of the finished strip and even if no other treatment is applied to it.



   It has been found that when the heat-absorbing element is suitably chosen, in relation to the faculty of the molten metal which is to wet it, the contact, between the molten metal and the supporting surface of the heat-absorbing element is so intimate. that a kind of vacuum pickup was performed and the surface of the heat absorbing member was in fact reproduced on the formed strip. For this reason, it is not only possible, but also desirable to provide the heat-absorbing element with a polished absorbent surface and then to establish such a relationship between the supply of heat and the dispersion of heat. heat from this surface to avoid temperature conditions which could tend to corrode or damage the surface.



   The invention also makes it possible to obtain a strip whose physical characteristics are improved. It can be seen from the foregoing description that the invention consists in dissipating substantially all of the heat (that is to say the actual heat of fusion and the latent heat of the molten metal) while the metal is placed under heat. layer shape having the thickness of the finished product.

   When the mobile heat-absorbing surface contacts the metal, it transforms it almost instantly into a thin sheet of the desired final thickness; as a result, the cooling takes place substantially under these conditions such that not only is heat transmitted to the heat-absorbing element, a relatively cold element, but also that the metal thus cooled is in the form of. leaf.

  <Desc / Clms Page number 10>

 



   We know that the structure of cast metals is not very resistant if we compare it to the structure which is developed by mechanical work or which results from mechanical work; this inherent lack of strength is due to the crystalline formation typical of a cast product, of formation in which there are zones or layers / crystallization such as those which will be shown below:
1 / a solidified and cooled layer or film at the periphery of the molded part, this layer being formed by small non-oriented crystals (that is to say arranged at random) and similar to threads or veins;

   
2 / a layer of long column-like crystals which are also called needles and which are oriented with respect to the axis of growth of the crystal formation and in a direction opposite to the flow of heat, this layer constituting the main cause of the structural weakness of the casting;
3 / a central zone of large crystals with equidistant axes.



   The physical properties of the above-mentioned cooled solidified layer are generally superior to the properties given to the parts of the molded part or the finished product after the molding has been subjected to mechanical working, because its chemical composition is homogeneous and free from separation or segregation and that it is in this respect the marl than that of the molten metal in the furnace or in the ladle. On the contrary, the heterogeneous crystalline structure of the molded part is characterized by a separation or selective segregation of the alloy and impurities, by gas occlusions, by

  <Desc / Clms Page number 11>

 sinkings or by the formation of other cavities and by any other phenomenon well known under the general name of "ingotism".



   Recent research on the crystallization of metals has shown that the fine, unoriented crystal structure of the cooled solidified layer of an ingot is due to the instantaneous cooling of a thin film of molten metal when in contact. cold walls of the mold; this practically results in spontaneous crystallization within this film which is free from segregation and orientation.

   It has been found that the cross-section of the crystals in the cooled solidified layer becomes smaller as the rate of crystallization increases (i.e. when the time factor or duration decreases); however, it is possible to use these indications for the production of the above defined product, but in fact they can be used to control the size of the crystals in question and the relative fineness of the material.



   From the above, it is easy to see that the metallic product obtainable according to the invention is similar in its physical characteristics to the cooled solidified layer defined above and that it is characterized by a new and special primary crystal structure, free from separate or distinct zones of crystallization and homogeneous and uniform over the entire length and thickness of the strip. In other words, the product in question is characterized by small, unoriented, threadlike or vein-like crystals, which crystals are all substantially the same in size and which are distributed in a uniform and homogeneous manner. through the entire mass of the finished product.

   In addition,

  <Desc / Clms Page number 12>

 the strip-like product is characterized by the uniformity of the chemical composition which is identical to that of the molten metal supplied by the melting furnace and which is free from variations and defects such as those which exist in a primary ingot and which are the result of a segregation or selective separation of the component metals, of a concentration of impurities at the boundary parts of the crystals in the form of columns, of gas occlusions, etc. In addition, the material does not present any an effect of direction or orientation such as that which is ordinarily caused by mechanical work and by the crushing of the large crystalline needles which characterize an ingot and other castings.

   This new product however retains most of the characteristics described above and the advantages of its new primary crystalline structure, after mechanical work such as rolling, forging or extrusion and after heat treatment to which said product lends itself in an efficient manner and active due to its uniformity and homogeneity.



   This crystal structure of the improved product obtainable according to the invention and the resulting physical properties are particularly marked in high grade alloys such as high speed tool steels and so called stainless steels. In addition, it is obvious that the process which forms the subject of the invention makes it possible to eliminate almost completely the defects and the disadvantages caused by gases occluded or in solution in the molten metal.

   In order for the invention to be fully understood, it will now be described with reference to the appended drawing in which:
Fig. 1 is a schematic vertical section

  <Desc / Clms Page number 13>

 of a machine capable of being used for the practice of the invention and in which the perfected molten metal is brought to the surface of a heat absorbing and rapidly moving element, which element has the form of an endless belt;
Fig. 2 is a vertical section, at. larger scale, which shows a variant of a construction detail of the machine shown in fig. 1;

     fig. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2, but which schematically shows a forming roller or cylinder which is disposed relative to the parts associated with it, in such a way that it cooperates with the heat absorbing element for the manufacture of the finished product;
Fig. 4 is a schematic sectional view of a modified embodiment of the apparatus in which the heat absorbing member is in the form of a rigid ring or cylinder;
Fig. 5 is a schematic sectional view of a fragment of a machine similar to that shown in FIG. 4, but with certain construction modifications; the, fig. 6 is a side elevational view of a machine such as that shown generally in FIG. 4 or in fig. 5;

   
Fig. 7 is a sectional view of a fragment of a machine such as that shown in FIG. 11, but equipped with a rotary measuring valve;
Fig. 8 is a side elevational view in section of a type of ring machine equipped with construction devices similar to those shown in the preceding figures;
Fig. 9 is a schematic view showing the

  <Desc / Clms Page number 14>

 graining used in the machine shown in fig. 8;
Fig. 10 is a fragmentary cross-section through a water-cooled ring forming strip, together with devices provided for controlling this ring;
Fig.

   There is a vertical section of the machine shown schematically in FIG. 8;
Fig. 12 is a schematic plan view from above of the machine shown in FIG. 8;
Fig. 13 is a schematic and fragmentary sectional view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 8 and shows accessories that can be used in connection with said device:
Fig. 14 is a plan view of an apparatus for producing, in accordance with the invention, a bi-metallic strip formed of two layers bonded to each other and placed side by side; 1a, fig. 14a is a section of the strip made by means of the apparatus of FIG. 14;

   
Fig. 1b is a vertical section of a fragment of a modified form of apparatus which is capable of giving a bi-metallic strip formed of several layers bonded to each other in an inseparable manner and arranged one to the other. above others;
Fig. 16 is a perspective view of a fragment of a bi-metallic strip which can be obtained by means of an apparatus similar to that shown in FIG. 15;
Fig. 17 is a partly sectional and partly elevational view of an apparatus capable of producing a strip-like, multi-ply metal product from a solid strip of metal and a stream of molten metal;

   

  <Desc / Clms Page number 15>

 
Figs. 18 and 19 are reproductions of micrographs with different magnifications and show the microstructure of the products obtained according to the present invention.



   Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a simple but effective machine allowing the implementation of the invention. In this case, the heat-absorbing agent has the form of an endless belt or band preferably made of a single metal having very good thermal conductivity. for example copper, silver, copper alloys, bronze or aluminum. The belt is mounted such that a bearing surface of said belt is not only substantially horizontal, but also is planar and is capable of receiving the molten metal supplied by a taphole or slot associated therewith.

   The arrangement is such that a stream of molten metal having a controlled width, rate and temperature is in fact deposited on the belt as it moves at a uniform speed in the general direction of the flow of the stream. molten metal and at a rate such that the stream is transformed into a layer of the desired thickness of the finished product. The continuous flow of metal is deposited on the moving belt in such a way that any turbulence is substantially eliminated, but at the same time a continuous and regulated flow is created on the belt so that the finished product can be obtained in a continuous or continuous form. as a strip.



   The heat-absorbing belt is constructed in such a way with respect to its heat-absorbing capacity, is so disposed with respect to the molten metal supply nozzle, and is cooled in such a way that it le is capable of cooling the metal coming in contact with it to the solidification temperature, while this

  <Desc / Clms Page number 16>

 metal is kept flat and without the belt temperature rising above a predetermined safe temperature.

   In other words, the belt is constructed and proportioned in such a way with regard to its ability to absorb heat and to its cooling facilities that the temperature of said belt never rises to such a point as to cause the belt to break. welding, surface pitting, cracking, erosion or warping of the belt.

   In addition, the belt and its supports are placed in such a way, with respect to the nozzle bringing the molten metal, that the duration of contact between each part of the belt and the metal it supports is sufficient not only to ensure solidification. molten metal, but still its free separation from the belt under conditions such that said metal is pushed, by forces previously acting on it, substantially in the direction of its displacement while it is in intimate contact or in engagement with it. the belt.



   If we refer to fig. 1, it will be seen that a heat-absorbing element 1 in the form of an endless belt is mounted on spaced pulleys 2 and 3 which can conveniently rotate in a frame. 4 comprising a table 4a. The pulleys 2 and 3 are arranged in such a way with respect to each other that the upper surface of the belt is substantially horizontal and is placed immediately above the table 4a. A taphole or nozzle 5 intended to bring the molten metal onto the upper surface of the belt is shown as forming part of a molten metal ladle container 6, this ladle being mounted on the frame of the machine and being adjustable. along this and along the length of the upper span of the belt 1.

   

  <Desc / Clms Page number 17>

 



   Any suitable device can be used to control the belt; for example, the pulley 2 can be mounted on a shaft 7 which is the control shaft and which can be set in motion preferably by a motor whose speed is capable of being adjusted. In order to keep the upper surface of the belt horizontal and also flat, a device is used to remove slack from the belt; this device is shown in the drawing in the form of a hydraulic cylinder 8 carried by the frame 4 and provided with a piston 9 connected, for its operation, to the bearing block of the pulley 3. The cylinder comprises , as has been shown, an inlet orifice 10 through which liquid under pressure is admitted.

   In addition to this elastic device intended to remove slack from the belt, there are also provided grooved guides 11 mounted on the frame of the machine, each of these guides being able to receive a side edge of the upper surface of the belt 1. when it leaves pulley 3 and moves across table 4a to go to pulley 2.



   As shown, the outlet end of the nozzle 5 is disposed immediately above the upper surface of the belt and at a point between the pulleys 2 and 3. The pocket or container 6 comprises, as it has been shown, a refractory lining and is divided into two compartments 12 and 13 which communicate with each other by a continuously submerged orifice 14. The compartment 13 communicates directly with the nozzle 8 and preferably has a substantially larger capacity than the compartment 12, the latter being intended to receive the molten metal directly from a furnace or a ladle.



  In the drawing, there is shown schematically at 15 a hanging pocket such that its casting device

  <Desc / Clms Page number 18>

 16 pours molten metal into compartment 1,2. With such an arrangement, slag or other impurities tend to float to the top of the metal inside the compartment 12, while clean metal enters the compartment 13 through the submerged port 14 and can be discharged through the nozzle. 5.



     The belt 1 is driven in such a way by the pulley 2 that it moves in the direction of the arrows shown in fig. 1; as a result, its upper reach moves in the general direction of the metal stream passing through nozzle b and spreading over the belt.



   Various devices can be used to cool the belt 1; the drawing shows a device for spraying the cooling agent such as a liquid on the lower part or seat of the belt. As has been shown, the cooling device comprises a liquid supply pipe 17 which communicates with garden pipes 18 and which supplies them with the cooling agent; these garden hoses 18 extend along the lower seat of the belt and below it and are provided with sprinkler or spray openings for directing the coolant on the lower part of the belt.

   One or more rubber brushes 19 are mounted on the frame of the machine such that they bear on the belt 1 at a point beyond the point where the coolant is supplied to said belt; in this way, all traces of coolant are wiped off and removed from the surface of the belt as it moves towards and on the pulley 3. As has been shown, the brushes are placed inside the walls. a reservoir 20 which extends over the entire length of the belt, which is arranged below the

  <Desc / Clms Page number 19>

 garden hoses 18 and which is intended to receive the coolant coming out of these hoses and dripping from the belt.

   The reservoir is provided with a drainage port 20 * and, if desired, an ordinary and well-known device can be used to recirculate the coolant collected in the reservoir 20. In FIG. 1, there is shown a machine provided with a table 21 for receiving the product, which table is extended by an arm 22 articulated to the frame of the machine and placed in a position such that its free end can bear on the machine. belt 1 brs- that this moves on the pulley 2. Furthermore, the arm 22 is shaped so that its upper faoe (that is to say the face receiving the product and the directing) rests in the plane or just below the plane defined by the upper span of the belt.



   In fig. 1, it has also been shown an apeil provided with a protective cover 23 intended to prevent the oxidation of the molten metal when it is brought on the belt * 1 and moves with it. As shown, this cover has the form of a protective screen which encloses a part of the upper surface of the belt and which is fixed to the receptacle 6 or to the part thereof which forms the tu @. era 5.



  The cover is provided with a gas supply pipe 24 and may be provided with a gas discharge pipe 25. In other words, the arrangement is such that an inert atmosphere can be maintained inside the cover, this inert gas, which can be for example hydrogen, nitrogen or ammonia gas, being supplied to it.



   The adjustment of the container 6 along the belt can be achieved in a number of more or less obvious ways; for this reason, it has been shown schematically as being associated with an ordinary screw 26 of

  <Desc / Clms Page number 20>

 put into position, this screw being screwed into a fixed support 26 'of the frame of the machine; such an arrangement makes it possible to produce a device for adjusting the position of the nozzle 0 along the upper surface of the belt and enables said nozzle to be locked in the adjustment position.



   The operation of the apparatus as described above is as follows: the molten metal at a temperature such as that which is ordinarily used industrially for casting is brought to compartment 12 of container 6 and, preferably, under conditions such that a determined level is maintained within this compartment. This metal passes through the submerged orifice 14 provided in the compartment 13 which, as has been indicated, is in open communication with the nozzle b. Compartment 13 preferably has a capacity such as to minimize the effect of variations in height which may occur as a result of a lack of uniformity in the flow of metal to compartment 12.



   The nozzle 5 is so shaped and arranged that the stream of molten metal exiting therefrom is brought to the surface of the upper seat of the belt without undesirable turbulence occurring in the stream of metal. lying on the surface. In addition, the current is supplied in such a way that it is regulated as to its width and its flow rate. The width corresponds substantially to that of the nozzle and the flow depends on the variations in height inside the compartment 13. In other words, the cross section of the nozzle D and the height of molten metal inside the compartment. 13 control the flow rate of molten metal exiting the nozzle and moving on the belt.

  <Desc / Clms Page number 21>

 



   In the foregoing, it has been indicated that the belt 1 is driven in such a way that its upper bearing moves in the general direction of the flow of the metal during the whole period when the metal leaves the nozzle. 5. It is also evident that the speed of the belt will be such, with respect to the speed of flow of metal on said belt, that said stream of metal is transformed into a layer of determined width and thickness, ie. that is, a layer having the width and thickness of the finished product.



   The apparatus as shown in fig, 1 must be arranged in such a way that the nozzle 5 is placed relative to the upper bearing surface of the belt 1 such that the layer of metal distributed on the belt not only either cooled to the solidification temperature, but still either cooled to such a degree that it is released from the belt before the moment when the latter moves around the pulley 2. This can however be calculated with a accuracy sufficient to achieve desired results.

   It will be assumed, for example, that the machine of FIG. 1 operates under conditions such that a finished product is obtained in the form of a 5 µm strip. wide for half a millimeter in thickness and that the outlet groove of the nozzle 5 is 5 cm. about 1 cm. and supply molten metal to the belt 1 at the speed of 0m60 per second. Using the above mentioned mathematical equation shows that the belt should be driven at a linear speed of 15 meters per second. It also means that the layer of molten metal (5 cm. Wide and half a millimeter thick) adhering to the belt is moving at a speed of 15 meters per second.

   The particular problem that must

  <Desc / Clms Page number 22>

 The technician's solution therefore consists in establishing the belt 1, from the point of view of the material used for its manufacture, from the point of view of its length and also of the cooling facilities that it can present, so that the supported metal by said belt is cooled to the desired temperature as it moves towards the pulley 2 and without the belt or any part thereof being brought to a temperature permitting welding or adversely affecting the characteristics physical aspects of the belt.



   A person skilled in the art will recognize that the above conditions set forth the amount of heat to be removed from the molten metal and the time limit for which the discharge must be performed and he will therefore be able to determine the dimensions of the belt. absorbing heat that are necessary to achieve the result in question. Those skilled in the art will also recognize that the dimensions of the belt should be such that the heat thus transmitted to the belt is dissipated and that this dispersion takes place during the period in which the belt is moving without molten or heavy metal. - finished product, this factor determining the length of the belt.

   In other words, the belt 1 must be established in such a way that it determines the rapid dispersion of the heat from the molten metal supplied to this belt, but it must also be established in such a way that each unit of length of said belt belt either, given the cooling facilities which it presents, cooled to a determined and constant temperature during the time when this belt moves without carrying molten or solidified metal.

   In other words, the belt must be established in such a way that each unit of

  <Desc / Clms Page number 23>

 length of this belt is cooled to a determined temperature as it moves around pulley 2, over the entire distance forming the lower seat of the belt, around pulley 3 and then to the position where it receives metal below the nozzle 5.



   From the above, it will be seen that the calculations alluded to will determine the thickness of the heat absorbing belt. Those skilled in the art will therefore recognize that this thickness and the physical characteristics of the metal from which the belt is made will determine the diameters of pulleys 2 and 3 in order to prevent the belt being subjected to forces exceeding its elastic limit as it moves around the pulleys. It should be noted, however, that the diameter of pulleys 2 and 3, or equivalent devices, has no influence on the implementation of the method described above, except when the support faces of the belt are subjected to a cooling agent. - Saying such that said pulleys perform an important part of the role of absorbing heat from the belt.



   From the foregoing it is seen that the molten metal brought to the upper seat of the belt 1, under the conditions assumed above, will be cooled and solidified substantially to its final temperature as it travels over it. the length designated by X in FIG. 1. This length is variable and depends on the final or discharge temperature of the product, the initial temperature of the molten metal and the thermal conductivity conditions considered.

   It will also be apparent to those skilled in the art that under certain conditions most of this length is required to cool the metal to the final temperature after it has reached the solid state temperature. dification, that is to say a temperature such that the metal is no longer in the liquid state.

  <Desc / Clms Page number 24>

 



   The need to keep the belt flat as it receives, shapes, cools, solidifies molten metal has heretofore been emphasized. What can be considered is that the molten metal is in fact subjected to shaping forces by the action of the heat absorbing element, but must be cooled by passing through the plastic state. to achieve solidification, without being subjected to breaking forces.

   For this reason, it is necessary to shape the pulleys 2 and 3 and to mount them in such a way that, during the execution of the process, the seat of the belt which receives the molten metal moves without vibrations and under conditions. such that its metal support face moves in a plane defined by the direction of its movement as it passes through the part or length X or through such part of this length necessary to achieve solidification of the metal molten.



   As previously stated, the contact between the molten metal and the heat absorbing member is so intimate that the surface characteristics of the member in question are reproduced on the adjacent face of the finished strip-like product. Under certain conditions, therefore, it may be desirable to provide the heat-absorbing member with a polished surface, and under certain conditions it may also be desirable to double-coat the surface of said member with a metal having conductivity. high calorific value or other desirable physical characteristics.

   For example, when conditions are such that it is desirable to provide a heat absorbing member whose surface has a high melting point and which is highly resistant to erosion and liquid diffusion, the heat absorbing member heat can be coated with a metal such as chrome and then polished

  <Desc / Clms Page number 25>

 to the desired degree. Furthermore, when conditions are such as to require a high thermal conductivity at the surface of the heat absorbing element, this element may be coated with a metal other than silver.

   For this reason, in accordance with a detail feature of the invention, the heat-absorbing element has a surface area determined by certain envisioned conditions and when such a surface is disposed on the element, it can be by plating or galvanization or by any other process.



   The band-like product which is obtained
As described above is cooled to a temperature such that it frees itself from the belt without ruptubex or cloudiness before reaching a certain posi- tion with respect to the pulley 2 , position which is where the belt makes contact with said pulley and begins to move around this pulley. The tape-like product will therefore travel across extension 22 and onto table 21 from where it can be fed to a winding device or other handling device.



   When the cover 23 is in use, gas is supplied to it through the passage 24 throughout the product forming operation. Usually the gas is chosen to form a neutral or inert atmosphere, but it can also be chosen to cause a desired chemical reaction with the molten metal. In this case, a continuous flow of gas is preferably maintained inside the cover in order to ensure the continuity of the desired reaction; furthermore, passage 25 can be used as part of the gas circulation device.



   In fig. 2, a modified form is shown

  <Desc / Clms Page number 26>

 of the molten metal receptacle used, this receptacle being fitted with accessories which can be used in a machine such as that shown in FIG. 1.



  As has been shown, the container 6 'has two compartments 12', 13 'which can be brought into communication with each other through a submerged orifice 14'. This orifice is provided in a horizontal partition and can be regulated by a kind of valve, 27 adjustable by hand. With such an apparatus, the flow through the nozzle 5 'can be regulated by adjusting the position of the valve 27 relative to its seat around the orifice 14' or the flow can be completely stopped if the valve is left. lean on its seat to thus close the orifice 14 '.



   In the foregoing description, it has been indicated that the molten metal supplied by the nozzle was transformed into a stream or a metal layer by the movement of the belt 1 and that the uniformity of this layer depended, at least in part, on uniformity of flow of the stream of molten metal exiting the nozzle 5 '.



   It is therefore evident that the speed of this flow will vary with the variations of the load due to gravity and it is also evident that the walls which limit the nozzle and the passage which leads to it will retard the flow in the portions at the bottom. current that are immediately adjacent to these walls. To ensure a flow of metal over the belt which is substantially an even in all portions in the flow., A metering or regulating valve 28 is provided which is shown schematically in FIG. 2 as capable of rotating in an adjustable support 29 itself carried by a bracket 30 of the container 6 '.

   This metering valve is cylindrical, it is formed in such a way that an agent re

  <Desc / Clms Page number 27>

 cooling agent can be brought inside the cylinder and it is organized in such a way that it is driven at a speed so that it exerts a pushing effect by the molten metal exiting the container 6 'and that it therefore tends to reduce at least the speed variations which may be caused by resistances acting at certain points and by variations in the load due to gravity.



   In the apparatus shown, the valve 28 is arranged such that it cooperates with the fixed walls which are associated with it to form the groove of the nozzle 5 '. In this case, it will be understood that the fixed walls in question constitute a channel-shaped passage in which the cylindrical valve 20 engages so that its cylindrical surface is added to the channel-shaped passage to form the nozzle. .



   Any suitable device can be used to rotate the valve, 28 at a uniform but adjustable speed; in the drawing there is schematically shown a chain and chain wheel drive so as to indicate that the valve 28 can be and preferably is hampered by the belt drive.



  It is obvious that a device can be used to vary the speed of rotation of the valve and thus to vary the speed of thrust exerted on the molten metal passing through the nozzle and that an independent device can be used to drive. valve. Ia valve serves not only to vary the thrust speed, but also acts as a valve proper, since it can be used to vary the section of the throat of the nozzle. For this purpose, the support 29 of the valve engages in a guide opening 32 that the console 30 presents:

  <Desc / Clms Page number 28>

 in the drawing, there is schematically shown a screw connection 33 between the support and the console and making it possible to adjust the position of the support with respect to the guide opening 32.



   In the drawing, there is shown a contact strip 34 carried by a suitably grooved support 34 'which the container 6' presents; this contact strip is resiliently pressed against the cylindrical surface of the valve 28. this strip is placed in a position such that it constitutes a seal between the valve and the support 34; it thus helps to enclose the molten metal as it moves towards the throat of the nozzle o 'under the action of the load due to gravity.



   The cylindrical valve 2b can be made of a refractory material or a heat resistant alloy; this material must resist the corrosive and / or erosive action of the molten metal. The said valve may, however, be made of steel or any other suitable material having the desired characteristics of thermal conductivity; when made of such material, it is preferably provided with an internal passage 28 'for cooling water or any other cooling medium.



  Obviously, passage 28 'is provided with inlet and outlet ports so arranged that the coolant can easily flow through this passage during rotation of valve 28.



   From the foregoing, it can be seen that the metering valve allows two methods of adjusting the current from the nozzle 5 'to be applied. One of these methods depends on the thrust effect exerted by the valve and is put into action by varying the speed of rotation of said valve; the other method depends on the position of the valve. Although

  <Desc / Clms Page number 29>

 variations in the rotational speed of the valve cause variations in the flow velocity through the nozzle, the main role assumed by the reduction of the valve is to ensure, as far as possible, a uniform flow through the nozzle of the parts of the stream leaving said nozzle.



   A stream of molten metal exiting the nozzle comes into contact with the belt 1 (which generally moves at a speed greater than the flow speed of the metal), instantly wets the latter, adheres to it and is carried by this belt in the form of a film-like layer; this layer levels itself hydrostatically and has a uniform section and thickness depending on the relative speed of the belt with respect to the speed of flow of the metal on the belt. This layer, when cooled below the solidification temperature, constitutes the finished product.



   In fig. 3, another modification of the apparatus of FIG. 1. In addition to the measuring or regulating valve 28 described in connection with fig. 2, a shaping cylinder 36 is used which is mounted on a drive shaft 38 and which can be moved away or brought closer, in an adjustable manner, from the nozzle, that is to say which is capable of taking an adjustable position along the belt. This shaping cylinder is preferably driven at a speed such that its peripheral speed equals that of the belt 1.

   The cylinder in question may be made of a refractory material or of a heat-resistant alloy or else of an alloy exhibiting marked characteristics from the point of view of thermal conductivity; in the latter case, the cylinder in question is provided

  <Desc / Clms Page number 30>

 an internal passage 36 'for the cooling medium, which is supplied to this passage and which circulates therein to completely dissipate the heat transmitted to it by each part of the cylinder which is in contact with the hot metal carried by the belt and before the moment when this part of the cylinder again comes into contact with said metal.



   The position of the cylinder along the belt
1, i.e. its position relative to the point of initial contact of the molten metal with the belt, may vary depending on the particular result desired. For example, when the molten metal fed to the belt is characterized by gas occlusions (for example when it is an effervescent steel or a brass) the gas will be expelled when the solid phase is precipitated and the point of precipitation, during the movement of the belt, can be mathematically calculated between certain very close limits.



  It will therefore be possible to adjust the cylinder 36 in such a way that not only does it compress the layer of plastic metal carried by the belt and reduce its thickness, but also that it achieves this reduction in thickness at such a point. the belt (and therefore at such a time during the cooling phase) that said reduction contributes to forcing out or to release the door az, by the metal. Thus the roller 36 can be adjusted in such a way. with respect to the direction of travel of the belt and also with regard to its position above the belt, that it performs hot working of the metal and to such an extent that it helps to release the gases contained in it. the metal in question.

   The resulting product will be made more homogeneous as a result of the operation of this roller and will be substantially free of entrained gas and blowholes.

  <Desc / Clms Page number 31>

 



   Further, the cylinder 36 can be set in a position where it is so close to the nozzle which supplies the molten metal that the metal exiting said nozzle and carried by the belt is still in the molten state when comes into contact with the surface of the cylinder in question. Under these conditions, the metal will wet the surface of the cylinder, will shape itself according to the contour of the cylinder and will give up, while it is under the cylinder and in contact with it, a notable quantity of; heat to said cylinder, but it will not adhere to that cylinder due to the centrifugal force caused by the high rotational speed of the cylinder.

   In other words, the cylinder can be placed in such a way that it acts on the metal carried by the belt while the part of this metal in contact with it is still in the molten state but, in addition, the cylinder can be used in such a way that it gives certain surface characteristics to the upper surface of the film or metal layer carried by the belt and to some extent a shape and determines the thickness of this layer . It is evident that the characteristics of the cylinder from the point of view of heat absorption are of primary importance to obtain the results defined above.



   From the above, it can be seen that the position of the cylinder ': 36 with respect to the point of initial contact of the molten metal with the belt 1 determines the operation of the cylinder, but that in any case the cylinder tends to don; - to determine certain surface characteristics of the finished product and also has its role in determining the thickness of the finished product. It is evident that fig. 3 has been shown for the convenience of description only and that in order to make cylinder 36 really active, particularly as a hot working apparatus, belt 1 will necessarily have to be supported at a point opposite the

  <Desc / Clms Page number 32>

 cylinder in order to effectively oppose the force imparted to the metal layer by said cylinder.



  This maintenance or support, as shown on other apparatuses shown, can effectively be constituted by rollers or support rollers.



   Figs. 4 and b are schematic cross sections of apparatus which may be used for the manufacture of a strip or sheet material and in which the heat absorbing surface, substantially flat and resulting from the use of a belt or of an endless belt, is replaced by a cylindrical surface of a rigid ring. In fig. 4, there is shown in section a set of elements comprising a source of molten metal such as the ladle 1.5, a container 6 for this metal and a rigid ring 40 which is provided with a surface 41 absorbing heat. and specially cooled, surface on which the molten metal is brought by the nozzle 5 which forms part of the vessel 6.

   For convenience of illustration, only a fragment of ring 40 has been shown; the latter is suspended on a control cylinder 44 whose axis is disposed in the vertical plane passing through the geometric and rotational axis of the ring. In this regard, the drawing shown is given merely by way of illustration and to show that the ring is mounted in such a way and controlled in such a way that it is free to expand in any direction.



   Although various devices can be used to cool the heat absorbing portion 40 and its surface 41, one can use, as shown, a cooling chamber 42 formed between the ring 40 and an annular wall 40 '. , chamber through which an intense circulation of water or other coolant

  <Desc / Clms Page number 33>

 ment can be maintained. The apparatus has also been shown as being provided with a protective cover 23 ', the construction and role of which correspond to those of the cover 23 of FIG. 1.



   If a stream of molten material such as molten metal is placed on a curved cylindrical surface, such as surface 41 of ring 40, and the ring is rotated about its geometric axis and its axis of gravity , in order to obtain a uniform peripheral velocity, the stream of molten metal will shape itself on the cylindrical surface in the same manner as when deposited on a substantially flat moving surface; it will wet this surface and adhere to it; moving with it in the form of a continuously formed layer or film which hydrostatically levels itself.

   This layer or film has a substantially uniform section and has a thickness which, within the limits indicated above, corresponds to the relative flow rate of the current and to the peripheral or linear speed of the heat-absorbing surface. , surface on which the current flows.

   In other words, the method which is the object of the invention can be applied for the manufacture of a flat strip or sheet-like metal when the molten metal oqurant is brought to a cylindrical heat-absorbing surface or is deposited. on this surface which is part of a rotating element; furthermore, the forces which intervene and, the results obtained are substantially the same as when the molten metal is deposited on a substantially planar moving surface, as described in connection with FIGS. 1 to 3.



   The rotation envisaged obviously gives rise to a centrifugal force and it should therefore be noted that

  <Desc / Clms Page number 34>

 the ring must be rotated at a speed such that the centrifugal force generated inside the metal layer or film supported by said ring is less than 1 kg per kilogram of the layer or film.

   In other words, the ring must be established in such a way that the centrifugal force resulting from its rotation at the desired speed is not the predominant force during the period in which the molten metal remains above temperature. solidification. There are the forces hitherto mentioned in connection with the process implemented by the apparatus such as that shown in FIG. 1 are developed and, as previously indicated, the adhesion force of the molten metal layer to the heat-absorbing surface has a considerable value.

   In fact, it was observed that a centrifugal force of 1000 kg. per kilogram of the layer or film opposing this adhesive force is not sufficient to lift the thin film of molten metal away from the heat-absorbing surface when that surface is clean at the time the molten metal is brought to it and when it is moved so as to avoid vibratory forces and jolts. It was also observed that this adhesion force decreased rapidly as the temperature of the film decreased and approached the solidification point of the metal and also that the adhesion force did not play any role after the layer or film had reached the point of solidification and crystallized spontaneously.



   When the solidification temperature is reached, the layer or film actually separates from the heat-absorbing surface, although it continues to move at the same speed as the surface because its particles have been accelerated to. achieve this

  <Desc / Clms Page number 35>

 speed while in a liquid state. During solidification, the centrifugal force freely lifts the formed strip continuously and away from the heat-absorbing surface, if this force exceeds 1 kg. per kilogram of tape.



   The reasons for using a heat absorbing surface, whether cylindrical or flat, are as follows:
Transforming the stream of molten material such as molten metal into a hydrostatic self-leveling layer or film, the layer in question having a determined width and thickness;
2 / cool and solidify this layer to transform it into a flat solid product;
3 / reduce the temperature of the solid sheet product to a point below the solidification temperature in order to facilitate evacuation, reunification, etc.



   From the above, it appears that the peripheral speed of the cylindrical heat-absorbing surface is preferably such that the resulting centrifugal force acting on the solidified product is less than 1 kg. per kilogram of film.



   Some advantages are obtained by using a rigid ring instead of a flexible strap or band to provide the heat absorbing surface. For example, the apparatus can be set up such that a large amount of heat can be absorbed by the heat absorbing surface and by the heat absorbing material on which the surface is formed without the material collapsing. Rises at a temperature which may cause erosion, mechanical deformation, cracking or pitting due to heat.

   It is evident, moreover, that to obtain

  <Desc / Clms Page number 36>

 this result the ring, at least the part of this heat-absorbing ring, must be formed of a strongly thermally conductive metal such as copper and its thickness must be such that no part of this year - neau is brought above a harmful temperature during the phase of absorption of the heat from the molten metal brought to said ring. It has been found to be desirable to use such a (thermally) conductive metal and to form the ring in such a way that no part of it exceeds the temperature of 260 while the planned phase continues.

   This determines the thickness of the heat-absorbing ring or rim, which ring the molten metal is fed to and which can be called, if desired, the cooling and solidifying plate.



   Suppose, for example, that it is desired to obtain a continuous strip having approximately 6 mm. 3 of quencher, that is, about the maximum thickness that carbon steel will adhere to the heat-absorbing surface of a cooling and solidifying plate, will cool uniformly throughout its thickness and, when it has reached the point of solidification, will crystallize spontaneously throughout its section to obtain the desired crystalline structure. The amount of heat brought into play under the conditions assumed above is such that the cooling and solidifying plate should have a thickness of about 2 cm. 1/2.

   It is industrially impractical, if not mechanically impossible, to bend a 2 cm copper belt or strip. 1/2 thickness around a pulley and at the same time to control the pulley so as to move rapidly the heat absorbing surface such as that envisaged here. It is evident that even though this belt is

  <Desc / Clms Page number 37>

 made of copper or a similar metal with high thermal conductivity, the pulleys should have enormous diameters and the belt should be of considerable length which would render the whole process impractical.



   In addition, when a rigid ring is used, the cooling and solidifying plate can be water circulating, as shown, which is a very convenient way of dissipating the heat supplied to said ring. . In addition, an inner surface of the ring can be used as a heat absorbing surface and under these conditions the centrifugal force caused by the rotation of the ring would aid the performance of the process and would not need to be controlled. as previously indicated.



   In fig. 5, there is shown a schematic view of an apparatus somewhat similar to the apparatus of FIG. 4.



   However, there has been shown a device for subjecting the layer or film of molten metal to a shaping shape after it has been formed on the surface of the heat absorbing ring or cooling, cooling plate. solidification 40. This element 40 has an annular shape and is associated with a container 6 and with its discharge nozzle 5 such that the molten metal is deposited on the cylindrical outer surface 41 of said ring, as has been described. with reference to fig. 4.

   The ring 40 is rotated at high speed and the adhesion and other forces acting on the stream of molten metal exiting the nozzle 5 transform this stream into a layer or film.
35 which, as previously described, levels itself hydrostatically while the metal is in the molten state and is very mobile. Further, the molten metal layer adheres to the heat-absorbing surface 41, so that it is possible to regard the cooling and solidifying plate 40 and the molten metal as solid.

  <Desc / Clms Page number 38>

 mant a single bi-metallic section, this consideration being used to determine the heat exchange conditions.



   The cylinder 36a of FIG. 5 corresponds, from the point of view of its construction and its operation, to the cylinder 36 of FIG. 3; it is preferably cooled with water, as indicated in connection with the cylinder 36, so that its role is not only to exert a shaping force on the layer or film, but also to absorb the heat from the latter. The cylinders 36a are mounted in bearings 46 which themselves are mounted in such a way in a rigid arched frame 47 that the cylinder can be moved around the axis of the heat absorbing ring 40 to be near or far from the nozzle 5.

   In this way, the cylinder can be moved to or from the point of initial contact of the molten metal with the heat absorbing surface and it can be locked in the desired position. This adjustment of the position of the cylinder 36 at the periphery of the ring is effected by a device such as adjustment screws 47 'which form part of the apparatus shown schematically in FIG. 5.



   It is also evident that the cylinder 36a is rotated such that its peripheral speed equals that of the ring 40; in addition, the cylinder 36a can be adjusted in different positions in the radial direction of the ring to vary the value of the shaping force applied to the layer or film carried by the surface 41. In the device shown in FIG. 5, this axial adjustment of cylinder 36a is used to appreciably reduce the section of the layer or film as it passes under the cylinder or through the working passage formed between ring 40 and cylinder 36a.

  <Desc / Clms Page number 39>

 



   In fig. 5, there is also shown certain additional means for exerting forces on the outer peripheral surface of the layer or strip supported by the heat absorbing surface 41. These additional means are shown in the form of rollers 48, each of them being shown schematically with its journals mounted in a fork-shaped frame. Each frame 49 is pivotally mounted, as indicated, on a pivot shaft 51 suitably carried by the frame of the apparatus and disposed such that each roll 48 is forced against the surface of the passing web or film. under said roller.

   The rollers 48 may have such a weight or may be arranged such that one or more of them subjects the metal strip thus hot formed to a significant deformation force, but it is however preferred to adjust the rollers 48 '. so that the force exerted by each of them and that the results obtained through them are equivalent to the force used and to the results obtained during the usual leveling or dressing phase used in any sheet rolling workshop.



   It was not intended to indicate either in the case of FIG.



  3, nor in the case of FIG. 5 that the cylinder 36 or 36a was necessarily arranged such that it comes into contact with the surface of the layer or film while the metal constituting this layer is still in the molten state and is highly mobile. Although the transmission of heat from the metal of the molten stream to the heat absorbing ring 40 cannot be considered instantaneous, however the conditions contemplated contribute to a very rapid dispersion of heat from the molten material and as a result, the material very quickly loses its great mobility when it spreads over the surface.

  <Desc / Clms Page number 40>

 absorbent face ', heat.

   It is therefore evident that each infinitesimal section of the layer or film moves in a relatively short arc around the axis of rotation of ring 40 as it changes from a very strongly liquid state to a highly liquid state. in which it crystallizes or solidifies spontaneously. The extent of this arc can be calculated more or less exactly. One may note, however, that under certain conditions it may be desirable to position cylinder 36 or 36a such that its surface is not in contact with molten metal. Under these conditions, the cylinder plays an important role in absorbing the latent heat of the molten metal and it should therefore be made of a highly conductive material and preferably of such a material. wetted by the molten metal under consideration.

   This wetting action obviously involves forces, adhesion and cohesion, but, as previously indicated, the cylinder is rotated at a relatively high speed and therefore the centrifugal force prevents any portion. of metal to stick to the cylinder.



   When the metal of the layer or film is cooled below its point of spontaneous crystallization, contraction forces tend to release this layer from its grip or from its intimate contact with the ring 40; therefore, it can be easily lifted from the heat absorbing surface and fed as a continuous web or sheet to a roller table or other similar support. These contraction forces may also play some role in preventing molten metal from adhering to cylinder 36a when that cylinder is set to a position such that it is in contact with molten metal (as opposed to plastic metal).

  <Desc / Clms Page number 41>

 



   In fig. 5, there is schematically shown a cover 23 'which encloses the cylinder 36a and also the rollers 48. In accordance with the method which is the subject of the invention, the desired atmosphere can be achieved inside this cover. during those phases of the process when a chosen or controlled atmosphere can be used to advantage.



   On, fig. 6, there is schematically shown an apparatus which can be used for the practice of the invention. In this figure, only a fragment of the heat absorbing ring 40 has been shown for convenience of illustration. This ring is associated with a container 6a which, like the container 6 'of FIG. 2 or of fig. 3, is provided with an adjustment valve 28a arranged in such a way that it can be brought closer to and away from the fixed bottom wall 52 of the nozzle 5 'and that it can be driven at a determined speed in the The purpose of this is to aid in the discharge of the molten metal from the container 6a and onto the heat absorbing element 40 or to push said metal out of this container 6a.



   As shown, the feed container 6a is associated with a support plate 53 which forms part of the frame of the machine and which is provided with displacement rollers 55 and a single roller 56 intended to support. - put the container in different positions on the tray in question.

   The single roller 56 is so arranged that when the container 6a is filled with molten metal and is moved to be brought into an active position relative to the ring 40, it is supported by the roller.
56 in such a way that it swings towards the ring 40, thus obliquing the end of the lower wall 52 of the nozzle 5 'for discharging the metal to be rubbed, with a slight

  <Desc / Clms Page number 42>

 pressure, on the face of the heat absorbing ring, In this way, the stream of molten metal exiting the rents 5 'will be deposited on the peripheral face of the ring 40 without turbulence or splashing and distributing the metal to the periphery and facing the face of the ring 40 will be done as described with regard to FIGS. 4 and b.



  When it is desired to move the container 6a away from its active position with respect to the ring 40, it is moved backward along the plate 53 and it is then supported by the rollers 55 as well as by the roller. 56.



   In fig. 6, the point of initial contact of the molten metal exiting nozzle 5 'with the heat absorbing ring 40 has been shown to be substantially away from the vertical plane passing through the axis of the ring. The distance between this point and this plane (or the vertical diameter of the ring) is indicated by the letter x (which shows that the adhesion and cohesion forces envisaged force the molten metal to move with the surface of ring support, surface which absorbs heat and even though the initial movement is an upward movement).



  The distance! is not a fixed distance, but is to some extent determined by the desire to position the molten metal supply nozzle, relative to the ring, such that the stream of molten metal exiting said nozzle comes to rest on the rapidly moving peripheral surface of the ring with minimal shock and turbulence.



   In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the heat absorbing ring or the cooling and solidifying ring 40 is mounted in such a way that not only can it rotate at the desired speed, but it can also cooperate properly with the

  <Desc / Clms Page number 43>

 molten metal feed container 6 and that it is free to move and contract under the varying temperature conditions which may arise.



   As indicated previously, the invention aims to obtain a heat-absorbing ring which has a peripheral thickness such that each part of this ring intended for heat absorption can be reduced to a selected temperature of. balance, for example 150,
205 or 260 between the time it moves, being released from the finished product, and the time it again receives molten metal from the metal feed nozzle. In order to achieve this result, the ring 40 necessarily has a large diameter, which emphasizes the need to allow free and unimpeded expansion and contraction of said ring while it is being driven at the desired speed.



   In the embodiment shown, this condition is achieved by the fact that the ring is supported by spaced discs 57 carried by a shaft 58 mounted in a roller bearing 59 whose dimension is sufficient to easily support the weight. of the ring
40 (see also fig. 11 and 12). The bearing 59 is rigidly fixed to a lateral extension b0 of the frame of the machine. Each disc 57 has a flange or coil 57 '(fig.11) which is intended to come into contact with a re-entrant flange 61 of support' which forms part of the ring 40 (see fig. 10 and II).

   In other words, the two discs 57 fit to the two flanges 61 of the ring in the same way that the flanged wheels of a railway car are placed on the rails constituting the track, the flanges 57 'of the discs consequently putting the ring in position laterally.

  <Desc / Clms Page number 44>

 



   In order to give a suitable position to the ring 40 during its rotation, two pairs of guide discs 62 and 63 are provided which are mounted on a frame 64 so arranged that it is free to move. - Place vertically and that it thus adapts to the free expansion and contraction of the ring, although a guiding force is applied to said frame.



   The frame 64 is, in the example shown, substantially triangular. The mounting axle 62 'of the pair of discs 62 is rotatable in a bearing 65 (preferably a roller bearing) disposed at a top of the triangular frame 64. A similar construction and bearing is used for the pair of discs. discs 63 and for the bearing 63 'which are part of this set and which are mounted at another top of the triangular frame.



  An upper sleeve b6 is fixed to the side pieces of the frame 64 and shaped so that it can receive a spline shaft 67 rigidly attached to said sleeve and descending downwards from the plate 60. This shaft extends vertically and the upper sleeve is reamed to receive it. The relationship between the sleeve 66 and the shaft 67 is such that the sleeve is able to slide freely along the shaft, but is prevented from rotating around this shaft.



   The frame 64 is also provided with a lower sleeve 68 which is attached to the base of the triangular frame at a midpoint between the bearings 65 and 65 '.



  The lower sleeve is bored to receive a shaft 69 directed upwards; tree, as shown in FIG. It is rigidly fixed to a support 69 'of the main frame of the machine and has the same axis as the spline shaft 67. The shaft 69 is also a spline shaft and the relation between this shaft b9 and the spline shaft. lower sleeve

  <Desc / Clms Page number 45>

 laughing 68 is such that said sleeve 69 is able to slide freely along the shaft ,, but cannot rotate around said shaft. It can therefore be seen that the cooperation between the spline shaft 67 and the upper mana chan 66 and that the cooperation between the spline shaft 69 and the lower sleeve 68 are such that the triangular frame is free to move vertically. , but cannot oscillate around the aligned shafts 67 and 69.

   The frame 64 therefore constitutes a rolling support with three contact points for each guide flange 61 of the ring 40. This arrangement provided to support the ring makes it possible to use a ring or a ring, not having materially no central part, as a heat absorbing element and at the same time to rotate this ring at the desired speed, but without any oscillation or lateral movement occurring during the rotation. In other words, when using the frame 64 and its mounting device as described, the ring 40 can be guided rigidly during its rotation without hampering the free expansion and contraction of said. ring.



   The weight of the frame 64 is substantially balanced by counterweights 70 acting via a counterweight lever 71 which is capable of rotating on a support 72 of the frame and whose end 73 is forked to embrace an extension of the sleeve 68 and to come into contact with a suitable collar formed on this extended part. The usual arrangement of the counterweights has been indicated to show that the weight of the frame 64 and its associated parts can be more or less balanced.



   In fig. 10, we have shown a ring 40 of which

  <Desc / Clms Page number 46>

 the section is il-shaped, the core 40a of this section comprising wings 75 directed outwards as well as wings or flanges 61 directed inwardly. The wings 75 determine the width of the surface of the ring 40 which must receive the molten metal and which must absorb the heat; although these wings have been shown in the drawing as integral with the ring, it is evident that they can be formed separately and so arranged that they can be adjusted to approach or move away. each other in order to vary the effective width of this heat absorbing surface.



   Fig. 10 also shows how the core 40a can be suitably provided with a water circulating device or chamber 42 'through which water or other cooling medium can circulate. As has been shown, the ring is provided with an annular band of corrugated metal 76 which is placed between the wings 61 and which is fixed to said wings in such a way with respect to the core 40a that a chamber is formed or adequate cooling space. The side edges of the strip are folded back and each folded edge is attached to one of the wings 61 so as to form a watertight seal.



  In the apparatus shown, this result is obtained by the fact that the folded ends of the corrugated strip 76 are fixed to the wings 61 by means of short members 77 which are bolted to the wings 61.



   In fig. 1U and 11, it has been indicated that the inner face of the core 40a was corrugated, that is to say that it was provided with circumferential grooves and ribs 78 arranged in an alternative manner, this with the aim of provide a surface of some extent which is exposed to the coolant within the casing or chamber 42 '.

  <Desc / Clms Page number 47>

 



   In fig. 7, 8 and 11, a device has been indicated which makes it possible to obtain the circulation of the cooling agent through the chamber 42 '. As can be seen, the ring 40 is, in this case, provided with a pipe 79 to which is connected a supply pipe 80. This is also connected to an elbow 81 arranged such that its branch d 'entry is placed in the center of the ring 40 and extends along the axis. A water supply pipe '82 (fig. II) communicates with this elbow and is connected to a source of pressurized water which is capable of rotating with the ring, but which, at the same time, supplies water to chamber 42 through inlet pipe 80. The ring is also provided with an outlet line 83 and similar piping associated with it to maintain circulation through the ring as it rotates.

   The inlet duct 79 is separated from the outlet duct 83 by a partition 84 which can extend entirely across the chamber 42 '. an outlet pipe 85 communicates with the discharge pipe 83 and is attached to this pipe; this pipe 85 is connected by a suitable pipe 85, 85 to an evacuation pipe 86 (FIG. II) which is arranged in the center of the ring 40 and extends along the axis of said ring.



   It can therefore be seen that the weight of the pipes 79 and 83 and of the piping associated with them must be balanced and that the inlet and outlet pipes as well as the inlet piping must be arranged around the ring. 40 to prevent these various parts from being out of balance achieved from the point of view of rotation.



   In order to ensure the free expansion and contraction of the ring 40, a gear of

  <Desc / Clms Page number 48>

 transmission which comprises a ring gear (fig. and 10) which does not have a central part and which is mounted in such a way on the frame of the machine that it is placed in the immediate vicinity of the ring 40 and that it is concentric with said ring. By toothed wheel without central part, it is meant a ring or a crown which does not include spokes, nor hub, nor equivalent parts. The ring 90 has a diametral pitch substantially equal to the diameter of the cylindrical surface 41 absorbing heat and forming part of the ring 40.

   As has been shown, the teeth of this ring are formed on the outer peripheral surface thereof. The lower surface is provided with an annular rib 91 which, in the example shown, has a rectangular section and which is arranged in such a way that it forms a raceway, of the bearing coming into contact with the rollers for the toothed crown. .



   As has been shown in FIGS. 9 and 11, the toothed ring is supported by three rollers 92, 93 and 94 placed at a certain distance from each other.



  The roller 92 is mounted on the shaft 58 of the bearing 59 corresponding to the discs 57 and like the other rollers 93 and 94 it is grooved at its periphery to receive the rib of the raceway 91. The rollers 93 and 94 are available. - Sés on either side of roller 92 and the three rollers are arranged in a triangle and in positions such, by relation to the circumferential raceway 91, that they determine the position of the toothed ring by compared to the machine frame. In other words, the three-point support determines the position of the axis of the toothed ring gear and the cooperation of the rib 91 of the raceway and the roller grooves determines the lateral position of the toothed ring.

   Each of rollers 93 and 94 is

  <Desc / Clms Page number 49>

 provided with a separate mounting axis which can rotate in a separate bearing supported by the plate 60 and rigidly fixed thereto, this plate forming part of the frame of the machine. Thanks to this arrangement, the toothed ring 90 is supported at three points, which clearly determines its position.



   Ring gear 90 is controlled by a motor 95 which is preferably of a variable speed type and which is mounted as shown on plate 60 of the frame. As seen in the drawing (fig. 12) the shaft (5) of the motor is provided with a pinion 96 which meshes with a toothed wheel 97 and which drives it; this toothed wheel 97 is carried by a shaft 98 which also carries a pinion 99 which meshes with the teeth of the ring gear 90. The shaft 98 is mounted in a suitable bearing supported by a vertical wall 101 which forms part of the frame of the machine and which projects vertically above the plate 60. The pinion 99 meshes with the teeth of the ring gear and drives the latter.



   As has been shown in FIGS. 9 and the. the ring gear 90 is provided with several buttons 102 projecting laterally and equally spaced in a circular arrangement; these buttons 102 cooperate with teeth 103 arranged in the same way on the ring 40, which constitutes a drive connection between the ring gear and the ring. As has been shown, the toothed crown is provided with six of the aforementioned buttons, each of them being screwed into an opening provided for its reception and projecting laterally on the toothed crown. The teeth 103 can be integral with the ring 40; as shown, each of them projects laterally on the outer lateral surface of one of the wings 61.

   It is evident therefore

  <Desc / Clms Page number 50>

 
 EMI50.1
 that under varying conditions, each of these buttons lU2 and each of these teeth 103 may not always be able to transmit the energy from the ring gear to the ring, but each tooth and each button is established in such a way that it is capable of transmitting all the energy from the ring gear to the ring.



     The machine frame must have a section and dimensions such that it constitutes a rigid support for the ring, the toothed ring and their accessories.



  As has been shown, this frame consists of a casting and it is intended to be rigidly fixed to a rigid and adequate foundation. Said frame essentially comprises a vertical wall 104 which forms a support for the plate 60, the consoles 69 'and 72 previously indicated and which also forms a rigid support for what has been called vertical wall 101, a wall which, as we know 'represented in FIG. It extends above the plate 60 and has a flange at its upper end.



   In fig. 8, there is shown a more or less schematic elevational view of the ring 40, with the accessory devices associated with it. For convenience of illustration, only part of the machine frame has been shown, but it is evident that the vertical wall of the frame is disposed relative to the ring 40 and the ring gear 90 so that these two parts can rotate at high speeds without being subjected to appreciable vibrations, lateral movements, etc ...

   In fig. 8 it has been shown that the molten metal feed vessel 6 is provided with a separate and removable discharge nozzle 1b; this nozzle corresponds, in terms of its operation

  <Desc / Clms Page number 51>

   at. its layout and to. its construction, to the evacuation nozzle 5 or 5 'previously described As has been shown, the thyère 105 is bolted to the metal casing of the container 6 and, if one refers to the embodiment described previously, it will be seen that the nozzle, as well as the container itself, are lined with refractory material and that the outlet of this nozzle is arranged in such a way, with respect to the surface of the ring 40 which receives molten metal,

   that a supply of molten metal be made to this surface without turbulence.



   The apparatus shown in FIG. 8 is also provided with what has been called in the above a rotary regulating or measuring valve; this valve is designated - in fig. 8 by the reference 106. As has been shown (Figs. 8 and 11) the regulating valve 106 is, in fact, constituted by a cylinder cooled by water and provided with hollow journals 106 '; these can suitably rotate in a yoke-shaped carriage 107 which is so arranged that it can oscillate about a pivot shaft 108 so that the position of the control valve can be varied 106 relative to the surface of the ring 40 which absorbs heat.



   The valve 106 has been shown to be formed of three parts, namely a cylindrical part 109 and two flanges 710 and 110 'interlocking with each other.



   Each of the hollow journals 106 'mentioned above is integral with one of the two aforementioned flanges. Each aforementioned flange has at its periphery a flange intended for. receiving the cylindrical part 109, the arrangement being such that an inner chamber 111 is provided which is disposed in the immediate vicinity of the inner surface of the cylindrical part 109; said chamber constitutes a chamber

  <Desc / Clms Page number 52>

 cooling for this part. 109. Each hollow journal 106 'is organized so that it is included in a water circulation system for chamber ill; accordingly, it is fitted at its outer end with an ordinary fitting 112 which is attached to it by means of a gland nut 113 and which is provided with a suitable gland.

   As has been shown by the arrows in FIG. 11, water or coolant can be supplied to journal 106 'directly associated with flange 110'. Radial passages 114 are provided to communicate the interior of the journal and the chamber 111. Similar passages 114 'are provided in the flange 110 and therefore constitute a communication device between the chamber 111 and the hollow interior of the cylinder. journal 106 'directly associated with this flange.



   The cylindrical part 109 of the rotary adjustment valve can be made of refractory material or, on the contrary, it can be made of a metal with high thermal conductivity; in this case, the lower face of the cylindrical part will preferably be corrugated, as shown in FIG. 10, so that it has a surface extended to the cooling chamber 111. Under these conditions, it is desirable to continuously dissipate the heat absorbed by the metal surface; this result is obviously obtained by sufficient circulation of the cooling medium through the chamber 111.



   As previously described, the surface of the control valve which is in contact with the molten metal may be such that it is wetted by the molten metal, but this surface is preferably oxidized or otherwise coated. in order to prevent the ad-

  <Desc / Clms Page number 53>

 inherence or sticking of molten metal.



   The pivot shaft 108 for the frame 107 is carried by the vertical wall 101 of the frame of the machine; the arrangement is such that the movement of the frame 107 around the shaft 108 changes the relative position of the cylindrical surface of the part 109 with respect to the cylindrical part 41 of the heat absorbing ring, in other words, the frame 107 constitutes a device for adjusting the radial width of the space between the cylindrical face 41 of the ring
40 and the peripheral face of the adjustment valve 106. This adjustment is carried out using an adjustable stop 115 for the free end of the pivoting frame 107.

   This stop is shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 in the form of a stud screwed into a boss carried by the machine frame, which stud protrudes upward above the boss in a position such that the frame 107 can come into contact with him. There is also shown a device for balancing at least part of the unsupported weight of the frame 107, of the adjustment valve.
106 and accessories which will be described later,
As has been shown, this device consists of a cam 116 which is carried by a crank 117 capable of rotating in the vertical wall 101 of the frame of the machine; this crank is geared to a counterweight pulley 118 via the toothed wheels 119 and 120.

   The counterweight 121 is supported by the pulley 118 so that the crank 117 tends to rotate counterclockwise (considering Figs. 8 and 9) and thus tends to oppose the applied torque. to the chassis by the unsupported weight, eto ... As shown in fig 9, la,

  <Desc / Clms Page number 54>

 Crank 117 can be used to lift frame 107 and thereby move the control valve to bring it to a non-operating position relative to ring 40.



   The adjustment valve 106 is provided with a control toothed wheel 122 which, as has been shown, has the shape of a ring gear and which is fixed to the flange 110 '(FIG. II). The teeth of this ring gear 122 mesh with the teeth of the ring gear 90 when the frame 107 is in its operating position relative to the ring 40; a device is thus produced making it possible to control the adjustment valve in such a way that the active peripheral surface of this valve moves at the same peripheral speed as the cooperating face of the ring 40.

   As described above, any suitable device can be used to control the regulating valve and its spray, with respect to the molten metal supply nozzle, can be such as that which has been described above, particularly. - particularly with regard to fig. 3.



   The apparatus of FIG. 8 is also shown as being provided with a series of rollers 123 arranged at a distance from each other on the periphery of the ring, each of these rollers being mounted therein. a frame 124 which is mounted to pivot relative to the vertical wall 101 of the frame of the machine. As has been shown, 'each frame 124 is pivotally mounted on a shaft 125 which is carried by the wall 101. Each roller 123 is provided with a control toothed wheel 126, the teeth of this toothed wheel meshing with the teeth of the toothed ring 90, which constitutes a control means for the roller in question.

   As we have shown

  <Desc / Clms Page number 55>

 feel in fig. 12, each roll 123 is hollow and is provided with a device for establishing a continuous circulation of coolant through said roll. This result can be achieved in a number of ways; in the example shown, the roller is provided with a hollow journal through which passes a water supply nozzle 127 and which is provided with a water discharge passage surrounding this pipe and communicating with a outlet port. It is obvious that suitable gaskets and suitable water inlet and outlet piping are used in such a way that water tight joints are safely made.



   These rollers 123 operate as described in connection with rollers 48 of FIG. 5. In other words, they keep the product in contact with the face 41 of the ring, which face absorbs the heat, they absorb the heat coming from this product and they can be arranged in such a way that they subject the product. to a conforming force.



   In fig. 8 and 12, balas have been shown which are associated with the active faces of the machine.



  For example, it is preferable to use a broom 130 intended to come into contact with the surface 41 of the ring 40 (surface which absorbs the heat) and to sweep this surface just before the moment when it moves under the surface. associated molten metal feed nozzle. The brush 130 is mounted on a shaft which can rotate in suitable devices carried by the wall 101 of the machine frame. This shaft is provided with a pinion 131 which meshes with a toothed wheel 132, the teeth of which mesh with the teeth of the toothed ring 90. The toothed wheel 132 is suitably mounted so that it can rotate in bearings carried by the shaft. the aforementioned wall 101.

  <Desc / Clms Page number 56>

 



   Similar brushes 133 and 134 are provided for the rotary adjustment valve 106. These brushes are, in the example shown, capable of rotating in an arc-shaped extension of the frame 107; they are controlled by means of separate pinions by a toothed wheel 135 suitably mounted on the extension of the chassis and driven in turn by the toothed ring 122. These brushes not only work to remove dust and dirt from the associated surfaces. , but still any moisture that may have settled on these surfaces due to them being cooled by water or otherwise.



   In order to achieve a complete disappearance of this humidity, it is preferred to use brushes such as, for example, carbon brushes which bear elastically on the cooled surfaces and which thus ensure a dispersion of the humidity before the molten metal comes into contact with the surface.

   For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 13, the regulating or measuring valve 106 has been shown schematically as being associated with a fragment of the ring 40 and the container b. As shown in this figure, the outlet end of the nozzle 105 bears on the heat absorbing surface 41 and engages the gap formed between the active surface of the valve 106 and the heat absorbing surface 41. heat, as well as in the channel formed by the wings 75 (fig. 10). a carbon brush 136 is mounted on the nozzle and resiliently contacts the cylindrical surface of part 109 of the control valve 106;

   it is held in position by a coil spring which acts between the brush and a tab 137 which the wall of the nozzle comprises. It is evident that the brush 136 extends completely across the active surface of the control valve.

  <Desc / Clms Page number 57>

 setting 106; the active face of the brush is shaped such that it adapts to the surface of the valve 106 with which it comes into contact; in other words, this active face of the brush forms a seal between the nozzle and the regulating valve and thus forms a substantially airtight space into which the molten metal is fed.



   A similar brush 136 'can be disposed below the nozzle 105 and bear on the surface 41 of the ring 40, said heat absorbing surface. In this case, the brush is held resiliently in position by means of a coil spring which acts between said brush and a tab 137 'which the wall of the nozzle presents. In this case also the brush 136 'extends completely across the face 41' and its contact surface is such that it conforms to the shape of the face 41 and the wings 75. This broom also plays the dual role of dissipating moisture from the surface and to some extent close the space in which the molten metal is supplied by the nozzle.



   As previously described, the metal container 6 may be moved to be brought to different positions, but, to establish a fixed relationship between the nozzle and the associated ring 40 during operation of the apparatus, one has to. an adjustable stop 138 is provided on the frame of the machine, which stop can be moved to vary the positions adopted and with which a button 139 carried by the container 6 can come into contact. The button 139 can be locked at the stop , which then constitutes a device for locking the container in its adjustment position.



   Obviously, although the container 106 (and the corresponding containers shown in the

  <Desc / Clms Page number 58>

 various figures) may form an integral part of the apparatus shown in the drawing, this container (or these containers) simply indicates the need to use a source of molten metal at a controlled temperature. In other words, the particular embodiment shown for these receptacles is not essential, the presence of these simply indicating the need to provide a source of molten metal at a determined temperature and a device for resting a non-current. turbulent of this molten metal on a heat-absorbing surface and moving at a relatively high speed.



   In the foregoing, it has been stated that it is necessary to precisely control the temperature conditions prevailing within the stream of molten metal when it is deposited on the heat absorbing surface. In other words, the temperature conditions should be such that although rapid heat dispersal occurs and is immediately desirable upon contact between the current and the heat-absorbing surface, yet the time or duration factor should. be such that the current is distributed over the heat absorbing surface and levels out to the desired thickness before the solidification temperature is reached.

   It is therefore desirable to control the temperature of the molten metal in the molten metal feed source in order to achieve the desired temperature conditions at the outlet of the exhaust nozzle; for this purpose, there is shown in the drawing a gas or oil burner 140 which is associated with the container 6 in the fragmentary view of FIG. 13;

   it is obvious to any person skilled in the art that a single burner of this type will act very effectively in connection with conditions such as

  <Desc / Clms Page number 59>

 those which are necessarily present when a molten metal distribution vessel (such as vessel 6) is used, but it should be stated that it is necessary or at least desirable to regulate the supply of heat and thereby regulate the temperature of the metal as it arrives at the outlet end of nozzle 105.



   In connection with the previously described apparatus, it has been noted that the heat absorbing surface is preferably polished and, under certain conditions, plated. It is obvious that similar arrangements are to be considered for the surface 41 of the ring, which is a heat absorbing surface, particularly when the ring is made of a metal having greater thermal conductivity such as copper or cer- some copper alloys. It should therefore be indicated that the surface 41 as well as the internal faces of the wings 75 (fig.



  10) are coated with a protective coating such as a coating of chromium, tungsten or molybdenum. This coating may be applied in any suitable manner allowing an adequate union to be achieved between said coating and the coated metal. - Electroplating can be used. For this purpose provided that an additional phase is provided to ensure a union or fusion between the plated metal and the plating or coating metal.



   Although in the process which is the object of the invention there is a presence of high temperatures and although, therefore, steam may be generated in some of the water cooling chambers, particularly if the The water supply is reduced or temporarily stopped, however, it was not indicated that these cooling chambers were fitted with safety valves. This is because it is envisaged to provide exhaust passages having a surface such as to ensure the evacuation of the vapor at least in such a quantity that the formatim

  <Desc / Clms Page number 60>

 harmful vapor pressure inside the cooling chamber is prevented.

   When conditions are such that reduced section passages are required, adequate safety valves must be provided to prevent accidental bursting of the cooling chamber.



   If we look at fig. 14, it can be seen that an apparatus has been shown characterized in that two distinct metals or molten substances are mechanically supplied by a regulating valve to form two contiguous streams on a cooling belt or on a cooling element.

   These two streams of molten material are deposited side by side without turbulence and the subsequently formed bands or films are brought together at their edges to produce a bimetallic strip with longitudinal bands of different metals.
210 with two compartments comprises a chamber 211 into which the molten metal is poured; an orifice 212 is provided in a partition 213; the molten metal flows through orifice 212, into chamber 214, then being free of slag, from which chamber it flows through an outlet 215 under adjusting cylinder 216 to come from place on the walking belt 217; the latter comprises grooved guides 218 which force the current to take the form of a film or a strip 219.



   The vessel 210 has an adjoining but separate chamber 220 into which another molten metal is simultaneously poured; this container 210 is provided with an orifice 221 through which this other molten metal flows into the chamber 222, then being free of slag, from which chamber the metal flows through an outlet 223 under the cylinder of setting 216 which controls the current

  <Desc / Clms Page number 61>

 coming onto the walking belt 217 to thin it and transform it into a strip or film 224. The outlets 215 and 223 are shaped such that their streams merge into 225 when pushed by the cylindrical valve. adjustment 216.

   The belt 217 therefore carries a single film or strip formed of two distinguished metals mixed and bonded by their contiguous edges, having a selected width and thickness, the total width 226 also being determined.



     1 the place where this bimetallic strip has lost sufficient heat by transmitting this heat to the belt 217 so that it is still in the plastic state, but part of the solid phase is' When precipitated, the shaping cylinder or roller 227, which cylinder is cooled with water, is adjusted to press on this strip in order to reduce its thickness;

   during this operation, the widening of the strip 224 takes place, this one is consequently squared against the right edge of the flange 228 of the aforementioned roll or cylinder, while the opposite edge of the strip 219 moves and negates against the toothed edge 229 of the same cylinder or roller 227 so that said edge takes the form of saw teeth 217a or any other desired shape.



  In addition, the generator of the cylinder 227 can be moved away from the parallel position with respect to the surface of the belt 217 and the metal film which it carries, that is to say can be inclined with respect to this surface and to this metal film so that the flat solid product obtained has the shape of a wedge, as shown in FIG. 14a, this cross-sectional shape being particularly desirable for saw blades of other products. In addition, the toothed edge strip 219 may

  <Desc / Clms Page number 62>

 be made of a special steel of good cut such as
224 high speed steel, while the other band / can be made of a tough and tough special steel, such as chrome vanadium steel.

   When the strips 219 and 224 come together, the strongest possible bond between these two special steels is obtained, because they mix easily along their edges in the molten state, without any oxidation aent or pickling product and it is both solidify almost instantly. Similar arrangements with different molten metals can be adopted for various industrial purposes. The whole operation can be carried out under a sealed hood. air, vacuum, or any desired special atmosphere of selected gas residing or circulating under this hood.



   One can notice in fig. 14 that the roller or cylinder 227 is mounted so that it can rotate in bearings 230 in which rotate hollow journals 231 or the like. The hollow journals communicate with a passage 232 provided in the roller 227 through openings 223 provided by parts or flanges 228 and 229. A cooling medium such as water enters through an inlet opening 234 and exits through the opening. output 235, suitable connections being made at the ends of the journals to allow relative rotation. This cooling prevents unwanted heating or temperature rise of roll 227.

   A journal 231 has a toothed wheel 236 which is attached to it and which is driven at the desired speed of rotation by any suitable device which is associated with it and which has not been shown.



   In fig. 15, there is shown a modification of the apparatus shown in FIG. 14, both devices

  <Desc / Clms Page number 63>

 differing in that two or more streams of molten metal are laid in successive layers one above the other on the cooling belt, instead of being placed side by side.

   This fig. 15 shows a vessel 237 of molten metal, which vessel includes a cylindrical valve 238 of adjustment similar to the valve 216 previously described; this container 237 deposits on the belt 241 a stream of molten metal 239 having a determined and regulated width and thickness, which metal comes from the mass of molten metal or other substance 240 placed in the container 237. The stream 239 is supplied at a determined flow rate, which rate is regulated by the regulating valve. This current 239 thins and is carried by the moving belt 241 to transform into a strip or film of uniform width and thickness.

   This film cools under known conditions by transmitting its heat to the belt 241; therefore a determined temperature suitable for proper bonding with another metal film or strip can be obtained by pre-determining the length of the contact (i.e. the length denoted by distance 243).



  This contact length can be mathematically calculated. At this point, a stream 244 of another metal 245 supplied by the container 246 and by the cylindrical control valve 247 is brought and deposited on the film 242 to form another superimposed film 248, by virtue of the same wetting action as that which has already been described.

   The film 248 may have the same width as that of the previous film or may have a different width, since it may be desired to cover only a portion of the film 242; the film 248 also has a determined thickness which is controlled by the flow rate of the molten metal 245 pushed by the control valve 247 and which is also controlled by the speed of the belt 241 and the film.

  <Desc / Clms Page number 64>

 cule 242 adhering to said belt.



   From this point, the belt 242 carries two superimposed metal films which can be subjected to the action of a shaping roller or cylinder when they have reached a selected temperature; the entire operation can be carried out under an airtight cover, under vacuum, or in any desired atmosphere of stagnant or circulating gas so as to maintain an unoxidized and clean surface of the film so that it is suitably united to the metal of the film, 242. Thanks to the appropriate choice of the metal used, the thickness of the film and the temperature of the first film, when the second film is formed on this first film,

   many metals or alloys can be united to form bi-metallic bands and the bonding or union of the two superimposed layers can be made very effective, three or more layers can also be formed in the same way to obtain particular solid products. -metallic and flat.



   The vessel 246 and its control valve 247, instead of being used for another molten metal or alloy, can be used to mechanically distribute over the surface of the film 242 a layer of finely divided material, such as ferro. -chrome, to mix and combine it, for example, with a cast film of ordinary steel and to give the solid and flat product an alloy surface resistant to heat and corrosion;

   or these devices can be used to distribute pulverized ferro-manganese on the film 242 with the aim of giving the surface resistance to wear and abrasion or else to distribute any pulverulent material hardening the surface, material such as

  <Desc / Clms Page number 65>

 as crystals of boron or the like; as well as diamond powder can be embedded in the whole width of the material or in a part of it for the manufacture of special tools.

   Metal powder such as powder of aluminum, copper, brass, etc. can also be mechanically distributed so that it melts on the surface of the film of molten metal which is subsequently subjected to the action of a shaping roller or cylinder, for the purpose of embedding any of the above materials or a combination of these materials in the conveyed metal film and at the same time for the purpose of flatten or shape the upper surface of this film.



  Further, if the shaping roll is given a corrugated or grooved surface, the grooves or corrugations 249 can be reproduced and molded into the flat solid product 250, as shown in FIG. 16. Also in this way other different shapes, impressions or irregularities can be reproduced, for example serrations, waves, marks, dividing lines, relief contours, etc.



   In fig. 17, a variant of the apparatus of FIGS. 14 and 15; this device shown in fig. 17, suitable for the manufacture of flat coated metal products. In this embodiment of the invention, the molten strut stream 251 exiting vessel 252 is transformed into a metal film 253 by a belt 254. A shaping roll 255 is adjusted such that a A solid strip or sheet 256 of other metal unwinding from coil 257 rests against metal film 253 with a determined and regulated pressure.

   The distance from the nozzle 258 to the roller 255 is calculated such that the metal film 253 when

  <Desc / Clms Page number 66>

 that it reaches said roller has lost by conduction sufficient heat transmitted to the belt 254 so that it is still liquid, but that it has part of its solid phase precipitated from the den which it wets the belt 256 which presses on it under the roll 255 and in such a way that it unites with this solid strip to form a flat coated metal product.



   If we refer again to fig. 17, it will be seen that the belt 254 is an endless belt made of a suitable metal and passing around the pulleys 259, one of which is suitably driven. The surface of the belt 254 which contacts the film 253 is preferably of a nature such as to provide that film with a smooth and smooth surface.



   The vessel 252 is preferably in the form of a metal vessel 260 and is provided with a refractory lining 261. A bulkhead 262 is provided with an orifice 263 so that molten metal free from slag can be collected. evacuated by the nozzle 258.



   The solid strip 256 is preheated before it comes into contact with the strip 253; The result is obtained by means of an electric or other heating device 264, which device forms a closed chamber 265 intended to prevent oxidation of the strip 253.



  By means of an opening or nozzle 266, any desired active or inert gaseous atmosphere can be maintained in chamber 265, such atmosphere being stagnant or circulating. Regardless of the particular embodiment of the heater 264, the strip 256 passes through this device and is brought to the desired temperature which depends on the particular composition of the strip 256.

  <Desc / Clms Page number 67>

 



   The composite web can be rolled around a drum 267; in such a composite strip, the strip 253 at least has the primary crystal structure which has been described above. The strip 256 can be obtained according to the method which is the object of the invention and, in this case, it has a similar crystal structure.



   The microstructure of the products which can be obtained in accordance with the invention has been shown in FIGS. 18 and 19. These two figures show the unusual uniformity, homogeneity and purity of the products, the non-orientation of the crystal structure and the formation of small crystals similar to threads or veins. The absence of the usual separation or segregation and heterogeneity can be particularly noted on these photomicrographs. A comparison with typical ordinary structures will bring out, in a marked way, the new and unique characteristics of the structure of the products which are the object of the invention.



   It is obvious that various modifications could be made in the arrangements described and shown without the general economy of the invention being thereby impaired.


    

Claims (1)

CLAIMS 1. A flat metal product obtained directly from molten metal and having a uniform, unoriented crystal structure. 2. Product such as that claimed under 1 and characterized by a strip which has been formed by flow from a mass of molten metal, while it has been rapidly cooled to a determined temperature below the solidification point of the metal, this band having a uniform unoriented crystal structure. 3. Product such as that claimed under 2 and characterized in that said strip has been formed from a mass of molten metal, by uniform flow at a uniform temperature directly on a heat-absorbing surface and at a temperature below the solidification point of the metal, the surface moving at a uniform speed from the pouring point. 4. product such as that claimed under 1, 2 or 3 and characterized in that the aforementioned crystalline structure comprises a mass of small unoriented crystals similar to threads or veins and having a uniform size and composition. 5. A flat metal product comprising a plurality of bands such as those claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, and having a different composition, said bands being united longitudinally to form one with the other. 6. A multi-thickness flat metal product comprising a plurality of bands such as those claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 and having a different composition, said bands being united facing each other to form one with the other. 'other. <Desc / Clms Page number 69> 7. Variant of the product such as that claimed under 6 and characterized in that one of the bands is a band formed beforehand and having an ordinary crystalline structure. 8. product such as that claimed in any one of the preceding claims and characterized by the fact that it has a cross section in the form of a belt. 9. A product as claimed in any one of the preceding claims and characterized in that a longitudinal edge is profiled, for example serrated. 10. Product such as that claimed under any one of the preceding claims and charac- terized in that one face is provided with determined surface contours. BRIEF SUMMARY A flat metal product obtained directly from molten metal having a uniform, unoriented crystal structure formed of small unoriented, threadlike or vein-like crystals of uniform size and composition.