CA1285461C - Casting powder for use in bottom pour ingot steel production and method for employing same - Google Patents
Casting powder for use in bottom pour ingot steel production and method for employing sameInfo
- Publication number
- CA1285461C CA1285461C CA000544344A CA544344A CA1285461C CA 1285461 C CA1285461 C CA 1285461C CA 000544344 A CA000544344 A CA 000544344A CA 544344 A CA544344 A CA 544344A CA 1285461 C CA1285461 C CA 1285461C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- mold
- casting powder
- steel
- bottom pour
- expandable graphite
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 title claims abstract description 63
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 63
- 239000000843 powder Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 42
- 238000005266 casting Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 32
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 18
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 10
- 230000004907 flux Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 31
- 150000001875 compounds Chemical class 0.000 claims abstract description 29
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 24
- OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbon Chemical compound [C] OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 28
- 229910002804 graphite Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 23
- 239000010439 graphite Substances 0.000 claims description 23
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000011248 coating agent Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000001816 cooling Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 abstract description 7
- 239000012535 impurity Substances 0.000 abstract description 2
- UQSXHKLRYXJYBZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Iron oxide Chemical compound [Fe]=O UQSXHKLRYXJYBZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 6
- VYPSYNLAJGMNEJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Silicium dioxide Chemical compound O=[Si]=O VYPSYNLAJGMNEJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 5
- 229910052799 carbon Inorganic materials 0.000 description 5
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 5
- TWNQGVIAIRXVLR-UHFFFAOYSA-N oxo(oxoalumanyloxy)alumane Chemical compound O=[Al]O[Al]=O TWNQGVIAIRXVLR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 5
- 239000000047 product Substances 0.000 description 5
- 238000007711 solidification Methods 0.000 description 5
- 230000008023 solidification Effects 0.000 description 5
- ODINCKMPIJJUCX-UHFFFAOYSA-N Calcium oxide Chemical compound [Ca]=O ODINCKMPIJJUCX-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 230000003647 oxidation Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000007254 oxidation reaction Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000002893 slag Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229910000272 alkali metal oxide Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 238000005336 cracking Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000000428 dust Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000008030 elimination Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000003379 elimination reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000011521 glass Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000009413 insulation Methods 0.000 description 2
- JEIPFZHSYJVQDO-UHFFFAOYSA-N iron(III) oxide Inorganic materials O=[Fe]O[Fe]=O JEIPFZHSYJVQDO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000000395 magnesium oxide Substances 0.000 description 2
- CPLXHLVBOLITMK-UHFFFAOYSA-N magnesium oxide Inorganic materials [Mg]=O CPLXHLVBOLITMK-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- AXZKOIWUVFPNLO-UHFFFAOYSA-N magnesium;oxygen(2-) Chemical compound [O-2].[Mg+2] AXZKOIWUVFPNLO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000002245 particle Substances 0.000 description 2
- CHWRSCGUEQEHOH-UHFFFAOYSA-N potassium oxide Chemical compound [O-2].[K+].[K+] CHWRSCGUEQEHOH-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 229910001950 potassium oxide Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 238000010405 reoxidation reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000000630 rising effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000000779 smoke Substances 0.000 description 2
- PIGFYZPCRLYGLF-UHFFFAOYSA-N Aluminum nitride Chemical compound [Al]#N PIGFYZPCRLYGLF-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- VEXZGXHMUGYJMC-UHFFFAOYSA-M Chloride anion Chemical compound [Cl-] VEXZGXHMUGYJMC-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 1
- DGAQECJNVWCQMB-PUAWFVPOSA-M Ilexoside XXIX Chemical compound C[C@@H]1CC[C@@]2(CC[C@@]3(C(=CC[C@H]4[C@]3(CC[C@@H]5[C@@]4(CC[C@@H](C5(C)C)OS(=O)(=O)[O-])C)C)[C@@H]2[C@]1(C)O)C)C(=O)O[C@H]6[C@@H]([C@H]([C@@H]([C@H](O6)CO)O)O)O.[Na+] DGAQECJNVWCQMB-PUAWFVPOSA-M 0.000 description 1
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000006227 byproduct Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000470 constituent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000011109 contamination Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000013078 crystal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005868 electrolysis reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001473 noxious effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001590 oxidative effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910052700 potassium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 230000002028 premature Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001681 protective effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000009467 reduction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002787 reinforcement Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005204 segregation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000377 silicon dioxide Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000011734 sodium Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910001948 sodium oxide Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- KKCBUQHMOMHUOY-UHFFFAOYSA-N sodium oxide Chemical compound [O-2].[Na+].[Na+] KKCBUQHMOMHUOY-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000000758 substrate Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B22—CASTING; POWDER METALLURGY
- B22D—CASTING OF METALS; CASTING OF OTHER SUBSTANCES BY THE SAME PROCESSES OR DEVICES
- B22D27/00—Treating the metal in the mould while it is molten or ductile ; Pressure or vacuum casting
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B22—CASTING; POWDER METALLURGY
- B22D—CASTING OF METALS; CASTING OF OTHER SUBSTANCES BY THE SAME PROCESSES OR DEVICES
- B22D27/00—Treating the metal in the mould while it is molten or ductile ; Pressure or vacuum casting
- B22D27/04—Influencing the temperature of the metal, e.g. by heating or cooling the mould
- B22D27/06—Heating the top discard of ingots
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B22—CASTING; POWDER METALLURGY
- B22D—CASTING OF METALS; CASTING OF OTHER SUBSTANCES BY THE SAME PROCESSES OR DEVICES
- B22D7/00—Casting ingots, e.g. from ferrous metals
- B22D7/12—Appurtenances, e.g. for sintering, for preventing splashing
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Continuous Casting (AREA)
- Treatment Of Steel In Its Molten State (AREA)
- Mold Materials And Core Materials (AREA)
Abstract
CASTING POWDER FOR USE IN BOTTOM POUR
INGOT STEEL PRODUCTION AND METHOD FOR EMPLOYING SAME
ABSTRACT
A casting powder for use in ingot steel production through bottom pour process is provided. The powder combines the crucial properties of existing bottom pour fluxes and hot topping compounds into a single, easily dispensed mixture. The powder provides a significant simplifying and savings over present methods while producing steel with fewer impurities.
INGOT STEEL PRODUCTION AND METHOD FOR EMPLOYING SAME
ABSTRACT
A casting powder for use in ingot steel production through bottom pour process is provided. The powder combines the crucial properties of existing bottom pour fluxes and hot topping compounds into a single, easily dispensed mixture. The powder provides a significant simplifying and savings over present methods while producing steel with fewer impurities.
Description
~Z~3~;46~
BACKGRO~ND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to mold powders employed ln lngot steel production. More specifically, the present invention discloses a casting powder to be employed in bottom pour steel molds which has the unique ability to act as both a bottom pour flux and a hot topping compound.
The use of bottom pour process to produce ingot steel has enjoyed substantial recent success with millions of tons of steel each year produced with this process. In order for the process to work effectively, fluxes must be added on the surface of the molten steel as it begins to enter the mold. These fluxes are crucial both to prevent reoxidation through a complete covering of the rising steel and to insulate the steel and prevent premature solidification and skulling.
Presently two separate casting powders are applied in the production of each bottom poured ingot. First, a sealed bag of bottom pour flux is suspended in the mold approximately six to eighteen inches above the inlet for the molten steel. The bottom pour flux consists of chemical compounds which melt and spread rapidly across the surface of the molten steel. The molten slag coating the surface of the steel acts to create the correct menisus shape and prevents oxidation of steel surface.
Additionally, the molten slag insulates the surface of the molten steel to slow solidification, and spreads a thin coat of homogenous glass between the mold and the molten steel to allow constant heat transfer and solidification and thus lessen ~ Z8546~
th~rmally induced stresses and resultant cracking. Further the flux absorbs impurities 6uch as deoxidation and reoxidat~on products and refractory particles. The bag containing the bottom pour flux burns upon the introduction of the molten steel into the mold thus automatically releasing the flux.
Although traditional bottom pour fluxes are crucial for efficient production of steel ingots they are not sufficient.
In order to assure the surface quality of the ingots and maximizing yield by avoiding ~pipe~ (i.e. shrinkage and segregation), an additional layer of insulative material must be added immediately after the molten steel has filled the mold and entered ~hot top~ region. This material is referred to as ~hot topping compound.~ Without the addition of hot topping compound, the molten steel would freeze in the hot top, thus not providing liquid steel to feed the shrinkage cavity (i.e. pipe) formed due to ingot solidification. The result would be to discard an entire segment of the steel ingot causing reduction in yield.
However, the application of hot topping compounds is not without its detractions. Adding hot topping compound is cumbersome, labor intensive, environmentally disruptive, and may contaminate the ingot steel.
Personnel, who could be better utilized elsewhere, must be stationed on the pouring platform above the molds to distribute the hot topping compound bags onto the molten steel. In addition to the cost of personnel, this process has two serious ~285461 drawbacks. First, the pouring of the fine grained hot topping compound some two to ten feet onto the top of the powdery flux layer generates extensive clouds of environmentally harmful dust and smoke. Second, the addition of hot topping compound has been associated with a condition known as "core of debris."
Core of debris occurs when the chilling effect of the hot topping compound causes steel to solidify around refractory inclusions which then sink into and contaminate the steel ingots.
In light of the foregoing, it is a primary object of the present disclosure to create one casting powder which provides the benefits of both a bottom pour flux and a hot topping compound.
It is a further object to provide a one-step casting powder which is automatically dispensed through the bag suspension-burn method or a board presently used to dispense bottom pour fluxes.
It is an additional object to provide a one-step casting powder which is economic to produce and use, entails little ~nvironmental risk, and does not contribute to ingot contamination.
~ IX
i,.. . .
128546~
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to casting powders for use in ingot steel production through bottom pour process.
Instead of the bottom pour flux and the hot topping compound presently employed, a single casting powder is substituted which provides the benefits of both the prior products.
A compound known as '`expandable graphite" is used in place of a portion of the carbon component of a standard bottom pour flux. The resulting mixture provides all the insulative and protective benefits of standard bottom pour fluxes as well as the full insulative requirements of hot topping compounds.
The powder is cleanly and automatically dispersed upon introduction of molten steel into the steel ingot molds. It eliminates the noxious by-products of hot topping compound and its potentially contaminating effect of "core of debris", and does not require the labour input demanded for application of hot topping compound.
More paxticularly, in accordance with a first aspect of the invention there is provided a method for increased efficiency of protecting a steelmaker's mold and a steel ingot as bottom poured into the mold, including protecting against excessive piping of the steel which tends to occur when the molten steel cools too rapidly in the mold comprising, introducing into tbe mold a predetermined quantity of a casting powder, comprising chemical components combined to produce a bottom pour flux, and including an expandable graphite as at least 4.0~ by weight of the composition of said casting powder, pouring molten steel into said mold and covered with said casting powder to cause a substantial portion of said casting powder to rise to the vicinity of the top of said mold, thinly coating the side walls of said mold as it rises, and expanding into a thick insulative blanket on top of the molten steel of a sufficient insulative quality to avoid need for a hot topping compound limiting the steel's rate of cooling and thereby minimizing the piping of the ingot:
wherein said insulative quality is achieved through use of an expandable graphite that expands to 100-300 times its volume and comprises 4.0 to 12.0% by weight of the composition of said casting powder.
In accordance with a second aspect of the invention there is provided a casting powder employed in a mold for bottom pour steel ingot production comprising, a mixture of chemical components to produce a bottom pour flux which coats and protects the top and ~ides of molten steel as it is introduced into the mold, including an expandable graphite component as at least 4.0~ by weight of the composition of said mixture, and which expands to form a thick insulative blanket on top of the molten steel of sufficient insulative quality to avoid need for a hot topping compound, limiting the steel's rate of cooling and thereby minimizing piping of the ingot;
wherein said insulative quality is achieved through use of an expandable graphite that expands 100-300 times its volume and comprises 4.0 to 12.0~ by weight of the composition of said mixture.
B 5a --`` 1285461 '',e Je ED ~ J7`J- ~
_~ DETAILED DESCRIPTION~OF THE INVENTION
The present invent~on pro~ides a mixture of chemlcal components which function a8 a unlque casting powder or bottom pour ingot steel production. The present invention combines the crucial properties of both bottom pour fluxes and hot ~opping compounds into a single, easily dispensed, composition.
Bottom pour fluxes ~or powders) presently employed are required to have specific qualities for covering and protecting molten steel rising in an ingot mold. These include: molten slag layer to completely coat the molten steel, to insulate, maintain a proper surface shape, protect against oxidation, and absorb deoxidation and reoxidation products: and an ability to form a thin layer of homogenous glass between the molten steel and the side walls of the mold so as to insulate, reduce thermally induced ætresses and thus decrease cracking.
15 To this end, a composition of a traditional bottom pour flux may comprise the following:
ConstituentPercentage (~) Range by Weight Silica (SiO2) 30.0 - 35.0%
Aluminum Oxide (A12O3) 15.0 - 17.0 Calcium Oxide (CaO)6.5 - 8.0 Iron Oxide (Fe23)4.0 - 6.0 Alkali Oxide 5.5 - 8.0 Carbon (C) 5.0 - 27.0 Hot topping compounds have only one primary purpose: to provlde a thlck Insulatlve bla k- on top of the molt n steel to ` . ' l~duce the heat loss from the top to avold ~pipe.~ Plpe i8 a condition which occurs when there ls no molten steel to feed the shrinkage cav~ty formed due to ingot solidification. Due to the expansion of the steel while molten, this d~screpancy leaves the sides too high in respect to the core. Thus, without proper insulation, the center of the steel ingot will solidify in a sunken position or with severe imperfections -- creating an entire segment of the ingot which must be excised and discarded.
To accomplish the necessary insulation, a wide variety of compositions have been utilized. Typical ranges are as follows:
Constituent Percentage (~) Range by Weight Silica (si2) AluminUm oxide (A123) 25-75 Calcium Oxide (CaO) 0-2 Iron Oxide (Fe2O3) 0-4 Sodium Oxide (Na2O) 0-2 Potassium Oxide (R2O) 0-3 Carbon (C) 0-15 Magnesium Oxide (MgO) 5-60 Chloride (cl) 0-5 Aluminum (Al) 0-40 Aluminum Nitride (AlN) 0-4 Any attempt to comblne the properties of bottom pour flux and hot topping compound i8 confronted wlth a paradox -- how to provide a viscous coating material on the molten steel as it rises in the mold and also provide a highly insulative blanket :~:
~ - 7 -: .
' 128546~
in the upper (or "hot top") region of the steel ingot mold. The present method and powder accomplish this through use of "expandable graphite."
Expandable graphite is produced through treatment of high grade natural crystalline graphite through oxidation or electrolysis by various oxidizing materials. It is commercially available in a number of grades from graphite suppliers.
When expandable graphite is heated rapidly it expands along the C-axis of the crystal to a magnitude of 40 to 300 times its original size.
By substituting expandable graphite for a portion of the carbon component usually employed in bottom pour fluxes, an entirely new and unique casting powder is provided. The composition of this casting powder is as follows:
ConstituentPercentage (~) Range by Weight Silica (SiO2) 30.0 - 35.0%
Aluminum Oxide (A12O3)15.0 - 17.0 Calcium Oxide (CaO) 6.5 - 8.0 Iron Oxide (Fe2O3) 4.0 - 6.0 Sodium or Potassium Oxide ((na,K)2O) 5.5 - 8.0 Total Carbon (C) 5.0 - 27.0 Expandable graphite4.0 - 12.0 In all other respects, the present powder is prepared in the same manner as standard bottom pour flux.
Expandable graphite has different expansion rates according to its quality. It is desired to use expandable graphite that '~ ~
:: , .. . .
~ 285461 expands between 100 and 300 times its volume within the percentage weight range provided above. It is believed that ideally an expansion of 200 to 250 times its volume at a percentage weight of 6.0 to 8.0% should be employed.
Due to the affinity of the expandable graphite particles for one another, a highly expanded layer is produced which is as heat resistant and chemical resistant as standard graphite. The result is a thick insulative blanket which functions very well in place of hot topping compound.
However, the casting powder has a viscosity nearly identical to that of standard bottom pour flux (i.e. at 1500C, bottom pour flux has a viscosity of approximately 50-200 poise, the present invention produces a flux with a viscosity of 50-200 poise). Moreover, under pressure the present powder produces a unique quality compression product having anistrophy. This results in a substrate perfectly suitable to properly coat between the molten steel and the side walls of the ingot mold during pouring. Thus, the casting powder produced provides superior results as both a bottom pour flux and a hot topping compound.
The casting powder is dispersed in the same manner as standard bottom pour flux. It is placed in a combustible container or bag, such as paper bag with grommet reinforcements, and suspended six to eighteen inches above the bottom of the ingot mold. It can also be preformed into a board and placed at the bottom of the mold. The incoming molten steel consumes the _ g _ ~ ~854~1 contalner or dissolv~s the board causing the release of the powder. The powder then rapidly spreads across the surface of the incoming molten steel. This is a clean, automatic process which requires little human input and supervision.
The benefits of the present invention are realized through the elimination of hot topping compound. Personnel are no longer required to be stationed above the molds to apply the insulative material. Atmospheric dust from the hot topping compound and ~core of debris~ are also eliminated.
Additionally, no smoke products are produced whatsoever.
Despite the somewhat higher cost of substituting expandable graphite for standard graphite, the elimination of hot topping compound and the considerable cost savings in application provide a considerable overall cost savings.
While particular embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed herein, it is not intended to limit the invention to such a disclosure and changes and modifications may be incorporated and embodied within the scope of the following claims.
BACKGRO~ND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to mold powders employed ln lngot steel production. More specifically, the present invention discloses a casting powder to be employed in bottom pour steel molds which has the unique ability to act as both a bottom pour flux and a hot topping compound.
The use of bottom pour process to produce ingot steel has enjoyed substantial recent success with millions of tons of steel each year produced with this process. In order for the process to work effectively, fluxes must be added on the surface of the molten steel as it begins to enter the mold. These fluxes are crucial both to prevent reoxidation through a complete covering of the rising steel and to insulate the steel and prevent premature solidification and skulling.
Presently two separate casting powders are applied in the production of each bottom poured ingot. First, a sealed bag of bottom pour flux is suspended in the mold approximately six to eighteen inches above the inlet for the molten steel. The bottom pour flux consists of chemical compounds which melt and spread rapidly across the surface of the molten steel. The molten slag coating the surface of the steel acts to create the correct menisus shape and prevents oxidation of steel surface.
Additionally, the molten slag insulates the surface of the molten steel to slow solidification, and spreads a thin coat of homogenous glass between the mold and the molten steel to allow constant heat transfer and solidification and thus lessen ~ Z8546~
th~rmally induced stresses and resultant cracking. Further the flux absorbs impurities 6uch as deoxidation and reoxidat~on products and refractory particles. The bag containing the bottom pour flux burns upon the introduction of the molten steel into the mold thus automatically releasing the flux.
Although traditional bottom pour fluxes are crucial for efficient production of steel ingots they are not sufficient.
In order to assure the surface quality of the ingots and maximizing yield by avoiding ~pipe~ (i.e. shrinkage and segregation), an additional layer of insulative material must be added immediately after the molten steel has filled the mold and entered ~hot top~ region. This material is referred to as ~hot topping compound.~ Without the addition of hot topping compound, the molten steel would freeze in the hot top, thus not providing liquid steel to feed the shrinkage cavity (i.e. pipe) formed due to ingot solidification. The result would be to discard an entire segment of the steel ingot causing reduction in yield.
However, the application of hot topping compounds is not without its detractions. Adding hot topping compound is cumbersome, labor intensive, environmentally disruptive, and may contaminate the ingot steel.
Personnel, who could be better utilized elsewhere, must be stationed on the pouring platform above the molds to distribute the hot topping compound bags onto the molten steel. In addition to the cost of personnel, this process has two serious ~285461 drawbacks. First, the pouring of the fine grained hot topping compound some two to ten feet onto the top of the powdery flux layer generates extensive clouds of environmentally harmful dust and smoke. Second, the addition of hot topping compound has been associated with a condition known as "core of debris."
Core of debris occurs when the chilling effect of the hot topping compound causes steel to solidify around refractory inclusions which then sink into and contaminate the steel ingots.
In light of the foregoing, it is a primary object of the present disclosure to create one casting powder which provides the benefits of both a bottom pour flux and a hot topping compound.
It is a further object to provide a one-step casting powder which is automatically dispensed through the bag suspension-burn method or a board presently used to dispense bottom pour fluxes.
It is an additional object to provide a one-step casting powder which is economic to produce and use, entails little ~nvironmental risk, and does not contribute to ingot contamination.
~ IX
i,.. . .
128546~
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to casting powders for use in ingot steel production through bottom pour process.
Instead of the bottom pour flux and the hot topping compound presently employed, a single casting powder is substituted which provides the benefits of both the prior products.
A compound known as '`expandable graphite" is used in place of a portion of the carbon component of a standard bottom pour flux. The resulting mixture provides all the insulative and protective benefits of standard bottom pour fluxes as well as the full insulative requirements of hot topping compounds.
The powder is cleanly and automatically dispersed upon introduction of molten steel into the steel ingot molds. It eliminates the noxious by-products of hot topping compound and its potentially contaminating effect of "core of debris", and does not require the labour input demanded for application of hot topping compound.
More paxticularly, in accordance with a first aspect of the invention there is provided a method for increased efficiency of protecting a steelmaker's mold and a steel ingot as bottom poured into the mold, including protecting against excessive piping of the steel which tends to occur when the molten steel cools too rapidly in the mold comprising, introducing into tbe mold a predetermined quantity of a casting powder, comprising chemical components combined to produce a bottom pour flux, and including an expandable graphite as at least 4.0~ by weight of the composition of said casting powder, pouring molten steel into said mold and covered with said casting powder to cause a substantial portion of said casting powder to rise to the vicinity of the top of said mold, thinly coating the side walls of said mold as it rises, and expanding into a thick insulative blanket on top of the molten steel of a sufficient insulative quality to avoid need for a hot topping compound limiting the steel's rate of cooling and thereby minimizing the piping of the ingot:
wherein said insulative quality is achieved through use of an expandable graphite that expands to 100-300 times its volume and comprises 4.0 to 12.0% by weight of the composition of said casting powder.
In accordance with a second aspect of the invention there is provided a casting powder employed in a mold for bottom pour steel ingot production comprising, a mixture of chemical components to produce a bottom pour flux which coats and protects the top and ~ides of molten steel as it is introduced into the mold, including an expandable graphite component as at least 4.0~ by weight of the composition of said mixture, and which expands to form a thick insulative blanket on top of the molten steel of sufficient insulative quality to avoid need for a hot topping compound, limiting the steel's rate of cooling and thereby minimizing piping of the ingot;
wherein said insulative quality is achieved through use of an expandable graphite that expands 100-300 times its volume and comprises 4.0 to 12.0~ by weight of the composition of said mixture.
B 5a --`` 1285461 '',e Je ED ~ J7`J- ~
_~ DETAILED DESCRIPTION~OF THE INVENTION
The present invent~on pro~ides a mixture of chemlcal components which function a8 a unlque casting powder or bottom pour ingot steel production. The present invention combines the crucial properties of both bottom pour fluxes and hot ~opping compounds into a single, easily dispensed, composition.
Bottom pour fluxes ~or powders) presently employed are required to have specific qualities for covering and protecting molten steel rising in an ingot mold. These include: molten slag layer to completely coat the molten steel, to insulate, maintain a proper surface shape, protect against oxidation, and absorb deoxidation and reoxidation products: and an ability to form a thin layer of homogenous glass between the molten steel and the side walls of the mold so as to insulate, reduce thermally induced ætresses and thus decrease cracking.
15 To this end, a composition of a traditional bottom pour flux may comprise the following:
ConstituentPercentage (~) Range by Weight Silica (SiO2) 30.0 - 35.0%
Aluminum Oxide (A12O3) 15.0 - 17.0 Calcium Oxide (CaO)6.5 - 8.0 Iron Oxide (Fe23)4.0 - 6.0 Alkali Oxide 5.5 - 8.0 Carbon (C) 5.0 - 27.0 Hot topping compounds have only one primary purpose: to provlde a thlck Insulatlve bla k- on top of the molt n steel to ` . ' l~duce the heat loss from the top to avold ~pipe.~ Plpe i8 a condition which occurs when there ls no molten steel to feed the shrinkage cav~ty formed due to ingot solidification. Due to the expansion of the steel while molten, this d~screpancy leaves the sides too high in respect to the core. Thus, without proper insulation, the center of the steel ingot will solidify in a sunken position or with severe imperfections -- creating an entire segment of the ingot which must be excised and discarded.
To accomplish the necessary insulation, a wide variety of compositions have been utilized. Typical ranges are as follows:
Constituent Percentage (~) Range by Weight Silica (si2) AluminUm oxide (A123) 25-75 Calcium Oxide (CaO) 0-2 Iron Oxide (Fe2O3) 0-4 Sodium Oxide (Na2O) 0-2 Potassium Oxide (R2O) 0-3 Carbon (C) 0-15 Magnesium Oxide (MgO) 5-60 Chloride (cl) 0-5 Aluminum (Al) 0-40 Aluminum Nitride (AlN) 0-4 Any attempt to comblne the properties of bottom pour flux and hot topping compound i8 confronted wlth a paradox -- how to provide a viscous coating material on the molten steel as it rises in the mold and also provide a highly insulative blanket :~:
~ - 7 -: .
' 128546~
in the upper (or "hot top") region of the steel ingot mold. The present method and powder accomplish this through use of "expandable graphite."
Expandable graphite is produced through treatment of high grade natural crystalline graphite through oxidation or electrolysis by various oxidizing materials. It is commercially available in a number of grades from graphite suppliers.
When expandable graphite is heated rapidly it expands along the C-axis of the crystal to a magnitude of 40 to 300 times its original size.
By substituting expandable graphite for a portion of the carbon component usually employed in bottom pour fluxes, an entirely new and unique casting powder is provided. The composition of this casting powder is as follows:
ConstituentPercentage (~) Range by Weight Silica (SiO2) 30.0 - 35.0%
Aluminum Oxide (A12O3)15.0 - 17.0 Calcium Oxide (CaO) 6.5 - 8.0 Iron Oxide (Fe2O3) 4.0 - 6.0 Sodium or Potassium Oxide ((na,K)2O) 5.5 - 8.0 Total Carbon (C) 5.0 - 27.0 Expandable graphite4.0 - 12.0 In all other respects, the present powder is prepared in the same manner as standard bottom pour flux.
Expandable graphite has different expansion rates according to its quality. It is desired to use expandable graphite that '~ ~
:: , .. . .
~ 285461 expands between 100 and 300 times its volume within the percentage weight range provided above. It is believed that ideally an expansion of 200 to 250 times its volume at a percentage weight of 6.0 to 8.0% should be employed.
Due to the affinity of the expandable graphite particles for one another, a highly expanded layer is produced which is as heat resistant and chemical resistant as standard graphite. The result is a thick insulative blanket which functions very well in place of hot topping compound.
However, the casting powder has a viscosity nearly identical to that of standard bottom pour flux (i.e. at 1500C, bottom pour flux has a viscosity of approximately 50-200 poise, the present invention produces a flux with a viscosity of 50-200 poise). Moreover, under pressure the present powder produces a unique quality compression product having anistrophy. This results in a substrate perfectly suitable to properly coat between the molten steel and the side walls of the ingot mold during pouring. Thus, the casting powder produced provides superior results as both a bottom pour flux and a hot topping compound.
The casting powder is dispersed in the same manner as standard bottom pour flux. It is placed in a combustible container or bag, such as paper bag with grommet reinforcements, and suspended six to eighteen inches above the bottom of the ingot mold. It can also be preformed into a board and placed at the bottom of the mold. The incoming molten steel consumes the _ g _ ~ ~854~1 contalner or dissolv~s the board causing the release of the powder. The powder then rapidly spreads across the surface of the incoming molten steel. This is a clean, automatic process which requires little human input and supervision.
The benefits of the present invention are realized through the elimination of hot topping compound. Personnel are no longer required to be stationed above the molds to apply the insulative material. Atmospheric dust from the hot topping compound and ~core of debris~ are also eliminated.
Additionally, no smoke products are produced whatsoever.
Despite the somewhat higher cost of substituting expandable graphite for standard graphite, the elimination of hot topping compound and the considerable cost savings in application provide a considerable overall cost savings.
While particular embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed herein, it is not intended to limit the invention to such a disclosure and changes and modifications may be incorporated and embodied within the scope of the following claims.
Claims (7)
1. A method for increased efficiency of protecting a steelmaker's mold and a steel ingot as bottom poured into the mold, including protecting against excessive piping of the steel which tends to occur when the molten steel cools too rapidly in the mold, comprising introducing into the mold a predetermined quantity of a casting powder, comprising chemical components combined to produce a bottom pour flux, and including an expandable graphite as at least 4.0% by weight of the composition of said casting powder, pouring molten steel into said mold and covered with said casting powder to cause a substantial portion of said casting powder to rise to the vicinity of the top of said mold, thinly coating the side walls of said mold as it rises, and expanding into a thick insulative blanket on top of the molten steel of a sufficient insulative quality to avoid need for a hot topping compound limiting the steel's rate of cooling and thereby minimizing the piping of the ingot;
wherein said insulative quality is achieved through use of an expandable graphite that expands to 100-300 times its volume and comprises 4.0 to 12.0% by weight of the composition of said casting powder.
wherein said insulative quality is achieved through use of an expandable graphite that expands to 100-300 times its volume and comprises 4.0 to 12.0% by weight of the composition of said casting powder.
2. A method in accordance with Claim 1 wherein said insulative quality is achieved through use of an expandable graphite that expands 200-250 times its volume and comprises 6.0 to 8.0% by weight of the composition of said casting powder.
3. A method in accordance with Claim 1 wherein said casting powder is placed in a combustible container suspended at least six inches above the bottom of said mold.
4. A method in accordance with Claim 3 wherein said combustible container is a combustible bag.
5. A method in accordance with Claim 1 wherein said casting powder is formed into a board shape and placed at the bottom of said mold.
6. A casting powder employed in a mold for bottom pour steel ingot production, comprising a mixture of chemical components to produce a bottom pour flux which coats and protects the top and sides of molten steel as it is introduced into the mold, including an expandable graphite component as at least 4.0% by weight of the composition of said mixture, and which expands to form a thick insulative blanket on top of the molten steel of sufficient insulative quality to avoid need for a hot topping compound, limiting the steel's rate of cooling and thereby minimizing piping of the ingot;
wherein said insulative quality is achieved through use of an expandable graphite that expands 100-300 times its volume and comprises 4.0 to 12.0% by weight of the composition of said mixture.
wherein said insulative quality is achieved through use of an expandable graphite that expands 100-300 times its volume and comprises 4.0 to 12.0% by weight of the composition of said mixture.
7. A casting powder in accordance with Claim 6 wherein said insulative quality is achieved through use of an expandable graphite that expands 200-250 times its volume and comprises 6.0 to 8.0% by weight of the composition of said mixture.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US89606786A | 1986-08-13 | 1986-08-13 | |
| US896,067 | 1986-08-13 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1285461C true CA1285461C (en) | 1991-07-02 |
Family
ID=25405572
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000544344A Expired - Fee Related CA1285461C (en) | 1986-08-13 | 1987-08-12 | Casting powder for use in bottom pour ingot steel production and method for employing same |
Country Status (9)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0321478B1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JPH01501536A (en) |
| KR (1) | KR880701599A (en) |
| AU (1) | AU604503B2 (en) |
| BR (1) | BR8707766A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1285461C (en) |
| DE (1) | DE3788067T2 (en) |
| MX (1) | MX169019B (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1988001210A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ATE258090T1 (en) * | 1997-04-30 | 2004-02-15 | Stopinc Ag | SLIDING CLOSURE FOR A VESSEL CONTAINING MOLTEN METAL |
| JP5366896B2 (en) * | 2010-07-07 | 2013-12-11 | 株式会社神戸製鋼所 | Bottom pouring method |
| JP5807910B2 (en) * | 2011-11-15 | 2015-11-10 | 山陽特殊製鋼株式会社 | Coating agent for ingot casting |
| JP6609139B2 (en) * | 2015-08-24 | 2019-11-20 | 山陽特殊製鋼株式会社 | Coating agent for the pouring ingot method |
Family Cites Families (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3308514A (en) * | 1965-01-07 | 1967-03-14 | Dow Chemical Co | Method of hot topping using vermicular graphite |
| GB1298701A (en) * | 1969-11-12 | 1972-12-06 | Foseco Int | Heat-insulating antipiping compounds |
| GB1431787A (en) * | 1973-03-28 | 1976-04-14 | Foseco Int | Casting of molten metals |
| JPS5253727A (en) * | 1975-10-28 | 1977-04-30 | Fuoseko Japan Rimitetsudo Yuug | Formed additive for mold |
| JPS6038201B2 (en) * | 1978-09-04 | 1985-08-30 | 石川島播磨重工業株式会社 | Rolled material edge shape control device |
-
1987
- 1987-08-10 JP JP62505033A patent/JPH01501536A/en active Pending
- 1987-08-10 WO PCT/US1987/001958 patent/WO1988001210A1/en active IP Right Grant
- 1987-08-10 AU AU78567/87A patent/AU604503B2/en not_active Ceased
- 1987-08-10 DE DE3788067T patent/DE3788067T2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1987-08-10 BR BR8707766A patent/BR8707766A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1987-08-10 EP EP87905525A patent/EP0321478B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1987-08-12 CA CA000544344A patent/CA1285461C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1987-08-18 MX MX007790A patent/MX169019B/en unknown
-
1988
- 1988-04-13 KR KR1019880700405A patent/KR880701599A/en not_active Ceased
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| WO1988001210A1 (en) | 1988-02-25 |
| EP0321478B1 (en) | 1993-11-03 |
| AU604503B2 (en) | 1990-12-20 |
| DE3788067T2 (en) | 1994-05-19 |
| KR880701599A (en) | 1988-11-04 |
| DE3788067D1 (en) | 1993-12-09 |
| AU7856787A (en) | 1988-03-08 |
| BR8707766A (en) | 1989-08-15 |
| JPH01501536A (en) | 1989-06-01 |
| EP0321478A1 (en) | 1989-06-28 |
| MX169019B (en) | 1993-06-17 |
| EP0321478A4 (en) | 1990-04-10 |
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| MKLA | Lapsed |