EP3814541B1 - Method for producing ingots consisting of a metal compound containing titanium - Google Patents

Method for producing ingots consisting of a metal compound containing titanium Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3814541B1
EP3814541B1 EP19744764.2A EP19744764A EP3814541B1 EP 3814541 B1 EP3814541 B1 EP 3814541B1 EP 19744764 A EP19744764 A EP 19744764A EP 3814541 B1 EP3814541 B1 EP 3814541B1
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Prior art keywords
basin
raw material
fragments
liquid metal
preheating
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EP19744764.2A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP3814541A1 (en
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Bruno Vitorino LOPES
Laurent Ferrer
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Safran Aircraft Engines SAS
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Safran Aircraft Engines SAS
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    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C22—METALLURGY; FERROUS OR NON-FERROUS ALLOYS; TREATMENT OF ALLOYS OR NON-FERROUS METALS
    • C22C—ALLOYS
    • C22C14/00—Alloys based on titanium
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C22—METALLURGY; FERROUS OR NON-FERROUS ALLOYS; TREATMENT OF ALLOYS OR NON-FERROUS METALS
    • C22C—ALLOYS
    • C22C1/00—Making non-ferrous alloys
    • C22C1/02—Making non-ferrous alloys by melting
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C22—METALLURGY; FERROUS OR NON-FERROUS ALLOYS; TREATMENT OF ALLOYS OR NON-FERROUS METALS
    • C22F—CHANGING THE PHYSICAL STRUCTURE OF NON-FERROUS METALS AND NON-FERROUS ALLOYS
    • C22F1/00—Changing the physical structure of non-ferrous metals or alloys by heat treatment or by hot or cold working
    • C22F1/16—Changing the physical structure of non-ferrous metals or alloys by heat treatment or by hot or cold working of other metals or alloys based thereon
    • C22F1/18—High-melting or refractory metals or alloys based thereon

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the general field of the manufacture of metal compound ingots based on titanium, such as alloys or intermetallic compounds, in particular for the manufacture of parts for an aircraft.
  • a process for the production of titanium-based ingots is described, for example, in JP 2007 039807 A .
  • Titanium-based alloy, or titanium-based intermetallic compound, ingots are typically made by smelting raw material fragments in different basins, the liquid metal then being poured into a crucible to cool and solidify the metal to form the ingots.
  • Such a step of preheating the fragments of raw material makes it possible to improve the homogeneity of the metal in the basin, in particular by reducing the presence of unmelted particles in the basin.
  • such preheating makes it possible to reduce the thermal shock undergone by the raw materials during the melting step, thus reducing the gaseous releases of the raw materials.
  • These gas releases can cause reactions which are likely to create inclusions, these inclusions reducing the mechanical properties of the ingots.
  • the reactions caused by the gas releases can also produce elements which deposit at the level of the crucible, thus reducing the mechanical properties of the ingots.
  • the thermal shock of the raw materials promotes the projection of small solid particles of raw material which can fall further downstream in the basin and thus have a reduced time to dissolve, thus increasing the risk that unmelted particles are found in the crucible and reduce the mechanical properties of the ingots.
  • Such a preheating step is particularly advantageous for the manufacture of metal compound ingots based on titanium because these metal compounds have a high melting temperature (titanium having a melting point of 1668°C), the metal compounds based on titanium presenting a higher risk of the presence of unmelted metal particles during the formation of the ingot.
  • a system 1 for manufacturing an ingot 2 made of titanium-based metal compound comprises a conveyor 11 on which fragments of raw material 3 are conveyed.
  • the conveyor 11 can for example be formed by a vibrating table, a push cylinder, a treadmill, or an endless screw.
  • the fragments of raw material 3 can be master alloys, fragments of recycled materials, or virgin raw material of an alloy based on titanium or an intermetallic compound based on titanium.
  • the raw material fragments 3 can be formed by blocks of particles, such as chips, which are agglomerated and compacted using a press, these blocks having a length of between 20cm and 50cm for example.
  • metal compound based on titanium is understood here either a titanium-based alloy, that is to say an alloy in which titanium is the main constituent, or an intermetallic compound based on titanium, that is say an intermetallic compound of which titanium is the main constituent.
  • An alloy is a combination of different metals while an intermetallic compound is a combination of at least one metal with at least one metalloid.
  • the metal compound can for example be an alloy from the following alloys: Ti17, TiBeta16, Ti21S, Ti6242, and Ti6246; or alternatively an intermetallic compound from the following intermetallic compounds: TiAl 48-2-2, and TiNMB1.
  • the examples given are not limiting, other alloys or intermetallic compounds based on titanium can be used.
  • the system 1 comprises at least one basin in which the fragments of raw material 3 are melted.
  • the system 1 comprises a first basin 12 and a second basin 13 located downstream of said first basin 12.
  • the number of basins can however be greater, the system 1 thus being able to comprise three or four basins for example, or else less important, the system 1 thus being able to comprise a single basin.
  • the first basin 12 and the second basin 13 collect liquid metal 4 obtained by melting the fragments of raw material 3.
  • the first basin 12 and the second basin 13 are formed on the one hand by a wall which receives the liquid metal 4, said wall being for example made of copper, and on the other hand by a cooling device which makes it possible to maintain the wall at a temperature lower than its deterioration temperature, said cooling device being typically produced by a circulation circuit of a cooling liquid.
  • the raw material fragments 3 are melted in the first basin 12, then the liquid metal 4 obtained by melting said raw material fragments 3 is transferred to the second basin 13.
  • the fusion of the fragments of raw material 3 is carried out by heating means 14 which are located opposite the first basin 12 and the second basin 13.
  • the heating means 14 can for example be formed by plasma torches, electron guns, electric arc generators, laser generators, or induction heating means.
  • the heating means 14 are configured to keep the liquid metal 4 molten in the first and second basins 12 and 13 in order to place the liquid metal 4 in the desired metallurgical state.
  • the atmosphere in which the first basin 12 and the second basin 13 are located can be controlled. So that the liquid metal 4 does not react with the atmosphere, the controlled atmosphere can for example be produced by a vacuum atmosphere or else by an atmosphere of inert gas under a controlled pressure. According to another possible variant, the controlled atmosphere is formed by a specific gas under a controlled pressure, said specific gas being adapted to react with the liquid metal 4 in order to load said liquid metal 4, and thus the metal compound of the ingot 2, with said specific gas.
  • the first basin 12 and the second basin 13 can also be exposed to an uncontrolled atmosphere.
  • the system 1 comprises a crucible 15 into which the liquid metal 4 from the second basin 13 is poured in order to cool said liquid metal 4, solidify it and thus form a solid metal advancing front 5 which is shaped in order to form the ingot 2 by semi-continuous casting.
  • said crucible 15 comprises a cooling circuit which cools the walls of said crucible 15.
  • the walls of the crucible 15, which are cooled by the cooling circuit, are made in one material with high thermal conductivity, for example copper or copper alloy.
  • the heating means 14 are also located opposite the crucible 15 and are configured to keep the liquid metal 4 molten in the upper part of the crucible 15.
  • the liquid metal 4 is transferred from the first basin 12 to the second basin 13, and from the second basin 13 to the crucible 15 by overflow.
  • the second basin 13 is fed by liquid metal 4 overflowing from the first basin 12 towards said second basin
  • the crucible 15 is fed by liquid metal 4 overflowing from the second basin 13 towards said crucible 15.
  • the system 1 comprises a preheating device 16 which is located opposite the conveyor 11 and which is configured to preheat the fragments of raw material 3 before said fragments of raw material 3 are melted in the first basin 12.
  • the preheating device 16 is configured to heat the raw material fragments 3 to a preheating temperature which is greater than or equal to 75% of the liquidus temperature of said fragments of raw material 3, and which is strictly lower than the liquidus temperature of said fragments of raw material 3.
  • Such a preheating temperature makes it possible to reduce the temperature gradient at the inlet of the first basin 12. This makes it possible to facilitate the melting of the fragments of raw material 3, which reduces the presence of unmelted metal particles in the first and second basins 12 and 13, thus limiting the risk of these unmelted metal particles reaching the crucible 15.
  • the preheating according to the invention makes it possible in particular to reduce the presence of small-sized unmelted metal particles thanks to the facilitation of the fusion of these particles, the small-sized particles being the most likely not to fall to the bottom of the first and second basins 12 and 13 and therefore to be poured with the liquid metal 4 into the crucible 15.
  • such a preheating temperature makes it possible to reduce the thermal shock undergone by the fragments of raw material 3 when they arrive in the first basin 12.
  • the reduction of the thermal shock makes it possible to reduce the gas releases, thus limiting the reactions caused by these gas releases which are likely to produce unwanted elements in the metallic compound degrading the mechanical properties of the ingot.
  • the preheating temperature is greater than or equal to the solidus temperature of the metal compound, which makes it possible to further accelerate the dissolution of the particles of solid metal in the first and second basins 12 and 13, and makes it possible to reduce thermal shock.
  • the preheating temperature is always strictly lower than the liquidus temperature of the alloy.
  • the raw material fragments 3 are partially melted because they are at a temperature above the solidus temperature but strictly below the liquidus temperature of the metal compound.
  • the preheating temperature is greater than or equal to 93% of the liquidus temperature of the alloy, making it possible to further accelerate the dissolution of the particles of solid metal, and to further reduce the temperature difference. suffered by the fragments of raw material 3.
  • the temperature preheating is strictly lower than the liquidus temperature of the alloy.
  • the invention is particularly advantageous for metal compounds based on titanium which comprise elements having a melting temperature higher than the melting temperature of titanium, such as for example molybdenum, vanadium, or tantalum.
  • the elements present in the metallic compound which have a melting temperature higher than the melting temperature of titanium, such as molybdenum, vanadium and tantalum, are elements which tend to form unmelted particles in the liquid metal 4 which can reach the crucible 15.
  • the preheater 16 comprises an induction preheater 16a.
  • the induction preheater 16a may be formed by a solenoid as shown in Fig. figure 2 , or by an induction plate parallel to the conveyor 11.
  • the induction preheating device 16a is configured to ensure a levitation of said fragments of raw material 3 above the conveyor 11.
  • the configuration of the induction preheating device 16a to ensure the gradual rise in temperature and the levitation of the fragments of raw material is carried out by adapting the intensity and the frequency of the electric current passing through said induction preheating device 16a.
  • the preheating device 16 comprises a generator 16b of a heating beam F, such as for example a light source, an electron beam generator, a plasma torch, or even a laser generator.
  • a generator 16b of a heating beam F such as for example a light source, an electron beam generator, a plasma torch, or even a laser generator.
  • the preheating device comprises an image acquisition device 16c, such as for example a camera, and an image analysis device 16d, such as a processor and a memory on which is recorded a image processing program.
  • the image acquisition device 16c is configured to acquire images of the preheating of the fragments of raw material 3 by the generator 16b of the heating beam F.
  • the image acquisition device 16c is also configured to transmit the acquired images to the image analysis device 16d.
  • the image analysis device 16d is itself configured to analyze the images transmitted by the image acquisition device 16c and to control the orientation of the generator 16b of the heating beam F by verifying that the heating beam F is indeed directed towards the fragments of raw material 3, and not directed next to said fragments of raw material 3, directly towards the conveyor 11.
  • said image analysis device 16d When the image analysis device 16d detects that the heating beam F is not directed correctly, said image analysis device 16d can emit an alert so that an operator or an automaton corrects the orientation of the generator 16b of the heating beam F.
  • the image analysis device 16d can also be configured to control the orientation of the generator 16b of the heating beam F so that when said image analysis device 16d detects that the heating beam F n is not directed correctly, said image analysis device 16d automatically corrects the orientation of said generator 16b of the heating beam F.
  • the system 1 for manufacturing the ingot 2 of titanium-based metal compound is configured to implement the manufacturing process illustrated in the figure 4 .
  • the process for manufacturing the ingot 2 of titanium-based metal compound may comprise a step of controlling the orientation of the beam heater F performed during the preheating step E2 of the fragments of raw material 3. This step of controlling the orientation of the heating beam F is performed by the image analysis device 16d from the images acquired by the device d 16c image acquisition.

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  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Materials Engineering (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Metallurgy (AREA)
  • Organic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Crystallography & Structural Chemistry (AREA)
  • Manufacture And Refinement Of Metals (AREA)

Description

Arrière-plan de l'inventionBackground of the invention

La présente invention se rapporte au domaine général de la fabrication de lingots en composé métallique à base de titane, tels que des alliages ou des composés intermétalliques, notamment pour la fabrication de pièces pour un aéronef. Un procédé pour la fabrication de lingots à base de titane est décrit, par exemple, dans JP 2007 039807 A .The present invention relates to the general field of the manufacture of metal compound ingots based on titanium, such as alloys or intermetallic compounds, in particular for the manufacture of parts for an aircraft. A process for the production of titanium-based ingots is described, for example, in JP 2007 039807 A .

Les lingots en alliage à base de titane, ou en composé intermétallique à base de titane, sont généralement fabriqués par fusion de fragments de matière première dans différents bassins, le métal liquide étant ensuite versé dans un creuset afin de refroidir et solidifier le métal pour former les lingots.Titanium-based alloy, or titanium-based intermetallic compound, ingots are typically made by smelting raw material fragments in different basins, the liquid metal then being poured into a crucible to cool and solidify the metal to form the ingots.

Toutefois, le procédé de fabrication conventionnel des lingots de titane peut aboutir à un problème d'abattement des propriétés mécaniques du lingot obtenu par rapport aux propriétés mécaniques désirées.However, the conventional manufacturing process for titanium ingots can lead to a problem of lowering the mechanical properties of the ingot obtained with respect to the desired mechanical properties.

Objet et résumé de l'inventionSubject matter and summary of the invention

La présente invention a donc pour but principal de pallier un tel inconvénient en proposant, selon un premier aspect de l'invention, un procédé de fabrication d'un lingot en composé métallique à base de titane comprenant les étapes suivantes :

  • fournir des fragments de matière première ;
  • fondre les fragments de matière première en un métal liquide dans au moins un bassin ;
  • maintenir en fusion le métal liquide dans ledit au moins un bassin ;
  • verser le métal liquide du au moins un bassin dans un creuset par débordement dudit au moins un bassin dans ledit creuset ;
  • former un lingot par refroidissement du métal liquide dans le creuset ; caractérisé en ce que le procédé comprend l'étape suivante :
  • préchauffer les fragments de matière première avant la fusion desdits fragments de matière première avec une température de préchauffage supérieure ou égale à 75% de la température de liquidus desdits fragments de matière première, ladite température de préchauffage étant strictement inférieure à la température de liquidus.
The main purpose of the present invention is therefore to overcome such a drawback by proposing, according to a first aspect of the invention, a process for manufacturing an ingot made of titanium-based metal compound comprising the following steps:
  • provide raw material fragments;
  • melting the raw material fragments into a liquid metal in at least one basin;
  • keeping the liquid metal molten in said at least one basin;
  • pouring the liquid metal from the at least one basin into a crucible by overflowing from said at least one basin into said crucible;
  • forming an ingot by cooling the liquid metal in the crucible; characterized in that the method comprises the following step:
  • preheating the raw material fragments before melting said raw material fragments with a preheating temperature greater than or equal to 75% of the liquidus temperature of said raw material fragments, said preheating temperature being strictly lower than the liquidus temperature.

Une telle étape de préchauffage des fragments de matière première permet d'améliorer l'homogénéité du métal dans le bassin, notamment par réduction de la présence d'infondus dans le bassin.Such a step of preheating the fragments of raw material makes it possible to improve the homogeneity of the metal in the basin, in particular by reducing the presence of unmelted particles in the basin.

De plus, un tel préchauffage permet de réduire la diminution de température dans le bassin lorsque du métal nouvellement fondu tombe dans ledit bassin, améliorant ainsi également l'homogénéité par facilitation de la dissolution des infondus dans le bassin, et accroissant la vitesse de fusion du composé métallique permettant des gains productifs.In addition, such preheating makes it possible to reduce the drop in temperature in the basin when newly molten metal falls into said basin, thus also improving the homogeneity by facilitating the dissolution of the unmelted in the basin, and increasing the rate of melting of the metallic compound allowing productive gains.

En outre, un tel préchauffage permet de réduire le choc thermique subi par les matières premières lors de l'étape de fusion, réduisant ainsi les dégagements gazeux des matières premières. Ces dégagements gazeux peuvent provoquer des réactions qui sont susceptibles de créer des inclusions, ces inclusions diminuant les propriétés mécaniques des lingots. Les réactions provoquées par les dégagements gazeux peuvent également produire des éléments qui se déposent au niveau du creuset, diminuant ainsi les propriétés mécaniques des lingots. De plus, le choc thermique des matières premières favorise les projections de petites particules solides de matière première qui peuvent retomber plus aval dans le bassin et ainsi disposer d'une durée réduite pour se dissoudre, augmentant ainsi le risque que des particules infondus se trouvent dans le creuset et diminuent les propriétés mécaniques des lingots.In addition, such preheating makes it possible to reduce the thermal shock undergone by the raw materials during the melting step, thus reducing the gaseous releases of the raw materials. These gas releases can cause reactions which are likely to create inclusions, these inclusions reducing the mechanical properties of the ingots. The reactions caused by the gas releases can also produce elements which deposit at the level of the crucible, thus reducing the mechanical properties of the ingots. In addition, the thermal shock of the raw materials promotes the projection of small solid particles of raw material which can fall further downstream in the basin and thus have a reduced time to dissolve, thus increasing the risk that unmelted particles are found in the crucible and reduce the mechanical properties of the ingots.

Une telle étape de préchauffage est particulièrement avantageuse pour la fabrication de lingots en composé métallique à base de titane car ces composés métalliques possèdent une température de fusion élevée (le titane possédant une température de fusion de 1668°C), les composés métalliques à base de titane présentant un risque plus élevé de présence de particules de métal non fondues lors de la formation du lingot.Such a preheating step is particularly advantageous for the manufacture of metal compound ingots based on titanium because these metal compounds have a high melting temperature (titanium having a melting point of 1668°C), the metal compounds based on titanium presenting a higher risk of the presence of unmelted metal particles during the formation of the ingot.

Le procédé peut comprendre les caractéristiques suivantes, prises seules ou en combinaison suivant les possibilités techniques :

  • la température de préchauffage est supérieure ou égale à la température de solidus des fragments de matière première ;
  • la température de préchauffage est supérieure ou égale à 93% de la température de liquidus ;
  • le composé métallique à base de titane comprend au moins un élément possédant une température de fusion supérieure à la température de fusion du titane ;
  • le préchauffage des fragments de matière première est réalisé par induction ;
  • le préchauffage des fragments de matière première par induction est configuré pour assurer une lévitation desdits fragments de matière première ;
  • le préchauffage des fragments de matière première est réalisé par un générateur d'un faisceau chauffant ;
  • le procédé comprend une étape de contrôle de l'orientation du générateur du faisceau chauffant ;
  • le procédé comprend les étapes suivantes :
    • fondre des fragments de matière première en un métal liquide dans un premier bassin ;
    • maintenir en fusion le métal liquide dans le premier bassin ;
    • verser le métal liquide du premier bassin dans un deuxième bassin par débordement dudit premier bassin dans ledit deuxième bassin ;
    • maintenir en fusion le métal liquide dans le deuxième bassin ;
    • verser le métal liquide du deuxième bassin dans le creuset par débordement dudit deuxième bassin dans ledit creuset.
The method may include the following characteristics, taken alone or in combination according to the technical possibilities:
  • the preheating temperature is greater than or equal to the solidus temperature of the raw material fragments;
  • the preheating temperature is greater than or equal to 93% of the liquidus temperature;
  • the titanium-based metal compound comprises at least one element having a melting temperature higher than the melting temperature of titanium;
  • the preheating of the raw material fragments is carried out by induction;
  • the preheating of the raw material fragments by induction is configured to ensure levitation of said raw material fragments;
  • the preheating of the raw material fragments is carried out by a generator of a heating beam;
  • the method comprises a step of controlling the orientation of the generator of the heating bundle;
  • the process comprises the following steps:
    • melting raw material fragments into a liquid metal in a first basin;
    • keeping the liquid metal molten in the first basin;
    • pouring the liquid metal from the first basin into a second basin by overflowing from said first basin into said second basin;
    • keeping the liquid metal molten in the second basin;
    • pouring the liquid metal from the second basin into the crucible by overflowing from said second basin into said crucible.

Selon un deuxième aspect, l'invention propose un système de fabrication d'un lingot en composé métallique à base de titane comprenant :

  • au moins un bassin qui est configuré pour recevoir du métal liquide ;
  • un convoyeur qui est configuré pour acheminer des fragments de matière première vers ledit au moins un bassin ;
  • un creuset qui est alimenté par débordement dudit au moins un bassin et qui est configuré pour refroidir et solidifier le métal liquide ;
  • des moyens de chauffage qui sont situés en regard du au moins un bassin et du creuset et qui sont configurés pour chauffer et faire fondre des fragments de matière première dans ledit au moins un bassin et dans ledit creuset ;
caractérisé en ce que le système comprend un dispositif de préchauffage qui est configuré pour chauffer sur le convoyeur les fragments de matière première avec une température de préchauffage supérieure ou égale à 75% de la température de liquidus desdits fragments de matière première, et strictement inférieure à la température de liquidus desdits fragments de matière première.According to a second aspect, the invention proposes a system for manufacturing a metal compound ingot based on titanium comprising:
  • at least one basin that is configured to receive liquid metal;
  • a conveyor that is configured to convey raw material fragments to said at least one basin;
  • a crucible which is fed by overflow of said at least one basin and which is configured to cool and solidify the liquid metal;
  • heating means which are located opposite the at least one basin and the crucible and which are configured to heat and melt fragments of raw material in said at least one basin and in said crucible;
characterized in that the system comprises a preheating device which is configured to heat on the conveyor the fragments of raw material with a preheating temperature greater than or equal to 75% of the liquidus temperature of said raw material fragments, and strictly lower than the liquidus temperature of said raw material fragments.

Le système peut comprendre les caractéristiques suivantes, prises seules ou en combinaison suivant les possibilités techniques :

  • le dispositif de préchauffage comprend un générateur d'un faisceau chauffant ;
  • le système comprend un dispositif d'acquisition d'images et un dispositif d'analyse d'images, ledit dispositif d'acquisition d'images étant configuré pour acquérir des images du préchauffage des fragments de matière première par le générateur du faisceau chauffant, et ledit dispositif d'analyse d'images étant configuré pour contrôler l'orientation du générateur du faisceau chauffant à partir des images acquises par ledit dispositif d'acquisition d'image ;
  • le dispositif de préchauffage comprend un dispositif de préchauffage par induction ;
  • le dispositif de préchauffage par induction est configuré pour assurer une lévitation des fragments de matière première.
The system can include the following characteristics, taken alone or in combination according to the technical possibilities:
  • the preheating device comprises a generator of a heating bundle;
  • the system comprises an image acquisition device and an image analysis device, said image acquisition device being configured to acquire images of the preheating of the raw material fragments by the generator of the heating beam, and said image analysis device being configured to control the orientation of the generator of the heating beam from the images acquired by said image acquisition device;
  • the preheater includes an induction preheater;
  • the induction preheating device is configured to provide levitation of the raw material fragments.

Brève description des dessinsBrief description of the drawings

D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de la présente invention ressortiront de la description faite ci-dessous, en référence aux dessins annexés qui en illustrent un exemple de réalisation dépourvu de tout caractère limitatif. Sur les figures :

  • la figure 1 représente schématiquement un système de fabrication d'un lingot en composé métallique à base de titane selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention ;
  • la figure 2 représente une première variante de réalisation d'un dispositif de préchauffage du système de fabrication d'un lingot ;
  • la figure 3 représente un deuxième mode de réalisation du dispositif de préchauffage ;
  • la figure 4 représente une vue schématique des différentes étapes d'un procédé de fabrication d'un lingot en composé métallique à base de titane selon une mise en oeuvre de l'invention ;
  • la figure 5 représente une vue schématique des différentes étapes du procédé de fabrication mis en œuvre avec la variante du système de fabrication de la figure 1.
Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will emerge from the description given below, with reference to the appended drawings which illustrate an exemplary embodiment thereof which is devoid of any limiting character. In the figures:
  • the figure 1 schematically represents a system for manufacturing an ingot made of titanium-based metal compound according to one embodiment of the invention;
  • the figure 2 represents a first alternative embodiment of a preheating device of the system for manufacturing an ingot;
  • the picture 3 represents a second embodiment of the preheating device;
  • the figure 4 represents a schematic view of the different steps of a process for manufacturing an ingot made of titanium-based metal compound according to an implementation of the invention;
  • the figure 5 represents a schematic view of the different stages of the manufacturing process implemented with the variant of the manufacturing system of the figure 1 .

Description détaillée de l'inventionDetailed description of the invention

Comme illustrée sur la figure 1, un système 1 de fabrication d'un lingot 2 en composé métallique à base de titane comprend un convoyeur 11 sur lequel sont acheminés des fragments de matière première 3. Le convoyeur 11 peut par exemple être formé par une table vibrante, un vérin poussoir, un tapis roulant, ou une vis sans fin.As illustrated on the figure 1 , a system 1 for manufacturing an ingot 2 made of titanium-based metal compound comprises a conveyor 11 on which fragments of raw material 3 are conveyed. The conveyor 11 can for example be formed by a vibrating table, a push cylinder, a treadmill, or an endless screw.

Les fragments de matière première 3 peuvent être des alliages mères, des fragments de matériaux recyclés, ou de la matière première vierge d'alliage à base de titane ou de composé intermétallique à base de titane. Typiquement, les fragments de matière première 3 peuvent être formés par des blocs de particules, telles que des copeaux, qui sont agglomérées et compactées à la presse, ces blocs possédant une longueur comprise entre 20cm et 50cm par exemple.The fragments of raw material 3 can be master alloys, fragments of recycled materials, or virgin raw material of an alloy based on titanium or an intermetallic compound based on titanium. Typically, the raw material fragments 3 can be formed by blocks of particles, such as chips, which are agglomerated and compacted using a press, these blocks having a length of between 20cm and 50cm for example.

Par composé métallique à base de titane on comprend ici soit un alliage à base de titane, c'est-à-dire un alliage dont le titane est le principal constituant, soit un composé intermétallique à base de titane, c'est-à-dire un composé intermétallique dont le titane est le principal constituant. Un alliage est une combinaison de différents métaux, tandis qu'un composé intermétallique est une combinaison d'au moins un métal avec au moins un métalloïde.By metal compound based on titanium is understood here either a titanium-based alloy, that is to say an alloy in which titanium is the main constituent, or an intermetallic compound based on titanium, that is say an intermetallic compound of which titanium is the main constituent. An alloy is a combination of different metals while an intermetallic compound is a combination of at least one metal with at least one metalloid.

Le composé métallique peut par exemple être un alliage parmi les alliages suivants : Ti17, TiBeta16, Ti21S, Ti6242, et Ti6246 ; ou bien un composé intermétallique parmi les composés intermétalliques suivants : TiAl 48-2-2, et TiNMB1. Les exemples donnés ne sont pas limitatifs, d'autres alliages ou composés intermétalliques à base de titane peuvent être utilisés.The metal compound can for example be an alloy from the following alloys: Ti17, TiBeta16, Ti21S, Ti6242, and Ti6246; or alternatively an intermetallic compound from the following intermetallic compounds: TiAl 48-2-2, and TiNMB1. The examples given are not limiting, other alloys or intermetallic compounds based on titanium can be used.

Le système 1 comprend au moins un bassin dans lequel les fragments de matière première 3 sont fondus. Dans l'exemple de réalisation illustré sur la figure 1, le système 1 comprend un premier bassin 12 et un deuxième bassin 13 situé en aval dudit premier bassin 12. Le nombre de bassin peut cependant être plus important, le système 1 pouvant ainsi comprendre trois ou quatre bassins par exemple, ou bien moins important, le système 1 pouvant ainsi comprendre un unique bassin.The system 1 comprises at least one basin in which the fragments of raw material 3 are melted. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in the figure 1 , the system 1 comprises a first basin 12 and a second basin 13 located downstream of said first basin 12. The number of basins can however be greater, the system 1 thus being able to comprise three or four basins for example, or else less important, the system 1 thus being able to comprise a single basin.

Le premier bassin 12 et le deuxième bassin 13 recueillent du métal liquide 4 obtenu par la fusion des fragments de matière première 3.The first basin 12 and the second basin 13 collect liquid metal 4 obtained by melting the fragments of raw material 3.

Le premier bassin 12 et le deuxième bassin 13 sont formés d'une part par une paroi qui reçoit le métal liquide 4, ladite paroi étant par exemple en cuivre, et d'autre part par un dispositif de refroidissement qui permet de maintenir la paroi à une température inférieure à sa température de détérioration, ledit dispositif de refroidissement étant typiquement réalisé par un circuit de circulation d'un liquide de refroidissement.The first basin 12 and the second basin 13 are formed on the one hand by a wall which receives the liquid metal 4, said wall being for example made of copper, and on the other hand by a cooling device which makes it possible to maintain the wall at a temperature lower than its deterioration temperature, said cooling device being typically produced by a circulation circuit of a cooling liquid.

Les fragments de matière première 3 sont fondus dans le premier bassin 12, puis le métal liquide 4 obtenu par la fusion desdits fragments de matière première 3 est transféré dans le deuxième bassin 13.The raw material fragments 3 are melted in the first basin 12, then the liquid metal 4 obtained by melting said raw material fragments 3 is transferred to the second basin 13.

La fusion des fragments de matière première 3 est réalisée par des moyens de chauffage 14 qui sont situés en regard du premier bassin 12 et du deuxième bassin 13.The fusion of the fragments of raw material 3 is carried out by heating means 14 which are located opposite the first basin 12 and the second basin 13.

Les moyens de chauffage 14 peuvent par exemple être formés par des torches plasma, des canons à électrons, des générateurs d'arcs électriques, des générateurs lasers, ou des moyens de chauffage par induction.The heating means 14 can for example be formed by plasma torches, electron guns, electric arc generators, laser generators, or induction heating means.

De plus, les moyens de chauffage 14 sont configurés pour maintenir en fusion le métal liquide 4 dans les premiers et deuxième bassins 12 et 13 afin de placer le métal liquide 4 dans l'état métallurgique désiré.In addition, the heating means 14 are configured to keep the liquid metal 4 molten in the first and second basins 12 and 13 in order to place the liquid metal 4 in the desired metallurgical state.

L'atmosphère dans laquelle sont situés le premier bassin 12 et le deuxième bassin 13 peut être contrôlée. Afin que le métal liquide 4 ne réagisse pas avec l'atmosphère, l'atmosphère contrôlée peut par exemple être réalisée par une atmosphère sous vide ou bien par une atmosphère de gaz inerte sous une pression contrôlée. Selon une autre variante possible, l'atmosphère contrôlée est formée par un gaz spécifique sous une pression contrôlée, ledit gaz spécifique étant adapté pour réagir avec le métal liquide 4 afin de charger ledit métal liquide 4, et ainsi le composé métallique du lingot 2, avec ledit gaz spécifique.The atmosphere in which the first basin 12 and the second basin 13 are located can be controlled. So that the liquid metal 4 does not react with the atmosphere, the controlled atmosphere can for example be produced by a vacuum atmosphere or else by an atmosphere of inert gas under a controlled pressure. According to another possible variant, the controlled atmosphere is formed by a specific gas under a controlled pressure, said specific gas being adapted to react with the liquid metal 4 in order to load said liquid metal 4, and thus the metal compound of the ingot 2, with said specific gas.

Le premier bassin 12 et le deuxième bassin 13 peuvent également être exposés à une atmosphère non contrôlée.The first basin 12 and the second basin 13 can also be exposed to an uncontrolled atmosphere.

Comme illustré sur la figure 1, le système 1 comprend un creuset 15 dans lequel le métal liquide 4 du deuxième bassin 13 est versé afin de refroidir ledit métal liquide 4, le solidifier et ainsi former un front d'avancement de métal solide 5 qui est mis en forme afin former le lingot 2 par coulée semi-continue.As illustrated on the figure 1 , the system 1 comprises a crucible 15 into which the liquid metal 4 from the second basin 13 is poured in order to cool said liquid metal 4, solidify it and thus form a solid metal advancing front 5 which is shaped in order to form the ingot 2 by semi-continuous casting.

Afin de refroidir le métal liquide 4 qui est versé dans le creuset 15, ledit creuset 15 comprend un circuit de refroidissement qui refroidi les parois dudit creuset 15. Les parois du creuset 15, qui sont refroidies par le circuit de refroidissement, sont réalisées en un matériau à forte conductivité thermique, par exemple en cuivre ou en alliage de cuivre.In order to cool the liquid metal 4 which is poured into the crucible 15, said crucible 15 comprises a cooling circuit which cools the walls of said crucible 15. The walls of the crucible 15, which are cooled by the cooling circuit, are made in one material with high thermal conductivity, for example copper or copper alloy.

Par ailleurs, comme visible sur la figure 1, les moyens de chauffage 14 sont également situés en regard du creuset 15 et sont configurés pour maintenir en fusion le métal liquide 4 dans la partie haute du creuset 15.Moreover, as seen in the figure 1 , the heating means 14 are also located opposite the crucible 15 and are configured to keep the liquid metal 4 molten in the upper part of the crucible 15.

Le métal liquide 4 est transféré du premier bassin 12 vers le deuxième bassin 13, et du deuxième bassin 13 vers le creuset 15 par débordement. Autrement dit, le deuxième bassin 13 est alimenté par débordement du métal liquide 4 du premier bassin 12 vers ledit deuxième bassin, et le creuset 15 est alimenté par débordement du métal liquide 4 du deuxième bassin 13 vers ledit creuset 15. Une telle caractéristique permet de limiter le risque qu'une particule de métal non-fondue atteigne le creuset 15, ce qui réduirait les propriétés mécaniques du lingot 2. En effet, le métal encore solide tend à tomber au fond du premier bassin 13 et du deuxième bassin 14.The liquid metal 4 is transferred from the first basin 12 to the second basin 13, and from the second basin 13 to the crucible 15 by overflow. In other words, the second basin 13 is fed by liquid metal 4 overflowing from the first basin 12 towards said second basin, and the crucible 15 is fed by liquid metal 4 overflowing from the second basin 13 towards said crucible 15. Such a feature makes it possible to limit the risk that a particle of unmelted metal reaches the crucible 15, which would reduce the mechanical properties of the ingot 2. Indeed, the still solid metal tends to fall to the bottom of the first basin 13 and the second basin 14.

Afin d'améliorer les caractéristiques mécaniques du lingot 2 du composé métallique à base de titane, le système 1 comprend un dispositif de préchauffage 16 qui est situé en regard du convoyeur 11 et qui est configuré pour préchauffer les fragments de matière première 3 avant que lesdits fragments de matière première 3 soient fondues dans le premier bassin 12.In order to improve the mechanical characteristics of the ingot 2 of the metal compound based on titanium, the system 1 comprises a preheating device 16 which is located opposite the conveyor 11 and which is configured to preheat the fragments of raw material 3 before said fragments of raw material 3 are melted in the first basin 12.

Le dispositif de préchauffage 16 est configuré pour chauffer les fragments de matière première 3 à une température de préchauffage qui est supérieure ou égale à 75% de la température de liquidus desdits fragments de matière première 3, et qui est strictement inférieure à la température de liquidus desdits fragments de matière première 3.The preheating device 16 is configured to heat the raw material fragments 3 to a preheating temperature which is greater than or equal to 75% of the liquidus temperature of said fragments of raw material 3, and which is strictly lower than the liquidus temperature of said fragments of raw material 3.

Une telle température de préchauffage permet de diminuer le gradient de température à l'entrée du premier bassin 12. Cela permet de faciliter la fusion des fragments de matière première 3, ce qui réduit la présence de particules de métal infondues dans les premier et deuxième bassins 12 et 13, limitant ainsi le risque que ces particules de métal infondues atteignent le creuset 15.Such a preheating temperature makes it possible to reduce the temperature gradient at the inlet of the first basin 12. This makes it possible to facilitate the melting of the fragments of raw material 3, which reduces the presence of unmelted metal particles in the first and second basins 12 and 13, thus limiting the risk of these unmelted metal particles reaching the crucible 15.

Le préchauffage selon l'invention permet notamment de réduire la présence des particules de métal infondues de faible taille grâce à la facilitation de la fusion de ces particules, les particules de faible taille étant les plus susceptibles de ne pas tomber au fond des premier et deuxième bassins 12 et 13 et donc d'être versées avec le métal liquide 4 dans le creuset 15.The preheating according to the invention makes it possible in particular to reduce the presence of small-sized unmelted metal particles thanks to the facilitation of the fusion of these particles, the small-sized particles being the most likely not to fall to the bottom of the first and second basins 12 and 13 and therefore to be poured with the liquid metal 4 into the crucible 15.

De plus, une telle température de préchauffage permet de réduire le choc thermique subi par les fragments de matière première 3 lorsqu'ils arrivent dans le premier bassin 12. La réduction du choc thermique permet de réduire les dégagements gazeux, limitant ainsi les réactions provoquées par ces dégagements gazeux qui sont susceptibles de produire des éléments non désirés dans le composé métallique dégradant les propriétés mécaniques du lingot.In addition, such a preheating temperature makes it possible to reduce the thermal shock undergone by the fragments of raw material 3 when they arrive in the first basin 12. The reduction of the thermal shock makes it possible to reduce the gas releases, thus limiting the reactions caused by these gas releases which are likely to produce unwanted elements in the metallic compound degrading the mechanical properties of the ingot.

De manière préférentielle, la température de préchauffage est supérieure ou égale à la température de solidus du composé métallique, ce qui permet d'accélérer d'avantage la dissolution des particules de métal solide dans les premier et deuxième bassins 12 et 13, et permet de réduire le choc thermique. La température de préchauffage est toujours strictement inférieure à la température de liquidus de l'alliage.Preferably, the preheating temperature is greater than or equal to the solidus temperature of the metal compound, which makes it possible to further accelerate the dissolution of the particles of solid metal in the first and second basins 12 and 13, and makes it possible to reduce thermal shock. The preheating temperature is always strictly lower than the liquidus temperature of the alloy.

Ainsi, les fragments de matière première 3 sont partiellement fondus car ils sont à une température supérieure à la température de solidus mais strictement inférieure à la température de liquidus du composé métallique.Thus, the raw material fragments 3 are partially melted because they are at a temperature above the solidus temperature but strictly below the liquidus temperature of the metal compound.

De manière encore plus préférentielle, la température de préchauffage est supérieure ou égale à 93% de la température de liquidus de l'alliage, permettant d'accélérer encore plus la dissolution des particules de métal solide, et de réduire encore plus la différence de température subie par les fragments de matière première 3. Là encore, la température de préchauffage est strictement inférieure à la température de liquidus de l'alliage.Even more preferably, the preheating temperature is greater than or equal to 93% of the liquidus temperature of the alloy, making it possible to further accelerate the dissolution of the particles of solid metal, and to further reduce the temperature difference. suffered by the fragments of raw material 3. Again, the temperature preheating is strictly lower than the liquidus temperature of the alloy.

L'invention est particulièrement avantageuse pour les composés métalliques à base de titane qui comprennent des éléments possédant une température de fusion supérieure à la température de fusion du titane, comme par exemple du molybdène, du vanadium, ou du tantale. En effet, les éléments présents dans le composé métallique qui possèdent une température de fusion supérieure à la température de fusion du titane, comme par exemple le molybdène, le vanadium et le tantale, sont des éléments qui tendent à former des particules non-fondues dans le métal liquide 4 qui peuvent atteindre le creuset 15.The invention is particularly advantageous for metal compounds based on titanium which comprise elements having a melting temperature higher than the melting temperature of titanium, such as for example molybdenum, vanadium, or tantalum. Indeed, the elements present in the metallic compound which have a melting temperature higher than the melting temperature of titanium, such as molybdenum, vanadium and tantalum, are elements which tend to form unmelted particles in the liquid metal 4 which can reach the crucible 15.

Selon une première variante possible illustrée sur la figure 2, le dispositif de préchauffage 16 comprend un dispositif de préchauffage par induction 16a. Le dispositif de préchauffage par induction 16a peut être formé par un solénoïde comme cela illustré sur la figure 2, ou bien par une plaque à induction parallèle au convoyeur 11.According to a first possible variant illustrated in the figure 2 , the preheater 16 comprises an induction preheater 16a. The induction preheater 16a may be formed by a solenoid as shown in Fig. figure 2 , or by an induction plate parallel to the conveyor 11.

Selon une caractéristique avantageuse permettant de limiter la pollution des fragments de matière première 3 par le contact avec le convoyeur 11, le dispositif de préchauffage par induction 16a est configuré pour assurer une lévitation desdits fragments de matière première 3 au-dessus du convoyeur 11.According to an advantageous characteristic making it possible to limit the pollution of the fragments of raw material 3 by contact with the conveyor 11, the induction preheating device 16a is configured to ensure a levitation of said fragments of raw material 3 above the conveyor 11.

La configuration du dispositif de préchauffage par induction 16a pour assurer la montée en température progressive et la lévitation des fragments de matière première est réalisée en adaptant l'intensité et la fréquence du courant électrique traversant ledit dispositif de préchauffage par induction 16a.The configuration of the induction preheating device 16a to ensure the gradual rise in temperature and the levitation of the fragments of raw material is carried out by adapting the intensity and the frequency of the electric current passing through said induction preheating device 16a.

Selon une deuxième variante de réalisation illustrée sur la figure 3, le dispositif de préchauffage 16 comprend un générateur 16b d'un faisceau chauffant F, comme par exemple un foyer lumineux, un générateur de faisceau à électron, une torche plasma, ou encore un générateur laser.According to a second embodiment variant illustrated in the picture 3 , the preheating device 16 comprises a generator 16b of a heating beam F, such as for example a light source, an electron beam generator, a plasma torch, or even a laser generator.

De manière avantageuse, afin d'améliorer l'efficacité du préchauffage des fragments de matière première 3, le dispositif de préchauffage comprend un dispositif d'acquisition d'images 16c, comme par exemple une caméra, et un dispositif d'analyse d'images 16d, comme par exemple un processeur et une mémoire sur laquelle est enregistrée un programme de traitement d'image. Le dispositif d'acquisition d'images 16c est configuré pour acquérir des images du préchauffage des fragments de matière première 3 par le générateur 16b du faisceau chauffant F.Advantageously, in order to improve the efficiency of the preheating of the raw material fragments 3, the preheating device comprises an image acquisition device 16c, such as for example a camera, and an image analysis device 16d, such as a processor and a memory on which is recorded a image processing program. The image acquisition device 16c is configured to acquire images of the preheating of the fragments of raw material 3 by the generator 16b of the heating beam F.

Le dispositif d'acquisition d'images 16c est également configuré pour transmettre les images acquises au dispositif d'analyse d'images 16d. Le dispositif d'analyse d'images 16d est quant à lui configuré pour analyser les images transmises par le dispositif d'acquisition d'images 16c et contrôler l'orientation du générateur 16b du faisceau chauffant F par vérification que le faisceau chauffant F est bien dirigé vers les fragments de matière première 3, et non dirigé à côté desdits fragments de matière première 3, directement vers le convoyeur 11.The image acquisition device 16c is also configured to transmit the acquired images to the image analysis device 16d. The image analysis device 16d is itself configured to analyze the images transmitted by the image acquisition device 16c and to control the orientation of the generator 16b of the heating beam F by verifying that the heating beam F is indeed directed towards the fragments of raw material 3, and not directed next to said fragments of raw material 3, directly towards the conveyor 11.

Lorsque le dispositif d'analyse d'images 16d détecte que le faisceau chauffant F n'est pas dirigé correctement, ledit dispositif d'analyse d'images 16d peut émettre une alerte pour qu'un opérateur ou un automate corrige l'orientation du générateur 16b du faisceau chauffant F. Le dispositif d'analyse d'images 16d peut également être configuré pour commander l'orientation du générateur 16b du faisceau chauffant F afin que lorsque ledit dispositif d'analyse d'images 16d détecte que le faisceau chauffant F n'est pas dirigé correctement, ledit dispositif d'analyse d'images 16d corrige automatiquement l'orientation dudit générateur 16b du faisceau chauffant F.When the image analysis device 16d detects that the heating beam F is not directed correctly, said image analysis device 16d can emit an alert so that an operator or an automaton corrects the orientation of the generator 16b of the heating beam F. The image analysis device 16d can also be configured to control the orientation of the generator 16b of the heating beam F so that when said image analysis device 16d detects that the heating beam F n is not directed correctly, said image analysis device 16d automatically corrects the orientation of said generator 16b of the heating beam F.

Le système 1 de fabrication du lingot 2 en composé métallique à base de titane est configuré pour mettre en œuvre le procédé de fabrication illustré sur la figure 4.The system 1 for manufacturing the ingot 2 of titanium-based metal compound is configured to implement the manufacturing process illustrated in the figure 4 .

Comme illustré sur la figure 4, le procédé de fabrication du lingot 2 comprend les étapes suivantes :

  • E1 : fournir les fragments de matière première 3. Cette étape E1 est réalisée avec le convoyeur 11.
  • E2 : préchauffer les fragments de matière première 3 avec une température de préchauffage supérieure ou égale à 75% de la température de liquidus desdits fragments de matière première 3, et strictement inférieure à la température de liquidus desdits fragments de matière première 3. Cette étape de préchauffage E2 est réalisée avec le dispositif de préchauffage 16.
  • E3 : fondre les fragments de matière première 3 en un métal liquide 4 dans au moins un bassin. Cette étape de fusion est réalisée après l'étape E2 de préchauffage. Cette étape de fusion E3 est réalisée avec les moyens de chauffage 14.
  • E4 : maintenir en fusion le métal liquide 4 dans ledit au moins un bassin. Cette étape de maintien en fusion permet de placer le métal liquide 4 dans l'état métallurgique désiré, et permet en plus d'assurer une bonne dissolution des particules de métal non-fondues. Cette étape de de maintien en fusion E4 est réalisée avec les moyens de chauffage 14.
  • E5 : verser le métal liquide 4 du au moins un bassin dans le creuset 15 par débordement dudit au moins un bassin dans ledit creuset 15.
  • E6 : former le lingot 2 par refroidissement du métal liquide 4 dans le creuset 15.
As illustrated on the figure 4 , the process for manufacturing ingot 2 comprises the following steps:
  • E1: supply the fragments of raw material 3. This step E1 is carried out with the conveyor 11.
  • E2: preheating the fragments of raw material 3 with a preheating temperature greater than or equal to 75% of the liquidus temperature of said fragments of raw material 3, and strictly lower than the liquidus temperature of said fragments of raw material 3. This step of preheating E2 is carried out with the preheating device 16.
  • E3: melting the fragments of raw material 3 into a liquid metal 4 in at least one basin. This fusion step is carried out after the step Preheating E2. This melting step E3 is carried out with the heating means 14.
  • E4: keep the liquid metal 4 molten in said at least one basin. This molten holding step makes it possible to place the liquid metal 4 in the desired metallurgical state, and also makes it possible to ensure good dissolution of the unmolten metal particles. This molten holding step E4 is carried out with the heating means 14.
  • E5: pour the liquid metal 4 from at least one basin into the crucible 15 by overflowing from said at least one basin into said crucible 15.
  • E6: form the ingot 2 by cooling the liquid metal 4 in the crucible 15.

Avec le mode de réalisation du système 1 illustré sur la figure 1, le procédé comprend les étapes suivantes, comme illustré sur la figure 5 :

  • E31 : fondre les fragments de matière première 3 en un métal liquide 4 dans le premier bassin 12. Cette étape E31 de fusion dans le premier bassin 12 est une variante de l'étape E3 de fusion dans au moins un bassin.
  • E41 : maintenir en fusion le métal liquide 4 dans le premier bassin 12. Cette étape E41 de maintien en fusion dans le premier bassin 12 est une variante de l'étape E4 de maintien en fusion dans au moins un bassin.
  • E5' : verser le métal liquide 4 du premier bassin 12 dans le deuxième bassin 13 par débordement dudit premier bassin 12 dans ledit deuxième bassin 13.
  • E42 : maintenir en fusion le métal liquide 4 dans le deuxième bassin 13. Cette étape E42 de maintien en fusion dans le deuxième bassin 13 est une variante de l'étape E4 de maintien en fusion dans au moins un bassin.
  • E51 : verser le métal liquide 4 du deuxième bassin 13 dans le creuset 15 par débordement dudit deuxième bassin 13 dans ledit creuset 15. Cette étape E51 de versage dans le creuset 15 par débordement du deuxième bassin 13 est une variante de l'étape E5 de versage dans le creuset 15 par débordement d'au moins un bassin.
With the embodiment of system 1 shown in figure 1 , the method comprises the following steps, as illustrated in the figure 5 :
  • E31: melting the fragments of raw material 3 into a liquid metal 4 in the first basin 12. This step E31 of melting in the first basin 12 is a variant of step E3 of melting in at least one basin.
  • E41: keeping the liquid metal 4 molten in the first basin 12. This step E41 of molten maintenance in the first basin 12 is a variant of the step E4 of molten maintenance in at least one basin.
  • E5': pour the liquid metal 4 from the first basin 12 into the second basin 13 by overflowing from said first basin 12 into said second basin 13.
  • E42: maintaining the liquid metal 4 molten in the second basin 13. This step E42 of maintaining the molten state in the second basin 13 is a variant of the step E4 of maintaining the molten state in at least one basin.
  • E51: pour the liquid metal 4 from the second basin 13 into the crucible 15 by overflowing from said second basin 13 into said crucible 15. This step E51 of pouring into the crucible 15 by overflowing from the second basin 13 is a variant of step E5 of pouring into the crucible 15 by overflow of at least one basin.

Par ailleurs, lorsque le préchauffage des fragments de matière première 3 est réalisé avec un générateur 16b d'un faisceau chauffant F, le procédé de fabrication du lingot 2 en composé métallique à base de titane peut comprendre une étape de contrôle de l'orientation du faisceau chauffant F effectuée durant l'étape de préchauffage E2 des fragments de matière première 3. Cette étape de contrôle de l'orientation du faisceau chauffant F est réalisée par le dispositif d'analyse d'images 16d à partir des images acquises par le dispositif d'acquisition d'images 16c.Furthermore, when the preheating of the fragments of raw material 3 is carried out with a generator 16b of a heating beam F, the process for manufacturing the ingot 2 of titanium-based metal compound may comprise a step of controlling the orientation of the beam heater F performed during the preheating step E2 of the fragments of raw material 3. This step of controlling the orientation of the heating beam F is performed by the image analysis device 16d from the images acquired by the device d 16c image acquisition.

Claims (11)

  1. A method for manufacturing an ingot (2) made of titanium-based metallic compound comprising the following steps:
    - (E1) providing raw material fragments (3);
    - (E3) melting the raw material fragments (3) into a liquid metal (4) in at least one basin;
    - (E4) keeping in the molten state the liquid metal (4) in said at least one basin;
    - (E5) pouring the liquid metal (4) from the at least one basin into a crucible (15) by overflow from said at least one basin into said crucible (15);
    - (E6) forming an ingot (2) by cooling of the liquid metal (4) into the crucible (15);
    characterized in that the method comprises the following step:
    - (E2) preheating the raw material fragments (3) before the melting of said raw material fragments (3) with a preheating temperature higher than or equal to 75% of the liquidus temperature of said raw material fragments (3) and strictly lower than the liquidus temperature of said raw material fragments (3).
  2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the preheating temperature is higher than or equal to the solidus temperature of the raw material fragments (3).
  3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the preheating temperature is higher than or equal to 93% of the liquidus temperature.
  4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the titanium-based metallic compound comprises at least one element having a melting temperature higher than the melting temperature of the titanium.
  5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the preheating of the raw material fragments (3) is carried out by induction.
  6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the preheating of the raw material fragments (3) is carried out by a generator (16b) of a heating beam (F).
  7. The method according to claim 6, wherein said method comprises a step of controlling the orientation of the generator (16b) of the heating beam (F).
  8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the method comprises the following steps:
    - (E31): melting the raw material fragments (3) into a liquid metal (4) in a first basin (12);
    - (E41): keeping in the molten state the liquid metal (4) in the first basin (12);
    - (E5'): pouring the liquid metal (4) from the first basin (12) in a second basin (13) by overflow from said first basin (12) in said second basin (13);
    - (E42): keeping in the molten state the liquid metal (4) in the second basin (13);
    - (E51): pouring the liquid metal (4) from the second basin (13) into the crucible (15) by overflow from said second basin (13) into said crucible (15).
  9. A system (1) for manufacturing an ingot (2) made of titanium-based metallic compound comprising:
    - at least one basin which is configured to receive the liquid metal (4);
    - a conveyor (11) which is configured to convey raw material fragments (3) to said at least one basin;
    - a crucible (15) which is fed by overflow from said at least one basin and which is configured to cool and solidify the liquid metal (4);
    - heating means (14) which are located opposite the at least one basin and the crucible (15) and which are configured to melt and keep in the molten state raw material fragments (3) in said at least one basin and in said crucible (15);
    characterized in that the system (1) comprises a preheating device (16) which is configured to heat on the conveyor (11) said raw material fragments (3) with a preheating temperature higher than or equal to 75% of the liquidus temperature of said raw material fragments (3) and strictly lower than the liquidus temperature of said raw material fragments (3).
  10. The system (1) according to claim 9, wherein the preheating device (16) comprises a generator (16b) of a heating beam (F).
  11. The system according to claim 9, wherein the preheating device (16) comprises an induction-preheating device (16a).
EP19744764.2A 2018-06-26 2019-06-24 Method for producing ingots consisting of a metal compound containing titanium Active EP3814541B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR1855713A FR3082853B1 (en) 2018-06-26 2018-06-26 PROCESS FOR MANUFACTURING INGOTS IN METAL COMPOUND BASED ON TITANIUM
PCT/FR2019/051541 WO2020002811A1 (en) 2018-06-26 2019-06-24 Method for producing ingots consisting of a metal compound containing titanium

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EP3814541A1 EP3814541A1 (en) 2021-05-05
EP3814541B1 true EP3814541B1 (en) 2022-10-19

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JP (1) JP7379394B2 (en)
CN (1) CN112368406B (en)
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CA (1) CA3104572A1 (en)
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WO (1) WO2020002811A1 (en)

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BR112020026376A2 (en) 2021-03-23
WO2020002811A1 (en) 2020-01-02
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FR3082853A1 (en) 2019-12-27
CN112368406A (en) 2021-02-12
JP2021529260A (en) 2021-10-28
CN112368406B (en) 2021-12-24
US20210262061A1 (en) 2021-08-26
BR112020026376B1 (en) 2023-10-10
FR3082853B1 (en) 2020-09-04
JP7379394B2 (en) 2023-11-14
EP3814541A1 (en) 2021-05-05

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