GB720205A - Method and apparatus for continuously casting steel - Google Patents

Abstract

720,205. Continuous-casting machines. JUNGHANS, S. March 17, 1952 [Sept. 13, 1951], No. 6884/52. Class 83 (1). Apparatus for continuously casting steel rods s of predetermined length comprises at least two casting stations 2a, 2b, each having at least one continuous mould 2 into which the molten steel is poured by a central distributer 3 alternating between the casting stations, and tables 15 for lowering the cast rods. The distributer 3, Fig. 3, is charged to a predetermined level from a ladle P and baffles 3c prevent the entry of slag. An infinitelyvariable gear may tilt the distributer to convey the charge through five spouts 3a into an equal number of troughs 5, each feeding two moulds 2 through spouts 5a. The troughs 5, Fig. 9, are mounted on perpendicular pivots 5d, 8 to adjust their inclination and facilitate division of the stream of metal in each trough between the respective moulds supplied, pivoting about the-pivots 8 being effected by screw-and-nut gear 10, 13. Both the distributer and the troughs are heated before the casting operation during which the supply of molten material may be controlled by a plug p2 in the ladle P. Individual adjustment of the feeding rate of the pairs of moulds may also be effected by varying the inclination of the troughs 5 and the speed of lowering of the tables 15, which is effected by a variable-speed hydraulic and mechanical means 17, is adjusted to correspond with the feeding rate. Each table supports one or two trucks 18 carrying plugs 19 onto which the rods s are cast, the table being lowered at a speed such that the cores of the rods are liquid for substantially their full length; this can be achieved by arranging the speed so that the surface temperature of the rods as they leave the mould is at least 212‹ F. below the fusion point. The partially solidified cast rods are then removed on the trucks 18. After the rods have been cast, or if a stoppage occurs at any of the moulds, the trough 5 is tilted to discharge its contents through a spout 5c into a receptacle 7. The distributer 3 is then arranged to operate at the next casting station. The moulds 2 and the troughs 5 of the first casting station are prepared for further use during the casting operation at the second casting station, the troughs being replaced by others which have been heated. All the moulds and the spouts 5a in the troughs 5 at one station may be of the same section to cast rods of the same size. As the rods s leave the moulds, they may be cooled by a spray of water or of water and air. In a modification, Fig. 7, the casting operation is effected in four stages with a distributer having two compartments 30a, 30b with separate feeding points 30c, 30d. Each of the two settings of the compartment 30a charges four moulds 2 through troughs 5, and the two settings of the compartment 30b each charge six moulds 2. More than one compart. ment may be provided in the distributer, and the sizes of adjacent pouring openings in the distributer and the troughs may be different to provide different rates of pouring so that rods of different section may be cast simultaneously. Also, instead of a subdivided distributer, a number of distributers may be provided. When casting rods of less than 5.9 inches in width or diameter, the mould should preferably be reciprocated. The Specification includes data referring to the rate of casting of the apparatus and the size of the rods cast.