GB877939A - An improved method of and means for breaking up steel ingot and like moulds - Google Patents

Abstract

877,939. Breaking up ingot moulds. LEWIS, E. M., and BOLTON, D. Feb. 10, 1960 [Nov. 10, 1958], No. 35992/58. Class 83 (4). A method of breaking up ingot or like moulds comprises inverting the mould, closing the hole or opening in the bottom thereof by means of a membrane, filling the mould with water, immersing an explosive charge in the water and firing the same. A hole 2 in the bottom of a cast-iron mould 1 is closed by a polythene membrane 3 having an upstanding circumferential flange 4 engaging the wall of the hole and formed with external circumferential ribs 5, these ribs beneath the top one having holes 7 therethrough to prevent pressure build up between the ribs when the mould is filled with water. An explosive charge is immersed in the water in the mould and fired to blow the mould into pieces. If, instead of having a hole 2, the bottom of the mould is completely open a larger membrane 3 of rectangular cross-section is used to close that end. The membrane 3 may comprise Fig. 12, an inflatable polythene ring 18 secured around a flat membrane section 19. Fissures 8 in the side wall of the mould may be sealed by paper or polythene patches 9 placed thereover, each patch, Fig. 7, having peripheral ribs 10 the inner ribs being formed with holes 12 therethrough. If the mould is badly fissured a complete polythene bag 14 may be fitted inside the mould to provide a lining therefore and may be secured in place by being turned over the top edge of the mould. Alternatively, Fig. 11, an inflatable cage 16 may rest on the top of the mould and support the top of the bag 14.