MXPA97008940A - Chamber for the reception, side division and redirection of a metal liquid flow - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a chamber for receiving a downward flow of the liquid metal includes a generally horizontal base having a generally flat impact surface. A first faceted side wall having a plurality of facets formed therein, generally extends upwardly from and surrounds the flat surface to define an interior space. The interior space has an upper opening to receive the downward flow of the liquid metal. A second wall extends interiorly and ascendingly from the first faceted wall towards the upper opening. A plurality of bras are spaced along the first faceted wall. Each of the bras extends between the impact surface and the second faceted wall. The bras form a plurality of discrete cavities that include at least one facet. The cavities are defined by means of the bras, the impact surface, the first faceted wall and the second wall. The bras deflect and laterally divide the radial outflow into a plurality of discrete flow patterns associated with the plurality of cavities.

Description

CHAMBER FOR RECEPTION, SIDE DIVISION AND REDIRECTION OF A LIQUID METAL FLOW CROSS REFERENCE WITH RELATED REQUESTS This application claims the benefit of the US Provisional Application No. 60 / 031,348 filed November 21, 1996. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a funnel impact bearing and more particularly to a funnel impact bearing that stabilizes the flow of the liquid metal that comes out of the bearing. DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART The liquid metal, and in particular the liquid steel, is very often poured from one container to another container. For example, the liquid metal can be poured from a furnace into a ladle, and either from a ladle into a funnel, and or from a funnel into a mold. When the liquid metal is poured into the funnel from the pouring pan, it is usually poured into the funnel through an outlet in the lower part of the pouring pan. The current coming from the ladle is measured by a valve and the output stream can be enclosed in a ceramic tube, called the ladle cover, which is connected to the valve. A typical funnel has a simple design consisting of either a channel or a container-shaped box having a generally horizontal planar bottom with vertically arranged walls. In these designs, the pouring of current from the pouring bucket, that is, stream or flow of the incoming pouring bucket, enters the funnel, is solidly fixed to the bottom of the funnel, and extends in all directions. A flat impact bearing is commonly used on the bottom of the funnel in the impact area bearing to reduce erosion of the refractory lining of the funnel. After the incoming flow is extended, a portion of the incoming flow rises through the vertical walls of the funnel. funnel, it passes again along the surface of the liquid steel to the location of the inlet of the stream of the pouring ladle, and is reintroduced into the incoming flow of the stream of the pouring ladle or flow. Another portion of the flow does not attach directly to the vertical walls of the funnel and is dispersed throughout the volume of the funnel. The referred flow patterns result in many problems. The problems encountered with the flow patterns described above include: 1. Non-separation of the slag and inclusion of particles. The turbulence introduced by the stream of the pouring ladle or incoming flow and the pattern of the liquid metal flow generated inside the funnel does not allow flotation separation of the floating slag and the inclusion of particles transported within the liquid metal, and may cause reality that the slag introduced again. 2. Disturbance of Soft Flow. The turbulence within the funnel caused by the dissipation of the kinetic energy of the pouring ladle current is propagated above the holes of the funnel and this energy disturbs the smooth flow, which is required to properly fill the molds. 3. Thermal inhomogeneity. The short-circuit flow and the different behavior of the residence time of the liquid metal associated with each funnel for the molding current, results in the thermal inhomogeneity of the liquid metal contained in the funnel. Therefore, the exit current of the funnel experiences different temperatures, with the coldest metal leaving the funnel furthest from the stream of the pouring pan, and the hottest metal leaving the nearest funnel towards the stream of the pouring pan. Funnel impact bearings having complex geometries have been proposed to mitigate the above problems, but without success. Examples of these bearings are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,169,591 (the "'591" patent) and U.S. Patent No. 5,358,551 (the "' 551" patent). Both patents describe the impact bearings, which contain the inflow from the ladle. This is not unique since the flow coming from the ladle has been contained within several designs of impact bearing for many years. In addition, the existence of a continuous wall around a bearing with an upward flow release has been practiced in many designs prior to the existence of the referred patents. The '551 and' 591 patents show an inversion of a flow generated by the incoming pouring ladle stream. One of the many problems with these bearing designs is that they do not address the real problem that happens to the flow when the incoming current does not go to the exact geometrical center of the bearing. This is the normal state of the actions in a funnel as the flow of the pouring bucket moves in practice as the tap bucket valve compensates for the pressure of the change head. A non-central location of the incoming pouring ladle current causes an inverse flow amplification and could result in excessive splashing or finally, the liquid metal is expelled from the funnel. Another problem with these bearing designs is that the flow is directed from the bearing in an upward and inward manner. This upward and inward flow accelerates the flow and causes it to "bounce" off the surface of the liquid metal in the funnel, causing the short circuit flow to the nearest funnel outlet cords. Thus, none of the bearings of the technique The above problems effectively eliminate the aforementioned problems and, in addition, can aggravate the problems associated with slag emulsification, flow stagnation regions, thermal inhomogeneity, short circuit flow, residence distribution of the liquid, and in particular, the initial splash when the pouring pan is first opened. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to the foregoing, it is an object of the present invention to provide an impact bearing that stabilizes the flow of liquid metal exiting the bearing. Another object is to provide such an impact bearing for controlling the radially dispersed outflow, which is formed by the impact of the downflow ladle stream on the base of the bearing.

A further object is to provide such an impact bearing for controlling the outflow dispersed radially by multiple faceting and discreet mounting of the side wall of the bearing. It is also an object to provide such an impact bearing to control the radially dispersed outflow by deflecting and laterally dividing the radial flow into the multiple consistent, stable, and discrete flow patterns or segments associated with each of the cavities the side wall. It is another object to provide such an impact bearing which is insensitive to the pouring stream of the pouring pan. It is a further object to provide an impact bearing to eliminate the problems associated with slag emulsification, flow stagnation regions, thermal inhomogeneity, short circuit flux, residence distribution of the liquid, and in particular, the initial splash when the ladle is first opened. It is still a further object to provide such an impact bearing which is easy to use and manufacture. It has been found that the above and other objects of the present invention are achieved in a chamber to receive a downward flow of liquid metal. The camera includes a generally horizontal base that has a generally flat impact surface. A first faceted side wall having a plurality of facets formed therein, generally extends upwardly from and surrounds the flat surface to define an interior space. The interior space has an upper opening to receive the downward flow of the liquid metal. A second wall extends interiorly and ascendingly from the first faceted wall towards the upper opening. A plurality of bras or flow dividers are spaced along the first faceted wall. Each of the bras extends between the impact surface and the second faceted wall. The bras form a plurality of discrete cavities that include at least one facet. The cavities are defined by means of the bras, the impact surface, the first faceted wall and the second wall. Preferably, the bras deflect and laterally divide the radial outflow to a plurality of discrete flow patterns associated with the plurality of cavities. In a preferred embodiment, the bras laterally deflect the flow patterns towards the facets and the discrete flow patterns are directed out of the interior space and in an upward and outward direction away from the downward flow of the liquid metal. Preferably, the bearing includes a third wall defining the upper opening of the interior space. The third wall extends generally upwardly from the second wall. In a preferred embodiment, the first faceted wall is angled outwardly and upwardly at an angle greater than about 90 ° from the planar impact surface. Preferably, the second wall extends from the first faceted wall at an angle of about 45 to 135 °, and more preferably, at an angle of about 90 °. In a preferred embodiment, the third wall extends from the second wall at an angle of about 45 to 150 °. Preferably, the third wall extends from the second wall at an angle of approximately 125 °. Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description of the invention, which refers to the accompanying drawings BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For the purpose of illustrating the invention, a mode is shown in the drawings. which is currently preferred; it being understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the facilities and instrumentation shown. Figure 1 is a view of the upper plane of an impact bearing of the present invention. Figure la is a side sectional view of the impact bearing of figure 1. Figure 2 is a view of the upper plane of an alternative embodiment of the impact bearing of the present invention. Figure 2a is a side sectional view of the impact bearing of Figure 2. Figure 3 is a view of the upper plane of an alternative embodiment of the impact bearing of the present invention. Figure 3a is a side sectional view of the impact bearing of Figure 3; Figure 3b is another side sectional view of the impact bearing of Figure 3; Figure 4 is a schematic representation of the flow of liquid metal in the interior region of the impact bearing of the present invention. Figure 5 is a schematic representation of the flow of liquid metal in and out of the impact bearing of Figure 4 taken along line AA of Figure 4. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE MODALITIES OF THE INVENTION The impact bearing of the present invention is a funnel impact bearing which receives a stream of liquid metal falling from a pouring pan into a funnel. The bearing extends radially, then deflects laterally (or reflects) and divides the radial outlet flow, which is formed by the impact of the stream of the downward pouring bucket on the base of the bearing. The radial outflow is diverted and divided into multiple patterns or segments of consistent, stable and discrete flow. Subsequently, the flow is directed back up and out of the chamber to the rest of the volume of the funnel, in a way that contributes to a more homogeneous temperature distribution, contributes to an upward flow for the flotation of the inclusions and slag dragged, and eliminates splash when the level of the funnel is below the height of the chamber. Referring now to the drawings in which similar numerals indicate similar elements, an impact bearing 8 of the present invention is shown in Figure 1. The impact bearing 8 is unique and different in its design. As a result, the design produces a unique and different effect on the fluid flow of the liquid metal. The impact bearing 8 includes an inner chamber 10 for receiving a downward flow of the liquid metal. The chamber 10 generally includes a flat or horizontal bottom wall 12 where the flow extends radially. The lower wall 12 can be flat, or rounded, or textured, that is, it can include a panorama of various shapes and / or reliefs. For example, the bottom wall 12 may include one or more waves or projections formed therein. The lower wall 12 is completely traced and is surrounded by an exterior continuous multi-faceted side wall 13 including facets 15 and an inner multi-faceted side wall 14 including facets 15a. Due to the fasteners or flow dividers 18 discussed below, and the discrete assembly formed by the bras, the inner side wall 14 does not include an endless or continuous wall or ring. Established otherwise, the inner side wall 14 is not continuous. The inner side wall 14 must have a plurality of facets 15a. Preferably, there must be at least 4-10 facets and more preferably eight facets (8). It would be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the interior side wall 14 need not be faceted.

The first faceted wall 14 is bent at an exterior angle and ascending to an angle greater than approximately 90 ° from horizontal, i.e., lower wall, and preferably at an angle between approximately 90 and 120 °. A second internal faceted wall 16 contacts the top of the first faceted wall 14 at an angle of approximately 90 ° between those walls, but at least in a range between about 45-135 °. The second faceted wall 14 extends upwardly and inwardly towards the chamber 10. At approximately the midpoint of four (4) segments of the first faceted wall 14, and joining all the lower walls 12, the first faceted wall 14, and the second faceted wall 16, there are four (4) flow deflectors or dividers or bras 18 projecting into chamber 10 from all walls 12, 14 and 16. It would be appreciated by those skilled in the art that bras 18 can be of any size or shape as long as the bras deflect and / or laterally divide the radial outflow into a plurality of discrete, consistent flow patterns. The impact bearing 8 should include a plurality of bras 18. Preferably, the impact bearing 8 should include approximately 4-10 bras, and more preferably approximately eight (8) bras located at approximately the midpoint of all eight (8) will < of the first faceted wall 14. See Figure 4. The bras 18 divide the chamber 10 into four (4) discrete cavities 20. Each of the chambers 20 must include at least one facet 15a. Preferably, there should be enough bras to divide the chamber 10 into a plurality of discrete cavities 20, preferably about 4-10 cavities 20. For example, in a preferred embodiment, the impact bearing must have eight (8) brassieres that divide the chamber in eight (8) discrete cavities, figure 4. The cavities 20 are located where the radial flow divides and stabilizes laterally, and is directed more consistently towards the apices of the facets 15a. In practice, the radial flow first divides laterally towards the apexes of the facets 15a of the first faceted wall 14 where the flow is directed upwardly towards the second faceted wall 16. The flow is then directed away from the bearing impact 8 in one direction ascending and outward away from the center of the chamber 10. A third faceted wall 22 makes contact with the upper part of the second faceted wall 16 at an angle between those walls typically of approximately 125 °, but may fluctuate from approximately 110-150 °. The angle of the third faceted wall 22 defines the upper release space for the second upward flow and externally caused by the second faceted wall 16. It would be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the second and third walls 16, 22 need not be faceted. . Referring now to FIGS. 2, 2a, in an alternative embodiment the second faceted wall 16 may include exit openings 24. The exit openings 24 release the first flow in an upward manner caused by the first faceted wall 14 from the bearing in one direction. direction ascending and exterior. In figure 2a the bras are not shown for clarity. Referring now to FIGS. 3, 3a, 3b, these figures show an alternative embodiment of the present invention suitable for funnel designs where, for example, the pouring position of the pouring pan causes a downward flow to solidly fix the funnel near the funnel. the side wall of the funnel. In that case, the segment 19 of the outer wall 13 would rest against the interior wall of the funnel, now shown. Referring now to Figures 4 and 5, these figures show a schematic representation of the flow behavior when the impact bearing 8 faceted-8 (or orthogonal) is at least in the preferred embodiment., which includes eight (8) lateral wall cavity regions 26-40, respectively, formed by eight bras 25. In figure 5, the bras 25 are not shown for clarity. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the impact bearing of the present invention need not assume any particular shape or geometry. The impact bearing 8 of the present does not need to assume any fair shape or geometry while the holders 18 divide the chamber into the number of cavities, and include the number of facets, described above. In fact, it is contemplated that the impact bearing of the present invention may assume a variety of shapes and geometries to accommodate the shape or geometry of any given container, for example, the funnel, and to accommodate various pouring positions of the bucket. casting, ie casting positions offset as discussed above with respect to Figure 3. The impact bearing 8 deflects and laterally divides the radial outflow by means of multiple faceting and discrete mounting 26-40 of the wall inner side 41. This has the effect of dividing the radial outflow into multiple, discrete, consistent flow patterns 43 (eight (8) in the case of Figure 4), each associated with a sidewall cavity 26- 40 By dividing the flow into eight (8) discrete flow patterns 43 each associated with a respective mounted region 26-40 has a stabilizing influence on the flow behavior. The 3-dimensional flow patterns, which are formed within the bearing, are illustrated with the arrows in Figure 4. The central region marked Pabao is the region where the dynamic pressure of the incoming stream 49 is greater and directed downwardly . The eight (8) regions 42, which are adjacent to the apexes of the bearing 45 are the regions where the dynamic rising pressure or force is greatest. After the stream 49 is solidly fixed to the base of the bearing in the central region marked Paw, the flow extends radially outward until it contacts the holders 25, which deflect and laterally divide the radial outflow into the rods. eight (8) discrete flow patterns 43 associated with cavities 26-40. Once the is divided into each of the cavities 26-40 the separated or divided flows 43 are directed towards the respective ap of the facets 45 of the first faceted wall 41 and are then directed upwards and outwards towards the second faceted wall 47. The second faceted wall 47 then deflects the separated flows 43 to regions 42 where the dynamic pressure or force is greater. The separate flows 43 exit after the bearing in the regions 42 in an upward and outward direction away from the incoming flow 49 as shown in Figure 5. The outgoing flow in the 42 regions and the incoming flow 49 in the Pabajo region do not they surpass, (that is, they do not collide or interfere with each other, or cancel their respective forces directed in opposite ways) or slow down with each other. If the second faceted wall 47 includes exit ports 24, at least a portion of the upward and outward flow from the first faceted wall 41 would also be directed out of the bearing in a direction upwardly and outwardly through the exit ports 24. By using the lateral deviation of the flow from the ladle, instead of, for example, the reverse flow as shown by the previous impact bearings, the impact bearing of the present invention provides many benefits. These benefits are: 1. Flow Stabilization. By laterally dividing and deflecting radial flow within discrete cavities, it produces a much more stable flow out of the bearing. In addition, the stabilization of the flow as a result of the bras, and by controlling the area of the exit holes provides sufficient speed and controls the redirection of the flow so that the behavior of the fluid in the residence time inside the funnel is fulfilled . A relation between the total emptying speed in lbs / min, the volume in the chamber (cubic inches), and the area of the exit hole (s) (square inches) can be determined on the basis of the desired turbulence energy factor. 2. Insensitivity to the pouring position of the pouring pan. By laterally dividing and deflecting the flow within the discrete cavities, it eliminates the initial spatter associated with the first pouring ladle opening since the flow within the impact chamber bearing is not sensitive to the pouring position of the ladle. wash. In bearings of the prior art, a non-central location of the incoming stream of the pouring bucket amplifies the reverse flow and can result in excessive splashing or finally, the liquid metal is expelled from the funnel. In the case of the impact bearing of the present invention, the lateral deflection and the division of the flow pattern stabilizes the flow so that even under non-centric pouring conditions, the high pressure velocity and the resulting turbulence lighten up 3. No short circuit flow. In bearings of the prior art, the flow is directed from the bearing in an upward and inward direction, which accelerates the flow and causes it to "bounce" off the surface of the liquid metal in the funnel, causing the short-circuit flow to the closest funnel exit cords. In the impact bearing of the present invention, the chamber releases the flow in an upward and outward manner, which lightens this type of short-circuit flow. 4. Purity The upward and outward flow from the impact bearing of the present invention provides the continuous opportunity for flotation of slag and non-metallic inclusions, resulting in improvements in the purity of the liquid metal, particularly when the funnel is filling or filling. In addition, the impact bearing prevents the radial output flow from being re-transported with the incoming pouring ladle current. In summary, the impact bearing of the present invention stabilizes the flow of liquid metal leaving the bearing. It controls the radially dispersed outflow, which is formed by the impact of the flow of the downflowing ladle on the base of the bearing. The impact bearing controls the radially dispersed outflow through multiple faceting and discrete mounting of the bearing side wall. The cavities of the side wall radially disperse the outflow by deflecting and laterally dividing the radial flow into multiple patterns of consistent, stable, and discrete flow or segments associated with each of the cavities of the side wall. The impact bearing of the present invention is insensitive to the pouring stream of the pouring pan. It eliminates the problems associated with slag emulsification, flow stagnation regions, thermal inhomogeneity, short-circuit flow, residence distribution of the liquid, and in particular, the initial splash when the pouring pan first opens. And the impact bearing is easy to use and manufacture. Although the present invention has been described in relation to particular embodiments thereof, many other variations and modifications and other uses will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims (49)

1. NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION Having described the present invention it is considered as novelty and therefore the property described in the following claims 1 is claimed as a property. A chamber for receiving a downward flow of liquid metal comprising; a generally horizontal base having a generally flat impact surface; a first faceted side wall having a plurality of facets formed therein, the side wall generally extending upwardly from and surrounding the flat surface to define an interior space having an upper opening for receiving the downward flow of the liquid metal; a second wall extending inwardly and upwardly from the first faceted wall towards the upper opening; and a plurality of holders spaced along the first side wall, each of the holders extending between the impact surface and the second faceted wall, the holders forming a plurality of discrete cavities including at least one facet, the cavities being defined by the bras, the impact surface, the first faceted wall and the second wall. The camera according to claim 1, characterized in that the chamber is constructed and installed so that when the downward flow of liquid metal is solidly fixed to the impact surface, the flow extends radially and outwardly towards the holders, which radially divide and deflect the radial outflow in a plurality of discrete flow patterns associated with the plurality of cavities. 3. The camera according to claim 1, characterized in that the bras laterally deflect the discrete flow patterns towards the facets. 4. The chamber according to claim 2, characterized in that the discrete flow patterns are directed out of the inner space in a direction ascending and outward away from the downward flow of the liquid metal. The camera according to claim 1, characterized in that it includes a third wall defining the upper opening of the interior space, the third wall extending generally upwardly from the second wall. The camera according to claim 1, characterized in that the first faceted wall is bent at an angle in an external and ascending manner at an angle greater than approximately 90 ° from the flat impact surface. The camera according to claim 6, characterized in that the first faceted wall is bent at an angle between approximately 90 and 120 ° from the flat impact surface. The chamber according to claim 1, characterized in that the second wall extends from the first faceted wall at an angle of approximately 45 to 135 °. 9. The chamber according to claim 8, characterized in that the second wall extends from the first faceted wall at an angle of approximately 90 °. 10. The chamber according to claim 1, characterized in that the third wall extends from the second wall at an angle of approximately 45 to 150 °. The chamber according to claim 10, characterized in that the third wall extends from the second wall at an angle of approximately 125 °. The camera according to claim 1, characterized in that the first faceted wall includes approximately 4-10 facets. 13. The camera according to claim 12, characterized in that the first faceted wall includes approximately eight facets. 14. The chamber according to claim 1, characterized in that the interior space includes approximately 4-10 cavities. 15. The chamber according to claim 14, characterized in that the interior space includes approximately eight cavities. 16. The camera according to claim 1, characterized in that the first faceted wall includes approximately 4-10 bras. 17. The camera according to claim 16, characterized in that the first faceted wall includes approximately eight bras. 18. The chamber according to claim 13, characterized in that the first faceted wall includes approximately eight bras forming approximately eight discrete cavities, each of the cavities including at least one facet. 19. A method for laterally receiving, dividing and redirecting a liquid metal stream comprising; receiving a downward flow of liquid metal in a chamber having a generally horizontal base that includes a generally flat impact surface, and a first faceted side wall extending generally upwardly from the flat impact surface and surrounding the flat impact surface to define an interior space having a top opening; radially extending the flow externally towards the first faceted wall; deflect and laterally divide the radial outflow to a plurality of discrete flow patterns; and direct the flow patterns towards the apices of the facets. The method according to claim 19 characterized in that it further comprises the step of redirecting the flow patterns out of the upper opening in a direction ascending and outward away from the incoming liquid metal flow. The method according to claim 19 characterized in that it further comprises the step of laterally deflecting and dividing the radial outflow into a plurality of discrete cavities. 22. A chamber for receiving a downward flow of liquid metal comprising; a generally horizontal base having a generally flat impact surface; a first faceted side wall having a plurality of facets formed therein, the side wall extends generally upwardly from and surrounds the flat surface to define an interior space having an upper opening for receiving the downward flow of the liquid metal; a second wall extending inwardly and upwardly from the first faceted wall towards the upper opening, the second wall including at least one outlet port for causing the flow of molten metal to exit the chamber in a direction ascending and outside far from the interior space; and a plurality of holders spaced along the first side wall, each of the holders extending between the impact surface and the second faceted wall, the holders forming a plurality of discrete cavities including at least one facet, the cavities being defined by the bras, the impact surface, the first faceted wall and the second wall. 23. The chamber according to claim 22, characterized in that the chamber is constructed and installed so that when the downward flow of liquid metal solidly attaches to the impact surface, the flow extends radially outwardly towards the brassieres. which radially divide and deflect the radial outflow in a plurality of discrete flow patterns associated with the plurality of cavities. 24. The camera according to claim 22, characterized in that the bras laterally deflect the discrete flow patterns towards the facets. 25. The chamber according to claim 22, characterized in that the first faceted wall is angled externally and upwardly at an angle greater than about 90 ° from the flat impact surface. 26. The camera according to claim 25, characterized in that the first faceted wall is bent at an angle between approximately 90 and 120 ° from the flat impact surface. 27. The chamber according to claim 22, characterized in that the second wall extends from the first faceted wall at an angle of approximately 45 to 135 °. 28. The chamber according to claim 27, characterized in that the second wall extends from the first faceted wall at an angle of approximately 90 °. 29. The chamber according to claim 22, characterized in that the third wall extends from the second wall at an angle of approximately 45 to 150 °. 30. The chamber according to claim 29, characterized in that the third wall extends from the second wall at an angle of approximately 125 °. 31. The camera according to claim 22, characterized in that the first faceted wall includes approximately 4-10 facets. 32. The camera according to claim 22, characterized in that the first faceted wall includes approximately 4-10 sides. 33. The camera according to claim 31, characterized in that the first faceted wall includes approximately eight facets. 34. The camera according to claim 32 characterized in that, the first faceted wall includes approximately eight sides. 35. The chamber according to claim 22, characterized in that the interior space includes approximately 4-10 cavities. 36. The camera according to claim 35, characterized in that the interior space includes approximately eight cavities. 37. The camera according to claim 22, characterized in that the first faceted wall includes approximately 4-10 bras. 38. The camera according to claim 37, characterized in that the first faceted wall includes approximately eight bras. 39. A chamber for receiving a downward flow of liquid metal comprising; a generally horizontal base having a generally flat impact surface; a first faceted side wall including about eight facets formed therein, the side wall generally extending upwardly from and surrounding the flat surface to define an interior space having an upper opening for receiving the downward flow of the liquid metal; a second wall extending inwardly and upwardly from the first faceted wall towards the upper opening; and about eight bras spaced along the first side wall, each of the bras extending between the impact surface and the second faceted wall, the bras forming approximately eight discrete cavities that include at least one facet, each of which is cavities defined by the bras, the impact surface, the first faceted wall and the second wall, whereby when the descending flow of liquid metal is firmly fixed to the impact surface, the flow extends radially and outwardly towards the bras, which deflect and laterally divide the radial outflow into at least two discrete flow patterns associated with at least two cavities. 40. The chamber according to claim 39, characterized in that the chamber is constructed and installed so that when the downward flow of liquid metal solidly attaches to the impact surface, the flow extends radially outward toward the holders, the which divide and deflect laterally the radial outflow to at least one flow pattern associated with each of the eight cavities. 41. A container for holding the volume of a molten metal having a floor and side walls that enclose an impact region and a drain, the container comprising; an impact bearing located in the impact region to receive a downward flow of liquid metal, including the impact bearing; a generally horizontal base having a generally flat impact surface; a first faceted side wall having a plurality of facets formed therein, the side wall generally extending upwardly from and surrounding the flat surface to define an interior space having an upper opening for receiving the downward flow of the liquid metal; a second wall extending inwardly and upwardly from the first faceted wall towards the upper opening; and a plurality of holders spaced along the first side wall, each of the holders extending between the impact surface and the second faceted wall, the holders forming a plurality of discrete cavities including at least one facet, the cavities being defined by the bras, the impact surface, the first faceted wall and the second wall. 42. The container according to claim 41 characterized in that, the impact bearing is constructed and installed so that when the downward flow of liquid metal is solidly fixed to the impact surface, the flow extends radially outward toward the holders , which laterally divide and deflect the radial outflow into a plurality of discrete flow patterns associated with the plurality of cavities. 43. The container according to claim 41 characterized in that, the bras laterally deflect the flow patterns towards the facets. 44. The container according to claim 43 characterized in that, the flow patterns are directed out of the inner space in a direction ascending and outward away from the downward flow of liquid metal. 45. The container according to claim 42, characterized in that it includes a third wall defining the upper opening of the interior space, the third wall extending generally upwardly from the second wall. 46. The container according to claim 42 characterized in that the container is a funnel. 47. A chamber for receiving a downward flow of liquid metal comprising; means for receiving a downward flow of liquid metal in a chamber having a generally horizontal base that includes a generally flat impact surface, and a first faceted side wall extending generally upwardly from the flat impact surface and surrounding the surface flat impact to define an interior space that has a top opening; means for radially expanding the flow externally towards the first faceted wall; means for deflecting and dividing the radial outflow to a plurality of discrete flow patterns to stabilize the flow; and means for directing the flow patterns towards the apices of the facets to further stabilize the flow. 48. The camera according to claim 47, characterized in that it further comprises means for redirecting the flow patterns out of the upper opening in a direction ascending and outward away from the downward flow of liquid metal. 49. The chamber according to claim 47, characterized in that it also comprises the means for deflecting and dividing the radial outflow into a plurality of discrete cavities.