US3735803A - Method of and apparatus for continuously casting a hollow billet - Google Patents

Method of and apparatus for continuously casting a hollow billet Download PDF

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Publication number
US3735803A
US3735803A US00134953A US3735803DA US3735803A US 3735803 A US3735803 A US 3735803A US 00134953 A US00134953 A US 00134953A US 3735803D A US3735803D A US 3735803DA US 3735803 A US3735803 A US 3735803A
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United States
Prior art keywords
mandrel
mold
molten metal
metal
refractory material
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Expired - Lifetime
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US00134953A
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English (en)
Inventor
T B Arrington
L A Moody
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Bank of Nova Scotia
Wolverine Tube Inc
Universal Oil Products Co
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Universal Oil Products Co
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Assigned to WOLVERINE TUBE, INC., A DE. CORP. reassignment WOLVERINE TUBE, INC., A DE. CORP. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST. Assignors: UOP INC.,
Assigned to BANK OF NOVA SCOTIA, THE reassignment BANK OF NOVA SCOTIA, THE ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST. Assignors: WOLVERINE ACQUISITION CORP. A CORP. OF DE
Assigned to WOLVERINE ACQUISITION CORP., A DE CORP reassignment WOLVERINE ACQUISITION CORP., A DE CORP ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST. Assignors: WOLVERINE TUBE, INC.,
Assigned to WOLVERINE TUBE, INC., A CORP. OF AL reassignment WOLVERINE TUBE, INC., A CORP. OF AL CHANGE OF NAME (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: WOLVERINE ACQUISITION CORP.
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B22—CASTING; POWDER METALLURGY
    • B22D—CASTING OF METALS; CASTING OF OTHER SUBSTANCES BY THE SAME PROCESSES OR DEVICES
    • B22D11/00—Continuous casting of metals, i.e. casting in indefinite lengths
    • B22D11/10—Supplying or treating molten metal

Definitions

  • ABSTRACT v Melted metal is applied through floating valve means to a water-cooled mold-containing a mandrel of special form and materials so as to result in continuous downward movement of the solidified billet through the bottom lower end of the mold and over the lower end of the mandrel.
  • Molten'copper is introduced into the annular space between the water-cooled mold and the mandrel from .a downspout which is' controlled by a vertically movable float valve the lower portion of which is received in the upper portion of the molten metal in the mold.
  • the float valve continuously meters the flow of molten metal into the mold to maintain the upper level of the surface of the molten metal at a substantially constant point.
  • FIG. I is a plan view of the continuous casting apparatus.
  • FIG.-2 is a side elevation, partly in section, of the structure shown in FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 3 is a sectional'view on the line 3-3, FIG. 1.
  • the apparatus comprises a water-cooled cylindrical mold having in a particular instance, an internal diameter of approximately 9 inches and a vertical height of somewhat in excess of 12 inches.
  • This mold is suitably water-cooled by means, as for example, in the form ofa water jacket 11 through which cooled water may be continuously circulated.
  • the mold is supported with its axis vertical'as best seen in FIG. 3,-by suitable means such for example as the ring l2.'Mounted on the ring 12 is a bridge ring 14 comprising twoarcuate portions 16 interconnected by a transversestrut 18 which is horizontal across the top but has taperingbottom surfaces to provide increased central thickness as best seen in FIG. 2.
  • the strut i8 is centrally apertured as indicated at 20 and receives an elongated headed bolt 22 formed of a suitable heat resistant metal alloy such for example as TZM molybdenum alloy, a molybdenum base alloy supplied by Climax Molybdenum Company.
  • a suitable heat resistant metal alloy such for example as TZM molybdenum alloy, a molybdenum base alloy supplied by Climax Molybdenum Company.
  • TZM molybdenum alloy a molybdenum base alloy supplied by Climax Molybdenum Company.
  • Other metals can be used however, and satisfactory results have been obtained using a nickel base super-alloy Inconel 718.
  • a sleeve 24 mounted on the upper portion of the bolt 22 is a sleeve 24 formed of a suitable refractory material capable of operating in the severe chemicalenvironment characteristic of the molten metal surface of the copper.
  • a molten oxide slag floating on the the sleeve 24 is formed of a high temperature resistant material capable of resisting attack by the slag.
  • An excellent material for this purpose is essentially a fused silica.
  • the upper level of the molten copper is maintained by suitable means later to be described, approximately as indicated at L, and this upper surface of the molten metal where the slag is present, falls intermediate the upper and lower ends of the fused silica or other heat resistant and chemically inert sleeve 24.
  • the mandrel which is designated as a whole at M, has at its lower portion a sleeve 26 formed of graphite.
  • the sleeves 24 and 26 are retained in end-abutment and the upper end of the sleeve 24 is in abutment with the lower surface of the'transverse strut 18 of the bridge ring 14 by a washer 28 and nuts 30 threaded on the lower end of the bolt 22.
  • the upper cylindrical portion 32 and the lower tapered portion 34 of the graphite sleeve are both 6 inches in length.
  • the lower tapered portion diminishes from an outside diameter at the shoulder 36 from 1.86 inches to a diameter at its bottom end of 1.80 inches.
  • the purpose of the taper is to accommodate shrinkage of the copper billet as it solidifies and moves downwardly so as to prevent seizure of the contracting billet on the mandrel.
  • Above the shoulder 36 the molten cop- I per, while cooling, retains essentially a fluid character so that no taper is required onthe upper portion 32 of the mandrel.
  • the molten metal is supplied to the interior of the mold 10 from a pan 40 having a tubular downspout 42 located centrally of and above the upper surface of the I mold 10.
  • a pan 40 having a tubular downspout 42 located centrally of and above the upper surface of the I mold 10.
  • the downspout 42 In order to control the flow of molten metal through the downspout 42 so as to maintainthe level L of the molten metal substantially as indicated at L, as
  • the metal continuously solidifies and moves downwardly, there is a vertically movable float or valve body 44.
  • the float 44 is formed of a relatively light refractory material which can withstand the high temperature as well as the. chemical action of the molten copper, as
  • the float is made from a castable refractory and chemically inert powder which may be essentially powdered silica.
  • the powder is mixed with water, cast to desired form, and fired in a furnace.
  • the density of the material is less than 20 percent that of copper so that the float will extend substantially above the surface of the molten metal as shown.
  • the float 44 has a generally cylindrical exterior surface 46, a flat bottom surface 48, and a transversely downwardly open channel 49 having side surfaces 50 and a top surface 52.
  • the channel 49 provides structure which permits the float to straddle the transversely extending strut 18 of the bridge ring 14.
  • transverse channel 54 Extending across the top of the float 44 is a transverse channel 54 the intermediate portion of which is deepened as indicated at 56 to have a bottom wall 58. Centrally of the bottom wall 58 is an upstanding cone 60 adapted 'to function as a valve element with the lower end of the downspout 42.
  • the deepened intermediate portion 56 of the transverse channel 54 constitutes a reservoir which receives molten metal from the downspout 42 and this metal flows through vertical passages 62 connected by inclined passage 64 to the interior of the channel 49. It will be observed that with the parts in the position illustrated in FIG. 3, the outlet from the inclined passages 64 is substantially centered at the liquid level line L and the valving cone 60 is in closing relation to the downspout 42.
  • the float 44 floats on the upper surface of the molten metal and constitutes valving means which maintains the level as indicated in FIG. 3.
  • the molten metal solidifies gradually at a zone approximately at the shoulder 36 on the mandrel.
  • the substantially solidified metal of the billet continues to move downwardly and cools further, it undergoes shrinkage which is accommodated by the tapered shape of the lower portion 34 of the graphite sleeve.
  • the graphite sleeve while being capable of functioning at the elevated temperatures of the molten copper, also has the additional function of promoting downward movement of the solidifying billet due to its inherent characteristic of a solid lubricant.
  • molten metal may be added continuously through the downspout 42 at a rate controlled by the valve float 44 so as to permit continuous formation of the billet.
  • the billet may be severed by suitable means into appropriate lengths for use in tube extrusion equipment.
  • the outside diameter of the billet should not be less than 6 inches, and the diameter of the opening through the billet should not exceed 3 inches.
  • Apparatus for continuously casting a tubular metal billet comprising a cylindrical mold positioned with its axis vertical and having open top and bottom ends, an elongated mandrel located centrally in said mold, means for feeding molten metal into the open top of said mold, and means comprising a float valve having its lower portion immersed in the molten metal adjacent the top of the mold responsive to the level of molten metal in said mold controlling the flow of metal into said mold to maintain the upper surface of molten metal at a substantially constant level therein, mandrel support means extending across the upper open end of said mold, and said float valve has a transversely extending downwardly open channel in which said mandrel support means is received.
  • refractory material is a ceramic or vitreous material such as silica.
  • Apparatus as defined in claim 12 in which said graphite surface, in the portion of the billet which remains essentially fluid, is cylindrical, and in the portion where the mandrel has solidified and undergoes shrinkage upon continued cooling is downwardly tapered.
  • mandrel is formed of a mandrel rod on which are assembled an upper sleeve of refractory chemically resistant material and a lower sleeve of graphite.
  • said mandrel comprises an upper tubular sleeve portion extending vertically and located to occupy the zone of the top surface of molten liquid in said mold, said upper sleeve portion being formed of a refractory material highly resistant to the chemical action of molten oxide slag, a lower tubular sleeve portion formed of graphite, said lower sleeve portion having its upper end abutting the lower end of said upper sleeve portion, and an assembly and support rod extending through said sleeve portions, means on said rod supporting the lower end of said lower sleeve portion, said rod being formed of refractory material capable of withstanding the temperatures of the melted metal being cast.
  • Apparatus for continuously casting a tubular metal billet comprising a cylindrical mold positioned with its axis vertical and having open top and bottom ends, an elongated mandrel located centrally in said mold and having a horizontally extending support strut engaging the upper end of said mold, a downwardly open downspout located above said mold, a vertically movable reservoir and valve body located below said downspout adapted to control flow of melted metal through said downspout and having passages connecting said reservoir to the interior of said mold, said reservoir and valve body having a downwardly open transverse channel in which said strut, is received.
  • Apparatus as defined in claim 20 in which said mandrel comprises an upper portion spanning the upper surface of molten metal in the mold and formed of a refractory material highly resistant to the chemical action of molten oxide slag, and in which the lower portion of said mandrel is formed of graphite.
  • mandrel portions are tubular sleeves, and comprising in addition a support rod formed of refractory material extending through and interfitting within said sleeves.
  • Apparatus for continuously casting a tubular metal billet comprising a cylindrical mold positioned with its axis vertical and having open top and bottom ends, an elongated mandrel located centrally in said eter equal to that of the upper mandrel portion, and the 27.
  • Apparatus as defined in claim 25 in which said mandrel portions are tubular sleeves, and comprising in addition a support rod formed of refractory material extending through and interfitting within said sleeves.
  • Apparatus for continuously. castinga tubular metal billet comprising a cylindrical mold positioned with its axis vertical and having open top and bottom ends, an elongated mandrel located centrally in said mold, means for" feeding molten metal F ORM PO-IOSO (10-69) into, the open top of said mold, and means responsive to the level of molten metal in said mold controlling the flow of metal into said mold to maintain the upper surface of molten metal at atSub'stantially constant level therein, said mandrel being formed of a mandrel rod on which are as" Signed. and sealed this 17th day of December 1974.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Continuous Casting (AREA)
  • Casting Support Devices, Ladles, And Melt Control Thereby (AREA)
US00134953A 1971-04-19 1971-04-19 Method of and apparatus for continuously casting a hollow billet Expired - Lifetime US3735803A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US13495371A 1971-04-19 1971-04-19

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US3735803A true US3735803A (en) 1973-05-29

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US00134953A Expired - Lifetime US3735803A (en) 1971-04-19 1971-04-19 Method of and apparatus for continuously casting a hollow billet

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US (1) US3735803A (it)
JP (1) JPS5516748B1 (it)
AU (1) AU464887B2 (it)
BR (1) BR7202313D0 (it)
CA (1) CA982322A (it)
FR (1) FR2133580B1 (it)
GB (1) GB1364756A (it)
IT (1) IT948432B (it)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4719959A (en) * 1984-06-12 1988-01-19 Nippon Light Metal Co., Ltd. Apparatus for continuously producing hollow metallic ingot
US6451247B1 (en) * 1998-11-09 2002-09-17 Metaullics Systems Co., L.P. Shaft and post assemblies for molten metal apparatus
US20030075844A1 (en) * 1998-11-09 2003-04-24 Metaullics Systems Co., L.P. Shaft and post assemblies for molten metal apparatus

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2277375A (en) * 1936-08-19 1942-03-24 Ajax Metal Company Continuous casting of metal tubes
FR883568A (fr) * 1941-09-02 1943-07-08 Wieland Werke Ag Fa Noyau pour la coulée continue de pièces métalliques creuses
US2891291A (en) * 1956-01-27 1959-06-23 Kaiser Aluminium Chem Corp Apparatus for continuous casting
US3331430A (en) * 1964-09-10 1967-07-18 Kennecott Copper Corp Continuous casting apparatus for casting hollow billets
US3409068A (en) * 1965-07-01 1968-11-05 Phelps Dodge Copper Prod Method of continuously casting tubes using a rotating mandrel
US3511304A (en) * 1967-09-13 1970-05-12 American Smelting Refining Float control valve for continuous casting

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3342252A (en) * 1964-09-15 1967-09-19 Kennecott Copper Corp Mandrel for continuous casting mold
US3349838A (en) * 1965-06-04 1967-10-31 American Smelting Refining Float control valve for continuous casting
US3375863A (en) * 1966-03-16 1968-04-02 Anaconda American Brass Co Apparatus for continuous casting metal tubes

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2277375A (en) * 1936-08-19 1942-03-24 Ajax Metal Company Continuous casting of metal tubes
FR883568A (fr) * 1941-09-02 1943-07-08 Wieland Werke Ag Fa Noyau pour la coulée continue de pièces métalliques creuses
US2891291A (en) * 1956-01-27 1959-06-23 Kaiser Aluminium Chem Corp Apparatus for continuous casting
US3331430A (en) * 1964-09-10 1967-07-18 Kennecott Copper Corp Continuous casting apparatus for casting hollow billets
US3409068A (en) * 1965-07-01 1968-11-05 Phelps Dodge Copper Prod Method of continuously casting tubes using a rotating mandrel
US3511304A (en) * 1967-09-13 1970-05-12 American Smelting Refining Float control valve for continuous casting

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4719959A (en) * 1984-06-12 1988-01-19 Nippon Light Metal Co., Ltd. Apparatus for continuously producing hollow metallic ingot
US6451247B1 (en) * 1998-11-09 2002-09-17 Metaullics Systems Co., L.P. Shaft and post assemblies for molten metal apparatus
US20030075844A1 (en) * 1998-11-09 2003-04-24 Metaullics Systems Co., L.P. Shaft and post assemblies for molten metal apparatus
US6887425B2 (en) 1998-11-09 2005-05-03 Metaullics Systems Co., L.P. Shaft and post assemblies for molten metal apparatus
US20050189684A1 (en) * 1998-11-09 2005-09-01 Mordue George S. Shaft and post assemblies for molten metal apparatus
US7273582B2 (en) 1998-11-09 2007-09-25 Pyrotex, Inc. Shaft and post assemblies for molten metal apparatus

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU464887B2 (en) 1975-08-26
AU3873272A (en) 1973-08-09
JPS5516748B1 (it) 1980-05-06
GB1364756A (en) 1974-08-29
FR2133580B1 (it) 1975-06-13
BR7202313D0 (pt) 1973-06-14
DE2218245A1 (de) 1972-10-26
IT948432B (it) 1973-05-30
CA982322A (en) 1976-01-27
DE2218245B2 (de) 1976-08-05
FR2133580A1 (it) 1972-12-01

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AS Assignment

Owner name: WOLVERINE TUBE, INC., A DE. CORP.,ALABAMA

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:UOP INC.,;REEL/FRAME:004657/0711

Effective date: 19861027

Owner name: WOLVERINE TUBE, INC., 2100 MARKET STREET, N.E., DE

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST.;ASSIGNOR:UOP INC.,;REEL/FRAME:004657/0711

Effective date: 19861027

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Owner name: BANK OF NOVA SCOTIA, THE, 44 KING STREET, WEST, TO

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST.;ASSIGNOR:WOLVERINE ACQUISITION CORP. A CORP. OF DE;REEL/FRAME:004696/0897

Effective date: 19870313

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Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:WOLVERINE TUBE, INC.,;REEL/FRAME:004728/0083

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Free format text: CHANGE OF NAME;ASSIGNOR:WOLVERINE ACQUISITION CORP.;REEL/FRAME:004827/0237

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