Gas-transfer foot

摘要

The present invention includes a molten metal pump and associated components that enable gas to be released into a stream of molten metal. The gas may be released into the molten metal stream (preferably into the bottom of the stream) flowing through a passage. Such a stream may be within the pump discharge and/or within a metal-transfer conduit extending from the pump discharge. The gas is released by using a gas-transfer foot that is positioned next to and is preferably attachable to the pump base or to the metal-transfer conduit. Preferably, the conduit (and/or discharge) in which the gas is released comprises two sections: a first section having a first cross-sectional area and a second section downstream of the first section and having a second cross-sectional area, wherein the second cross sectional area is larger than the first cross-sectional area. Preferably, the gas is released into or near the second section so that the gas is released into an area of relatively lower pressure.

主权项

1. A gas-transfer foot for a molten metal pump having a pump base with a top surface, a bottom surface, and a notch in the bottom surface, the gas-transfer foot configured to be received in the notch and comprising:
(a) a top surface and a gas inlet port through which gas passes into the foot, the gas-inlet port in the top surface and configured to attach to a gas-transfer conduit; and (b) a first end having a first outer cross-sectional area, and a second section that narrows from the first outer cross-sectional area to a second outer cross-sectional area, the first outer cross-sectional area being larger than the second outer cross-sectional area, and the gas-release port being formed at an end of the second section; wherein when the gas-transfer foot is received in the notch the gas-release port can transfer gas into a flow of molten metal moving through the pump base.