IN-SITU HOMOGENIZATION OF DC CAST METALS WITH ADDITIONAL QUENCH

摘要

The invention relates to a method and apparatus for direct chill casting ingots with in-situ homogenization. Large particles of eutectic material may form in the solid ingot and the metal may exhibit macrosegregation of alloying components, especially when large ingots are cast in this way. This can be alleviated by applying a first liquid coolant to the ingot emerging from the mold, removing the first liquid coolant at a certain distance along the ingot by means of a wiper, and then applying a second liquid coolant to perform a quench at a greater distance along the ingot. The quench raises the level of the molten sump in the ingot, which helps to overcome the indicated problems, without affecting the desired temperature rebound of the ingot shell (usually at least 425° C. (797° F.)) for a time effective to cause in-situ homogenization.