Refining and casting apparatus and method

摘要

A method for refining and casting metals and metal alloys includes melting and refining a metallic material and then casting the refined molten material by a nucleated casting technique. The refined molten material is provided to the atomizing nozzle of the nucleated casting apparatus through a transfer apparatus adapted to maintain the purity of the molten refined material. An apparatus including a melting and refining apparatus, a transfer apparatus, and a nucleated casting apparatus, in serial fluid communication, also is disclosed.

主权项

1. An apparatus for producing a preform of a metallic material by nucleated casting, the apparatus comprising:
a melting and refining apparatus; a transfer apparatus in fluid communication with said melting and refining apparatus; and a nucleated casting apparatus configured to spray droplets of the metallic material having a 5%-40% v/v solid to liquid ratio, wherein said nucleated casting apparatus comprises:
a single atomizing nozzle, wherein said atomizing nozzle is in fluid communication with said transfer apparatus, wherein said transfer apparatus comprises a sealed conduit between said melting and refining apparatus and said atomizing nozzle;a mold in which the preform is formed, wherein said mold comprises an inner diameter of at least 12 inches, a base, a sidewall, and an axis of rotation, wherein said base rotates about said axis of rotation, and wherein said base is movable relative to said sidewall along said axis of rotation to control a distance between said atomizing nozzle and said base; anda stalk connected to said base, wherein said stalk is configured to move said base with respect to said sidewall along said axis of rotation;wherein said mold is positioned with a chamber configured to maintain at least one of a partial vacuum and a protective gas atmosphere within said chamber; andwherein said atomizing nozzle is configured to at least one of selectively oscillate with respect to said mold and selectively spray the metallic material into said mold along an axis collinear with said axis of rotation.