Method and apparatus for reducing bubbles or gas pockets in a metal ingot using a continuous casting mold

摘要

A metal ingot is continuously cast using an open-ended mould 4 which has a plurality of upwardly extending fingers 60 separated by respective electrically non-conductive high temperature insulation pieces 76. Gas bubbles are produced in molten metal located in the mold 4 either when molten metal is poured into the mold 4 or molten metal in the mould 4 is heated using a plasma torch 12. An induction coil 14 located adjacent the mould 4 heats the molten metal and is used to ensure that the molten metal comprises a bubble-free zone below a zone where the molten metal comprises bubbles. In apparatus to perform the method an annular top member 16 with a slit (126, Fig. 3) running from its inner to outer perimeters is disposed directly above and adjacent the tops of the fingers 60. This member 16 comprises a cooling passage and molten metal can be poured through it.