HEATER ASSEMBLY AND METHOD FOR MOLTEN METAL PROCESSING

摘要

In one embodiment, the heater assembly includes commercially available immersion heaters or heater elements nestled in a graphite support structure inside a sintered ceramic protection tube. In one embodiment, the graphite insert-based electrical heater assembly provides for a molten metal heating package that has low initial cost, low maintenance cost, improved efficiency and reliability, improved power rating, and ease of replacement of damaged heaters. In one embodiment, the entire heater assembly can be removed from the molten metal and re-installed without damaging the heater elements. Furthermore, in one embodiment, individual heater elements, as well as the graphite insert, may be easily removable and replaceable as needed.