Magnetic braking

摘要

Method and apparatus for retarding a flow of molten metal to a metal caster. The flow of molten metal is confined within a duct 11 having an elongate cross-section transverse to the flow directions to shape the flow in a sheet formation. The sheet formation flow is subjected to a magnetic field extending through the flow transversely of the sheet formation and varying sinusoidally along the flow direction whereby to induce circulating electric currents in the molten metal which interact with the magnetic field to produce forces on the molten metal which retard the flow. The magnetic field may be induced by two sets 13 of permanent magnets 14 spaced one set to either side of the duct 11, the magnets 14 of each set being spaced along the flow direction and being of successively opposite magnetic polarity.