Apparatus for and method of feeding molten metal at a controlled rate.

摘要

An apparatus for and method of feeding molten metal at a substantially constant rate of at least 1.36 kg (3 pounds) per minute is disclosed The apparatus includes a receptacle (14) for holding a maximum volume of molten metal (12) therein, a heater (16) to maintain the metal (12) in a molten state and an overflow runner (22) through which molten metal (12) flows from the receptacle (14) as the amount of molten metal (12) exceeds the maximum volume of the receptacle (14). The apparatus further includes a system (52) for advancing a solid charge of metal (32) toward the receptacle (14) and a control for the advancing system (52) to ensure that the melting rate of the solid charge (32) that is advanced toward the receptacle (14) is substantially constant In the method of the invention the receptacle (14) is filled with molten metal (12) at its maximum volume and subsequent control of the melt rate of the solid charge (32) by controlled advancement thereof results in a substantially constant molten metai feed rate through the overflow runner (22)