BE430134A - - Google Patents

Description

       

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  DESCRIPTIVE MEMORY filed in support of an application for a PATENT OF INTENT "Improvements to manufacturing processes for flat metal products"
The present invention relates to the manufacture of flat metal products directly from molten metal.



   The object of the invention is an industrial process for the manufacture of metal strips, which process is simpler and more efficient than the processes used hitherto in industry and according to which sheets or similar products are formed. to strips directly from molten metal without the use of intermediate phases such as conventional casting and rolling.

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   Many attempts have been made to form flat metal products directly from molten metal, but all of these attempts have either failed completely, and have been found to be very doubtful from the point of view of industrial practice both from the point of view of only from the point of view of the resulting product.



   One of this @ process was imagined in 1865 by BESSEMER; it consisted in forming a mass of twisted metal in the interval between two cylinders cooled above the nearest point (interval which will be designated in what follows. or the name of pocket), these cylinders rotating in opposite directions and in such a way that they widen, downwards and through the eapaoe between the cylinders, the solidified material which may have formed inside the aforementioned breakage and that they deform it mechanically all form momentum produces flat.

   The form in which this predicted is discharged. Variants of this process have been tried periodically, but the technical literature indicates that these tests have met with only poor success and only in the case of metals with low melting paint.



     In the application of the invention, draws the advantage of natural phenomena or laws of physics which have not hitherto been used in previous attempts to obtain a material which forms sheets or strips directly from molten metal; under these conditions, not only is obtained a product exhibiting novel and extremely advantageous physical characteristics, but also a process is achieved which is simple and efficient and which is capable of being used effectively in industry.

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   A molten metal acts like many other liquids; It exhibits the physical characteristics of surface tension to varying degrees, characteristics which depend to some extent on the particular metal and its temperature, but its main characteristics, at the casting temperatures commonly used in industry are following: its mobilized similar to that of a liquid, mobility which results from the reduction of the force of cohesion between its atomic or molecular constituents; its faculty of easily assuming a form under the influence of forces which are applied to it or by force of limitation; its power to wet most materials with which it comes into contact;

   its characteristic that it can call self-leveling under the action of uniformly applied forces such as gravity or other directed force. The new process which is the subject of the invention takes advantage of these inherent physical characteristics of molten metal at casting temperatures commonly used in industry and uses these characteristics for the production of a liquid layer having a controlled width and thickness, this layer being cooled to the solidification temperature and fed as a continuous flat or sheet-like solid product.



   The invention generally consists of: creating a controlled stream of molten metal existing at a determined temperature such as, for example, the ordinary industrial casting temperature; intercepting said current by a clean and extended cold surface of a heat absorbing agent, capable of being wetted by the molten metal and moving at a uniform speed in the direction of its extended surface and at a greater speed that the flow velocity of the metal, whereby the molten metal is actually brought to the moving surface, covers

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 this surface or a portion thereof as a result of its wetting power, that is to say of its ability to adhere to this surface,

   and closes a layer of a certain thickness on this surface according to the inter-atomic or intermolecular forces (that is to say the cohesive forces), a thickness which has a value which depends on the relative speed of the surface absorbing the heat and split metal current; finally in solidifying the metal of this layer to bring it to the solid state while it is in contact with the surface of this heat-absorbing element and while it is in fact supported by said surface.



   In accordance with the invention spreading, a strip is produced in a continuous fashion from molten metal such as steel as follows: a substantially uniform flow of molten metal is created in the form of a current in a limited space; this current is made to arrive on a heat absorbing surface, disposed substantially horizontally, moving rapidly and capable of being wetted by the sheared metal; the molten metal is brought to this surface so as to eliminate the effect of turbulence in the stream at the point of initial contact between the split metal and the heat absorbing surface; A molten layer accumulates on this surface, this accumulation being made possible by the forces of cohesion and adhesion which said layer comprises;

   the layer thus formed is cooled below the solidifying temperature and the layer is then discharged in the form of a continuous strip, while the force of contraction and expansion generated is used to release said strip of the heat absorbing element.



   It has been found that when molten metal such as, for example, ferrous metal, is brought to such

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 surface ,, the calm current brought continuously to the moving surface is. transformed into a layer moving at surface speed and increasing in thickness, under the action of the combined forces of adhesion and cohesion, at the expense of the metal arriving below the main part of the surface of the current in question.

   The metal in the layer has hydrostatic self-leveling properties while still in a molten state and highly plastic, but it is rapidly sealed due to its large surface area. and it is, transformed into a solid strip of substantially uniform width and thickness, which strip is first carried by the absorbent surface by reason of the intimate contact between the strip and the surface, but which is contrast when it cools and thus frees itself from the support and cooling surface without any intervention.



   The width of the strip thus formed can be adjusted by adjusting the width of the stream of molten metal as it is supplied to the heat absorbing surface; it has been found that the thickness of the strip can be regulated between certain close limits by adjusting the relationship between the speed of the absorbent surface and the speed of the flow of the stream of molten metal supplied to said surface.

   To clarify this point in another way, we can say that the cross section of the metal strip is determined and set between certain limits, approximated by the following relation: area of the cross section of the strip multiplied by the speed of the heat absorbing surface. cross-sectional area of the stream of molten metal (brought to the surface) multiplied by the speed of the flow of that stream.



   For example, if the stream of molten metal is

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 wide flowing through a rectangular slit 5 contimeters and one centimeter thick and at a speed of 0m60 per second is brought to rest on a heat-absorbing surface, such as that previously described, and which moves at a speed of 15 meters per second, the section of the resulting continuous strip can be calculated as follows t
5 x 1.25 0.60 / 15 = 0cm2.25 That is, the metal layer or strip formed will have a cross section of 0cm2.25.

   It has also been found that when a slit such as that which has been described above brings molten metal to a heat absorbing surface, such as that which has been indicated, under conditions such as there is little or no turbulence in the initial constant zone between the stream and the heat absorbing surface, the width of the resulting layer or strip was substantially that of the slit; consequently, in the example given above, the width of the strip on you the film will be 0cm225 / 5cm, or 0cm05.



   Although the method of continuous lavender formation can be varied, it follows from the above that the presently preferred method involves not only the use of all the forces heretofore moderated, but also the selection of an ohalear-absorbent surface which can be wetted by the particular molten metal acting on it.

   Further research may show variations in the ability of a molten metal to wet different solid materials, but it has been found that most molten metals, including alloys, when brought to a clean surface, cold and dry solid material such as steel or copper or a copper alloy, gave good contact between the metal

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 the molten surface and the surface no doubt as a result of the wetting action or the free action of interatomic attraction between the metal of the absorbent surface and the molten metal brought to it.

   This force has a considerable value, even if other forces are included and it can be considered that it acts so that the molten metal adheres to the surface absorbing the heat and moving and acts as a part integral with this surface (i.e. moving with it at the same speed and in the same direction) until the point where adhesive and vacuum setting ceases, as a result of complete solidification and the subsequent contraction which occurs under the action of the cooling achieved.



   It is evident, however, that even after the metal strip has been thus freed from the heat-absorbing and moving surface, it continues to move in the direction of the pushing forces which previously acted upon it and under the action. of these forces,
Although the molten metal layer adheres to and moves with the heat-absorbing surface, the absolute contact between the metal and the surface allows the two (layer and surface) to be considered as a single bi-metallic section for determination of heat exchange conditions.

   The heat exchange between the molten layer and the solid or heat-absorbing layer and through their respective thicknesses is directly proportional to the heat conductivity of each layer and to the degree of heat considered; therefore, the factors known above make it possible to determine the time during which this contact must be maintained in% * the two layers in order to solidify the molten layer and to release it from the heat absorbing layer.

   Other

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 said, the heat transmission which is linked between a selected and regulated split metal layer and a determined sec- tion of a selected heat-absorbing material; therefore, the desired speed of the heat absorbing surface having been chosen, the distance over which the combined or bi-metallic section must move (to achieve the desired cooling of the molten metal layer) can be mathematically determined.



   Although it has been stated that the thickness of the molten metal layer, and therefore that of the finished strip, could in fact be controlled by adjusting the relationship between the speed of the moving surface and the flow speed. of the molten current brought to this surface, this indication is only correct, as far as has been observed until now, only for thicknesses of up to 6 mm. 3 or so, as other factors may affect the exact relationship when thicker layers of molten metal are involved.

   In view of the foregoing, however, it has been indicated that the known factors which can be used make it possible to determine exactly the quantity of heat dissipated and the speed of dispersion necessary to obtain the desired results and that the various facilities offered to the technician not only allow the dissipation of heat 'a heat efficient way.

   molten metal, but also to dissipate it so as to prevent the surface from being pitted or corroded by cracking or warping or other harmful distortions of the heat-absorbing element from occurring. It follows therefore that the heat-absorbing element can be established (from the point of view of its composition, its shape and its cooling facilities) so as to avoid absolutely any possibility of welding

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 or bonding the split metal to said element. As a result, excellent conditions can be achieved for the surface of the finished web and even if no further treatment is applied to it.



   It has been found that when the heat-absorbing member is suitably chosen in relation to the faculty of the molten metal, which is to wet it, the contact between the molten metal and the supporting surface of the heat-absorbing member is so intimate that A kind of vacuum setting was performed and the surface of the heat absorbing member was in fact reproduced on the formed web.

   For this reason, it is not only possible but also desirable to provide a polished absorbent surface for the heat-absorbing member and thereby establish such a relationship between heat input and heat dispersion from it. temperature conditions which could tend to corrode or damage the surface.



   The invention also makes it possible to obtain a strip whose physical characteristics are improved. It will be seen from the foregoing description that the invention consists in dissipating substantially all of the heat (i.e. the actual heat of fusion and the latent heat of the molten metal) while the metal is formed into a layer having the thickness of the finished product.

   When the movable heat-absorbing surface is in contact with the metal, it almost instantly transforms into a thin sheet having the final desired thickness; as a result, the cooling takes place substantially under conditions such that not only is heat transmitted to the heat-absorbing element, a relatively cold element, but also that the metal thus cooled is formed in the form of a sheet. .

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   We know that the structure of cast metals is not very resistant if we compare it to the structure which is developed by mechanical work or which results from mechanical work; this inherent lack of strength is due to the crystalline firmness typical of a cast product, in which closure there are zones or layers of crystallization such as those which will be indicated below:
1 / a solidified and cooled or pel- lionle layer at the periphery of the molded part, this layer being constituted by small non-oriented crystals (that is to say arranged at random) and similar to threads or veins;

   
2 / a layer of long column-like crystals which are also called needles and which are oriented with respect to the axis of growth of the crystal formation and in a direction opposite to the flow of heat, this layer constituting the main cause of the structural weakness of the casting;
3 / a central zone of large crystals with equidistant axes.



   The physical properties of the above-mentioned cooled solidified layer are generally superior to the properties given to the parts of the molded part or the finished product after the molding has been subjected to mechanical working, because its chemical composition is homogeneous and free from separation or segregation and is in this respect the same as gluing molten metal in the furnace or ladle.

   On the contrary, the heterogeneous crystalline structure of the molded part is characterized by a separation or selective segregation of the alloy and of the impurities, by case occlusions; through

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 shrinkage or by the formation of other cavities and by any other phenomenon well known under the general name of "ingotiune".



   Recent research on the crystallization of metals has shown that the fine, unoriented crystal structure of the cooled solidified layer of an ingot is due to the instantaneous cooling of a thin film of molten metal when it is in the middle. contact with the cold walls of the mold; this practically results in spontaneous crystallization within this film which is free from segregation and orientation.

   It has been found that the cross section of crystals in the cooled solidified layer becomes smaller as the rate of crystallization increases (i.e. when the time factor or duration decreases); Not only is it possible to use these indications for the production of the product defined above, but also can be used to adjust the size of the crystals in question and the relative fineness of the material.



   From the foregoing, it is easy to see that the metallic product which can be obtained in accordance with the invention is similar in its physical characteristics. to the cooled solidified layer defined above and is characterized by a new and special primary crystal structure, free from separate or distinct zones of crystallization and homogeneous and uniform over the entire length and thickness of the strip, In other words? the product in question is characterized by small, unoriented, thread-like or vein-like crystals which are all substantially identical in size and which are distributed in a uniform and homogeneous manner throughout the mass of the product finished.

   In addition,

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 the strip-like product is characterized by the uniformity of the chemical composition which is identical to that of the split tetay supplied by the melting furnace and which is free from variations and defects such as those which exist in a primary ingot and which are the result of segregation or selective separation of the total components, concentration of impurities at the boundary parts of the columnar crystals, gas occlusions, etc. In addition, the material exhibits no an effect of direction or orientation such as that which is ordinarily caused by mechanical work and by the development of the large crystalline needles which characterize an ingot and other castings.

   This new product, however, retains most of the characteristics described above and the advantages of its new primary crystal structure, after mechanical work such as rolling, forging or extrusion and after heat treatment to which said product lends itself in an efficient and effective manner. active due to its uniformity and homogeneity.



   This crystal structure of the perfected product obtainable according to the invention and the resulting physical properties are particularly marked in high grade alloys such as high speed tool steels and so called stainless steels. In addition, it is evident that the process which is the object of the invention makes it possible to eliminate almost completely the defects and the disadvantages caused by gases occluded or in solution in the molten metal.

   In order for the invention to be fully understood, it will now be described with reference to the appended drawing in which:
Fig, 1 is a schematic vertical section

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 of a machine capable of being used for the practice of the invention and in which the perfected molten metal is brought to the surface of a heat absorbing and rapidly moving element, which element has the form of an endless belt; fig. 2 is a vertical view, on a larger scale, which shows a variant of a construction detail of the machine shown in FIG. 1;

   
Fig. 3 is a view similar to the wire. 2, but which schematically shows a forming roller or cylinder which is disposed relative to the parts which feel associated with it, in such a way that it cooperates with the heat absorbing element for the manufacture of the finished product; Fig. 4 is a schematic sectional view of a modified embodiment of apparatus in which the heat absorbing member is in the form of a rigid ring or cylinder;
Fig. 5 is a schematic sectional view of a fragment of a machine similar to that shown in FIG. 4, but with certain construction modifications;

   
Fig. 6 is a side elevational view of a machine such as that shown generally in FIG. 4 or in fig. 5;
Fig. 7 is a sectional view of a fragment of a machine such as that shown in fig. 11, but equipped with a rotary measuring valve;
Fig. 8 is a side elevational view in section of a type of ring machine equipped with devices similar in construction to those shown in the preceding figures; g Fig. 9 is a schematic view showing the

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 graining used in the machine shown in fig. 8;

   
Fig. 10 is a fragmentary cross section of a water cooled ring forming strip, together with devices provided for the control of this ring;
FIG. It is a vertical section of the machine shown schematically in FIG. 8;
Fig. 12 is a schematic plan view from above of the machine shown in FIG. 8;
Fig. 13 is a schematic and fragmentary section of the apparatus shown in Fig. 8 and center of the accessories which may be used in connection with said apparatus;

   
Fig. 14 is a plan view of an apparatus for producing, in accordance with the invention, a closed bi-metallic strip of two layers bonded to each other and placed this. beside;
FIG. 14a is a section of the strip made by means of the apparatus of FIG. 14;
Fig. 15 is a vertical section through a fragment of a modified form of apparatus which is capable of producing a bi-metallic strip formed of several layers bonded together inseparably and arranged together. above others;
Fig. 16 is a perspective view of a fragment of a bi-metallic strip which can be obtained by means of an apparatus similar to that shown in FIG. 15;

   
Fig. 17 is a partly sectional and partly elevational view of an apparatus capable of producing a strip-like, multi-ply metal product from a solid strip of metal and a stream of molten metal;

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Figs. 18 and 19 are reproductions of micrographs with different magnifications and show the microstructure of the products obtained in accordance with the present invention,
Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a simple but effective machine allowing the implementation of the invention. In this case, the heat absorbing agent takes the form of an endless belt or band preferably made of a metal having very high thermal conductivity, for example copper, silver, copper alloys, bronze or aluminum.

   The belt is mounted such that a bearing surface of said belt not only is substantially horizontal, but also is flat and is capable of receiving the molten metal supplied by a casting hole or slot associated therewith. The arrangement is such that a stream of molten metal having a width at controlled rate and temperature is in fact deposited on the belt as it moves at a uniform speed in the general direction of flow of the metal stream. melted and at a rate such that the stream is transformed into a layer of the desired thickness of the finished product.

   The continuous flow of metal is deposited on the moving belt in such a way that any turbulence is noticeably eliminated * but flow that at the same time is directed onto the belt continuously and adjusted so that the finished product can be obtained under a continuous firmness. or. seis band form.



   The heat-absorbing belt is constructed in such a way with respect to its heat-absorbing capacity, is so disposed with respect to the molten metal supply nozzle, and is cooled in such a way that it - the is capable of cooling the metal coming into contact with it to the solidification temperature, while this

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 metal is kept flat and without the belt temperature rising above a predetermined safe temperature.

   In other words, the belt is so constructed and proportioned with respect to its ability to absorb heat and / or ease of cooling that the temperature of said belt never rises to such an extent that it can. cause welding, surface pitting, cracking, erosion or deformation of the belt.

   In addition, the belt and its supports are placed in such a way, relative to the nozzle bringing the molten metal, that the duration of contact between each part of the belt and the metal it supports is sufficient not only to ensure solidification. molten metal, but still its free separation from the belt under conditions such that said metal is pushed, by forces previously acting on it, substantially in the direction of its movement while it is in intimate contact or in engagement with it. the belt.



   If we refer to fig. 1, it will be seen that an element 1 absorbing heat and in the form of an endless belt is lying on spaced pulleys 2 and 3 which can rotate in a suitable manner in a frame 4 having a table 4a. The pulleys 2 and 3 are arranged in such a way with respect to each other that the upper surface of the belt is substantially horizontal and is placed immediately above the table 4a.

   A tap hole or nozzle 5 intended to bring the mowed metal. on the upper surface of the belt is shown as forming part of a container or pocket of molten metal 6, this pocket being mounted on the frame of the machine and being adjustable along the latter and along the length of the upper bearing belt 1.

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   Any suitable device can be used to control the belt; for example, the pulley 2 can be mounted on a shaft 7 which is the control shaft and which can be set in motion preferably by a motor whose speed is capable of being adjusted. In order to keep the upper surface of the belt horizontal and also plane, a device for removing slack from the belt is used; this device is shown in the drawing in the form of a hydraulic cylinder provided by the frame 4 and provided with a piston 9 connected, for its operation, to the bearing block of the pulley 3, The cylinder comprises, as has been shown, an inlet 10 through which liquid under pressure is admitted.

   In addition to this elastic device intended to eliminate the belt (s), grooved guides 11 mounted on the frame of the machine have also been provided, each of these guides being able to receive a lateral edge of the upper surface of the belt 1. when this leaves pulley 3 and moves across table 4a to go to pulley 2
As has been shown, the outlet end of the nozzle 5 is disposed immediately above the upper surface of the belt and at a point situated between the pulleys 2 and 3. The pocket or. container 6 comprises, as has been shown, a refractory lining and is divided into two compartments 12 and 13 which communicate with each other by a continuously submerged orifice 14.

   The compartment 13 communicates directly with the nozzle 5 and preferably has a substantially larger capacity than the compartment 12, the latter being intended to receive the molten metal directly from a furnace. from a pocket.



  In the drawing, there is shown schematically at 15 a pocket suspended in such a way that its casting device

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 16 pours split metal into compartment 12. With such an arrangement, slag or other impurities tend to float to the top of the metal inside compartment 12, while clean metal enters compartment 13 through the 'submerged orifice 14 and can be evacuated through nozzle 5,
The belt 1 is driven in such a way by the pulley 2 that it moves in the direction of the buckles shown in fig. 1; as a result, its upper bearing moves in the general direction of the flow of metal passing through the nozzle 5 and spreading over the belt.



   Various devices can be used to cool the belt 1; in the drawing, there is shown a device for spraying the cooling agent such as a liquid on the lower part or surface of the belt. As shown, the cooling device comprises a liquid fine pipe 17 which communicates with garden hoses 18 and which supply the cooling medium to them; these garden hoses 18 extend along the lower surface of the belt and below it and are provided with sprinkler or spray openings for directing the coolant on the underside of the belt.

   One or more rubber brushes 19 are mounted on the frame of the machine such that they bear on the belt 1 at a point beyond the point where the coolant is supplied to said belt; in this way, all traces of coolant are wiped off and removed from the surface of the belt as it moves towards and on the pulley 3, As has been shown, the brushes are arranged inside the walls a reservoir 20 which extends over the entire length of the belt, / is disposed below the

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   which is garden hoses 18 and / for receiving the cooling agent exiting from these hoses and dripping from the belt.

     port The reservoir is provided with a drainage port 20 'and, if desired, an ordinary and well known device can be used to recirculate the coolant collected in the reservoir 20. In fig. , 1, shows a machine provided with a table 21 for receiving the product, which table is extended by an arm 22 articulated to the frame of the machine and placed in a position such that its free end can bear on the belt 1 when the latter moves on the pulley 2. In addition, the arm 22 is shaped such that its upper face (that is to say the face receiving the product and the directing) rests in the plane or just below the plane defined by the upper span of the belt.



   In fig. 1, there has also been shown an apparatus provided with a protective cover 23 intended to prevent the oxidation of the molten metal when it is brought on the belt 1 and moves with it. As shown, this cover has the form of a protective screen which encloses a part of the upper surface of the belt and which is fixed to the receptacle 6 in the part thereof which forms the nozzle 5. .



  The hood is provided with a gas supply pipe 24 and may be provided with a gas discharge pipe 25. In other words, the arrangement is such that an inert atmosphere can be maintained inside the cover, this inert gas, which can for example be hydrogen, nitrogen or ammonia gas, being fed to it. .



   The adjustment of the container 6 along the belt can be achieved in a number of more or less obvious ways; for this reason, it has been shown schematically as being associated with an ordinary screw 26 of

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 put in position, this screw weaving in a fixed support 26 'of the frame of the machine such an arrangement makes it possible to make a device for adjusting the position of the nozzle 5 along the upper surface of the belt and makes it possible to block said nozzle in the adjustment position.



   The operation of the apparatus as described above is as follows the split metal at a temperature such as that which is ordinarily used industrially for casting is brought to compartment 12 of vessel 6 and, preferably, in conditions such that a determined level is maintained within this compartment. This metal passes through the submerged orifice 14 provided in the compartment 13 which, as has been indicated, is in open communication with the nozzle 5. The compartment 13 preferably has a capacity such as to minimize l. The effect of height variations which may occur as a result of a lack of uniformity in the delivery of metal to compartment 12.



   The nozzle 5 is so shaped and arranged that the stream of molten metal flowing therefrom is returned to the surface of the upper seat of the belt without undesirable turbulence occurring in the stream of metal. lying on the surface. In addition, the current is supplied in such a way that it is regulated as to its width and its flow rate. The width corresponds substantially to that of the nozzle and the flow depends on the variations in height inside the compartment 13.

   In other words. the cross section of the nozzle 5 and the height of molten metal within the compartment 13 control the flow rate of the molten metal exiting the nozzle and moving on the belt.

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   In the above, it has been indicated that the belt 1 is driven in such a way that its upper pan moves in the general direction of the flow of the metal during the whole period where. the metal comes out of the nozzle 5. It is also evident that the speed of the belt will be such, relative to the speed of flow of the metal on said belt, that said stream of metal is transformed into a layer of width and depth. determined thickness, that is to say a layer having the width and thickness of the finished product.



   The apparatus as shown in FIG.



  1 must be arranged in such a way that the nozzle 5 is placed relative to the upper seat of the belt 1 such that the metal layer distributed on the belt is not only cooled to the solidifying temperature, but still is cooled to such a degree that it is released from the belt before it comes to move around the pulley 2. This can, however, be calculated with sufficient accuracy to obtain the desired results.

   It will be assumed, for example, that the machine of FIG. 1 is operating under conditions such that a finished product having the shape of a 5 cm strip is obtained. wide for half a millimeter in thickness and that the outlet groove of the nozzle 5 is 5 cm. about 1 cm. 25 and supply molten metal to the belt 1 at the speed of 0m60 per second. Using the above mentioned mathematical equation shows that the belt should be driven at a linear speed of 15 meters per second. It also means that the layer of molten metal (5 cm. Wide and half a millimeter thick) adhering to the belt is moving at a speed of 15 meters per second.

   The particular problem that must

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 The technician's solution therefore consists in establishing the belt 1, from the point of view of the material used for its manufacture, from the point of view of its length and also of the cooling facilities that it can present, so that the supported metal by said belt is cooled to the desired temperature as it moves towards the pulley 2 and without the belt having any part of it being brought to a temperature permitting welding or adversely affecting the characteristics physical aspects of the belt.



   A person skilled in the art will recognize that the above conditions set forth the amount of heat to be removed from the molten metal and the time limit during which the venting must be performed and he will therefore be able to determine the dimensions. of the heat absorbing belt that are necessary to achieve the result in question. Those skilled in the art will also recognize that the dimensions of the belt should be such that the heat so transmitted to the belt is dissipated and that this dispersion takes place during the period that the belt is moving without molten metal or product. finished, this factor determining the length of the belt.

   In other words, the belt 1 must be established in such a way that it determines the rapid dispersion of the heat from the molten metal supplied to this belt, but it must also be established in such a way that each unit of length of said belt or, given the cooling facilities that it presents, cooled to a determined and constant temperature during the time when this belt is moving without carrying molten or solidified metal.

   In other words, the belt must be established in such a way that each unit of

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 length of this belt is cooled to a determined temperature as it moves around pulley 2, over the entire distance forming the lower bearing surface of the belt, around pulley 3 and then to the position where it receives metal below the nozzle 5.



   From the foregoing it will be seen that the calculations alluded to will determine the thickness of the heat absorbing belt. Those skilled in the art will therefore recognize that this thickness and the physical characteristics of the metal of which The belt is made will determine the diameters of pulleys 2 and 3 in order to prevent the belt from being subjected to forces exceeding its elastic limit as it moves around the pulleys.

   It should be noted, however, that the diameter of pulleys 2 and 3, or equivalent devices, has no influence on the implementation of the method described above, except when the support faces of the belt are subjected to a cooling agent. - saying such that said pulleys perform an important part of the role of absorbing heat from the belt,
From the above it can be seen that the molten metal brought to the upper seat of the belt 1, under the conditions assumed above, will be cooled and solidified substantially to its final temperature as it travels over. the length designated by X in FIG.

   1. This length is variable and depends on the final or discharge temperature of the product, the initial temperature of the molten metal and the thermal conductivity conditions considered. It will also be apparent to those skilled in the art that under certain conditions most of this length is required to cool the metal to the final temperature after it has reached the solid state temperature. dification, that is to say a temperature such that the metal is no longer in the liquid state.

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   It has hitherto been emphasized on the need to keep the belt flat when it receives, closes, cools, solidifies the molten metal. What can be considered is that the molten metal is in fact subjected to shaping forces by the action of the heat absorbing element, but must be cooled while passing through the plastic state to achieve solidification without being subjected to breaking forces.

   Fearing this reason, it is necessary to enclose pulleys 2 and 3 and to mount them in such a way that, during the execution of the process, the bearing of the belt which receives the molten metal moves without vibrations and in conditions such that its supporting face of the metal moves in a plane defined by the direction of its movement as it passes through the part or length X or through such part of this length necessary to effect solidification of the metal molten.



   As previously stated, the contact between the molten metal and the heat absorbing member is so intimate that the surface characteristics of the member in question are reproduced on the adjacent side of the finished strip-like product. Under certain conditions it may therefore be desirable to provide the heat absorbing member with a polished surface and under certain conditions it may also be desirable to coat or back the surface of said member with a metal having heat conductivity. high or other desirable physical characteristics.

   For example, when conditions are such that it is desirable to provide a heat absorbing element which has a high melt paint surface and which is highly resistant to erosion and liquid diffusion, the element heat-absorbent can be coated with a metal such as chromium and then polished

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 to the desired degree. Further, when the conditions are such as to require high thermal conductivity at the surface of the heat absorbing member, this member may be coated with a metal such as silver.

   For this reason, in accordance with a detail feature of the invention, the heat absorbing element has a surface area determined by certain envisioned conditions and when such a surface is disposed on the element, it can be by plating or galvanization or by any other prooédé.



   The strip-like product which is obtained as described above is cooled to a temperature such that it frees itself from the belt without breaking or clouding before reaching a certain point. position relative to the pulley 2, which position is that where the belt makes contact with said pulley and begins to move around this pulley. The tape-like product will therefore travel along extension 22 and onto table 21 from where it can be fed to a winder or other handling device.



   When the cover 23 is in use, gas is supplied to it through the passage 24 during the entire product forming operation. Usually, the gas is chosen so as to form a neutral or inert atmosphere, but it can also be chosen to cause a desired chemical reaction with the molten metal. In this case, a continuous flow of gas is preferably maintained inside the cover in order to ensure the continuity of the desired reaction; furthermore, passage 25 can be used as part of the gas circulation device.



   In fig. 2, a modified form is shown

  <Desc / Clms Page number 26>

 of the split metal container used, this container being equipped with accessories which can be used in a machine such as that shown in FIG. 1.



  As has been shown, the container 6 'has two compartments 12', 13 'which can be brought into communication with each other through a submerged orifice 14'. This orifice is provided in a horizontal partition and can be regulated by a kind of valve 27 adjustable by hand. With such an apparatus, the flow through the nozzle 5 'can be regulated by adjusting the position of the valve 27 with respect to at its seat around the orifice 14 'or else the bridge flow be completely stopped if the valve is allowed to rest on its seat to thus close the orifice 14'.



   In the foregoing description, it has been indicated that the molten metal supplied by the nozzle was transformed into a stream or a layer of metal by the movement of the belt 1 and that the uniformity of this layer depended, at least in part, on the uniformity of the flow of the stream of split metal exiting the nozzle 5 '.



   It is therefore evident that the speed of this flow will vary with the variations of the chart due to gravity and it is also evident that the walls which limit the nozzle and the passage which leads to it will retard the flow in the portions of the nozzle. current that are immediately adjacent to these walls. In turn, ensure a flow of metal over the belt which is substantially uniform in all portions of the stream intended. a measuring or adjusting valve 28 which is shown schematically in FIG, 2 as capable of rotating in an adjustable support 29 itself carried by a console 30 of the container 6 '.

   This measuring valve is cylindrical, it is closed in such a way that an agent re-

  <Desc / Clms Page number 27>

 cooling agent can be brought into the interior of the cylinder and it is organized in such a way that it is driven at such a speed that it exerts a pushing effect on the molten metal exiting the container 6 'and consequently tends to reduce at least the speed variations which can be caused by resistances exerted at certain points and by variations in the load due to gravity.



   In the apparatus shown, the valve 28 is arranged such that it cooperates with the fixed walls which are associated with it to form the groove of the nozzle 5 '.



  In this case, understand that the fixed walls in question constitute a channel-shaped passage in which the cylindrical valve 20 engages so that its cylindrical surface is added to the channel-shaped passage to form the channel. nozzle.



   Any suitable device can be used to rotate the valve 28 at a uniform but adjustable speed; in the drawing, there is schematically shown a chain and chain wheel drive so as to indicate that the valve 28 can be and preferably is driven by the belt drive. It is obvious that a device can be used to vary the speed of rotation of the valve and thus to vary the speed of thrust exerted on the molten metal passing through the nozzle and that an independent device can be used to drive. valve.

   The valve not only serves to vary the thrust speed, but also acts as a valve proper, since it can be used to vary the section of the throat of the nozzle. For this purpose, the support 29 of the valve engages in a guide opening 32 presented by the. console 30;

  <Desc / Clms Page number 28>

 in the drawing, there is schematically shown a connection to via 33 between the support and the console and allowing the position of the support to be adjusted with respect to the guide opening 32.



   In the drawing, we have shown a contact strip
34 carried by a support 34 'suitably grooved which the container 6' presents; this contact strip is elastically pressed against the cylindrical surface of the valve 28.



  This strip is placed in a position such that it constitutes a seal between the valve and the support 34; it thus helps to enclose the molten metal as it moves towards the throat of the nozzle 5 'under the action of the load due to gravity.



   The cylindrical valve 28 can be made of a refractory material or a heat resistant alloy; this material must resist the corrosive and / or erosive action of the molten metal. Said valve may however be made of steel or any other suitable material having the desired characteristics of thermal conductivity; when made with such a material, it is preferably provided with an internal passage 28 'for cooling water or for any other cooling medium,
Obviously, passage 28 'is provided with inlet and outlet ports so arranged that the coolant can easily flow through the passage during rotation of valve 28.



   From the above, it can be seen that the metering valve allows two methods of adjusting the current coming from the nozzle 5 'to be applied. One of these methods depends on the thrust effect exerted by the valve and is put into action by varying the speed of rotation of said valve; the other method depends on the position of the valve. Although

  <Desc / Clms Page number 29>

 variations in the speed of rotation of the valve cause variations in the speed of flow through the nozzle, the main role assumed by the rotation of the valve is to ensure, as far as possible, a uniform flow through the nozzle of the parts of the stream leaving said nozzle.



   A stream of molten metal exiting the nozzle comes into contact with the belt 1 (which generally moves at a speed greater than the flow speed of the metal), instantly wets the latter, adheres to it and is carried by this belt in the form of a film-like layer; this layer levels itself, even from the hydrostatic point of view, and it has a uniform section and a thickness depending on the relative speed of the belt with respect to the flow speed of the metal on the belt. This layer, when cooled below the solidification temperature, constitutes the finished product,
In fig. 3, shows schematically another modification of the apparatus of FIG. 1.

   In addition to the measuring or regulating valve 28 described in connection with fig. 2, a shaping cylinder 36 is used which is mounted on a drive shaft 38 and which can be moved away from or near, in an adjustable manner, the nozzle, i.e. which is capable of assuming a position adjustable along the strap. This shaping cylinder is preferably driven at a speed such that its peripheral speed equals that of the belt 1.

   The cylinder in question can be made of refractory material or. of a heat-resistant alloy or else of an alloy exhibiting marked characteristics from the point of view of thermal conductivity; in the latter case, the cylinder in question is provided

  <Desc / Clms Page number 30>

 an internal passage 36 'for the cooling medium which is supplied to this passage and which circulates inside it to completely dissipate the heat which is transmitted to it by each part of the cylinder which is finds in contact with the hot metal carried by the belt and before the moment when this part of the cylinder again comes into contact with said metal.



   The position of the cylinder along the belt 1, i.e. its position relative to the point of initial contact of the molten metal with the belt, may vary depending on the particular result desired. For example, when the molten metal fed to the belt is characterized by gas occlusions (for example in the case of effervescent steel or a slat) the gas will be expelled when the solid phase is precipitated and the point of precipitation, during the movement of the belt, can be mathematically calculated between certain very close limits.

   It will therefore be possible to adjust the cylinder 36 in such a way that it not only compresses the layer of plastic metal carried by the belt and reduces its thickness, but also achieves this reduction in thickness at a point. such of the belt (and therefore at such a time during the cooling phase) that said reduction contributes to forcing on the outside, having to release the gases carried by the metal. Thus, the roller 36 can be adjusted in such a way, with respect to the direction of travel of the belt and also with respect to its position above the belt, that it performs hot working of the metal and in a similar manner. point such that it helps to release the gases contained in the metal in question.

   The resulting product will be made more homogeneous as a result of the operation of this roller and will be substantially free of entrained gas and blisters.

  <Desc / Clms Page number 31>

 



  Further, the cylinder 36 can be set in a position where. it is so close to the nozzle which brings the molten metal that the metal leaving said nozzle and carried by the belt is still in the molten state when it comes into contact with the surface of the cylinder in question.



  Under these conditions, the metal will wet the surface of the cylinder, shape itself around the contour of the cylinder and, while it is under the cylinder and in contact with it, will give up a noticeable amount of heat from said cylinder, but it will not adhere to this cylinder due to the centrifugal force caused by the high rotational speed of the cylinder.

   in other words, the cylinder can be positioned in such a way that it acts on the metal carried by the belt while the part of this metal in contact with it is still in the molten state but, in addition, the cylinder can be used in such a way that it gives certain surface characteristics to the upper surface of the film or metal layer carried by the belt and to a certain extent a shape and determines the thickness of this layer . It is evident that the characteristics of the cylinder from the point of view of heat absorption are of prime importance to obtain the results defined above.



   From the above, see that the position of cylinder 36 with respect to the point of initial contact of molten metal with belt 1 determines the operation of the cylinder, but that in any case the cylinder tends to give certain surface characteristics to the finished product and also has its stripe to determine the thickness of the finished product. It is evident that fig. 3 has been shown for the convenience of description only and that in order to make cylinder 36 really active, particularly as a hot work device, belt 1 must necessarily be supported at a point opposite the

  <Desc / Clms Page number 32>

 cylinder in order to effectively oppose the force imparted to the metal layer by said cylinder.



    The supportive hold, as shown on other illustrated apparatus, can effectively be provided by rollers or support rollers.



   Figs. 4 and 5 are schematic cross sections of apparatus which may be used for the manufacture of a web or sheet material and in which the heat absorbing surface, substantially flat and resulting from the use of a belt or of an endless belt, is replaced by a cylindrical surface of a rigid ring.

   In fig. 4, there is shown in section a set of elements comprising a source of molten metal such as the pocket 15, a container 6 for this metal and a rigid ring 40 which is provided with a surface 41 absorbing heat and specially cooled, surface onto which the molten metal is supplied by the nozzle 5 which forms part of the vessel 6. For convenience of illustration, only a fragment of the ring 40 has been shown; this is suspended on a control cylinder 44 the axis of which is disposed and in the vertical plane passing through the geometric / rotational axis of the ring.

   In this regard, the drawing shown is given merely for illustration and to show that the ring is mounted in such a way and controlled in such a way that it is free to expand in all directions. .



   Although various devices can be used to cool the heat absorbing part 40 and its surface 41, as shown, a cooling chamber 42 formed between the ring 40 and an annular wall 40 'can be used. . chamber through which an intense circulation of water or other coolant

  <Desc / Clms Page number 33>

 ment can be maintained. The apparatus has also been shown as being provided with a protective cover 23 ', the construction and r81e of which correspond to those of the cover 23 of FIG. 1.



   If a stream of split material such as molten metal is placed on an incurved cylindrical surface, such as surface 41 of ring 40, and the ring is rotated about its geometric axis and its axis of gravity , in order to obtain a uniform peripheral speed, the stream of molten metal will shape itself on the cylindrical surface in the same way as when it is deposited on a substantially flat mobile surfave;

   it will wet this surface and adhere to it, moving with it in the form of a continuously formed layer or film which levels itself hydrostatically, This layer or film has a substantially uniform section and has a thickness which, within the limits indicated above, corresponds to the relative flow rate of the current and to the peripheral or linear speed of the heat-absorbing surface, surface on which the current flows.

   In other words, the method which is the object of the invention can be applied for the production of a metal in flat strip or the like. a foil when the stream of molten metal is supplied to or deposited on a cylindrical heat-absorbing surface which is part of a rotating member; furthermore, the forces which intervene and the results obtained are substantially the same as when the molten metal is deposited on a substantially planar moving surface, as described in connection with FIGS. 1 to 3.



   The rotation envisaged obviously gives rise to a centrifugal force and it should therefore be noted that

  <Desc / Clms Page number 34>

 the ring must be rotated at a speed such that the centrifugal force generated inside the layer of metal film supported by said ring is less than 1 kg per kilogram of the layer of film. In other words, the ring must be established in such a way that the centrifugal force resulting from its rotation at the desired speed is not the predominant force during the period in which the molten metal remains above the solidification temperature.



   All the forces hitherto mentioned in connection with the method carried out by / apparatus such as that shown in FIG. 1 are developed and, as previously indicated, the adhesion force of the layer of molten metal to the heat absorbing surface has a considerable value. In fact, it has been observed that a centrifugal force ramme 1000 kg. per kilogram of the layer or film opposing this adhesive force is not sufficient to lift the thin film of molten metal and to move it away from the heat absorbing surface when that surface is clean at the time the molten metal is brought to it and when it is moved so as to avoid vibratory forces and. jerks.

   It was also observed that this adhesive force rapidly decreased as the temperature of the film decreased and approached the solidification point of the metal and also that the adhesive force did not play any role after the layer or film had. reached the point of solidification and crystallized spontaneously.



   When the solidifying temperature is reached, the layer or film actually separates from the heat-absorbing surface, although it continues to move at the same speed as the surface due to the fact that its particles have undergone an acceleration to reach this

  <Desc / Clms Page number 35>

 speed while in a liquid state. During solidification, the centrifugal force freely lifts the formed strip continuously and away from the heat-absorbing surface, if this force exceeds 1 kg. through
 EMI35.1
 kiloràB # td4ande.



   The reasons for using a heat absorbing surface, whether cylindrical or flat, are as follows:
1 / transforming the stream of molten material such as molten metal into a hydrostatic self-leveling layer or film, the layer in question having a determined width and thickness;
2 / cool and solidify this layer to transform it into a flat solid product;
3 / reduce the temperature of the solid sheet product to a point below the solidification temperature in order to facilitate evacuation, reunification, etc.



   From the above, it appears that the peripheral speed of the cylindrical heat absorbing surface is preferably such that the resulting centrifugal force acting on the solidified product is less than 1 kg. per kilogram @ of film.



   Certain advantages are obtained by the use of a rigid ring instead of a flexible strap or band to provide the heat absorbing surface. For example, the apparatus can be set up such that a large amount of heat can be absorbed by the heat absorbing surface and by the heat absorbing material on which the surface is formed without the material leaking out. - rises at a temperature liable to cause erosion, mechanical deformation, cracking or pitting due to heat.

   It is evident, moreover, that to obtain

  <Desc / Clms Page number 36>

 this result the ring., to. Mina the part of this ring. heat-absorbent, must be formed of a thermally highly conductive metal such as copper and its thickness must be such that no part of this ring is brought above a naked temperature during the phase of absorption of heat from the molten metal supplied to said ring. It has been found that it is desirable to use a conductive metal (thermally: such and to form the ring such that no part of it exceeds the temperature of 2600 while the planned phase continues.

   This determines the thickness of the heat-absorbing ring or rim, which ring the molten metal is fed to and which can be called, if desired, the cooling and solidifying plate.



   Suppose, for example, that it is desired to obtain a continuous strip having approximately 6 IL% - 3 thickness, that is to say approximately the maximum thickness @ to which ordinary steel will adhere to the surface. absorbing the heat of a cooling and solidifying plate, will cool uniformly throughout its thickness and, when it has reached the point of solidification oristalli- will spontaneously throughout its section to obtain the desired crystal structure.

   The amount of heat readily involved under the conditions assumed above is such that the cooling and solidifying plate should be about 2 cm thick. 1/2, It is impracticable from the industrial point of view, if not mechanically impossible, to bend a belt or a copper strip 2 om 1/2 thick around a pulley and at the same time to control the pulley so as to rapidly move the heat absorbing surface such as that which is envisaged here.

   It is evident that even though this belt is

  <Desc / Clms Page number 37>

 made of copper or a similar metal of high thermal conductivity, the pulleys should be of large diameter and the belt should be of a considerable length which would render the whole process impractical.



   Further, when a rigid ring is used, the cooling and solidifying plate can be circulated with water, as shown, which is a very convenient way of dissipating the heat supplied to said ring. In addition, an interior surface of the ring can be used as a heat absorbing surface and under these conditions the centrifugal force caused by the rotation of the ring would aid the operation of the process and would not need to be. be checked as indicated above.



   In fig. 5, there is shown a schematic view of an apparatus somewhat similar to the apparatus of FIG. 4, However, a device has been shown for subjecting the layer or film of molten metal to a shaping force after it has been formed on the surface of the heat absorbing ring or cooling plate. and solidification 40. This element 40 has an annular shape and is associated with a container 6 and its discharge nozzle 5 so that the molten metal is deposited on the cylindrical outer surface 41 of said ring, real as it is. described in connection with fig. 4.

   The ring 40 is rotated at high speed and the adhesion and other forces which act on the stream of molten metal exiting the nozzle 5 transform this stream into a layer or film 35 which. as previously described, self-levels even to hydrestatic paint while the metal is in the molten state and is very mobile. Further, the layer of molten metal adheres to the heat absorbing surface 41, so that it is possible to regard the cooling and solidifying plate 40 and the molten metal as formed.

  <Desc / Clms Page number 38>

   mant a single bi-metallic section, this consideration being used to determine the heat exchange conditions.



   The cylinder 36a of FIG. 5 corresponds, year point of view of its construction and its operation, to the cylinder 36 of the wire. 3; it is preferably cooled with water, as has been indicated with regard to cylinder 36, so that its role is not only to exert a shaping force on the layer or film, but also to absorb the heat from the latter. The cylinders 36a are mounted in bearings 46 which themselves are mounted in such a way in a rigid arched frame 47 that the cylinder can be moved around the axis of the heat absorbing ring 40 to be near or far from the nozzle 5.

   In this way, the cylinder can be moved to or from the point of initial contact of the molten metal with the heat absorbing surface and it can be locked in the desired position. This adjustment of the position of the cylinder 36 at the periphery of the ring is achieved by a device such as adjustment screws 47 'which form part of the apparatus shown schematically on the wire. 5.



   It is evident that cylinder 36a is rotated such that its peripheral speed equals that of ring 40; in addition, the cylinder 36a can be adjusted in different positions in the radial direction of the ring to vary the value of the shaping force applied to the layer or film carried by the surface 41. In the device shown on the wire. 5, this axial adjustment of cylinder 36a is used to appreciably reduce the section of the layer being wrapped as it passes under the cylinder or through the working passage formed between ring 40 and cylinder 36a.

  <Desc / Clms Page number 39>

 



   On the. wire. 5, there are also shown certain additional means for exerting forces on the outer peripheral surface of the layer or strip supported by the heat absorbing surface 41. These additional means are shown in the form of rollers 48, each of them being shown schematically with its journals mounted in a fork-shaped frame 49. Each frame 49 is pivotally mounted as indicated, on a pivot shaft 51 suitably carried by the frame of the apparatus and disposed such that each roll 48 is forced against the surface of the web or film passing under. said roll.

   The rollers 48 may be of such a weight or may be arranged such that one or more of them subjects the metal strip thus hot formed to a substantial deforming force, but it is however preferred to set the rollers 48 to. so that the force exerted by each of them and that the results obtained through them are equivalent to the force used and to the results obtained during the usual leveling or dressing phase used in any plate rolling workshop.



   It was not intended to indicate either in the case of FIG.



  3, nor in the case of FIG. 5 that the cylinder 36 or 36a was necessarily arranged such that it comes into contact with the surface of the layer or film while the metal constituting this layer is still in the state molten and is highly mobile, Although the transmission of heat from the metal of the molten stream to the heat-absorbing ring 40 cannot be considered instantaneous, however the conditions envisaged contribute to a very rapid dispersion of heat from the molten material and as a consequence the material very rapidly loses its great mobility when it spreads over the surface.

  <Desc / Clms Page number 40>

 heat absorbing faoe.

   It is therefore evident that each infinitesimal section of the layer or film around it moves on a relatively short arc @ the axis of rotation of the ring 40 as it changes from a very strongly liquid state to a liquid state. state in which it crystallizes, it solidifies spontaneously. The extent of this arc can be calculated more or less exactly.

   It may be noted, however, that under certain conditions it may be desirable to position cylinder 36 or 36a such that its surface is not in contact with molten metal. Under these conditions, the cylinder plays an important role in the process. absorption of the latent heat of the molten metal and it should therefore be made of a firmly conductive material and preferably of a material such that it is wetted by the molten metal concerned.



   This wetting action obviously involves forces of adhesion and cohesion, but, as indicated above, the cylinder is rotated at a relatively high speed and consequently the centrifugal force pockets all. metal portion to stick to the cylinder.



   When the metal of the layer or film is cooled below its point of crystallization spent at this layer, contraction forces tend to release this layer from its grip or from its intimate contact with the ring 40; therefore, it can be easily lifted from the heat-absorbing surface and fed under a continuous web or sheet to a roller table or other similar support.

   These contraction forces may also play some role in preventing molten metal from adhering to cylinder 36a when that cylinder is set to a position such that it is in contact with molten metal (as opposed to plastic metal. ),

  <Desc / Clms Page number 41>

 
In fig. 5, there is schematically shown a cover 23 'which encloses the cylinder 36a and also the rollers 48. In accordance with the method which is the subject of the invention, the desired atmosphere can be achieved inside this cover. during those phases of the process in which a selected or controlled atmosphere can be used to advantage.



   In fig. 6 schematically shows an apparatus which can be used for carrying out the invention. In this figure, only a fragment of the heat absorbing ring 40 has been shown for convenience of illustration. This ring is associated with a container 6a which, like the container 6 'of FIG. 2 or of fig. 3, is provided with an adjustment valve 28a arranged in such a way that it can be moved closer to and away from the fixed bottom wall 52 of the nozzle 5 'and that it can be driven at a determined speed in the The purpose of this is to aid in the discharge of molten metal from the vessel 6a and onto the heat absorbing element 40 or to push said metal out of this vessel 6a.



   As shown, the feed container 6a is associated with a support plate 53 which forms part of the frame of the machine and which is provided with displacement rollers 55 and a single roller 56 intended to support. - remove the container in different positions on the plate in question. The single roller 56 is so arranged that when the container 6a is filled with molten metal and is moved to be brought into an active position with respect to the ring 40, it is supported by the roller 56 such that 'it tilts towards the ring 40, thus obliquely slanting the end of the lower wall 52 of the nozzle 5' for discharging the metal to be rubbed, with a slight

  <Desc / Clms Page number 42>

 pressure, on the face of the lamb absorbing heat.



  In this way, the stream of split metal. exiting the nozzle 5 will be deposited on the peripheral face of the ring 40 without turbulence or splashing and the distribution of the metal to the periphery and opposite the face of the ring 40 will take place as described in connection with wire. 4 and 5. when it is desired to move the container 6a away from its active position relative to the ring 40, by moving it backwards along the plate 53 and it is then supported by the rollers 55 as well. than by roller 56.



   In fig. 6, it has been indicated that the point of initial contact of the molten metal exiting the nozzle 5 'with the heat absorbing ring 40 was substantially away from the vertical plane passing through the axis of the ring. The distance between this point and this plane (or the vertical diameter of the ring) is indicated by the letter I (which against that the adhesion and cohesion iron envisaged force the molten metal to stand move with the support surface of the ring, surface that absorbs heat and even though the initial movement is an upward movement).



  The distance x M is not a fixed distance, but it is to a certain extent determined by the desire to place the nozzle for supplying the split metal, relative to the ring, so that the outgoing stream of molten metal of said nozzle comes to rest on the rapidly moving peripheral surface of the ring with minimal shock and turbulence.



   In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the heat absorbing ring or the cooling and solidifying ring 40 is mounted in such a way that not only can it rotate at the desired speed, but also that it can co-locate properly with the

  <Desc / Clms Page number 43>

 molten metal feed vessel 6 and that it is free to move and contract under varying temperature conditions which may occur.



  As indicated previously, the invention aims to obtain a heat-absorbing ring which has a peripheral length such that each part of this ring intended for heat absorption can be brought to a chosen equilibrium temperature. , for example 150, 2050 or 2600 between the time it moves, being released from the finished product, and the time it again receives split metal from the metal feed nozzle.

   In order to achieve this result, ring 40 necessarily has a large diameter, which accentuates the need to allow free and unimpeded expansion and contraction of said ring while it is being driven at the desired speed. ,
In the illustrated embodiment, this condition is achieved by the fact that the ring is supported by spaced discs 57 carried by a shaft 58 mounted in a roller bearing 59 the size of which is sufficient to easily support the weight. of the ring 40 (see also fig. 11 and 12). The bearing 59 is rigidly fixed to a lateral extension 60 of the frame of the machine.

   Each disc 57 has a rim or coil 57 '(wire 11) which is intended to come into contact with a re-entrant rim 61 of the support which is part of the ring 40 (see wire 10 and 11). In other words, the two discs 57 are aligned with the two edges 61 of the ring in the same way as the flanged wheels of a railway wagon are placed on the rails constituting the track, the edges 57 discs consequently placing the ring in position la ,, * terally.

  <Desc / Clms Page number 44>

 



   In order to give a suitable position to the ring 40 during its rotation, two parts of guide discs 62 and 63 are provided which are mounted on a frame 64 arranged in such a way that it is free to move. - place vertically and that it thus adapts to the free expansion and contraction of the ring, although a guiding force is applied to said chassie.



   The frame 64 is, in the example shown, substantially triangular. The mounting axis 62 'of the pair of discs 62 is rotatable in a bearing 65 (preferably a roller bearing) disposed at a top of the triangular frame 64. A similar construction and bearing is used for the pair of discs 63. and for the bearing 63 'which are part of this assembly and which are mounted at another top of the triangular frame, an upper sleeve 66 is fixed to the side pieces of the frame 64 and shaped so that it can receive a shaft. with spline 67 rigidly fixed to said sleeve and descending downwards from plate 60.

   This shaft extends vertically and the upper sleeve is bored to receive it. The relationship between the sleeve 66 and the shaft 67 is such that the sleeve is able to slide freely along the shaft, but is prevented from rotating around this shaft.



   The frame 64 is also provided with a lower sleeve 68 which is attached to the base of the triangular frame at a midpoint between the bearings 65 and 65 '.



  The lower sleeve is bored to receive a shaft 69 directed upwards; this shaft, as shown in fig, 11, is rigidly fixed 4 to a support 69 'of the main frame of the machine and has the same axis as the spline shaft 67. The shaft 69 is spread out as a split shaft and the relation between this shaft 69 and the lower sleeve

  <Desc / Clms Page number 45>

 laughing 68 is such that said sleeve 69 -is capable of sliding freely along the shaft, but cannot rotate around said shaft.

   It can therefore be seen that the cooperation between the spline shaft 67 and the upper sleeve 66 and that the cooperation between the spline shaft 69 and the lower sleeve 68 feels such that the triangular frame is free to move vertically, but cannot oscillate around aligned shafts 67 and 690 Frame 64 therefore provides a three point contact bearing support for each guide flange 61 of ring 40.

   This arrangement, designed to support the ring, makes it possible to use a prison or a ring, not having materially a central part, as a heat-absorbing element and at the same time to make this ring rotate at the desired speed, but without any oscillation or lateral movement occurring during the rotation. In other words, when the frame 64 and its mounting device as described above are used, the ring 40 can be guided in a rigid manner during its rotation without hindering the free expansion and contraction of said ring.



   The weight of the frame 64 is substantially balanced by counterweights 70 acting via a counterweight lever 71 which is capable of rotating on a support 72 of the frame and the end 73 of which is forked to embrace an extension of the frame. sleeve 68 and to come into contact with a suitable collar formed on this extended part. The usual arrangement of the counterweights has been shown to show that the weight of the frame 64 and its associated parts can be more or less balanced.



   In fig. 10, we have shown a ring 40 of which

  <Desc / Clms Page number 46>

 the section is H-shaped, the core 40a of this section comprising wings 75 directed outwards as well as flanged wings 61 directed inwards. the wings 75 determine the width of the surface of the ring.



  40 which must receive the molten metal and which must absorb the heat; Whilst these wings have been shown in the drawing as integral with the ring, it is evident that they can be formed separately and so arranged that they can be adjusted to move closer or further apart. each other in order to vary the effective width of this heat absorbing surface.



   Fig. Also, how can the core 40a be suitably provided with a water circulating device or chamber 42 'through which water or other coolant can circulate. As shown, the ring is provided with an annular band of corrugated metal 76 which is placed between the wings 61 and which is fixed to said wings in such a way with respect to the core 40a that a chamber is formed or adequate cooling space. The side edges of the. band are folded back and each folded edge is attached to one of the wings 61 so as to form a watertight seal.



  In the apparatus shown, this result is obtained by the fact that the folded ends of the corrugated strip 76 are fixed to the wings 61 by means of short elements 77 which are bolted to the wings 61.



   In fig. 10 and 11, the inner face of the core 40a was shown to be corrugated, that is to say, it was provided with circumferential grooves and ribs 78 arranged in an alternating fashion. this for the purpose of providing a surface of some extent which is exposed to the coolant within the casing or chamber 42 '.

  <Desc / Clms Page number 47>

 



   In fig. 7, 8 and 11, a device has been indicated which makes it possible to obtain the circulation of the cooling agent through the chamber 42 '. As can be seen, the ring 40 is, in this case, provided with a pipe 79 to which is connected a supply pipe 80. This is also connected to an elbow 81 arranged such that its branch d 'entry is placed in the center of the ring 40 and extends along the axis. A water supply pipe 82 (fig. 11) communicates with this elbow and is connected to a source of pressurized water which is capable of rotating with the ring, but which, at the same time, supplies water. water to chamber 42 through inlet pipe 80.

   The ring is also provided with an outlet line 83 and similar piping associated with it to maintain circulation through the ring during its rotation. The inlet pipe 79 is separated from the outlet pipe 83 by a partition 84 which can extend entirely across the chamber 42 '. An outlet pipe 85 communicates with the discharge pipe 83 and is attached to this pipe; this pipe 85 is connected by a suitable pipe 85, 85 'to an evacuation pipe 86 (fig. 11) which is arranged in the center of the ring 40 and extends along the axis of said ring.



   It can therefore be seen that the weight of the pipes 79 and 83 and of the piping associated with them must be balanced and that the inlet and outlet pipes as well as the inlet piping must be arranged around it. 'ring. 40 to prevent these different parts from being out of balance achieved at the sight of the rotation.



   In order to ensure the free expansion and contraction of the ring 40, a gear of

  <Desc / Clms Page number 48>

 transmission which comprises a / toothed (fig. 9 and la) ring which does not have a central part and which is positioned in such a way on the frame of the machine that it is placed in the immediate vicinity of the ring 40 and that it is concentric with said ring. By toothed wheel without central part, is meant a prison in a crown which does not include spokes, nor means, nor equivalent parts. The ring 90 has a diametral pitch substantially equal to the diameter of the cylindrical surface 41 absorbing heat and forming part of the ring 40. As has been shown, the teeth of this ring are formed on the outer peripheral surface thereof. this.

   The inner surface is handled by an annular rib 91 which, in the example shown, has a rectangular cross section and which is arranged in such a way that it forms a raceway coming into contact with rollers for the crown. toothed.



   As shown in Figs. 9 and 11, the toothed ring is supported by three rollers 92, 93 and 94 placed at a certain distance from each other, The roller 92 is mounted on the shaft 58 of the bearing 59 corresponding to the discs 57 and like the others rollers 93 and 94 it is grooved at its periphery to receive the rib of the raceway 91. The rollers 93 and 94 are arranged on either side of the roller 92 and the three rollers are arranged in a triangle and in positions such, with respect to the circumferential raceway 91, that they determine the position of the toothed ring with respect to the frame of the machine.

   In other words, the three-point support determines the position of the axis of the toothed ring gear and the cooperation of the rib 91 of the rolling path and the roller grooves determines the lateral position of the ring gear. Each of rollers 93 and 94 is

  <Desc / Clms Page number 49>

 provided with a separate mounting axis which can rotate in a separate bearing supported by the plate 60 and rigidly fixed thereto, this plate forming part of the frame of the machine. Thanks to this arrangement, the toothed ring 90 is supported at three points, which clearly determines its position.



   The ring gear 90 is driven by a motor 95 which is preferably of a variable speed type and which is mounted as shown on plate 60 of the frame. As seen in the drawing (FIG. 12), the motor shaft 95 'is provided with a pinion 96 which meshes with a toothed wheel 97 and which drives it; this toothed wheel 97 is carried by a shaft 98 which also carries a pinion 99, which meshes with the teeth of the toothed ring 90. The shaft 98 is mounted in a suitable bearing supported by a vertical wall 101 which forms part of the machine frame which protrudes vertically above the table 60.

   Pinion 99 meshes with the teeth of the ring gear and drives the latter
As has been shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the ring gear 90 is provided with several buttons 102 projecting laterally and equally spaced in a circular arrangement; these buttons 102 cooperate with teeth 103 arranged in the same way above the ring 40, which constitutes a drive connection between the ring gear and the ring. As shown, the toothed crown is provided with six of the aforementioned buttons, each of them being screwed into an opening provided for its reception and projecting laterally on the toothed crown.

   The teeth 103 can be integral with the ring 40; as shown, each of them protrudes laterally on the outer lateral surface of one of the wings 61. It is therefore evident

  <Desc / Clms Page number 50>

 that under the varying conditions of expansion and contraction each of these tentons 102 and each of * and teeth 103 may not always be able to transmit energy from the ring gear to the ring., but each tooth and each teuton is established in such a way that it is capable of transmitting all the energy from the toothed crown to the ring.



   The machine frame must have a section and dimensions such that it constitutes a rigid support for the ring, the toothed ring and their accessories, As has been shown, this frame is made up of a casting and it is intended to be rigidly fixed to a rigid and adequate foundation. Said frame essentially comprises a vertical wall 104 which forms a support for the plate 60, the consoles 69 'and 72 previously indicated and which also forms a rigid support for what has been called vertical wall 101, which wall, as in shown in fig. 11, extends above the plate 60 and has a flange at its upper end.



   In fig. 8, there is shown a more or less schematic elevational view of the ring 40, with the accessory devices associated with it. For convenience of illustration, only part of the machine frame has been shown, but it is evident that the vertical wall of the frame is disposed relative to the ring 40 and the ring gear 90 so that these two parts can rotate at high speeds without being subjected to appreciable vibrations, lateral movements, etc.

   In fig. 8, the metal supply vessel 6 was shown to melt. was provided with a separate and removable exhaust nozzle 105; this nozzle corresponds, in terms of its operation,

  <Desc / Clms Page number 51>

 at its disposal and its construction, to the drain nozzle 5 or 51 previously described. As shown, the nozzle 105 is bolted to the metal casing of the container 6 and, if we refer to the embodiment described previously, it will be seen that the nozzle, as well as the container itself, are lined with refractory material and that the outlet of this nozzle is so arranged, with respect to the surface of the ring 40 which receives the molten metal, that a supply of molten metal is made on this surface without turbulence.



   The apparatus shown in FIG. 8 is also provided with what has been called in the above a rotary regulating or measuring valve; this valve is designated in fig. 8 by the reference 106. As has been shown (Figs. 8 and 11) the regulating valve 106 is, in fact, constituted by a cylinder cooled by water and provided with hollow journals 106 '; these can suitably rotate in a yoke-shaped carriage 107 which is so arranged that it can oscillate about a pivot shaft 108 so that the position of the control valve can be varied 106 relative to the surface of the ring 40 which absorbs heat.



   The valve 106 has been shown as being formed of three parts, namely a cylindrical part 109 and two flanges 110 and 110 'locking each other, Chaoun of the hollow journals 106t mentioned above is integral with one of the two aforementioned flanges, Each aforementioned flange comprises at its periphery a rim intended to receive the cylindrical part 109, the arrangement being such that an inner chamber 111 is provided, disposed in the immediate vicinity of the inner surface of the cylindrical part 109; said chamber constitutes a chamber

  <Desc / Clms Page number 52>

 cooling for this part 109.

   Each hollow nozzle 106 'is organized so that it is included in a water circulation system for chamber 111; accordingly, it is provided at its outer end with an ordinary connector 112 which is attached to it by means of a gland nut 113 and which is provided with a suitable gland. As has been shown by the arrows in FIG. 11, the water or coolant can be supplied to the journal 106 'directly associated with the flange 110'. Radial passages 114 are provided to communicate the interior of the journal and the chamber 111. Similar passages 114 'are provided in the flange 110 and consequently constitute a device for communication between the chamber 111 and the hollow interior of the chamber. journal 106 'directly associated with this flange.



   The cylindrical part 109 of the rotary regulating valve can be made of refractory material, on the contrary, it can be made of a metal. high thermal conductivity; in this case, the lower face of the cylindrical part will preferably be coated, as shown in fig. 10, so that it presents an extended surface to the cooling chamber 111. Under these conditions, it is desirable to continuously dissipate the heat absorbed by the metal surface; this result is evident. obtained by sufficient sirculation of the cooling medium through the chamber 111.



   As previously described, the surface of the control valve which is in contact with the molten metal may be such that it is wetted by the molten metal, but this surface is preferably oxidized or otherwise coated. in order to prevent the ad-

  <Desc / Clms Page number 53>

 inheritance or gluing of. split metal.



   The pivot shaft 108 for the frame 107 is carried by the vertical wall 101 of the frame of the machine; the arrangement is such that movement of the chasis 107 around the shaft 108 changes the relative position of the cylindrical surface of the part 109 with respect to the cylindrical part 41 of the heat absorbing ring. In other words, the frame 107 constitutes a device making it possible to adjust the radial width of the space between the cylindrical face 41 of the ring 4D and the peripheral face of the adjustment valve 106. This adjustment is carried out using an adjustable stopper. 115 for the free end of the swivel frame 107.

   This stop is shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 in the form of a stud screwed into a boss carried by the machine frame, which stud protrudes upward above the boss in a position such that the frame 107 can come into contact with it A device has also been shown for balancing at least part of the. unsupported weight of the frame 107, of the adjustment valve 106 and of the accessories which will be described later, As has been shown, this device consists of a cam 116 which is carried by a crank 117 capable of rotating in the vertical wall 101 of the frame of the ma- Chine, this crank is connected by gearing to a counterweight pulley 118 via the toothed wheels 119 and 120.

   The counterweight 121 is supported by the pulley 118 so that the crank 117 tends to rotate counterclockwise (considering Figs. 8 and 9) and thus tends to oppose the torque. rotation applied to the frame by the unsupported weight, etc. As shown in FIG. 9, the

  <Desc / Clms Page number 54>

 Crank 117 can be used to lift the chasie 107 and thereby move the control valve in order to bring it to a non-operating position relative to the ring 40.



   The control valve 106 is provided with a control toothed wheel 122 which, as has been shown, has the shape of a ring gear and which is fixed to the flange 110 '(FIG. 11). The teeth of this ring gear 122 mesh with the teeth of the ring gear 90 when the frame 107 is in its operating position relative to the ring 40; a positive said is thus produced making it possible to control the regulating valve in such a way that the active peripheral surface of this valve moves at the same peripheral speed as the cooperating face of the ring 40.

   As described above, any suitable device can be used to control the regulating valve and its position, with respect to the nozzle for supplying molten metal, can be such as: that which has been described previously, particularly in connection with fig. 3.



   The apparatus of FIG. 8 is also shown as being provided with a series of rollers 123 arranged at a distance from each other on the periphery of the ring, each of these rollers being mounted in a frame 124 which is pivotally mounted. relative to the vertical wall 101 of the frame of the machine. As shown, each frame 124 is pivotally mounted on a shaft 125 which is carried by the wall 101. Each roller 123 is provided with a control toothed wheel 126, the teeth of this toothed wheel meshing with the teeth. of the debt crown 90, which constitutes a control means for the roll in question.

   As we have shown

  <Desc / Clms Page number 55>

 feel in fig. 12, each roll 123 is hollow and is provided with a device for establishing a continuous flow of coolant through said roll. This result can be achieved in a number of ways; in the example shown, the roller is provided with a hollow journal through which passes a water supply nozzle 127 and which is provided with a water discharge passage surrounding this pipe and communicating with an orifice Release. It is evident that suitable gaskets and suitable water inlet and outlet piping are used in such a way that watertight joints are safely made.



   These rollers 123 operate as described in connection with rollers 48 of FIG. 5. In other words, they keep the product in contact with the face 41 of the ring, which face absorbs the heat, they absorb the heat coming from this product and they can be arranged in such a way that they subject the product. to a conforming force.



   In fig. 8 and 12, there are shown balas which feel associated with the active faoes of the machine. for example, it is preferable to use a brush 130 intended to come into contact with the surface 41 of the ring
40 (surface which absorbs heat) and to sweep this surface just before the moment when it moves under the nozzle for supplying molten metal which is associated with it. The brush 130 is mounted on a shaft which can rotate in suitable devices carried by the wall 101 of the frame of the machine. This shaft is provided with a pinion 131 which meshes with a toothed wheel 132 whose teeth mesh with the teeth. teeth of the toothed ring 90. The toothed wheel 132 is suitably mounted so that it can rotate in bearings carried by the aforementioned wall 101.

  <Desc / Clms Page number 56>

 



   Similar brushes 133 and 134 are provided for the rotary adjustment valve 106. These brushes are, in the example shown, capable of rotating in an extension, in a closed arc, of the frame 107; they are controlled by means of separate pinions by a toothed wheel 135 suitably mounted on the extension of the frame and driven in turn by the ring gear 122. These brushes not only work to remove dust and dirt from the associated surfaces. , but still any moisture that may have broken up on these surfaces due to being cooled by water or some other way.



   In order to achieve a complete disappearance of this humidity, it is preferable to use brushes such as, for example, carbon Valais which bear elastically on the cooled surfaces and which thus ensure a dispersion of the humidity before the molten metal comes into contact with the surface. For example, in the embodiment shown in fig. 13, shows schematically the regulating or measuring valve 106 as being associated with a fragment of the ring 40 and of the vessel 6. As shown in this figure, the outlet end of the nozzle 105 carries on the heat absorbing surface 41 and engages the gap formed between the active surface of the valve 106 and the heat absorbing surface 41, as well as the channel formed by the wings 75 (Fig. 10).

   A carbon brush 136 is mounted on the nozzle and resiliently contacts the cylindrical surface of portion 109 of control valve 106; it is held in position by a coil spring which acts between the brush and a tab 137 which the wall of the nozzle comprises. It is evident that the brush 136 extends completely across the active surface of the control valve.

  <Desc / Clms Page number 57>

 setting 106; the active face of the brush is shaped such that it adapts to the surface of the valve 106 with which it comes into contact; in other words, this active face of the brush forms a seal between the nozzle and the regulating valve and thus forms a substantially airtight space into which the molten metal is fed.



   A similar brush 136 'can be disposed below the nozzle 105 and bear on the surface 41 of the ring 40, said heat absorbing surface. In this case, the brush is held resiliently in position by means of a coil spring which acts between said brush and a tab 137 'presented by the wall of the nozzle.



  In this case also the brush 136 'extends completely across the face 41 and its contact surface is such that it adapts to the shape of the face 41 and the wings 75. This brush also plays the dual role. to dissipate moisture from the surface and to close to some extent the space in which the molten metal is supplied by the nozzle.
As previously described, the metal container 6 can be moved to be brought to different positions, but, in order to establish a fixed relationship between the nozzle and the associated ring 40 during operation of the apparatus, provision has been made. an adjustable stop 138 on the machine frame,

   stop which can be moved to make go laugh with the adopted positions and with which can come into contact a button 139 carried by the container 6. The button 139 can be locked to the stop, which then constitutes a device for locking the container in its adjustment position.



   Obviously, although the container 106 (and the corresponding containers shown in the

  <Desc / Clms Page number 58>

 different figures) may be an integral part of the apparatus shown in the drawing, this container (or these containers) simply indicate the need to use a source of molten metal at a controlled temperature. In other words, the particular embodiment shown for these receptacles is not essential, the presence of these simply indicating the need to provide a source of molten metal at a determined temperature and a device for resting a current not. turbulent of this molten metal on a heat-absorbing surface and moving at a relatively high speed.



   In the foregoing, it has been stated that it is necessary to precisely control the temperature conditions prevailing within the stream of molten metal when it is deposited on the heat absorbing surface. In other words, the temperature conditions should be such that although rapid heat dispersion occurs and is desirable immediately upon contact between the current and the heat-absorbing surface, however the time factor or. Duration should be such that the current is distributed over the surface - absorbing heat and leveling to the desired thickness before the solidification temperature is hitched.

   It is therefore desirable to control the temperature of the molten metal in the molten metal feed source in order to achieve the desired temperature conditions at the outlet of the exhaust nozzle; for this purpose, there is shown in the drawing a case or oil burner 140 which is associated with the container 6 in the fragmentary view of FIG. 13;

   it is obvious to any person skilled in the art that a single burner of this type will act very effectively in connection with conditions such as

  <Desc / Clms Page number 59>

 those which are necessarily present when a molten metal distribution vessel (such as vessel 6) is used, but it should be stated that it is necessary or at least desirable to adjust the tower . The heat-absorbing surface and thereby control the temperature of the metal as it arrives at the outlet end of the nozzle 105. In connection with the previously described apparatus, it has been noted that the heat-absorbing surface is preferably polished and. under certain conditions, plated.

   It is obvious that similar arrangements are to be envisaged for the surface 41 of the ring, which is a heat absorbing surface, particularly when the ring is made of a metal having a greater thermal conductivity such as copper or certain alloys of copper. copper. We therefore indicate that the surface 41 as well as the inner faces of the wings 75 (fig.



  10) are covered with a protective coating such as a coating of chromium, tungsten or molybdenum. This coating can be applied in any suitable manner allowing an adequate union to be achieved between said coating and the coated metal. Electroplating can be used for this purpose provided that an additional phase is provided to ensure a union or fusion. between the plated metal and the plating or coating metal.



   Although in the process which is the object of the invention there is a presence of high temperatures and although, therefore, steam may be generated in some of the water cooling chambers, particularly if the The water supply is reduced or temporarily stopped, however, it was not indicated that these cooling chambers were fitted with safety valves. This is because it is envisaged to provide exhaust passages having a surface such as to provide for the evacuation of the vapor at least in such an amount that the formation

  <Desc / Clms Page number 60>

 harmful vapor pressure inside the cooling chamber is pocketed.

   When conditions such as small cross-sectional passages are required, adequate relief valves should be provided to prevent accidental bursting of the cooling chamber.



   If we refer to fig. 14, it can be seen that an apparatus has been shown characterized by the fact that two separate airs or molten substances are mechanically supplied by a regulating valve to form two contiguous streams on a cooling belt or on a cooling element. These two streams of split material are deposited side by side in turbulence, and the subsequently formed bands or films are brought together at their edges to produce a bi-metallic band with longitudinal bands of different metals.

   The two-compartment vessel 210 has a chamber 211 into which the molten metal is poured; an orifice 212 is provided
 EMI60.1
 split in a 'cleisen 2l ;; the aétali'éo.ale through 1 "nfioe 212 in the chamber 214, being then free of slag, the chamber of eu. it flows through an outlet 215 under the adjustment cylinder 216 to come to place on the moving belt 217; the latter has guided grooves 218 which force the current to take the form of a film or strip 219.



   The vessel 210 has a continuous but separate chamber 220 into which another molten metal is simultaneously poured; this container 210 is provided with an orifice 221 through which this other molten metal flows into the chamber 222, then being free of slag, from which chamber the metal flows through an outlet 223 under the cylinder of setting 216 which controls the current

  <Desc / Clms Page number 61>

 coming to the walking belt 217 to thin it and transform it into a strip or film 224. The outlets 215 and 223 are shaped such that their currents merge at 225 when pushed through the outlet. cylindrical regulating valve 216.

   The belt 217 therefore carries a single film or strip formed of two separate metals mixed and bound by their contiguous edges, having a chosen width and thickness, the total width 226 also being determined.



   At the place where. this bi-metallic strip has lost sufficient heat by transmitting this heat to the belt 217 so that it is still in the plastic state, but that part of the solid phase is precipitated, the shaping cylinder or roller 227, which cylinder is cooled with water, is set to press on this strip in order to reduce its thickness; during this operation, widening of the band 224 occurs;

   the latter is therefore squared against the right edge of the rim 228 of the aforementioned roller or cylinder, while the opposite edge of the strip 219 moves and comes to bear against the toothed edge 229 of the same cylinder or roller 227 so that said edge take the form of floss teeth 217a or any other desired shape. In addition, the generator of cylinder 227 can be moved away from the parallel position with respect to the surface of belt 217 and of the metal film which door, that is to say can be inclined with respect to this surface and to this metal film so that the flat solid product obtained has the shape of a wedge, as shown in fig, 14a, this shape, of section being particularly desirable for silk blades or other products.

   In addition, the toothed edge strip 219 can

  <Desc / Clms Page number 62>

 be made of a good-cutting special steel such as high speed steel, while the other strip 224 may be made of a tough and tough special steel, such as chrome vanadium steel. When the bands 219 and 224 come together, the strongest possible bond between these two special steels is obtained, because they mix easily along their edges in the molten state, without any oxidizing agent or pickling product and they are mixed together. they both converge almost instantly. Similar arrangements with different molten metals can be adopted for various industrial purposes.

   The entire operation can be performed under an airtight hood, under vacuum, or in any special desired atmosphere of the selected gas residing or circulating under this hood.



   It can be seen in Fig. 14 that the roller or cylinder 227 is mounted so that it can rotate in bearings 230 in which turn hollow journals 231 or the like. The hollow journals communicate with a passage 232 provided in the roller 227 through openings 233 provided by pieces or flanges 228 and 2290. Coolant such as water enters through an inlet opening 234 and exits through the. crimp opening 235, suitable connections being made at the ends of the journals to allow relative rotation. This cooling prevents unwanted heating or temperature rise of roll 227.

   A journal 231 has a toothed wheel 236 which is attached to it and which is driven at the desired speed of rotation by any suitable device which is associated with it and which has not been shown.



   On the wire. 15, there is shown a modification of the apparatus shown in fig, 14, the two apparatuses

  <Desc / Clms Page number 63>

 differing in that two or more streams of split metal are laid in successive layers one above the other on the cooling belt, instead of being placed side by side. This fig. 15 shows a vessel 237 of molten metal, which vessel has a cylindrical valve 238 of adjustment similar to the valve 216 described above; this container 237 deposits on the belt 241 a stream of molten metal 239 having a determined and regulated width and thickness, which metal comes from the mass of molten metal or other substance 240 placed in the container 237.

   Current 239 is supplied at a determined flow rate, which rate is controlled by the control valve. This current 239 thins and is carried by the moving belt 241 to transform into a strip or film of uniform width and thickness. This film cools under known conditions by transmitting its heat to the belt 241; therefore a determined temperature suitable for a suitable bond with another metal film or strip can be obtained by prior determination of the length of the contact (i.e. the length denoted by distance 243).



  This contact length can be mathematically calculated. At this point, a stream 244 of another metal 245 supplied by the container 246 and by the cylindrical control valve 247 is brought and deposited on the film 242 to form another superimposed film 248, by virtue of the same wetting action as that which has already been described.

   The
 EMI63.1
 that of the previous film 248 may have the same width or may have a different width TrraT.- si-dedd - "- 1 because one may wish to cover only part of the film 242; the film 248 also has a thickness determined which is regulated by the flow rate of the molten metal 245 pushed by the adjusting valve 247 and which is also regulated by the speed of the belt 241 and the film.

  <Desc / Clms Page number 64>

 cule 242 adhering to said belt.



   From this point, the belt 242 carries two superimposed metal films which can be subjected to the action of a shaping roller or cylinder when they have reached a selected temperature; the entire operation can be carried out under an airtight cover, under vacuum, or in any desired atmosphere of standing or circulating gas so as to maintain an unoxidized and clean surface of the film so that it is suitably united to the metal of the film 242.

     Thanks to the appropriate choice of the metal used, the thickness of the film and the temperature of the first film, when the second film is formed on this first film! licule, many metals or alloys can be united to form bi-metallic bands and the bonding or union of the two superimposed layers can be made very effective. Three or more layers can also be formed in the same manner to obtain particular multi-metallic and flat solid products.



   Vessel 246 and its control valve 247, instead of being used for another molten metal or alloy, can be useful for mechanically distributing over the surface of film 242 a layer of finely divided material, such as iron. -chrome, to mix and combine it, for example, with a cast film of ordinary steel and to give the solid and flat product an alloy surface resistant to heat and corrosion; or these devices can be used to distribute on the / film 242 pulverized iron manganese in order to give the surface resistance to wear and abrasion or to distribute any pulverulent material hardening the surface, such

  <Desc / Clms Page number 65>

 as crystals of boron or the like;

   likewise, diamond powder can be embedded in the whole width of the material or in part of it for the manufacture of special tools. Metal powder such as powder of aluminum, copper, brass, etc. can also be mechanically distributed so that it melts on the surface of the film of molten metal which is then subjected. to the action of a conforming roller or cylinder, for the purpose of embedding any of the above materials or a combination of these materials in the transported metal film and at the same time for the purpose of Flatten or conform the top surface of this film.

   In addition, if the shaping mulch is given a corrugated or fluted surface, the grooves or corrugations 249 can be reproduced and molded into the flat solid product 250, as shown in fig, 16. Also in this way other different shapes, impressions or irregularities can be reproduced, for example indentations, undulations, marks, dividing lines, relief contours, etc.



   In fig. 17, a variant of the apparatus of FIGS, 14 and 15 has been shown; this device, shown in fig. 17, suitable for making flat coated metal products. In this embodiment of the invention, the stream of molten metal 251 exiting the vessel 252 is transformed into a metal film 253 by a belt 254. A shaping roll 255 is adjusted such that a web or sheet. Solid 256 of another metal unwinding from coil 257 rests against metal film 253 with a determined and regulated pressure.

   The distance from nozzle 258 to roller 255 is calculated such that metal film 253 when

  <Desc / Clms Page number 66>

 that it reaches said roller has lost by conduction sufficient heat transmitted to the belt 254 so that it is still liquid, but that it has a part of its solid phase precipitated so that it wets the strip 256 which presses on it under the roll 255 and in such a way that it unites with this solid strip to close a flat coated metal product.



   Referring again to fig, 17, it will be seen that the belt 254 is an endless belt made of a suitable metal and passing around the pulleys 259, one of which is suitably controlled. The surface of the belt 254 which contacts the film 253 is preferably of such a mature nature as to impart to this film a smooth and smooth surface.



   The vessel 252 is preferably in the form of a metal vessel 260 and is provided with a refractory lining 261. A bulkhead 262 is provided with an orifice 263 so that molten metal free from slag can be collected. evacuated by the nozzle 258.



   The solid strip 256 is preheated before it comes into contact with the strip 253; this result is obtained by means of an electric or other heating device 264, which device forms a closed chamber 265 intended to prevent oxidation of the strip 253.



  By means of an opening or nozzle 266, any desired active or inert gaseous atmosphere can be maintained in chamber 265 and this atmosphere being stagnant or circulating. Whatever the particular embodiment of the heating device 264, the strip 256 passes through this device and is brought to the desired temperature which depends on the particular composition of the strip 256.

  <Desc / Clms Page number 67>

 



   The composite web can be rolled around a drum 267; in such a composite strip, at least strip 253 exhibits the primary crystalline structure which has been described above. The strip 256 can be obtained according to the method which is the object of the invention and, in this case, it has a similar crystal structure.



   The microstructure of the products that can be obtained according to the invention has been shown in Figs, 18 and 19. These two figures show the unusual uniformity, homogeneity and purity of the products. , the non-orientation of the crystal structure and the formation of small crystals similar to threads or veins. The absence of the usual separation or segregation and heterogeneity can be particularly noted on these photomicrographs. A comparison with typical ordinary structures will highlight, in a marked way, the new and unique characteristics of the structure of the products which are the object of the invention.



   It is obvious that various modifications could be made in the arrangements described and shown without the general economy of the invention being thereby impaired.

** ATTENTION ** end of DESC field can contain start of CLMS **.


    

Claims (1)

CLAIMS 1. Process for the production of a flat metal product characterized in that the molten metal is discharged in the form of a stream, transformed into a strip or the like and the metal is cooled , when it is thus transformed into a strip or the like, up to a determined temperature below the solidification point of the metal. <Desc / Clms Page number 68> 2. Method such as that claimed under 1 and characterized in that molten metal is made to flow directly over a thermally conductive surface and in movement, which surface is organized in such a way that it transforms the metal into a strip moving with it and rapidly cooling said strip of metal when it has been formed on the surface in question to a determined temperature below the solidification paint of the metal. 3. A method such as that claimed in 2 and characterized in that the aforementioned molten metal is made to flow continuously and uniformly through an orifice directly onto a thermally conductive surface which is flat. or curved and which moves from the orifice in question at a uniform speed for the purpose of transforming the metal into a strip moving with the surface under consideration, the surface being maintained at a temperature such that it cools rapidly the metal strip when it has been formed on this surface up to a determined temperature below the solidification point of the metal, the solidified strip being separated from the surface in question in a continuous manner. 4. Method such as that claimed under 3 and characterized in that a relationship is established between the size of the aforementioned orifice and the speed of the surface previously indicated with the aim of producing a strip having a determined thickness. 5. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims and characterized in that the rate and degree of this cooling correlate with the thickness of the strip in such a way that the speed and the degree of this cooling correlate with the thickness of the strip. The solidified band has an unoriented crystalline structure / and exhibits small crystals similar to threads or veins and of determined dimensions. <Desc / Clms Page number 69> 6. A process as claimed in any one of the preceding claims and characterized in that the strip is produced in a protective atmosphere until it is completely solidified. 7, method such as that claimed in any one of claims 2 to 6 and characterized in that the molten metal flows, substantially without turbulence, on the aforementioned mobile surface. 8. method such as that claimed in any one of claims 2 to 7 and characterized in that the nature of the aforementioned surface is such that the metal wets said surface. 9, method as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 8 and characterized in that several parts of metal having a different composition flow over the aforementioned surface to form several adjacent longitudinal bands, in such a way that these bands are united longitudinally and form an integral part of the other in the solidified product. 10. A method as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 8 and characterized in that the molten metal of different composition flows onto the upper surface of the strip formed on the aforementioned support surface in the vicinity. of the region where the latter band has formed on the support surface, this metal of different composition forming a second band above the first and being united to form one body with the first band, whereby a product at several thicknesses is obtained. <Desc / Clms Page number 70> 11. A method as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 8 and characterized in that a strip of solid metal of different composition is brought into contact with the upper part of the strip formed on the surface of the strip. aforementioned support in the vicinity of the region where the latter strip has formed on the support surface in question, said strips coming together and forming an integral part to form a product of several thicknesses. 12. Preceded as claimed in any one of the preceding claims and characterized in that the product is given a wedge-shaped cross section before complete solidification. 13. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims and characterized in that a longitudinal edge of the product is profiled, in particular serrated, before complete solidification. 14. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims and characterized by the fact that pre-finished surface counters are given to the product before complete solidification. BRIEF SUMMARY A method of making flat metal products, which method comprises flowing slit metal directly over a movable heat-absorbing surface to transform it into a sheet or strip which is rapidly cooled as it forms on said surface to at a determined temperature below the solidification point of the metal.