Design and optimization of a castability test for copper alloys applied to plaster moulds.

The paper deals with the design and execution of the test of the castability into preheated plaster moulds. Castability is an important parameter for the evaluation of foundry alloys. When the metal does not run, it usually causes an irreparable defect in the casting. Therefore, it is necessary to verify this technological property correctly for different types of moulds. The castability test for plaster moulds and bronze is not defined, therefore The Vertical Bar Test was adopted, subsequently modified, and applied to plaster moulds. The models are made of wax and the plaster moulds are made according to the manufacturer's prescription and heated to a predetermined temperature. Copper alloy specifically CuSn10 was selected as the alloy to be investigated. The aim of the experiment is to correctly set up and observe the parameters and the method of performing the castability test using gravity casting technology in plaster moulds. It is assumed, as the casting temperature increases, the run-in length of the metal alloy will increase. An important goal is to obtain relevant results, as many variables affect the progress of the test and so there is a risk of error. Due to the time-consuming nature of producing a real disposable model and mould, any failure to succeed would have an economic impact on the foundry, affecting the price of castings. The new method for evaluating castability in plaster moulds can be applied to other types of alloys when temperature changes occur.

Assessment of refining efficiency during the refining cycle in a foundry degassing unit in industrial conditions.

The article focuses on the issue of improving the efficiency of a Foundry Degassing Unit (FDU) via operational testing of aluminium alloys during casting at MOTOR JIKOV Slévárna a.s.. As part of the research, the efficiency of the refining process in the FDU was assessed. The main emphasis was placed on determining the moment of the greatest decrease in the hydrogen content in the melt and whether it is possible to shorten the refining cycle. The values of the Dichte Index were determined, on the basis of which the degassing curve was plotted and the progress of the melt degassing was assessed. To ensure the required quality of castings, the maximum allowable value of the Dichte Index ranged from 3 to 4%. During the process, the temperature drop during the refining cycle was also determined. The total temperature drop from pouring the melt into the ladle to the end of refining ranged from 26 to 32 °C, which is within the acceptable limits of the foundry. Based on the knowledge resulting from the operational experiments, recommendations were formulated to optimize the refining technology at the FDU for the MOTOR JIKOV Slévárna a.s. foundry.

Research on the impact of rotor wear on the effectiveness of the aluminium refining process.

Physical modelling is successfully used to understand mechanisms involved in the aluminium refining process by injecting inert gas into the liquid metal through rotors. Two types of industrial impellers, which are extremely different in construction, were tested in the research. The aim of the research was to determine the effectiveness of their operation depending on their degree of wear. This type of research has not been tested on water models so far. During the process, the parameters were changed, such as the gas flow rate from 13 to 19 L/min, the rotor speed from 325 to 400 rpm and the height of the rotor from the bottom of the refining reactor. Tests were carried out for new and worn rotors. Oxygen removal rate curves were prepared on the basis of tests determining changes in oxygen content in the model liquid as a function of time for changing rotor speed values. It was found that the efficiency of hydrogen removal from the model liquid was higher when worn impellers were used in the model. In order to verify results of model tests, a metallographic analysis of samples obtained in industrial conditions and using the analysed process parameters was carried out.

Using Physical Modeling to Optimize the Aluminium Refining Process.

Concern for the environment and rational management of resources requires the development of recoverable methods of obtaining metallic materials. This also applies to the production of aluminium and its alloys. The quality requirements of the market drive aluminium producers to use effective refining methods, and one of the most commonly used is blowing an inert gas into liquid aluminium via a rotating impeller. The efficiency and cost of this treatment depends largely on the application of the correct ratios between the basic parameters of the process, which are the flow rate of the inert gas, the speed of the rotor and the duration of the process. Determining these ratios in production conditions is expensive and difficult. This article presents the results of research aimed at determining the optimal ratio of the inert gas flow rate to the rotary impeller speed, using physical modeling techniques for the rotor as used in industrial conditions. The tests were carried out for rotary impeller speeds from 150 to 550 rpm and gas flow rates of 12, 17 and 22 dm3/min. The research was carried out on a 1:1 scale physical model, and the results, in the form of visualization of the degree of gas-bubble dispersion, were assessed on the basis of the five typical dispersion patterns. The removal of oxygen from water was carried out analogously to the process of removing hydrogen from aluminium. The curves of the rate of oxygen removal from the model liquid were determined, showing the course of oxygen reduction during refining with the same inert gas flows and rotor speeds mentioned above.

Aluminum Melt Degassing Process Evaluation Depending on the Design and the Degree of the FDU Unit Graphite Rotor Wear.

One of the most important indicators of casting quality is porosity. The formation of pores is largely conditioned by the presence of hydrogen in the batch and subsequently in the melt. The gasification of the melt is the primary factor increasing the porosity of casts. This paper addresses the issue of reducing the melt gasification by using FDU (Foundry Degassing Unit) unit. The gas content in the melt is evaluated by determining the Dichte Index depending on the geometry and the degree of the FDU unit rotor wear. For experiments performed under the operating conditions, three types of graphite rotors with different geometries are used. The extent of melt gasification and the Dichte Index are monitored during the rotor wear, at a rate of 0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% rotor wear. Secondly, the chemical composition of the melt is monitored depending on the design and wear of the rotor. It is proven that the design and the degree of rotor wear do not have significant effect on the chemical composition of the melt and all evaluated samples fell within the prescribed quality in accordance with EN 1706. With regard to the overall comparison of the geometry and wear of individual rotor types, it has been proven that, in terms of efficiency, the individual rotors are mutually equivalent and meet the requirements for melt degassing throughout the service life.

Impact of Rotor Material Wear on the Aluminum Refining Process.

The paper presents the results of tests carried out during the refining of the AlSi9Cu3(Fe) alloy in industrial conditions at the FDU stand. In the tests, three different rotors made of classical graphite, fine-grained graphite and classical graphite with SiC spraying were tested for the degree of wear. A series of tests was conducted for five cases-0% to 100% of consumption every 25%-corresponding to the cycles of the refining process. The number of cycles corresponding to 100% wear of each rotor was determined as 1112. The results of the rotor wear profile for all types of graphite after the assumed cycles are presented. Comparison of CAD models of new rotors and 3D scans of rotors in the final stage of operation revealed material losses during operational tests. The study assessed the efficiency of the rotor in terms of its service life as well as work efficiency. It was estimated on the basis of the calculated values of the Dichte Index (DI) and the density of the samples solidified in the vacuum. The structure of samples before and after refining at various stages of rotor wear is also presented, and the results are discussed.