Electromagnetic modified metal casting process

Abstract

A process for the electromagnetic refining of light metals being cast is provided. The process includes applying a single phase weak stationary field to the metal with a low frequency induction coil during solidification.

1 . A process for the electromagnetic refining of metals be cast wherein an electromagnetic confinement field acts on molten metal in the course of solidification, the process including applying a single phase magnetic field to the metal, said field being applied by a low frequency induction coil placed at only one side of the metal. 
     
     
         2 . The process of  claim 1  wherein said low frequency comprises 0.1-120 Hz. 
     
     
         3 . The process of  claim 2  wherein said frequency is quasi-sinusoidal, 
     
     
         4 . The process of  claim 1  wherein said low frequency comprises pulsed DC. 
     
     
         5 . The process of  claim 1  wherein the coil is shaped and positioned such that the associated electromagnetic field can penetrate and induce a current in all sections of the casting. 
     
     
         6 . The process of  claim 1  wherein said field satisfies at least one of less than 2 Tesla and 6-60 Hz. 
     
     
         7 . The process of  claim 1  wherein said coil operates at a power of less than 800 amps. 
     
     
         8 . A process for electromagnetic casting of light metals, wherein an electromagnetic field acts on a molten metal in the course of solidification, said electromagnetic field being provided by an induction coil, wherein the induction coil provides a field of less than about 2 Tesla during the solidification. 
     
     
         9 . The process of  claim 8 , wherein an applied current is an alternating current of single-phase. 
     
     
         10 . (canceled) 
     
     
         11 . The process of  claim 8 , wherein the frequency and/or power and/or current s modified during the process of solidification. 
     
     
         12 . The process of  claim 8 , wherein the applied frequencies comprise 0.1-120 Hz or even 240 Hz. 
     
     
         13 . The process of  claim 8 , wherein the coil is shaped and positioned such that the associated electromagnetic field can penetrate and induce a current in all sections of the casting within the first two penetration depths for the lowest applied frequency, 
     
     
         14 . The process of  claim 6 , wherein the coil operates at current of less than 800 A. 
     
     
         15 . The process of  claim 6 , wherein a surface velocity of the molten metal being solidified is between about 0 and 12 cm/s during at least a portion of the process. 
     
     
         16 . The process of  claim 8  being a continuous casting. 
     
     
         17 . The process of  claim 8  wherein the light metal being cast comprises an alloy and wherein the electromagnetic field is maintained but reduced during the solidification process. 
     
     
         18 . The process of  claim 8  wherein the electromagnetic field is at least substantially stationary. 
     
     
         19 . (canceled) 
     
     
         20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . The process of  claim 8  wherein an inverter is used. cm  22 . The process of  claim 8  wherein a power supplied to a system creating the electromagnetic field induces less than a 10% increase in a temperature of the metal being cast. 
     
     
         23 . (canceled) 
     
     
         24 . The process of  claim 8  wherein current to the coil is increased during solidification.