Title:
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTAINING AND EJECTING A THIXOTROPIC METAL SLURRY
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO2001091940
Kind Code:
A9
Abstract:
A container system (10A) including a vessel (20A) for holding a thixotropic semi-solid aluminum alloy slurry during its processing as a billet (60A) and an ejection system for cleanly discharging the processed thixotropic semi-solid aluminum billet (60A). The crucible (20A) is preferably formed from a chemically and thermally stable material (such as graphite or a ceramic). The crucible (20A) defines a mixing volume (30A). The crucible ejection mechanism may include a movable bottom portion (22A) mounted on a piston (56A) or may include a solenoid coil for inducing an electromotive force in the electrically conducting billet for urging it from the crucible (20A). During processing, a molten aluminum alloy precursor is transferred into the crucible and vigorously stirred and controlledly cooled to form a thixotropic semi-solid billet (60A). Once the billet (60A) is formed, the ejection mechanism is activated to discharge the billet (60A) from the crucible (20A). The billet (60A) is discharged into a shot sleeve and immediately placed in a mold and molded into a desired form.
More Like This:
Inventors:
NORVILLE SAMUEL M D (US)
LOMBARD PATRICK J (US)
WANG SHAUPOH (US)
LOMBARD PATRICK J (US)
WANG SHAUPOH (US)
Application Number:
PCT/US2001/016366
Publication Date:
April 11, 2002
Filing Date:
May 21, 2001
Export Citation:
Assignee:
AEMP CORP (US)
NORVILLE SAMUEL M D (US)
LOMBARD PATRICK J (US)
WANG SHAUPOH (US)
NORVILLE SAMUEL M D (US)
LOMBARD PATRICK J (US)
WANG SHAUPOH (US)
International Classes:
B22D17/00; B22D17/30; B22D35/06; B22D37/00; B22D39/02; B22D41/02; C22C1/00; F27B14/02; F27B14/04; F27B14/06; F27B14/10; F27B14/14; F27B14/18; F27D3/04; F27D3/14; F27D7/06; F27D11/06; (IPC1-7): B22D11/00; B22D27/02
Download PDF: