Real-time video monitoring of ingot casting
- Aluminum Co. of America, Alcoa Center, PA (United States). Alcoa Technical Center
During start-up and steady-state casting of ingots, a number of effects related to ingot casting variables can be observed on the surface of the ingot. For example, the amount of curl at the bottom of the ingot, surface laps, liquation, cracks, and folds, as well as extreme events such as bleed-outs when molten metal melts through the shell of the ingot crater, are significant events which could be viewed. Unfortunately, observation of these surface effects is difficult since the as-cast surface is hidden below the casting table and direct visual observations of ingot surfaces are limited due to the proximity of the molds, cooling water sprays, and the ability of the casting operators to safely view ingot surface details at close range. The purpose of this paper is to describe a unique video monitoring capability which is being used as Alcoa`s Advanced Vertical Casting facility, to observe in real-time, surface effects of an ingot during casting. A description of the development of the video monitoring system, including camera, lighting, and video recording capability will be presented. Examples of various surface conditions on direct chill (DC) and electromagnetic cast (EMC) ingots will also be discussed.
- OSTI ID:
- 372057
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-960202--; ISBN 0-87339-312-0
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
A Combined Experimental and Computational Approach for the Design of Mold Topography that Leads to Desired Ingot Surface and Microstructure in Aluminum Casting.
Instability of a liquid metal surface in an electromagnetic field and relevance to EMC