COOLANT CONTROL IN EM CASTING

ABSTRACT The invention relates to the application of coolant onto the surface of an electromagnetic DC cast ingot or billet where two coolant streams are directed to the solidified or partially solidified metal so that the two streams intersect a short distance away from the metal surface. By controlling the velocity and/or volume of one or both coolant streams, the point of impact on the metal surface can be brought closer to the discharge end of the inductor and thereby increase cooling rates. In this manner the excursions of molten metal which form the icicle-like appendages on EM cast ingot or billet can be effect-ively eliminated. When the end of the ingot or billet passes the area of coolant impact and the risk of such excursions is slight, the point of coolant impact can be lowered to a more conventional level for the remainder of the cast.