METHOD AND DEVICE FOR REFINING MOLTEN METAL

PURPOSE:To efficiently refine a molten metal so as to produce a high-quality metal economically, by applying electromagnetic force directed in the direction opposite to the direction of the gravity to the molten metal when the molten metal is refined by using a refining agent. CONSTITUTION:A molten metal and refining agent are passed through a channel 1 composed of a nonmagnetic substance in the direction shown by the arrow 6. Magnetic field generating devices 2 which produce magnetic fields along the axial direction of the channel 1 are provided around the channel 1 and connected with an exciting power source 3. In addition, electrodes 4 are provided to the channel 1 and an electric current flowing in the direction perpendicular to the directions of the magnetic fields produced by the magnetic field producing device 2 is made to flow to the molten metal. Accordingly, electromagnetic force acts to the molten metal in the direction opposite to the direction of the gravity and the apparent specific gravity of the molten metal becomes smaller and, as a result, the refining agent composed of a nonmagnetic substance remains in the molten metal. Therefore, the reacting area and reacting time between the refining agent and molten metal become larger ad the refining can be made more efficient.