CONTINUOUS DEGASSING OF METALS

1,193,458. Degassing molten metals. CONZINC RIOTINTO OF AUSTRALIA Ltd. Oct. 3, 1968 [Oct. 3, 1967], No.47019/68. Heading C7D. In a method and apparatus for degassing molten metal the latter flows continuously through, and is subjected to electromagnetic stirring in, an evacuated bell-jar-like vessel standing in a tank but readily removable therefrom, the metal entering and leaving the vessel through openings provided between the latter and the floor of the tank. As illustrated, metal entering tank 7 by channel 5 passes into vacuum chamber 4 through opening 6, and is diverted upward into the field of stirrer coil 8 by the transverse member 11. The metal then leaves the chamber through opening 12 and channel 13; the latter may be temporarily closed by stopper 18 during the starting-up of operations. If necessary heating elements may be built into the top of the chamber 4. As an aid to degassing particulate solid additives such as carbon or ferrosilicon may be introduced into the vacuum chamber, or inert gases may be introduced through a tube near the metal inlet.