NEW DEVELOPMENTS ON THE PROPERZI METHOD FOR PRODUCING PRIMARY OR SECONDARY ALUMINIUM INGOTS

摘要

In 1992, Continuus-Properzi developed a new ingot casting line technology, based on the well known wheel and belt method. The production rate depends on the length of the so-called solidification arc, which is proportional to the diameter of the casting wheel. Several casting machines having a diameter of 4.2m have been built, allowing the production up to 20 t/h of aluminium ingots. However, the dimensions of the casting wheel has a significant impact on the cost of the line as well as on the foundation costs. The target of recent research has been the design of a new casting machine characterized by a different geometry and smaller dimensions.rnIn the new casting machine referred to as the TRUCK & BELT SYSTEM, the casting wheel has been replaced by several segments placed in sequence, like a chain of the bicycle or like the caterpillar of any earthmover machine. Liquid metal enters the linear cavity (mould) defined by the rectilinear sequence of segments and the steel belt. This new configuration produces the same quality of ingots as the casting wheel and belt, and in addition, the cast bar is solidified into a rectilinear mould, therefore it does not need to be straightened. Furthermore, the length of the solidification arc does not have significant impact on the depth of the foundations. One of these new machines will be commissioned in Italy during the first quarter of 2005. It will produce 20 t/h of 10 kg Al alloys ingots.