Understanding end user valve approvals: Part 11e - Castings- visiting foundries

摘要

Depending on the foundry casting design can be based upon "experience" and/or "Computer Aided Design" that simulates the pouring and cooling down process. Here risers and downcomers are evaluated to optimise the required casting parameters. The end user should challenge this area to see how the foundry uses such software to resolve casting issues by examples. It is important to relate the analysis with the actual pouring. When visiting the poured castings area the end user should note any mould failures or amount of weld repairs as this would be a good opportunity to challenge the foundry's technical competence. Do they really collect quality data, analyse it and use computer aided design to improve? Or is it by "experience? The "experience" design should be taken with caution. Indeed in many cases this is acceptable but methods to succeed with improvement are more along the lines of trial and error. Often optimisation of the design is wanting.