The Sinclair Works of St. Gobain Pipelines produces drainage castings in both grey and ductile iron. There are three foundries on site, one producing larger fittings using an airset system, one making rainwater products in metal moulds and the third using a Disamatic machine to make smaller fittings. Metal is melted in coreless induction furnaces in the rainwater and Disamatic shops, whilst the airset foundry receives its metal by transfer ladle from the rainwater foundry. Typical Products are sown in Figure 1. Staff and operators are well aware of the importance of controlling the temperature and cleanliness of the iron poured into moulds and ladle linings play a vital part in maintaining this control. KALTEK* ISO is a lightweight, highly insulating and easy-to-use lining material. It was first introduced into the airset and rainwater foundries, and advantages identified there have led to its being used also in the Disamatic foundry. The material is now employed for all pouring ladles throughout the works. These ladles range in capacity from 250 kg to 450 kg of iron. The advantages will apply to many other iron foundries and the prime purpose of this Case Study is to explain what the system is, how it is used and the benefits that can be expected from it.
展开▼
