Method and apparatus for forming a stream of molten material

US5272718A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Leybold GmBH · DE

Inventors

• Otto W. Stenzel · Zöblitz, DE
• Georg Sick · Feldafing, DE
• Michael Hohmann · Leipzig, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 10, 1992
• Grant date: Dec 21, 1993
• Expiry date: Apr 10, 2012

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B22F9/082
• WIPO field: Materials, metallurgy
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A method and apparatus for forming a stream of molten material. The apparatus includes a melt container having a bottom wall in which is formed an aperture. A funnel is adapted and constructed to receive molten material from the aperture in the container, and includes a plurality of fluid-cooled metallic segments. The funnel segments define an inner funnel contour that decreases in cross-sectional area from the inlet end to the outlet end of the funnel. An electrically conductive coil surrounds the funnel, and has a shape corresponding to the outer shape of said funnel. A source of medium-frequency current in selective electrical connection with the coil. The method begins with the step of providing a predetermined quantity of molten material in a melt container. A metallic funnel is provided in fluid communication with the melt container, and includes a plurality of fluid-cooled funnel segments. The method also includes the step of providing an electrically conductive coil surrounding the funnel. When molten material flows from the melt container through the funnel, AC current is passed through the coil at an intensity sufficient to heat the molten material flowing through the fun…