Device and method for preparing cast ingot

By using a stirring part and a cold material combination device in the aluminum alloy melt, the shear stirring and cooling of the melt is solved, and the problems of overheating of the center of large-sized aluminum alloy ingots and large radial temperature gradient are produced, and high-quality aluminum alloy round ingots are produced.

CN120286662APending Publication Date: 2025-07-11NORTHEASTERN UNIV CHINA
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202510326632.5
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-03-19
Publication Date
2025-07-11

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Traditional semi-continuous casting technology has defects such as coarse central grain, macrosegregation of alloy elements and casting cracks in the production of large-size aluminum alloy ingots, which cannot meet the requirements of large-scale equipment manufacturing.

Method used

Using a stirring member and a cold material combination device, by shearing and cooling in the aluminum alloy melt, cold material is used to quickly melt the solid phase particles in the melt, achieving disturbance and temperature uniformization of the melt, combining the cooling effect of graphite ring and hot top, the tissue uniformity and metallurgical quality of the ingot are improved.

Benefits of technology

Aluminum alloy round ingot with high-quality diameter is produced, with fine grains and uniform structure, improving the processability of the alloy and providing good blanks for the next step of deep processing.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

According to the device and method for preparing the cast ingot, shearing stirring is provided for a melt by arranging a stirring piece, an aluminum alloy cold material is arranged to be inserted into the melt, a cooling field is provided for the melt, the temperature is more uniform in cooperation with the shearing stirring effect, and the problems that in the casting process of the large-diameter cast ingot, the center is too hot, and the radial temperature gradient is large are effectively solved. According to the main technical scheme, the device for preparing the cast ingot comprises a stirring piece, a cold material and a crystallizer assembly; the crystallizer assembly comprises a forming channel which is at least used for containing alloy melt. The position of the stirring part comprises a stirring position, when the stirring part is located at the stirring position, at least an acting part of the stirring part is located in the forming channel, and the acting part is used for being immersed in an alloy melt so as to stir the alloy melt; at least part of the structure of the cold material is used for moving into the forming channel so that at least part of the cold material can be immersed into the alloy melt to cool the alloy melt. The method is mainly used for casting.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of aluminum alloy processing, and particularly to a device and method for preparing an ingot. Background Art

[0002] As the preferred material for lightweighting of vehicles such as airplanes, spacecraft, automobiles, and high-speed trains, aluminum alloy is widely used in industries such as aerospace, transportation, and military. Along with the development trend of modern equipment manufacturing towards large-scale, integral, and framed structures, the consumption of large-size aluminum alloy products is increasing day by day, and the size of semi-continuous casting ingots as billets is also continuously increasing. Due to the difference in cooling intensity inside and outside the melt in traditional semi-continuous casting technology, defects such as coarse central grains, macroscopic segregation of alloying elements, and casting cracks are caused, which cannot meet the requirements of large-scale equipment manufacturing. The core problem causing difficulties in preparing large-sized aluminum alloy ingots is the contradiction between the cooling mode of semi-continuous casting and the control conditions for uniform solidification structure of the alloy, and the larger the cross-sectional size of the ingot, the more serious this problem becomes.

[0003] Therefore, how to regulate the solidification environment inside the melt and the solidification behavior of the melt to obtain high-quality large ingots with uniform tissue properties has always been the focus and difficulty of global research. The solutions proposed by current researchers mainly focus on three aspects: process optimization, external field action, and mechanical stirring. For example, existing technologies such as oil-gas slip casting, baffle casting, and low-pressure casting basically represent the highest level of traditional process optimization. Technologies such as electromagnetic casting and ultrasonic casting utilize the interaction between the external field and the melt to change the solidification behavior of the melt. Core rod rotation stirring casting and strong shear casting directly apply mechanical stirring to the melt.

[0004] Generally speaking, the above three methods have improved the solidification structure of aluminum alloy to varying degrees, but there are still macroscopic composition segregation, increased probability of melt contamination, and central solidification porosity defects in large-sized ingot blanks to varying degrees. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of this, to solve at least one of the above technical problems, an embodiment of the present invention provides a device and method for preparing an ingot.

[0006] To achieve the above object, the present invention mainly provides the following technical solutions:

[0007] On the one hand, an embodiment of the present invention provides a device for preparing an ingot, including:

[0008] A stirring member (100), a cold material (200), and a mold assembly (300);

[0009] The mold assembly (300) includes a forming channel (301), and the forming channel (301) is at least used to accommodate an alloy melt (500);

[0010] The stirring member (100) includes an acting member (122). At least the acting member (122) is configured to move into the forming channel (301) to immerse in the alloy melt (500) so as to stir the alloy melt (500).

[0011] At least part of the structure of the cold material (200) is configured to move into the forming channel (301) to immerse in the alloy melt (500) so as to cool down the alloy melt (500).

[0012] Wherein, the forming channel (301) includes a first end opening and a second end opening facing away from each other. The first end opening is configured to insert the dummy bar (400), and the stirring member (100) and the cold material (200) are configured to be inserted into the forming channel (301) from the second end opening.

[0013] Wherein, the stirring member (100) is configured to be inserted into the forming channel (301) from the center of the second end opening;

[0014] The number of the cold materials (200) is multiple, and the multiple cold materials (200) are uniformly arranged around the outer periphery of the stirring member (100).

[0015] Wherein, the device further includes:

[0016] A lifting member. The position of the stirring member (100) includes a stirring position. When the stirring member (100) is in the stirring position, the acting member (122) is located in the forming channel (301). The position of the stirring member (100) also includes an idle position. When in the idle position, the acting member (122) is located outside the forming channel (301);

[0017] The lifting member is connected to the stirring member (100) and is configured to drive the stirring member (100) to move between the stirring position and the idle position.

[0018] Wherein, the device further includes:

[0019] A pushing member. The pushing member is connected to the cold material (200) and is at least configured to move the cold material (200) into the alloy melt (500).

[0020] Wherein, the stirring member (100) includes a stator (110), a rotor and a driving member. The rotor includes the acting member (122). The stator (110) and the acting member (122) are spaced apart by a gap (101) with a preset width. The driving member is connected to the rotor and is configured to drive the rotor to move relative to the stator (110) so as to stir the alloy melt (500).

[0021] Among them, the stator (110) is cylindrical, the rotor is inserted into the stator (110), the rotor further includes a rotating shaft (121), the acting member (122) is a blade, the number of blades is multiple, the rotating shaft (121) is connected to the driving member, the blades are circumferentially distributed around the rotating shaft (121), and there is a gap (101) between the blades and the stator (110);

[0022] A plurality of through holes (102) are formed in the stator (110), and the through holes (102) are used to pass the solid-phase particles released by the cold material (200).

[0023] Among them, the mold assembly (300) includes a mold body (310), a graphite ring (320) and a hot top (330);

[0024] The mold body (310) is cylindrical, the graphite ring (320) is arranged around the inner wall of the mold body (310), and the hot top (330) is arranged in the upper half of the interior of the mold body (310);

[0025] The graphite ring (320) and the hot top (330) are arranged axially in the mold body (310);

[0026] The acting member (122) and the cold material (200) include a partial area at the bottom for extending into the horizontal area corresponding to the partial area including the top end of the graphite ring (320).

[0027] On the other hand, the present invention also provides a method for preparing an ingot, which is realized by using the ingot preparation device according to any one of the above, and the method includes:

[0028] Controlling the casting machine to lift the dummy bar head into the forming channel;

[0029] Controlling the stirring member to move into the forming channel and controlling the movement of the acting member of the stirring member;

[0030] Introducing the alloy melt stabilized at the casting temperature into the forming channel;

[0031] When the liquid level of the alloy melt rises to the set height, controlling the casting machine to pull the dummy bar head downward;

[0032] Pushing the cold material into the alloy melt to cool the alloy melt.

[0033] Among them, the ingot preparation device further includes a temperature measuring member, and the method further includes:

[0034] Detecting the temperature of the alloy melt and controlling the speed of pushing the cold material (200) according to the temperature of the alloy melt.

[0035] An apparatus and method for preparing an ingot according to an embodiment of the present invention provide shear stirring for a melt by providing a stirring member, and insert an aluminum alloy cold charge into the melt. Under the action of heat transfer of the melt, the cold charge quickly melts, providing a cooling field for the melt. In cooperation with the shear stirring action, the solid-phase particles formed by the melting of the cold charge can be quickly dispersed, and the melt is disturbed, so that all parts of the melt are mixed and the temperature is more uniform. The combined action of the aluminum alloy cold charge and the stirring member effectively solves the problems of central overheating and large radial temperature gradient during the casting process of large-diameter ingots, and high-quality aluminum alloy round ingots with large diameters can be produced. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] Figure 1 FIG. is a schematic structural diagram of an apparatus for preparing an ingot according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 2 FIG. is a cross-sectional structural diagram of a partial structure of a stirring member in a first perspective of an apparatus for preparing an ingot according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 3 FIG. is a cross-sectional structural diagram of a partial structure of a stirring member in a second perspective of an apparatus for preparing an ingot according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 4 FIG. is a schematic diagram of the microstructure of the core of a common cast ingot;

[0040] Figure 5 FIG. is a schematic diagram of the microstructure of the core of an ingot cast using an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 6 FIG. is a flowchart of a method for preparing an ingot according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0042] To further elaborate on the technical means and effects adopted by the present invention to achieve the intended invention purpose, the following, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments, details the specific implementation manners, structures, features, and effects of an apparatus for preparing an ingot according to the present invention as follows.

[0043] This application mainly aims at preparing aluminum alloy round ingots with a diameter greater than 300 mm. It can improve the large temperature difference between the core and the edge of the alloy melt (500) during the casting process, improve the tissue uniformity, and at the same time effectively refine the grains, comprehensively improving the metallurgical quality of large-sized aluminum alloy round ingots.

[0044] On the one hand, as Figure 1 shown, an embodiment of the present invention provides an apparatus for preparing an ingot, including:

[0045] a stirring member (100), a cold charge (200), and a mold assembly (300);

[0046] The mold assembly (300) includes a forming channel (301) that is at least used to accommodate the alloy melt (500).

[0047] The stirring member (100) includes an acting member (122). At least the acting member (122) is used to move into the forming channel (301) to immerse in the alloy melt (500) so as to stir the alloy melt (500).

[0048] At least part of the structure of the cold material (200) is used to move into the forming channel (301) to immerse in the alloy melt (500) so as to cool down the alloy melt (500).

[0049] The outline of the mold assembly (300) is generally cylindrical. When in use, the axis of the mold assembly (300) is vertical, and the direction of the ingot casting is vertically from top to bottom. For the convenience of description, in the following embodiments, a relatively specific hot-top casting mold is taken as an example. It can be understood that the mold assembly (300) is not limited thereto, and the present application is applicable to various molds whose structures are substantially the same as or similar to the mold assembly (300) exemplified below.

[0050] Such as Figure 1As shown, the mold assembly (300) includes a mold body (310), a graphite ring (320), and a hot top (330). The mold body (310) is cylindrical and includes an internal channel. A water equalizing chamber (302) is provided inside the mold body (310) and is arranged around the circumference of the internal channel. A water spraying port (301) is also provided on the mold body (310), and a plurality of water spraying ports (301) can be arranged around the circumference of the internal channel. One end of the water spraying port (301) communicates with the water equalizing chamber (302), and the other end of the water spraying port (301) is close to the bottom of the mold body (310) and is spaced a certain distance from the ingot in the radial direction of the mold body (310). The graphite ring (320) is arranged around the inner wall of the mold body (310). While the graphite ring (320) plays a role in cooling the alloy melt (500), it also plays a role in making the alloy melt (500) smooth, so that the ingot can be more smoothly led out by the dummy bar (400). The top end of the graphite ring (320) is lower than the top end of the mold body (310). The hot top (330) is arranged in the upper half inside the mold body (310) and is arranged axially with the graphite ring (320) in the mold body (310), such as being mutually connected. The hot top (330) can also be a hot top, which can provide additional heat protection and feeding compensation functions and can optimize the quality of the ingot. The inner wall of the mold body (310), the graphite ring (320), and the hot top (330) jointly enclose a forming channel (301) that is vertically through, that is, has a first end opening and a second end opening facing away from each other. Among them, the first end opening is the bottom end opening of the forming channel (301). A flow groove is provided on the hot top (330), and the flow groove penetrates the forming channel (301), and the alloy melt (500) can be conveyed to the forming channel (301) through the flow groove.

[0051] During use, the dummy bar (400) is inserted from the first end opening, and then the first end opening is blocked. The alloy melt (500) can be poured into the forming channel (301) through the flow groove. The alloy melt (500) will converge above the dummy bar (400) in the forming channel (301) until the liquid level of the alloy melt (500) reaches a preset position in the hot top (330), or reaches a set height. Then the dummy bar (400) can be pulled to carry out casting.

[0052] Initially, that is, before the dummy bar (400) is placed, the stirring member (100) and the cold material (200) can be located outside the forming channel (301). After casting starts, the stirring member (100) and the cold material (200) can move into the forming channel (301) simultaneously, or they can move into the forming channel (301) successively as needed to first stir the forming channel (301), and then cool down after the casting is stable.

[0053] For example, when the alloy melt (500) starts to be poured into the forming channel (301), the stirring member (100) is moved to the stirring position. When the liquid level of the forming channel (301) reaches the set height, the acting member (122) of the stirring member (100) is located to be completely immersed in the alloy melt (500). At this time, the stirring member (100) is started, and the acting member (122) will move to stir the alloy melt (500), so that the alloy melt (500) flows to achieve temperature uniformity.

[0054] The cold charge (200) can extend into the alloy melt (500) at various times. For example, when the liquid level of the alloy melt (500) reaches a set height, the cold charge (200) can be moved from outside the forming channel (301) to inside the forming channel (301) and partially immersed in the alloy melt (500) to cool the alloy melt (500). It can also be that the cold charge (200) is moved after the casting is stable to cool the alloy melt (500). The composition of the cold charge (200) is the same as that of the alloy melt (500), or in other words, the casting alloy composition. For example, it can be an aluminum alloy cold charge. The cold charge (200) can be at room temperature, or can have a temperature higher than room temperature and lower than the alloy melt (500) as needed, or can also be at a lower temperature lower than room temperature. The cold charge (200) is used to be put into the alloy melt (500) during the casting process. The cold charge (200) can be in various shapes and can be put into the alloy melt (500) in various ways. For example, the cold charge (200) is rod-shaped, such as a long rod with a circular cross-section. The cold charge (200) includes a partial area at the bottom end inserted into the alloy melt (500). The cold charge (200) will melt in the alloy melt (500) and be continuously pushed into the alloy melt (500) during the casting process. In some other embodiments, the cold charge (200) can also be dispersed, such as granular. For example, the cold charge (200) includes a certain number of aluminum alloy balls or aluminum alloy blocks. By sprinkling the cold charge (200) into the alloy melt (500) during the casting process, the cold charge (200) is put into the alloy melt (500) and melts in the alloy melt (500) to cool the alloy melt (500). The quantity, size, and distribution of the cold charge (200) vary with the size of the casting alloy. For example, in the embodiment where the cold charge (200) is rod-shaped, the cold charge (200) can be two, three, or more. When the casting alloy has a larger specification, the diameter of the inserted cold charge (200) is larger and the quantity is more; when the casting alloy has a relatively smaller specification, the diameter of the inserted cold charge (200) is smaller and the quantity is less. It can be understood that the cold charge (200) is not entirely located in the alloy melt (500), but only a partial area at the end is located in the alloy melt (500). Inside the alloy melt (500), the cold charge (200) will be heated and melted. Then, according to the melting situation of the cold charge (200), the temperature of the alloy melt (500), etc., the pushing speed or in other words, the feeding speed of the cold charge (200) can be adjusted so that the cold charge (200) can continuously supplement the alloy melt (500) to achieve continuous cooling of the alloy melt (500).

[0055] To achieve better cooling, the stirring member (100) and the cold material (200) include partial regions at the bottom end for extending into the horizontal region corresponding to the partial region at the top end of the graphite ring (320). For example, the stirring member (100) includes a partial region at the bottom end and the cold material (200) includes a partial structure at the bottom end, located in the height region corresponding to the upper half part in the height direction of the graphite ring (320); or rather, the bottom end of the stirring member (100) and the bottom end of the cold material (200) do not exceed the height of the central position of the graphite ring (320). So that the stirring region and the cooling region correspond to the upper part of the graphite ring (320), and then better cooperation between the graphite ring (320), the acting member (122) and the cold material (200) can be achieved for cooling the ingot. Under the combined action of the cooling of the graphite ring (320), the stirring member (100) and the cold material (200), primary cooling of the alloy melt (500) is realized. After the solidified shell is formed, under the traction of the casting machine, the ingot continuously moves downward, and the cooling water in the water equalizing cavity (302) will be sprayed onto the ingot through the water spraying port (301), and the solidification process is completed under the action of secondary cooling of the cooling water.

[0056] An ingot preparation device proposed in an embodiment of the present invention provides shear stirring for the melt by setting a stirring member, inserts an aluminum alloy cold material into the melt. Under the action of heat transfer of the melt, the cold material quickly melts, provides a cooling field for the melt, and can quickly disperse the solid-phase particles formed by melting the cold material in cooperation with the shear stirring action, and disturbs the melt, so that each part of the melt is mixed and the temperature is more uniform. The combined action of the aluminum alloy cold material and the stirring member effectively solves the problems of overheating at the center and large radial temperature gradient during the casting process of large-diameter ingots, and can produce high-quality aluminum alloy round ingots with large diameters. The ingots produced by using the present invention have fine grains, uniform structure, and the metallurgical quality of the alloy ingots is significantly improved, the workability of the alloy is improved, and good blanks are provided for the next deep processing. The device of the present invention is relatively simple and can be modified on existing equipment. On the basis of traditional hot-top casting, only a stirring member and a pusher for the cold material need to be added, which has good feasibility and economy.

[0057] The stirring member (100) and the cold material (200) can provide a cold field and stirring for the alloy melt (500) in multiple directions and at multiple positions. For example, in one implementation manner, the first end is open for inserting the dummy bar head (400), and the stirring member (100) and the cold material (200) are used to be inserted into the forming channel (301) from the second end opening, that is, from above the forming channel (301), and inserted into the forming channel (301) from top to bottom to be inserted into the alloy melt (500).

[0058] In one implementation, the stirring member (100) is used to be inserted into the forming channel (301) from the center of the second-end opening. The number of cold materials (200) is multiple, and the multiple cold materials (200) are uniformly arranged around the outer periphery of the stirring member (100).

[0059] Subsequently, the stirring member (100) is inserted into the alloy melt (500) from the center of the alloy melt (500), and the cold materials (200) are arranged around the center of the alloy melt (500). Subsequently, a cold field can be uniformly released from the center to the periphery, so as to cool the relatively high-temperature center, and cooperate with the graphite ring (320) to avoid a large radial temperature gradient. When the cold materials (200) are rod-shaped, the number of the cold materials (200) can be two, three, five or even more. The cold materials (200) can be arranged in a circle around the outer side of the stirring member (100), or can be arranged in layers radially outwards. In the implementation where the cold materials (200) are particles, the feeding ports of the cold materials (200) can correspond to the outer periphery of the stirring member (100) so that the cold materials (200) fall around the stirring member (100). The distance between the cold materials (200) and the stirring member (100) can be set as required, for example, it can be set according to the inner diameter of the forming channel (301), for example, the distance between the cold materials (200) and the stirring member (100) can be one-twentieth to one-fifth of the outer diameter of the ingot.

[0060] In one implementation, the device further includes: a lifting member. The position of the stirring member (100) includes a stirring position. When the stirring member (100) is in the stirring position, the acting member (122) is located in the forming channel (301). The position of the stirring member (100) further includes an idle position. In the idle position, the acting member (122) is located outside the forming channel (301). The lifting member is connected to the stirring member (100) and is used to drive the stirring member (100) to move between the stirring position and the idle position.

[0061] The lifting member can be various mechanisms that can drive the stirring member (100) to move. The lifting of the stirring member (100) and the rotational drive of the acting member (122) can be realized by various driving devices in the art and will not be elaborated here. The lifting of the stirring member (100), or in other words, the switching between the stirring position and the idle position, can move the stirring member (100) into and out of the forming channel (301) as required. The stirring member (100) in the idle position can avoid interference, and a casting process without stirring can be carried out, and it is convenient to repair and clean the stirring member (100).

[0062] In one implementation, the device further includes: a pushing member. The pushing member is connected to the cold materials (200) and is at least used to move the cold materials (200) into the alloy melt (500).

[0063] More specifically, in the embodiment where the cold material (200) is in a rod shape, the first end opening of the forming channel (301) is used to insert the dummy bar (400), and the cold material (200) is inserted into the forming channel (301) from the second end opening. The pusher is connected to the cold material (200), and the pusher is used to move the cold material (200) in a direction close to or away from the dummy bar (400). During the casting process, the cold material (200) will be heated and melted, and the pusher will push the cold material (200) towards the alloy melt (500) according to the melting process of the cold material (200), so that new low-temperature cold material (200) continuously extends into the alloy melt (500) being cast, realizing continuous cooling according to the casting process. The pusher can also withdraw the cold material (200), for example, the cold material (200) can be withdrawn until the bottom end of the cold material (200) is higher than the second end opening of the forming channel (301), so that the cold material (200) can be made not to participate in the casting process according to needs.

[0064] In one embodiment, as Figures 2-3 shown, the stirring member (100) includes a stator (110), a rotor, and a driving member. The rotor includes an acting member (122). There is a gap (101) with a preset width between the stator (110) and the acting member (122). The driving member is connected to the rotor and is used to drive the rotor to move relative to the stator (110) to stir the alloy melt (500).

[0065] The preset width can be 1 mm to 2 mm. Then, while realizing stirring, through the relative movement between the stator (110) and the acting member (122), the solid-phase particles generated by the melting and fragmentation of the cold material (200) entering the gap (101) can be broken, which can accelerate the melting of the cold material (200) and avoid solid-phase particles in the ingot caused by incomplete melting of the cold material (200) particles.

[0066] In one embodiment, as Figures 2-3 shown, the stator (110) is cylindrical, the rotor is inserted into the stator (110), the rotor further includes a rotating shaft (121), the acting member (122) is a blade, the rotating shaft (121) is connected to the driving member, the number of blades is multiple, the multiple blades are circumferentially distributed around the rotating shaft (121), and there is a gap (101) between the blades and the stator (110). The stator (110) is provided with a plurality of through holes (102), and the through holes (102) are used to pass the solid-phase particles released by the cold material (200).

[0067] By means of the stator (110) of a cylindrical structure, the number of gaps between the stator (110) and the acting member (122) is increased, and the efficiency of crushing solid-phase particles is increased. For example, the acting member (122) in this application can be four blades evenly arranged around the rotating shaft (121), and then four gaps (101) are generated between the acting member and the stator (110). The aperture of the through-hole (102) can be 2 mm to 5 mm, which can ensure that solid-phase particles can pass through the through-hole (102) and enter the stator (110), and avoid the reduction of the acting area between the stator (110) and the acting member (122) due to too large through-hole (102), and reduce the probability of the solid-phase particles escaping from the through-hole (102) before being extruded.

[0068] Under the condition of not applying the shear stirring of the stirring member (100) and the cold material (200), that is, without core stirring and cooling, while keeping other steps the same, an aluminum ingot with a diameter of 500 mm is produced as the control group of the embodiment of this application.

[0069] The core microstructures of the ordinary semi-continuous casting ingot and the ingot prepared by the device of the present invention are as Figure 4 and Figure 5 shown. As Figure 4 shown, the grains at the core of the ordinary semi-continuous casting ingot are dendritic, with uneven sizes, and the average size is about 400 μm; as Figure 5 shown, the grains at the core of the ingot prepared by the device of the present invention are nearly spherical non-dendritic structures, with relatively uniform sizes, and the average size is about 100 μm. By comparison, it can be seen that the grains at the core of the aluminum alloy ingot prepared by the present invention are finer and more uniform.

[0070] On the other hand, as Figure 6 shown, the present invention also provides a method for preparing an ingot, which is realized by using the device for preparing an ingot as described in any one of the above. The following briefly describes the specific structure of a device for preparing an ingot as the basis for facilitating the detailed explanation of the method. The device for preparing an ingot is as Figure 1 shown, including a crystallizer body (310), a graphite ring (320) and a hot top (330). The crystallizer body (310) is used for continuous casting of aluminum alloy round ingots. The crystallizer body (310) is provided with a water equalizing cavity (302) and a water spraying port (301). The inner wall of the crystallizer body (310) is sleeved with a graphite ring (320). The hot top (330) is located in the upper half of the interior of the crystallizer body (310), and the liquid level of the alloy melt (500) is located in the hot top (330). The stirring member (100) is located at the center of the forming channel (301) of the crystallizer body (310), and is composed of a stator (110), a rotor and a driving member. The cold material (200) is evenly distributed around the core of the alloy melt (500) at a position close to the top, and the cold material (200) is fed into the alloy melt (500) after the start of the casting process.

[0071] Take the casting of a batch of 2024 aluminum alloy ingots with a specification of Φ500 mm as an example.

[0072] The method includes:

[0073] S1. Control the casting machine to lift the dummy bar head (400) into the forming channel (301).

[0074] Before S1, fix the stirring member (100) and two cold materials (200) of 2024 aluminum alloy with a diameter of Φ16 at a set position directly above the mold body (310), for example, they can be fixed by a lifting member and a pushing member, such as fixed above the opening at the second end of the forming channel (301). Then execute S1, and the casting machine lifts the dummy bar head (400) into the mold body (310), for example, extends it into the forming channel (301) through the opening at the second end of the forming channel (301). The upper edge of the dummy bar head (400) is 1 mm to 3 mm higher than the lower edge of the graphite ring (320). After the dummy bar head (400) is in the set position, turn on the cooling water switch, and the cooling water enters the water distribution cavity (302) of the mold body (310) through the cooling water tank and sprays out through the water spraying holes (301) at the lower part of the mold body (310) and acts on the surface of the ingot.

[0075] S2. Control the stirring member (100) to move into the forming channel and control the movement of the acting member (122) of the stirring member (100).

[0076] Move the stirring member (100) into the forming channel (301) from the opening at the second end of the forming channel (301) through the lifting member to reach the stirring position, and start the stirring member (100) to stir at a low speed, such as 200 revolutions per minute to 400 revolutions per minute, for example, it can be 300 revolutions per minute.

[0077] S3. Introduce the alloy melt (500) stabilized at the casting temperature into the forming channel (301).

[0078] Pour the alloy melt (500) stabilized at the casting temperature into the hot top (330) through the launder, and the alloy melt (500) will accumulate above the dummy bar head (400), and the casting temperature is 690 - 700 °C.

[0079] S4. When the liquid level of the alloy melt (500) rises to the set height, control the casting machine to pull the dummy bar head (400) to move downward.

[0080] The set height should ensure that the liquid level of the alloy melt (500) is within the hot top (330). The casting machine pulls the dummy bar head (400) to move downward, and the casting process starts. At this time, the acting member (122) will be located in the alloy melt (500) and stir the alloy melt (500).

[0081] S5. Push the cold material (200) into the alloy melt (500) to cool down the alloy melt (500).

[0082] After the casting process is stable, through the pushing member, drive the cold material (200) or the aluminum alloy bar located above the alloy melt (500) to insert downward into the forming channel (301) and the alloy melt (500) at a certain speed.

[0083] This step further includes controlling the stirring member (100) to stir at a high speed. After the casting process is stable, raise the rotation speed of the stirring member (100) to 1000 - 3000 revolutions per minute. Then, in the initial stage of casting, only perform low-speed perturbation of the alloy melt (500), while in the stable stage of the casting process, during the process of cooling the alloy melt (500), perform high-intensity stirring of the alloy melt (500). On the one hand, ensure uniform temperature mixing, and on the other hand, ensure that the solid-phase particles of the cold material (200) can be broken by the high-speed rotating rotor and stator (110).

[0084] In some embodiments, the device for preparing the ingot further includes a temperature measuring member, which corresponds to the central position of the alloy melt (500), and can be fixed by the aforementioned lifting member and lift and lower synchronously with the stirring member (100). When the liquid level of the alloy melt (500) rises to the set height, the detection end of the temperature measuring member is located in the core of the alloy melt (500). The method further includes: detecting the temperature of the alloy melt (500), and controlling the speed of pushing the cold material (200) according to the temperature of the alloy melt (500). For example, control the temperature of the core of the melt by thermocouple temperature measurement, and control the speed of the cold material (200) to keep the temperature of the core melt at the liquidus temperature or slightly higher than the liquidus temperature, such as maintaining at 640 - 655 °C.

[0085] When the casting process is about to end, that is, when the liquid level of the alloy melt (500) drops below the hot top (330), stop inserting the cold material (200), and lift the stirring member (100) and the cold material (200) above the mold assembly (300), that is, the stirring member (100) and the cold material (200) are removed from the forming channel (301). After the casting is completed, turn off the cooling water to obtain a large-diameter aluminum alloy ingot.

[0086] The above is only the specific embodiment of the present invention, but the protection scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed by the present invention can easily think of changes or substitutions, which should be covered within the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of the present invention should be subject to the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus for preparing an ingot, characterized in that, Comprising: A stirring member (100), cold material (200) and a mold assembly (300); The mold assembly (300) includes a forming channel (301), and the forming channel (301) is at least used to accommodate an alloy melt (500); The stirring member (100) includes an acting member (122), and at least the acting member (122) is used to move into the forming channel (301) to immerse in the alloy melt (500) so as to stir the alloy melt (500); At least part of the structure of the cold material (200) is used to move into the forming channel (301) to immerse in the alloy melt (500) so as to cool the alloy melt (500).

2. The device for preparing an ingot according to claim 1, characterized in that The forming channel (301) includes an opening at a first end and an opening at a second end which face away from each other. The opening at the first end is used to insert a dummy bar (400), and the stirring member (100) and the cold material (200) are used to be inserted into the forming channel (301) from the opening at the second end.

3. The device for preparing an ingot according to claim 2, characterized in that The stirring member (100) is used to be inserted into the forming channel (301) from the center of the opening at the second end; The number of the cold materials (200) is multiple, and the multiple cold materials (200) are uniformly arranged around the outer periphery of the stirring member (100).

4. The device for preparing an ingot according to claim 1, wherein, The device further includes: A lifting member. The position of the stirring member (100) includes a stirring position. When the stirring member (100) is in the stirring position, the acting member (122) moves into the forming channel (301). The position of the stirring member (100) also includes an idle position. When in the idle position, the acting member (122) is located outside the forming channel (301); The lifting member is connected to the stirring member (100) and is used to drive the stirring member (100) to move between the stirring position and the idle position.

5. The device for preparing an ingot according to claim 1, characterized in that, The device further includes: A pushing member. The pushing member is connected to the cold material (200), and the pushing member is at least used to move the cold material (200) into the alloy melt (500).

6. The device for preparing an ingot according to claim 1, characterized in that The stirring member (100) includes a stator (110), a rotor and a driving member. The rotor includes the acting member (122). The stator (110) and the acting member (122) are spaced apart by a gap (101) of a preset width. The driving member is connected to the rotor and is used to drive the rotor to move relative to the stator (110) to stir the alloy melt (500).

7. The device for preparing an ingot according to claim 6, characterized in that The stator (110) is cylindrical, the rotor is inserted into the stator (110), the rotor further includes a rotating shaft (121), the acting member (122) is a blade, the rotating shaft (121) is connected to the driving member, the number of the blades is multiple, the blades are circumferentially distributed around the rotating shaft (121), and there is a gap (101) between the blades and the stator (110); A plurality of through holes (102) are formed in the stator (110), and the through holes (102) are used for passing the solid-phase particles released by the cold material (200).

8. The device for preparing an ingot according to claim 1, wherein The crystallizer assembly (300) includes a crystallizer body (310), a graphite ring (320) and a hot top (330); The crystallizer body (310) is cylindrical, the graphite ring (320) is arranged around the inner wall of the crystallizer body (310), and the hot top (330) is arranged in the upper half of the interior of the crystallizer body (310); The graphite ring (320) and the hot top (330) are arranged axially in the crystallizer body (310); The acting member (122) and the cold material (200) include a partial area at the bottom for extending into a horizontal area corresponding to a partial area including the top end of the graphite ring (320).

9. A method for preparing an ingot, characterized in that, Realized by using the device for preparing an ingot according to any one of claims 1-8 above, the method includes: Controlling the casting machine to lift the dummy bar head into the forming channel; Controlling the stirring member to move into the forming channel, and controlling the movement of the acting member of the stirring member; Introducing the aluminum alloy melt stabilized at the casting temperature into the forming channel; When the liquid level of the aluminum alloy melt rises to a set height, controlling the casting machine to pull the dummy bar head to move downward; Pushing the cold material into the aluminum alloy melt to cool the aluminum alloy melt.

10. The method for preparing an ingot according to claim 9, wherein The device for preparing an ingot further includes a temperature measuring member, and the method further includes: Detecting the temperature of the aluminum alloy melt, and controlling the speed of pushing the cold material according to the temperature of the aluminum alloy melt.