Preheating station for preheating a melt transportation device

Abstract

The invention relates to a preheating station (12) for preheating a melt transportation device (1), said preheating station (12) comprising: a base assembly (13); a flow channel (14) for transporting an air volume, wherein the flow channel (14) is arranged on the base assembly (13); a coupling (16) for coupling the melt transportation device (1) to the base assembly (13), wherein the coupling (16) is designed for producing a fluidic connection between the flow channel (14) and the melt transportation device (1); an air heater (20) for heating the air volume, wherein the air heater (20) is coupled to the flow channel (14); a fan (21) for conveying the air volume in the flow channel (14) in a flow direction (22).

Description

[0001] Preheating station for preheating a melt transport device

[0002] The invention relates to a preheating station for preheating a melt transport device, as well as a casting device with the preheating station and the melt transport device, as well as a method for preheating the melt transport device by means of the preheating station.

[0003] In AT 523 252 A1, a melt transport device is formed with at least one melt container, in which a melt receiving space and a spout in the form of a lance located at the bottom of the melt container are formed, wherein the spout has a spout opening which is connected to the melt receiving space flow s.

[0004] In a casting process using the melt transport device known from AT 523 252 Al, it may happen that only an inadequate casting result is achieved.

[0005] The object of the present invention was to provide an auxiliary device for the casting device and a casting process by means of which an improved casting result can be achieved.

[0006] This object is achieved by a device and a method according to the claims.

[0007] According to the invention, a preheating station is designed for preheating the melt transport device, the preheating station comprising:

[0008] - a basic assembly;

[0009] - a flow channel for transporting a volume of air, the flow channel being arranged on the base assembly;

[0010] - a coupling for coupling the melt transport device to the base assembly, wherein the coupling is designed to establish a flow connection between the flow channel and the melt transport device;

[0011] - an air heater for heating the air volume, wherein the air heater is coupled to the flow channel;

[0012] - a fan for conveying the air volume in the flow channel in one flow direction. The preheating station according to the invention has the advantage that it can bring a melt receiving chamber of the melt transport device to a sufficiently high temperature so that when the melt transport device is started up or when the melt transport device is first filled, the melt hits already pre-tempered surfaces. This largely prevents oxide formation during melt reception. Oxide formation can be achieved by reducing local cooling of the melt. This can improve melt quality, particularly with aluminum melts, since aluminum melts are particularly prone to forming an oxide skin upon local cooling. Furthermore, this measure can prevent local solidification of the melt on a cold surface.

[0013] Furthermore, it may be expedient to implement a computing unit, wherein the air heater and the fan are controlled by the computing unit, and wherein a first temperature sensor is arranged in the flow channel and coupled to the computing unit, wherein the computing unit is configured to control the air heater and the fan based on the information from the first temperature sensor. This measure allows an air volume flow or the temperature of the air volume to be specifically adjusted or regulated. Thus, the heating time of the melt transport device can be predetermined or specifically controlled.

[0014] Furthermore, it can be provided that the computing unit is designed for coupling to a second temperature sensor, wherein the second temperature sensor is arranged in the melt transport device. This has the advantage that not only the output temperature of the preheating station can be detected, but that the actual temperature in the melt transport device can also be detected. Thus, the desired or targeted temperature in the melt transport device can be set with increased accuracy. In a first embodiment, the second temperature sensor can be coupled to the computing unit by means of a data line. In a further embodiment, the second temperature sensor can be coupled to the computing unit wirelessly.

[0015] Furthermore, the fan can be arranged upstream of the air heater in the direction of flow. This has the advantage that the air flowing through the fan is not yet heated, thus increasing the fan's service life.

[0016] In particular, the air heater can be arranged as close as possible to the transition to the melt transport device. This measure can minimize heat losses and thus maximize energy efficiency.

[0017] Another advantageous embodiment is one in which a return channel can be provided, by means of which at least portions of an exhaust air stream from the melt transport device can be recirculated into the flow channel. This has the advantage that this measure can improve energy efficiency.

[0018] According to a further development, it is possible for the return duct to open into the flow duct after the blower in the direction of flow. The return duct opens into the flow duct in such a way that the exhaust air flow is drawn into the flow duct by utilizing the Venturi effect. This has the advantage that the air flowing through the blower is not heated, thus increasing the service life of the blower.

[0019] Furthermore, it may be expedient to incorporate a heat exchanger on the flow channel, wherein the heat exchanger is coupled to an exhaust air duct for conveying an exhaust air stream from the melt transport device. This has the advantage of improving energy efficiency, since thermal energy from the exhaust air flowing from the melt transport device can be utilized.

[0020] Furthermore, a pouring device is provided. The pouring device comprises

[0021] - a melt transport device;

[0022] - a preheating station for preheating the melt transport device.

[0023] The preheating station is designed according to one of the above characteristics.

[0024] The casting device according to the invention offers the advantage that, by means of the preheating station, a melt receiving chamber of the melt transport device can be heated to a sufficiently high temperature so that when the melt transport device is started up or when the melt transport device is first filled, the melt impinges on already pre-tempered surfaces. This largely prevents oxide formation during the melt intake. Oxide formation can be achieved by reducing the local cooling of the melt. This can improve the melt quality, particularly with aluminum melts, since aluminum melts are particularly prone to forming an oxide film upon local cooling.

[0025] Furthermore, it can be provided that the melt transport device has a melt container with a melt receiving space and a spout in the form of a lance located at the bottom of the melt container, wherein the spout has a pouring opening which is fluidly connected to the melt receiving space and wherein the coupling of the preheating station is designed such that, when the preheating station and the melt transport device are coupled, the melt receiving space is fluidly connected to the flow channel. Particularly with a melt transport device designed in this way, improved heating of the melt transport device can be achieved by the preheating station. Thus, an improved casting result can be achieved with a melt transport device designed in this way. The quality of the casting result can be improved, particularly when casting molten aluminum.

[0026] Furthermore, the coupling of the preheating station can be designed in such a way that, when the preheating station and the melt transport device are coupled, the heated air volume is introduced into the melt receiving chamber via the lower lance. This has the advantage that this measure can raise not only the melt receiving chamber but also the lower lance to a predetermined target temperature.

[0027] In particular, it can be provided that the melt transport device has a vacuum pump, by means of which a negative pressure can be applied in the melt receiving space during operation of the melt transport device in order to be able to receive a melt into the melt receiving space or to discharge it in a targeted manner. Particularly with a melt transport device constructed in this way, the heated air volume can flow through the lance and the melt receiving space in order to be able to achieve uniform heating of the melt receiving space. As an alternative to a vacuum pump, it can be provided that a free outlet line for the heated air is designed in the form of a chimney. Furthermore, it can be provided that a shut-off device is arranged in the chimney.

[0028] According to a special embodiment, it is possible for the second temperature sensor to be located in the melt receiving chamber of the melt transport device. This offers the advantage that not only the initial temperature of the preheating station can be measured, but also the actual temperature in the melt transport device. Thus, the desired or target temperature in the melt transport device can be set with increased accuracy.

[0029] In particular, it can be provided that the second temperature sensor is arranged in the melt receiving chamber above a maximum filling level. This largely prevents contamination of the second temperature sensor by melt, thereby increasing the service life of the second temperature sensor. Furthermore, it can be provided that the second temperature sensor is protected at the bottom by a splash guard.

[0030] Furthermore, a method for preheating a melt transport device using a preheating station is provided. The preheating station comprises:

[0031] - a basic assembly;

[0032] - a flow channel for transporting a volume of air, the flow channel being arranged on the base assembly;

[0033] - a coupling for coupling the melt transport device to the base assembly, wherein the coupling is designed to establish a flow connection between the flow channel and the melt transport device;

[0034] - an air heater for heating the air volume, wherein the air heater is coupled to the flow channel;

[0035] - a fan for conveying the air volume in the flow channel in one flow direction. The method comprises the following process steps:

[0036] - Provision of the preheating station;

[0037] - Providing the melt transport device;

[0038] - Coupling the melt transport device with the preheating station;

[0039] - Heating the air volume by means of the air heater and conveying the air volume into the melt transport device by means of the blower and thereby heating the melt transport device.

[0040] The method according to the invention offers the advantage that a melt receiving chamber of the melt transport device can be heated to a sufficiently high temperature so that when the melt transport device is started up or when it is first filled, the melt impinges on already pre-tempered surfaces. This largely prevents oxide formation during melt reception. Oxide formation can be achieved by reducing local cooling of the melt. This can improve melt quality, particularly with aluminum melts, since aluminum melts are particularly prone to forming an oxide film upon local cooling.

[0041] In particular, it can be advantageous if the air volume is heated to a temperature between 700°C and 1100°C, especially between 800°C and 1000°C, preferably between 850°C and 950°C. Surprisingly, it has been shown that, especially with an air volume heated to this temperature, energy-efficient heating of the melt transport device to the desired target temperature can be achieved. The specified temperature of the air volume has proven advantageous, especially with a desired target temperature between 300°C and 390°C.

[0042] Furthermore, it can be provided that the air volume is conveyed into the melt transport device until a temperature between 200°C and 450°C, in particular between 250°C and 420°C, preferably between 300°C and 390°C, is reached in a melt receiving chamber of the melt transport device and that in a subsequent process step the melt transport device is used to cast a workpiece. In particular, a temperature between 340°C and 360°C can be aimed for in the melt receiving chamber. Especially when casting aluminum melt, a melt transport device pre-heated to this temperature has the advantage that oxide formation when melt is received into the melt receiving chamber can be largely prevented.

[0043] Furthermore, it can be provided that a first melt transport device is used to cast a workpiece, while a second melt transport device is heated by means of the preheating station. In a subsequent process step, the first melt transport device is heated by means of the preheating station while the first melt transport device is used to cast a workpiece. This offers the advantage that the melt transport device not yet in use can be preheated to an appropriate temperature, so that it is ready for use at any time when the melt transport device needs to be changed due to process-related reasons.

[0044] Furthermore, it can be provided that the preheating station has a first melt transport device receiving location and a second melt transport device receiving location, so that two melt transport devices can be heated simultaneously at the preheating station.

[0045] Another advantageous embodiment is one in which, at the same time as the blower is conveying the air volume into the melt transport device, a volume of air is extracted from the melt receiving chamber of the melt transport device by means of a vacuum pump. This has the advantage of allowing continuous and uniform heating of the melt receiving chamber.

[0046] For the purposes of this document, a lance is defined as a spout with a cross-section that is narrower than the melt container. In particular, the lance may be tubular, at least in some areas.

[0047] For a better understanding of the invention, it is explained in more detail using the following figures.

[0048] They show in a highly simplified, schematic representation:

[0049] Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of a melt transport device;

[0050] Fig. 2 shows a first embodiment of a preheating station for preheating the melt transport device;

[0051] Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a casting device comprising the preheating station with a melt transport device accommodated thereon; Fig. 4 is a schematic representation of a second embodiment of a casting device comprising the preheating station with a melt transport device accommodated thereon;

[0052] Fig. 5 is a schematic representation of a third embodiment of a casting device comprising the preheating station with a melt transport device accommodated thereon;

[0053] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a preheating station with two couplings for simultaneously accommodating two melt transport devices.

[0054] By way of introduction, it should be noted that in the variously described embodiments, identical parts are provided with identical reference symbols or component designations. The disclosures contained throughout the description can be applied analogously to identical parts with identical reference symbols or component designations. Furthermore, the positional information chosen in the description, such as top, bottom, side, etc., refers to the directly described and illustrated figure, and these positional information must be applied analogously to the new position in the event of a change in position.

[0055] Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of a melt transport device 1, which serves to transport melt 2.

[0056] In this document, the melt transport device 1 is described only to the extent that the described features are required for the description of the preheating station 12. For a detailed description of the melt transport device 1 and possible configurations of the melt transport device 1, reference is made to AT 523 252 A1, the content of which is hereby incorporated into this application.

[0057] The melt transport device 1 has a melt container 3 in which a melt receiving space 4 is formed, which serves to receive the melt 2.

[0058] Furthermore, the melt transport device 1 can comprise a spout 5, which is coupled to the melt container 3. The spout 5 can be designed as an integral component of the melt container 3. Furthermore, it is also conceivable for the spout 5 to be designed as a separate component, which is coupled to the melt container 3. The spout 5 can have a pouring opening 6, through which the melt 2 held in the melt container 3 can flow out of the melt transport device 1 into a casting mold or a filling chamber of an injection molding system.

[0059] As can be seen from Fig. 1, it can be provided that the spout 5 is designed in the form of a lance 7.

[0060] Furthermore, a gas valve 8 can be provided, which is fluidly connected to the melt receiving chamber 4 and which is designed to regulate the gas input into the otherwise gas-tight melt receiving chamber 4. The gas valve 8 is arranged above a maximum filling level 9 so that no melt 2 can flow into the gas valve 8. The maximum filling level is selected such that, when the melt container 3 is filled with melt 2 up to the maximum filling level 9, a gas-filled chamber remains in the melt receiving chamber 4, in which a pressure can be adjusted using the gas valve 8.

[0061] As further evident from Fig. 1, the melt transport device 1 can be provided with a siphon 10. In particular, the siphon 10 can be arranged on the underside of the lance 7. Furthermore, the siphon 10 can, of course, also be integrated directly into the lance 7. A siphon 10 integrated into the lance 7 can operate according to the same operating principle as described here.

[0062] In Fig. 1, the melt container 3 is shown partially filled with melt 2.

[0063] As further evident from Fig. 1, the melt transport device 1 can be provided with a vacuum pump 11 or coupled to a vacuum pump 11. By means of the vacuum pump 11, a volume of air can be sucked out of the melt receiving space 4. This allows a negative pressure to be generated in the melt receiving space 4 during operation of the melt transport device 1.

[0064] Fig. 2 shows a first embodiment of a preheating station 12 for preheating the melt transport device 1.

[0065] The preheating station 12 comprises a base assembly 13, which can serve to accommodate the individual components of the preheating station 12. In other words, the base assembly 13 can also be referred to as a frame or support structure. In particular, the base assembly 13 can be formed by an assembly of several steel profiles or steel components.

[0066] Furthermore, a flow channel 14 can be provided for transporting a volume of air. The flow channel 14 can be attached or held to the base assembly 13.

[0067] Furthermore, it can be provided that the flow channel 14 is formed by a steel tube. In particular, it can be provided that the flow channel 14 is encased in insulation 15. The insulation 15 can, for example, be in the form of a ceramic fiber mat.

[0068] Furthermore, it can be provided that a coupling 16 is formed, which serves to couple the melt transport device 1 to the base assembly 13. In particular, the coupling 16 can serve to couple the melt transport device 1 to the flow channel 14. Thus, by means of the coupling 16, a flow connection can be established between the flow channel 14 and the melt transport device 1. In particular, it can be provided that a flow connection can be established between the flow channel 14 and the melt receiving space 4 of the melt transport device 1.

[0069] As can be seen from Fig. 2, the coupling 16 can comprise a first coupling part 17 and a second coupling part 18. The first coupling part 17 and the second coupling part 18 can be arranged at a distance from one another.

[0070] In particular, it can be provided that the first coupling part 17 serves to support the load or to stabilize the melt transport device 1. Furthermore, it can be provided that the second coupling part 18 serves to establish a tight connection between the melt transport device 1 and the flow channel 14 of the preheating station 12.

[0071] As can be seen from Fig. 2, the second coupling part 18 can be designed in the form of a flange, which is arranged on an end face of the flow channel 14. The second coupling part 18 can comprise a seal 19, which serves to engage the melt transport device 1 and thus to establish a flow-tight connection between the flow channel 14 and the melt transport device 1.

[0072] In particular, it can be provided that the seal 19 is designed in the form of a ceramic sealing cord.

[0073] In a preferred embodiment, the seal 19 can be designed to rest against a base of the melt transport device 1. Specifically, the seal 19 can rest on the base of the melt transport device 1, enclosing the lance 7.

[0074] Furthermore, it can be provided that an air heater 20 is arranged in the region of the flow channel 14. Furthermore, it can be provided that a fan 21 is formed, which serves to convey the air volume in the flow channel 14. By means of the fan 21, the air volume in the flow channel can be conveyed in a flow direction 22.

[0075] Fig. 3 shows a highly simplified, schematic representation of a casting device 23, wherein the same reference numerals or component designations are used for the same parts as in the preceding Figures 1 and 2. To avoid unnecessary repetition, reference is made to the detailed description in the preceding Figures 1 and 2.

[0076] The casting device 23 can comprise the melt transport device 1 and the preheating station 12. Furthermore, the casting device 23 can comprise a computing unit 24, which is designed to control a process for preheating the melt transport device 1 or for controlling a process for casting a workpiece.

[0077] As can be seen from Fig. 3, it can be provided that a temperature sensor 25 is arranged in the flow channel 14, which is designed to detect the temperature in the flow channel 14. Furthermore, a second temperature sensor 26 can be provided, which is arranged in the melt transport device 1. In particular, it can be provided that the second temperature sensor 26 is arranged in the melt receiving space 4 of the melt transport device 1. In particular, it can be provided that the second temperature sensor 26 is arranged above the maximum filling level 9 in the melt receiving space 4. In the illustration according to Fig. 3, the melt transport device 1 is coupled to the preheating station 12, whereby a flow connection is established between the flow channel 14 and the melt receiving space 4. As can be seen from Fig.3, it can be provided that an underside of the melt container 3 rests against the seal 19 of the second coupling part 18, whereby a tight connection is established between the melt receiving space 4 and the flow channel 14.

[0078] To heat the melt transport device 1, in particular the melt receiving chamber 4, a volume of air is sucked in by the blower 21 and blown into the flow channel 14. In the flow channel 14 or before entering the flow channel 14, the air volume can be heated to a desired temperature by means of the air heater 20. The heated air volume can then be guided through the lance 7 into the melt receiving chamber 4. The pressure of the blower 21 can then blow the heated air volume out of the melt receiving chamber 4. In addition, the vacuum pump 11 can be used to convey the air volume out of the melt receiving chamber 4.

[0079] Fig. 4 shows a further and possibly independent embodiment of the casting device 23, wherein the same reference numerals or component designations are used for the same parts as in the preceding Figs. 1 to 3. To avoid unnecessary repetition, reference is made to the detailed description in the preceding Figs. 1 to 3.

[0080] As can be seen from Fig. 4, it can be provided that a return channel 27 is formed, by means of which at least parts of the exhaust air flow from the melt transport device 1 can be returned to the flow channel 14.

[0081] In a further, not-shown embodiment, it is also conceivable for the return channel 27 to be designed such that the air conveyed from the melt receiving chamber 4 is entirely returned to the flow channel 14. Thus, the air can be circulated. In this case, it may be necessary for the air conveyed via the return channel 27 to be guided through the blower 21.

[0082] Fig. 5 shows a further and possibly independent embodiment of the casting device 23, wherein the same reference numerals or component designations are used for the same parts as in the preceding Figs. 1 to 4. To avoid unnecessary repetition, reference is made to the detailed description in the preceding Figs. 1 to 4.

[0083] Fig. 5 shows a further embodiment of the casting device 23. As can be seen from Fig. 5, it can be provided that a heat exchanger 28 is arranged on the flow channel 14.

[0084] The heat exchanger 28 can be coupled to an exhaust air duct 29 for conveying the exhaust air flow from the melt transport device 1.

[0085] The embodiments show possible embodiments, whereby it should be noted at this point that the invention is not limited to the specifically illustrated embodiments thereof, but rather various combinations of the individual embodiments with each other are also possible and this possibility of variation lies within the skill of the person skilled in the art in this technical field due to the teaching of technical action by means of the objective invention.

[0086] The scope of protection is determined by the claims. However, the description and drawings must be used to interpret the claims. Individual features or combinations of features from the various embodiments shown and described may represent independent inventive solutions. The problem underlying these independent inventive solutions can be derived from the description.

[0087] All information on value ranges in this description is to be understood as including any and all sub-ranges thereof, e.g. the information 1 to 10 is to be understood as including all sub-ranges starting from the lower limit of 1 and the upper limit of 10, ie all sub-ranges begin with a lower limit of 1 or greater and end with an upper limit of 10 or less, e.g. 1 to 1.7, or 3.2 to 8.1, or 5.5 to 10.

[0088] For the sake of clarity, it should be noted that some elements have been shown not to scale and / or enlarged and / or reduced in size to improve understanding of the structure.

[0089] Melt transport device melt

[0090] Melt container

[0091] Melt receiving chamber

[0092] Spout Spout opening Lance

[0093] Gas valve

[0094] Maximum filling level

[0095] Siphon vacuum pump preheating station

[0096] Basic assembly flow channel

[0097] insulation

[0098] Clutch first clutch part second clutch part

[0099] seal

[0100] air heater

[0101] fan

[0102] Flow direction Casting device Computing unit First temperature sensor Second temperature sensor

[0103] Return channel

[0104] heat exchanger

[0105] exhaust air duct

Claims

Patent claims 1. Preheating station (12) for preheating a melt transport device (1), the preheating station (12) comprising: - a basic assembly (13); - a flow channel (14) for transporting a volume of air, wherein the flow channel (14) is arranged on the base assembly (13); - a coupling (16) for coupling the melt transport device (1) with the base assembly (13), wherein the coupling (16) is designed to establish a flow connection between the flow channel (14) and the melt transport device (1); - an air heater (20) for heating the air volume, wherein the air heater (20) is coupled to the flow channel (14); - a blower (21) for conveying the air volume in the flow channel (14) in a flow direction (22).

2. Preheating station (12) according to claim 1, characterized in that a computing unit (24) is formed, wherein the air heater (20) and the blower (21) are controlled by the computing unit (24) and wherein a first temperature sensor (25) is arranged in the flow channel (14) and is coupled to the computing unit (24), wherein the computing unit (24) is configured to control the air heater (20) and the blower (21) on the basis of the information from the first temperature sensor (25).

3. Preheating station (12) according to claim 2, characterized in that the computing unit (24) is designed for coupling with a second temperature sensor (26), wherein the second temperature sensor (26) is arranged in the melt transport device (1).

4. Preheating station (12) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, viewed in the direction of flow (22), the blower (21) is arranged in front of the air heater (20).

5. Preheating station (12) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a return channel (27) is formed by means of which at least parts of a exhaust air stream from the melt transport device (1) can be returned to the flow channel (14).

6. Preheating station (12) according to claim 5, characterized in that the return channel (27) opens into the flow channel (14) after the blower (21) in the direction of flow (22), wherein the return channel (27) opens into the flow channel (14) in such a way that the exhaust air flow is drawn into the flow channel (14) by utilizing the Venturi effect.

7. Preheating station (12) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a heat exchanger (28) is formed on the flow channel (14), wherein the heat exchanger (28) is coupled to an exhaust air channel (29) for conveying an exhaust air stream from the melt transport device (1).

8. Casting device (23) comprising - a melt transport device (1); - a preheating station (12) for preheating the melt transport device (1), characterized in that the preheating station (12) is designed according to one of the preceding claims.

9. Casting device (23) according to claim 8, characterized in that the melt transport device (1) has a melt container (3) with a melt receiving chamber (4) and a spout (5) in the form of a spout (7) located at the bottom of the melt container (3), wherein the spout (5) has a spout opening (6) which is flow-connected to the melt receiving chamber (4) and wherein the coupling (16) of the preheating station (12) is designed such that in the coupled state of the preheating station (12) and the melt transport device (1) the melt receiving chamber (4) is connected to the flow channel (14).

10. Casting device (23) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the second temperature sensor (26) is accommodated in the melt receiving chamber (4) of the melt transport device (1).

11. Method for preheating a melt transport device (1) by means of a preheating station (12) comprising: - a basic assembly (13); - a flow channel (14) for transporting a volume of air, wherein the flow channel (14) is arranged on the base assembly (13); - a coupling (16) for coupling the melt transport device (1) with the base assembly (13), wherein the coupling (16) is designed to establish a flow connection between the flow channel (14) and the melt transport device (1); - an air heater (20) for heating the air volume, wherein the air heater (20) is coupled to the flow channel (14); - a blower (21) for conveying the air volume in the flow channel (14) in a flow direction (22), characterized by the process steps: - Provide the preheating station (12); - Provision of the melt transport device (1); - Coupling the melt transport device (1) with the preheating station (12); - Heating the air volume by means of the air heater (20) and conveying the air volume into the melt transport device (1) by means of the blower (21) and thereby heating the melt transport device (1).

12. Method according to claim 11, characterized in that the air volume is heated to a temperature between 700°C and 1100°C, in particular between 800°C and 1000°C, preferably between 850°C and 950°C.

13. Method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the air volume is conveyed into the melt transport device (1) until a temperature between 200°C and 450°C, in particular between 250°C and 420°C, preferably between 300°C and 390°C is reached in a melt receiving chamber (4) of the melt transport device (1) and that in a subsequent process step the melt transport device (1) is used for casting a workpiece.

14. Method according to one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that a first melt transport device (1) is used for casting a workpiece while a second melt transport device (1) is heated by means of the preheating station (12) and that in a subsequent method step the first melt transport device (1) is heated by means of the preheating station (12) while the first melt transport device (1) is used for casting a workpiece.

15. Method according to one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that, simultaneously with conveying the volume of air into the melt transport device (1) by means of the blower (21), a volume of air is extracted from the melt receiving chamber (4) of the melt transport device (1) by means of a vacuum pump (11).

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