Apparatus and method for melting and refining

Abstract

A system and installation for melting and refining, in particular for melting and refining of molten aluminum or aluminum alloys, comprising a vessel having an outer shell or casing and a thermally insulated inner coating or wall structure, a removable lid on the top of the vessel for keeping the vessel sealed during operation, and suction means for generating a reduced pressure within the vessel during operation, the vessel being fluidly connected to a metal flow in a metal supply trough, the vessel being separated by at least one partition wall extending upward from the bottom of the vessel to a predetermined height level within the vessel, the partition wall dividing the vessel into at least a first chamber having an inlet opening for receiving molten metal from the metal supply trough section, and a second chamber having an outlet opening fluidly connected to the downstream trough section. and at least one partition wall separating the downstream trough section from at least a second chamber, the downstream trough section having a removable start-up closure downstream of the outlet opening, the installation further including a removable bypass closure disposed between the inlet opening and the outlet opening to control the flow of molten metal, and optionally a metal level sensor for monitoring the metal level in the trough section, at least one removable filter medium disposed in the at least first chamber or the at least second chamber at a height lower than the preset height level of the partition wall, and at least one means for degassing and refining the melt disposed in the other of the at least first chamber or the at least second chamber.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a molten metal refining apparatus and system, and a method for refining molten metal, and in particular to an apparatus and system, and a method for degassing, refining, and filtering molten aluminum metal and aluminum alloys. [Background technology]

[0002] It is commonly known to remove small inclusions from molten metals, such as molten aluminum, by filtration. The material commonly used for such filters is a porous ceramic known as a CFF (ceramic foam filter). These CFF (ceramic foam) filters are poorly wetted by molten metal, and because such materials have relatively fine pores, considerable difficulty occurs in initiating the flow of metal through the filter (priming the filter). Therefore, it is commonly known to use deep filter boxes to generate a sufficient metal head by gravity to force the metal through the filter.

[0003] US Pat. No. 5,649,999 describes a filtration principle in which a vacuum is applied from below to prime the filter media as an alternative to the conventional gravity principle.

[0004] Patent document 2 describes the purification of metals by degassing them under reduced pressure. Typically, argon can be used as the process gas.

[0005] While conventional metal refining solutions result in good quality molten metal that is then subjected to casting, there is a need for improved metal refining facilities and equipment that provide a more sustainable solution while at the same time achieving superior in-line refining of the melt that is subjected to casting. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] European Patent No. 3253897 [Patent Document 2] European Patent No. 1081240 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The present invention provides a solution that meets the above needs and has additional advantages. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] According to a first aspect, the present disclosure relates to a system / installation for melting and refining, in particular for melting and refining of molten aluminum or aluminum alloys, the refining system / installation comprising a vessel having an outer shell or casing and a thermally insulated inner coating or wall structure, a removable lid provided on the top of the vessel for keeping the vessel sealed during operation, and suction means for generating a reduced pressure within the vessel during operation, the vessel being fluidly connected to a metal flow in a metal supply trough, the vessel being provided with at least one partition extending upward from the bottom of the vessel to a predetermined height level of the interior height of the vessel. the wall comprising at least one partition wall dividing the vessel into at least a first chamber having an inlet opening for receiving molten metal from a metal supply trough section and at least a second chamber having an outlet opening fluidly connected to the downstream trough section, the downstream trough section comprising a removable start closure downstream of the outlet opening, the installation further comprising a removable bypass closure disposed between the inlet opening and the outlet opening for controlling the flow of molten metal, and optionally a metal level sensor for monitoring a metal level in the trough section, wherein: At least one removable filter medium is arranged in the at least first chamber or the at least second chamber at a height lower than the preset height level of the partition wall, and at least one means for degassing and refining the melt is arranged in the other of the at least first chamber or the at least second chamber.

[0009] The equipment may comprise, in addition to the first and second chambers, more than one partition wall dividing the vessel into one or more additional chambers, each of the one or more additional chambers comprising a removable filter medium or means for degassing and scouring the melt.

[0010] In one embodiment, the means for degassing and refining the melt is disposed in the first chamber and the removable filter media is disposed in the second chamber.

[0011] In another embodiment, the removable filter media is disposed in the first chamber and the means for degassing and refining the melt is disposed in the second chamber.

[0012] The means for degassing and refining the melt may comprise an agitator such as a mixer or rotor and means for supplying a process gas and optionally particulate matter. Preferably, the means for degassing and refining the melt is a degassing rotor attached to the bottom of the chamber. Preferably, the degassing rotor delivers a process gas to the melt for the refining process.

[0013] The removable filter media may be a ceramic foam filter, which may have a porosity grade of 30 to 50 ppi.

[0014] The installation may further include a metal level sensor that monitors the metal level within the trough section.

[0015] According to a second aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method for refining a metal melt, in particular molten aluminum or an aluminum alloy, by using a system / installation for melting and refining according to the first aspect, the method comprising the following steps: a) closing a removable starting closure; b) providing molten metal to a trough supply system; c) creating a reduced pressure in the vessel by suction means, thereby raising the level of molten metal in at least the first chamber and at least the second chamber to a predetermined metal level in the vessel that allows the molten metal to flow across the at least one partition wall; d) activating the means for degassing and refining; e) closing the removable bypass closure; and f) opening the removable start-up closure, thereby allowing the molten metal to flow through the at least first chamber and the at least second chamber to a downstream casting system. Includes:

[0016] The order of steps c) and d) is not essential and they can be performed simultaneously or with partial concurrence.

[0017] The method may include monitoring a metal level in the trough section with a metal level sensor.

[0018] The opening of the removable start-up closure can be done gradually to adjust the metal flow downstream of the smelting and refining facility towards the casting system, thereby adjusting the residence time of the molten metal in the at least first chamber and the at least second chamber to match the throughput of the downstream casting process.

[0019] The method may include collecting the exhaust gases and dust particles in a closed filter system.

[0020] The method may further comprise the step g) of opening the removable bypass closure and adjusting the vacuum upon completion of casting, thereby draining the at least first chamber and the at least second chamber.

[0021] According to a third aspect, the present disclosure relates to an apparatus for refining a metal melt, in particular molten aluminum or aluminum alloy, the apparatus comprising a vessel having an outer shell or casing and a thermally insulated inner coating or wall structure, a removable lid provided on the top of the vessel for keeping the vessel sealed during operation, and suction means for generating a reduced pressure within the vessel during operation, the vessel being configured to be in fluid connection with a metal flow in a metal feed trough, the vessel being provided with at least one partition wall extending upward from the bottom of the vessel to a predetermined height level of the interior height of the vessel, the partition wall separating the vessel from the metal flow. The system comprises at least one partition wall separating at least a first chamber having an inlet opening configured to be fluidly connected with the supply trough section and at least a second chamber having an outlet opening configured to be fluidly connected with the downstream trough section, at least one removable filter medium is disposed in the at least first chamber or the at least second chamber at a height lower than a preset height level of the partition wall, and at least one means for degassing and refining the melt is disposed in the other of the at least first chamber or the at least second chamber.

[0022] In addition to the first and second chambers, the apparatus may comprise more than one partition wall dividing the vessel into one or more additional chambers, each of which comprises a removable filter medium or means for degassing and purifying the melt.

[0023] In one embodiment, the means for degassing and refining the melt is disposed in the first chamber and the removable filter media is disposed in the second chamber.

[0024] In another embodiment, the removable filter media is disposed in the first chamber and the means for degassing and purifying the melt is disposed in the second chamber.

[0025] The means for degassing and refining the melt may comprise an agitator such as a mixer or rotor and means for supplying a process gas and optionally particulate matter. Preferably, the means for degassing and refining the melt is a degassing rotor attached to the bottom of the chamber. Preferably, the degassing rotor delivers a process gas to the melt for the refining process.

[0026] The removable filter media may be a ceramic foam filter, which may have a porosity grade of 30 to 50 ppi.

[0027] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, the apparatus according to the third aspect is used in-line between a melting furnace and a caster for refining, degassing and particle removal of molten aluminum or aluminum alloys.

[0028] Surprisingly, by combining degassing, refining, and filtering in a single refining apparatus and system, it is possible to reduce the height of the molten metal above the degassing and refining chamber compared to conventional degassing and refining systems, while still achieving a superior refined molten metal that is cast. The reduced metal height may reduce the performance requirements of the suction means to maintain a sufficient level of vacuum within the vessel. Furthermore, the amount of metal remaining when draining the refining system may be reduced. Another advantage of the reduced metal height is that system maintenance can be performed through the top closure, eliminating the need for a side door for system service and maintenance.

[0029] Another important advantage of the refining apparatus and system and method according to the present invention is that it combines degassing and refining technology with filtration technology in a single unit, thereby achieving the purity of the filtered and degassed metal in one step. The combined degassing and filtration refining apparatus and system provides better space utilization (i.e., a significantly reduced footprint) compared to two or more separate processing facilities, which is advantageous in narrow casting lines. The combined filtration, degassing, and refining apparatus utilizes a common casing (vessel), refractory lining, vacuum system, PLC / control system, heating system, dust filter, filter frame, and trough system in a single unit. By combining filtration, degassing, and refining in a single unit and utilizing a common vacuum system, PLC / control system, heating system, dust filter, filter frame, and trough system, less infrastructure is required, again providing a much more sustainable solution compared to conventional techniques.

[0030] The invention will now be further described with reference to the non-limiting drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0031] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a side view of an empty refinery / facility before start-up or after draining. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a side view of the refinery / facility during a vessel filling sequence, with arrows to indicate metal flow. The dotted horizontal line indicates the metal level target. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a side view of a refining plant / facility in steady state operation with arrows to indicate metal flow. [Figure 4] A top view of the refining equipment / facility in steady state operation with arrows to indicate metal flow. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a side view of the refining system during a vessel drain sequence, with arrows to indicate metal flow. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] The present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. However, the present disclosure may be embodied in other forms, and the present invention should not be construed as limited to the embodiments disclosed herein and the drawings shown. The disclosed embodiments are provided to fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0033] In this disclosure, any description of a smelting apparatus also applies to the corresponding structural element of a smelting facility, and vice versa. Accordingly, any description of a smelting apparatus should be understood to equally describe a smelting facility, unless otherwise specified. Correspondingly, any description of a smelting facility should be understood to equally describe a smelting apparatus, unless otherwise specified.

[0034] In the present context, the container may also be referred to as a casing, a filter box or simply a box, which should be understood to have the same meaning unless otherwise specified.

[0035] In this application, the terms "removable start closure" and "removable bypass closure" should be understood as closure means capable of stopping and / or regulating the flow of molten metal in a lauder system. The closure may be a barrier or dam that can be raised or lowered to regulate or stop the flow of metal. Therefore, in this disclosure, the term "closure" may also be indicated as "dam," which is intended to refer to the same structural element.

[0036] In the embodiment of the refining facility and apparatus shown in FIG. 1 (see also FIG. 4), the refining apparatus includes a vessel 13, which may have a general box structure with four walls, a bottom (floor), and a top. The vessel may have an outer shell or casing, which may be made of metal or composite material, and an inner thermally insulated lining or wall structure. The inner thermally insulated lining or wall structure may be made of heat-resistant insulating and fire-resistant materials (not shown in the drawings). A removable lid 7 is provided on top of the vessel 13 and is configured to keep the vessel sealed (airtight) during operation. Suction means 11 (also referred to herein as an eductor) are located on top of the vessel for generating reduced pressure within the vessel during start-up and operation. A dust filter is located on the exterior of the vessel for filtering particulate matter discharged with the exhaust and process gases.

[0037] The vessel 13 shown in the drawings includes a partition wall 4 extending from the floor to a predetermined height below the vessel's internal height. This partition wall 4 separates the vessel into two chambers: a first chamber A and a second chamber B. The vessel has an inlet opening A' for receiving metal from a metal supply trough 1 into the first chamber A, and an outlet opening B' for delivering refined metal to a downstream trough 1' of the refining system. A degassing and refining means 3, represented in the drawings by a degassing rotor, is located in the first chamber A, and a filter medium 5 is attached to the second chamber B. It should be noted that the filter medium 5 may be located in the first chamber A, and the degassing and refining means 3 may be located in the second chamber B.

[0038] In alternative embodiments, the refining equipment and apparatus may include more than one partition wall 4, thereby providing additional refining chambers within the vessel 13 in addition to the two chambers A and B shown in FIGS. 1-5 . Thus, the refining equipment and apparatus may include two or more chambers equipped with degassing and refining means, such as degassing rotors. The refining equipment and apparatus may also include two or more chambers equipped with filter media 5. In refining equipment and apparatuses including more than the two shown chambers A and B, the additional chambers equipped with degassing and refining means 3 or filter media 5 may be arranged in parallel or in series. In the case of a parallel arrangement, it should be understood that the additional refining chamber may have an inlet in fluid communication with the trough section. Furthermore, the additional refining chamber may have an outlet in fluid communication with the downstream trough section. An advantage of having more than two processing chambers in a refining equipment is that a larger volume of molten metal can be smelted in-line in the trough system, for example, for a mass casting process.

[0039] The vessel may have an opening 10 at the bottom for removing dross generated by the refining of the molten metal. Each chamber may have a separate opening 10 for dross removal. The dross removal openings may be located on the opposite side of the vessel compared to the inlet opening A' and the outlet opening B' for easy access, although other locations are also possible, such as on the bottom sidewall of the vessel. [Explanation of symbols]

[0040] Below is a list of the main structural components of the refining equipment and facility, with reference numbers. See Figures 1-5: A. First chamber B. Second chamber A' Inlet opening B' Outlet opening 1. Gutter section (upstream side) 1' Gutter section (downstream side) 2 Removable Bypass Closures 3 Degassing rotor 4 Partition wall 5 filter media 6 Removable starting closure 7. Sealable lid 8 Metal Level Sensors 9 Presser Tool 10 Dross flow passage opening 11 Exhaust devices and dust filters 12 Refining Equipment 13 Container 14 Default Metal Levels

[0041] An example of the operation of a refining installation and apparatus will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which should not be construed as limiting the invention.

[0042] Filling work During filling of the refining plant and equipment, the liquid metal is stopped against the start dam by placing the removable start closure 6 in the closed position (FIG. 2). The removable bypass closure 2 is placed in the open position to allow the molten metal to flow into the first chamber A and the second chamber B. A metal level sensor 8 monitors the metal level in the trough section 1 to ensure metal coverage above the inlet opening A' and the outlet opening B'.

[0043] The reduced pressure generated within the vessel is based on the principle of the drainage device 11 and the sealing gasket in the lid 7. In a vacuum-sealed box (vessel), the liquid metal level gradually rises within the vessel as the metal passes through the inlet opening A' and outlet opening B' (see arrows in Figure 2). The metal is forced through the filter media 5 from bottom to top, continuing to rise until it reaches a predetermined metal level 14 within the vessel 13. By forcing the metal upward through the filter media, the filter is primed before the steady-state flow of molten metal through the refining apparatus and above the partition wall 4. To force the molten metal through the filter with bottom-up priming, the metal rises to a lower height above the filter media compared to priming the filter media using gravity alone. The priming force varies depending on the coarseness of the filter media. The hold-down tool 9 prevents the filter media 5 from floating during the priming phase. The arrows in Figure 2 indicate the direction of metal flow during metal filling and filter priming.

[0044] The degassing rotor 3 initiates the liquid metal degassing and refining process by generating small bubbles or microbubbles of the supplied process gas when a defined vacuum level and / or metal level in the vessel is reached. The removable bypass closure 2 closes when the metal level reaches the target normal operating level indicated by dotted line 14, forcing the metal into the first chamber inlet A', through the filter media 5, up the partition wall 4, and out of the second chamber via outlet B' into the downstream trough section 1'.

[0045] The start-up dam 6 can be gradually opened to regulate the downstream flow of metal towards the casting system. The residence time of the metal in the smelter 12 (metal throughput) can be determined or regulated by the throughput of the downstream casting process, i.e., metal flow rate (tons / hour).

[0046] The height of the metal level (i.e., reduced pressure) is calculated based on the following formula: dP=-rgh where: dP → Differential pressure between the metal surface inside the vessel and the metal surface in the outer trough. r → density of liquid metal (e.g. aluminum) g → gravitational acceleration h → Height of the metal in the container compared to the metal level in the gutter

[0047] Steady-state operation 3 and 4 indicate the direction of metal flow during normal operation of the refining apparatus and facility 12. In this example, inlet chamber A is adapted for degassing and refining, and outlet chamber B is adapted for filtering the liquid aluminum. It should be understood that this order may be reversed.

[0048] A trough section 1 connected to the refining device 12 guides the metal towards a closed bypass dam 2, forcing the liquid metal through an inlet opening A' into the first chamber A, and a rotating degassing rotor 3 supplies process gas to the melt. Exhaust gases and dust can be collected in a closed filter system outside the vessel. The dust filter system is integrated with suction means 11 (exhauster) that maintains a reduced pressure inside the vessel.

[0049] The reduced pressure created by the ejector maintains the metal in the vessel at a high level, which causes the liquid metal, due to the direction of metal flow, to pass over the partition wall 4 separating the degassing and refining chamber from the filtration chamber and through the filter media 5 held in place by a hold-down tool 9.

[0050] The liquid metal exits the vessel through the outlet chamber opening B'.

[0051] The metal level sensor 8 monitors the metal level at the trough inlet. An operator panel with an HMI (Human Machine Interface) screen near the unit allows manual operation of the dam (closure), lid and rotor, as well as monitoring of the system during operation. Operation times may vary depending on the casting system downstream of the smelter. The metal level sensor 8 and the suction means 11 for maintaining the reduced pressure are controlled during steady-state operation to adjust and optimize the processing time of the molten metal in the smelter according to the throughput of the downstream casting process.

[0052] Drainage Once the casting process is complete, the bypass closure 2 opens, allowing the metal to drain from both chambers towards the launder and casting system. This allows the refinery to automatically drain at the end of each run. Metal drainage is controlled via the metal level sensor 8 and by adjusting the vacuum in the vessel. The arrows in Figure 5 indicate the direction of metal flow during the drainage sequence.

[0053] After draining is complete and the refinery (vessel) is empty, the chamber can be cleaned from the top (by opening the lid 7) and / or through the dross channel opening (10). The filter media 5 including the holding down tools 9 can be lifted together, for example using a crane, and the facility is ready for the next casting operation.

Claims

1. An installation (12) for melting and refining, in particular for melting and refining molten aluminum or aluminum alloys, comprising a vessel (13) having an outer shell or casing and a thermally insulated inner coating or wall structure, a removable lid (7) on top of the vessel (13) for keeping the vessel sealed during operation, and suction means (11) for generating a reduced pressure in the vessel during operation, the vessel (13) is fluidly connected to the metal flow in the metal supply troughs (1, 1'), the vessel (13) comprising at least one partition wall (4) extending from the bottom of the vessel (13) upward to a predetermined height level of the interior height of the vessel, the at least one partition wall (4) dividing the vessel (13) into at least a first chamber (A) having an inlet opening (A') for receiving molten metal from the metal supply trough section (1) and at least a second chamber (B) having an outlet opening (B') fluidly connected to the downstream trough section (1'); the downstream trough section (1') is provided with a removable start-up closure (6) downstream of the outlet opening (B'); The installation (12) further comprises a removable bypass closure (2) disposed between the inlet opening (A') and the outlet opening (B') for controlling the flow of the molten metal, and optionally a metal level sensor (8) for monitoring the metal level in the trough section (1); At least one removable filter medium (5) is disposed in the at least first chamber (A) or the at least second chamber (B) at a height lower than the predetermined height level of the partition wall (4); An installation (12) in which at least one means (3) for degassing and refining the melt is arranged in the other of said at least first chamber (A) or said at least second chamber (B).

2. 2. The installation (12) for smelting and refining according to claim 1, comprising, in addition to the first chamber (A) and the second chamber (B), more than one partition wall (4) dividing the vessel (13) into one or more additional chambers, each of the one or more additional chambers comprising a removable filter medium (5) or a means (3) for degassing and refining the melt.

3. 3. The installation (12) for smelting and refining according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the means (3) for degassing and refining the melt is arranged in the first chamber (A) and the filter medium (5) is arranged in the second chamber (B).

4. 3. The installation (12) for smelting and refining according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the filter medium (5) is arranged in the first chamber (A) and the means (3) for degassing and refining the melt is arranged in the second chamber (B).

5. 5. The installation (12) for smelting and refining according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the means (3) for degassing and refining the melt are a degassing mixer or a degassing rotor, a supply of process gas, and optionally means for supplying particulate matter.

6. 6. An installation (12) for smelting and refining according to claim 5, wherein the means (3) for degassing and refining the melt is a degassing rotor (3) for supplying the process gas to the melt for degassing and refining.

7. The installation (12) for smelting and refining according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the filter medium (5) is a ceramic foam filter having a porosity grade of 30 to 50 ppi.

8. A method for refining a metal melt, in particular molten aluminum or an aluminum alloy, by using an installation (12) for melting and refining according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising: a) closing the removable starting closure (6); b) providing molten metal to said trough supply (1) system; c) creating a reduced pressure in the vessel (13) by means of the suction means (11), thereby raising the level of the molten metal in the at least first chamber (A) and the at least second chamber (B) to a predetermined metal level (14) in the vessel (13) that allows the molten metal to flow across the at least one partition wall (4); d) activating the means (3) for degassing and refining; e) closing the removable bypass closure (2); and f) opening said removable start-up closure (6), thereby allowing said molten metal to flow through said at least first chamber (A) and said at least second chamber (B) into a casting system; A method comprising:

9. 9. A method for refining a metal melt as claimed in claim 8, comprising monitoring the metal level in the trough section (1) by means of a metal level sensor (8).

10. 10. The method for refining a metal melt according to claim 8 or 9, comprising gradually opening the removable start-up closure (6) to adjust the metal flow downstream of the smelting and refining facility (12) towards the casting system, thereby adjusting the residence time of molten metal in the at least first chamber (A) and the at least second chamber (B) adapted to the throughput of the downstream casting process.

11. A method according to any one of claims 8 to 10, comprising collecting exhaust gases and dust particles in a closed filter system.

12. 1. An apparatus (12) for refining a metal melt, in particular molten aluminum or aluminum alloys, said apparatus comprising a vessel (13) having an outer shell or casing and a thermally insulated inner coating or wall structure, a removable lid (7) on top of said vessel (13) for keeping said vessel sealed during operation, and suction means (11) for creating a reduced pressure in said vessel during operation, the vessel (13) is configured to be fluidly connected with the metal flow in the metal supply trough (1, 1'), the vessel (13) comprising at least one partition wall (4) extending from the bottom of the vessel upwards to a predetermined height level of the interior height of the vessel, the at least one partition wall (4) dividing the vessel into at least a first chamber (A) having an inlet opening (A') configured to be fluidly connected with the metal supply trough section (1) and at least a second chamber (B) having an outlet opening (B') configured to be fluidly connected with the downstream trough section (1'); At least one removable filter medium (5) is arranged in the at least first chamber (A) or in the at least second chamber (B) at a height lower than the preset height level of the partition wall (4), An apparatus (12) in which at least one means (3) for degassing and refining the melt is arranged in the other of the at least first chamber (A) or the at least second chamber (B).

13. 13. The apparatus according to claim 12, comprising, in addition to the first chamber (A) and the second chamber (B), more than one partition wall (4) dividing the vessel (13) into one or more additional chambers, each of said one or more additional chambers comprising a removable filter medium (5) or means (3) for degassing and purifying the melt.

14. 14. Apparatus according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the means (3) for degassing and refining the melt are a degassing mixer or a degassing rotor and a supply of process gas and, optionally, means for supplying particulate matter.

15. 15. Apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the means (3) for degassing and refining the melt is a degassing rotor attached to the bottom of the refining chamber, the degassing rotor supplying process gas to the melt for degassing and refining treatment.

16. The device according to any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein the removable filter medium (5) is a ceramic foam filter having a porosity grade of 30 to 50 ppi.

17. Use of the device according to any one of claims 12 to 16 in-line between a melting furnace and a caster for refining, degassing and particle removal of molten aluminium or aluminium alloys.

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