Molten metal sampling tool

Abstract

To provide a fixture capable of sampling a sample from an optional position including a relatively deep position in a molten metal at a pin point.SOLUTION: A molten metal sampling fixture is used for sampling a molten metal by being operated in a first direction P and comprises: a container body 3 including a first opening 7 surrounding a chamber 5 into which the molten metal is flowable and facing the first direction so as to be fluid-communicated with the chamber and a second opening 9 facing reversely to the first direction so as to be fluid-communicated with the chamber; a first cover openably fitted to the container body and receiving fluid pressure caused by the molten metal when the container body moves toward the first direction to close the first opening; and a second cover openably fitted to the container body and receiving fluid pressure caused by the molten metal when the container body moves toward the first direction to close the second opening.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a sampling jig for taking a sample from a molten alloy, and in particular to a sampling jig capable of pinpointing and taking a sample from any desired position, including a relatively deep position within the molten alloy. [Background technology]

[0002] An alloy ingot is made by mixing the raw metals to the desired composition ratio and melting them, for example, in a vacuum furnace. The molten metal is stirred by natural convection, the generation of bubbles, or by intentionally applying electromagnetic force, and these are used to mix the alloy components and homogenize the composition. However, the resulting ingot often deviates from the desired composition. The countermeasures vary significantly depending on whether the composition deviation is due to insufficient mixing or a special segregation phenomenon.

[0003] Various computer simulations have been devised to elucidate the behavior of molten metal during stirring. To enable precise analysis, it is necessary to take samples from various positions in the actual molten metal to understand its composition, and to reflect this in the analysis or compare it with the analysis results.

[0004] Patent Documents 1 to 3 disclose techniques relating to sampling tools and methods. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 6-3072 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 8-21832 [Patent Document 3] JP 2002-71888 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] As can be understood from the prior art documents, various sampling jigs have been devised, but the positions at which samples can be taken in the molten metal are limited. For example, even if an attempt is made to take a sample at a relatively deep position by inserting a jig from the surface of the molten metal, it is not clear whether the sample taken reflects the time from the insertion to the pulling up. Even if the jig is filled with the sample once, it may be mixed with the molten metal at other positions during the process of pulling up the jig, and may even be completely replaced. In other words, with the conventional sampling jigs, it is not expected to pinpoint any position in the molten metal and investigate the distribution of the composition. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The jig disclosed below has been devised to solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0008] The jig is operated in a first direction to collect molten metal, and includes a container body surrounding a chamber into which the molten metal can flow, the container body having a first opening facing the first direction and fluidly connected to the chamber, and a second opening facing opposite the first direction and fluidly connected to the chamber; a first lid attached to the container body so as to be openable and closable, and receiving a fluid pressure from the molten metal when the container body moves in the first direction to close the first opening; and a second lid attached to the container body so as to be openable and closable, and receiving a fluid pressure from the molten metal when the container body moves in the first direction to close the second opening. The first lid is dimensioned to allow the inflow of the molten metal even when the first opening is closed, and the second lid is dimensioned to prevent the outflow of the molten metal when the second opening is closed.

[0009] Preferably, the first lid and the second lid are each pivotally supported by the container body. More preferably, the second opening is tapered in the opposite direction to the first direction at least on a surface in contact with the second lid. Even more preferably, the second lid is tapered in the opposite direction to the first direction at least on a surface in contact with the second opening. Effect of the Invention

[0010] The fixture makes it possible to pinpoint samples from any location, including relatively deep within the molten metal. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a jig according to one embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a jig according to another embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is an elevational cross-sectional view of the jig. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a plan cross-sectional view of the jig taken along lines IVA-IVA and IVB-IVB in FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a partial elevational cross-sectional view particularly showing the relationship between the opening on the bottom surface and the lid. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Several exemplary embodiments are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which it is to be specifically noted that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale and therefore the dimensional relationships between them are not limited to those shown.

[0013] 1, for example, the molten metal sampling jig 1 according to this embodiment is configured so that the lid closes only when the jig is operated in a direction P after being immersed in the molten metal, and a sample is collected at the pinpoint position. The direction P is usually vertically upward, but this is not essential.

[0014] The jig 1 is made of an appropriate material that can withstand the high temperatures of the molten metal and does not easily react with the molten metal. Such materials are, for example, materials with a higher specific gravity than the molten metal, and examples of such materials include metals and ceramics. For example, when applied to molten metal of so-called nickel-based or cobalt-based superalloys, these are at 1400°C or higher, and a metal with sufficiently low reactivity that can maintain its shape even in such a temperature range for the time required to extract the molten metal can be used, and an example of such a metal is molybdenum. Alumina-based, magnesia-based, and calcia-based ceramics can also be suitably used.

[0015] The surface of the jig 1 may be coated with an appropriate material, for example, for the purpose of further reducing the reactivity with the molten metal. An example of such a coating material is alumina silicate, for example, when applied to the molten metal of a so-called nickel-based or cobalt-based superalloy.

[0016] Referring to FIG. 3 in combination with FIG. 1, the jig 1 includes a vessel body 3, which is sized to enclose a chamber 5 into which the molten metal can flow. The vessel body 3 is generally shaped like a rectangular parallelepiped, with planar side surfaces 3s, but one or more of the side surfaces 3s may be cylindrical, or may be conical or have other rotationally symmetrical shapes, as shown in FIG. 2. Needless to say, the inner surface may also be planar, cylindrical, or conical. These shapes are advantageous in that they are easy to process. Alternatively, factors other than processability may be taken into consideration, and for example, a streamlined shape or a bullet-shaped shape may be adopted. These shapes are advantageous in that they do not disturb the flow of the molten metal.

[0017] Although not specifically shown in each drawing, an operating tool such as a rod of an appropriate length is attached to one of the side surfaces 3s for the purpose of operating the jig 1. For the installation, a fastener such as a bolt can be used, but this is not essential. The operation of submerging the jig 1 in the molten metal and raising it up is performed directly by operating the operating tool.

[0018] 3, the vessel body 3 has an opening to allow the inflow of molten metal. One opening 7 is opened on the top surface 3a of the vessel body 3, and the other opening 9 is opened on the bottom surface 3b, both of which are fluidly connected to the chamber 5. Needless to say, when the direction P is vertical, the opening 7 faces the direction P, and the opening 9 faces opposite to the direction P.

[0019] An openable and closable top cover 11 and bottom cover 13 are attached to the container body 3 to close the openings 7 and 9, respectively. When closed, the top cover 11 is sized to fit closely against the top surface 3a, and the bottom cover 13 is sized to fit closely against the bottom surface 3b, thereby isolating the molten metal that has flowed into the chamber 5 from the outside and preventing it from flowing out and keeping it inside the chamber 5. To enable such blocking, the top cover 11 can be sized to be slightly larger than the opening 7 as shown in Fig. 4(a), and the bottom cover 13 can be sized to fit into the opening 9 as shown in Fig. 4(b). Alternatively, as will be described later, the top cover 11 and the opening 7 or the top surface 3a may be sized to leave a small gap between them to allow the molten metal to flow in even when closed.

[0020] The top lid 11 and the bottom lid 13 may each be pivotally supported by the container body 3. The support shafts 11P and 13P pass through the vicinity of the base ends of the top lid 11 and the bottom lid 13, respectively, and are fixed to the container body 3, thereby supporting the top lid 11 and the bottom lid 13 so that they can be opened and closed. As illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2, the support shafts 11P and 13P may also pass through the container body 3 so that both ends are exposed to the outside, but this is for the convenience of assembly and is not essential. The top lid 11 and the bottom lid 13 can be opened and closed between a closed position shown by a solid line in Fig. 3 and an open position shown by a two-dot chain line. The container body 3 may be provided with ribs that abut the top lid 11 and the bottom lid 13 so that they do not rotate beyond their respective open positions, or may be provided with other appropriate structures instead of or in addition to the ribs.

[0021] When the jig 1 is operated in the opposite direction to the direction P (sinking into the molten metal), the fluid pressure caused by the molten metal flowing into the chamber 5 acts on the top lid 11 and the bottom lid 13, pushing them up and opening them, and when the jig 1 is pulled up in the direction P, the top lid 11 and the bottom lid 13 are closed by the fluid pressure. If the top lid 11 closes the opening 7 first, the bottom lid 13 can no longer receive the fluid pressure, and the closing of the opening 9 may be insufficient. Therefore, as already mentioned, the top lid 11, the opening 7, and the top surface 3a may be dimensioned so as to leave a gap that allows a small amount of molten metal to flow in. Once the bottom lid 13 closes the opening 9, the molten metal in the chamber 5 can no longer flow out, and the molten metal from the outside cannot flow in from the opening 7. Therefore, even if a small gap remains, the sample in the chamber 5 does not undergo material exchange with the outside, and the reliability of the sample is not impaired.

[0022] The ability of the bottom cover 13 to close the opening 9 is important in improving the reliability of the sample. In order to improve the adhesion between them, one or both of the bottom cover 13 and the opening 9 may have inclined bevel surfaces 13s, 9B at the surfaces where they contact each other. As shown in FIG. 5(a), the bevel surfaces 13s, 9B are tapered in the opposite direction to the direction P, and act like a wedge when the bottom cover 13 closes to strengthen the adhesion between them. Regardless of the presence or absence of the bevel surface 9B, the lower side of the opening 9 may have a bevel surface 9C tapered in the direction P. This is advantageous in promoting the inflow of the molten metal. Of course, as shown in FIG. 5(b), the bevel surface 9B may be continuous to the lower edge of the opening 9.

[0023] Bevel surfaces 13s and 9B do not have to be flat, and one or both of them may be curved as shown in Fig. 5(c). For example, bevel surface 13s may be a curved surface that is convex toward the outside, and bevel surface 9B may be a concave surface. Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 5(d), each may be stepped. After opening 9 is closed, bevel surfaces 13s and 9B that are in contact with each other act like a labyrinth, and better prevent the sample inside from leaking out.

[0024] As can be understood from the above description, when the jig 1 is immersed in the molten metal, both the lids 11 and 13 open under the influence of fluid pressure, and the molten metal easily flows into the chamber 5. When the jig 1 is operated in the direction P, both the lids 11 and 13 close under the influence of fluid pressure, and the molten metal that has flowed into the chamber 5 can be collected as a sample. The lid 13 tightly closes the opening 9, which prevents new molten metal from flowing in through the opening 7, and prevents material exchange from occurring between the inside and outside of the chamber 5. At the pinpoint where the jig 1 begins to be operated in the direction P, a sample can be accurately collected, and its reliability can be ensured. According to the conventional technology, it was not possible to obtain sufficient reliability as to which position the collected sample reflects the composition, but according to the present embodiment, a sample can be collected pinpoint and with sufficient reliability.

[0025] Although several embodiments have been described, the embodiments can be modified or varied based on the above disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0026] 1 Jig 3 Container body 3a Top 3b Bottom 3s side 5 rooms 7 aperture 9 aperture 9B Bevel surface 9C Bevel Surface 11 Canopy 11P spindle 13 Bottom lid 13P spindle 13s Bevel Surface P direction

Claims

1. A tool for extracting molten metal by operating in a first direction, a vessel body surrounding a chamber into which the molten metal can flow, the vessel body including a first opening facing the first direction and fluidly communicating with the chamber, and a second opening facing opposite to the first direction and fluidly communicating with the chamber; a first lid attached to the container body in an openable and closable manner, and receiving a fluid pressure from the molten metal when the container body moves in the first direction to close the first opening; a second lid attached to the container body in an openable and closable manner, and receiving a fluid pressure from the molten metal when the container body moves in the first direction to close the second opening; A jig comprising: The first lid is sized to allow the inflow of the molten metal even when the first opening is closed, and the second lid is sized to prevent the outflow of the molten metal when the second opening is closed.

2. The jig according to claim 1 , wherein the first lid and the second lid are each pivotally supported on the container body.

3. The jig according to claim 1 , wherein the second opening is tapered in a direction opposite to the first direction at least on a surface in contact with the second lid.

4. The jig according to claim 1 , wherein the second cover is tapered in a direction opposite to the first direction at least on a surface in contact with the second opening.

5. 5. The jig according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the container body, the first lid, and the second lid is made of alumina-based, magnesia-based, calcia-based ceramics, or molybdenum.

6. The jig according to claim 1 , wherein at least one of the container body, the first lid, and the second lid is coated with a coating material made of alumina silicate.

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