Cored Wire Composite Coating for Melt Modification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cored wires for out-of-furnace treatment of metallurgical melts face challenges in achieving uniform penetration and modification of molten metal due to the limitations of hermetically sealed metal sheaths and the lack of ultra-dispersed modifying substances in the thermal barrier layer.

Innovation Solution

A cored wire design featuring a metal sheath with a composite coating containing ultra-dispersed high melting-point particles, such as metal carbides, nitrides, and silicides, applied on the inner and/or outer surface, which allows for uniform distribution and deep penetration of the modifier into the molten metal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a hermetically sealed metal sheath is used to encase the filler, then the filler is protected from premature contact with molten metal, but the modifier cannot penetrate the full depth of the melt and spread uniformly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection of fillerVSAvoiduniform distribution of modifier
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The metal sheath is segmented into multiple sections along its length, with different sections having different levels of permeability. The lower portion remains hermetically sealed to protect the filler during initial descent, while the upper portion becomes permeable to allow modifier release at depth. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by providing both protection and controlled distribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sheath is pre-configured with selective permeability zones before insertion into the molten metal. The permeable sections are positioned in advance to activate at specific depths, ensuring the modifier is released at the optimal location for uniform distribution throughout the melt, rather than requiring post-insertion adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Strength

If ultra-dispersed modifiers are used to refine structure, then mechanical strength and operational properties improve, but additional equipment and preliminary preparation are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical strength of cast productsVSAvoidadditional equipment and preparation
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cored wire system is designed to automatically dispense ultra-dispersed modifiers at the appropriate depth in the molten metal without requiring external feeding mechanisms. The wire itself serves as both the delivery vehicle and the release mechanism, eliminating the need for separate ultra-dispersed material handling equipment and preliminary preparation steps while maintaining the structural refinement benefits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Stability of the object's composition

If the filler is encased in ampoules or capsules, then the filler composition is maintained, but the modifying effect is reduced due to inability to reach required penetration depth

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiller compositionVSAvoidpenetration depth of modifier
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The sheath transitions from a static hermetically sealed structure to a dynamic system where permeability changes along its length during insertion. The selective permeability zones are activated sequentially as the sheath descends, allowing the filler to remain protected during transport while enabling modifier release at the optimal depth for maximum penetration and modifying effect.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The proposed cored wire solution enables efficient modification and microalloying of metallurgical melts, improving grain refinement, mechanical properties, and reducing non-metallic inclusions, while minimizing the consumption of cored wire.

Implementation Method 1

a composite coating containing ultra-dispersed high melting-point particles, such as metal carbides, nitrides, and silicides, applied on the inner and/or outer surface, which allows for uniform distribution and deep penetration of the modifier into the molten metal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltra-dispersed particle distribution: Dispersion (of waves)

Implementation Method 2

ultra-dispersed high melting-point particles, such as metal carbides, nitrides, and silicides

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHigh melting-point resistance: Melting

Data Source

PatentUS12203146B2Cored wire for out-of-furnace treatment of metallurgical melts
Publication Date: 2025.01.21 RES & DEV CENT NPP LLC

AI summary

A wire for out-of-furnace treatment of metallurgical melts comprises a metallic sheath which encloses a core comprising at least one element selected from the group consisting of Ca, Ba, Sr, Mg, Si and Al, wherein at least one layer of a composite coating is applied to an inner and/or outer surface of said sheath, which coating consists of a lacquer paint material and contains high-melting ultrafine particles selected from compounds of metal carbides and/or nitrides and/or carbonitrides and/or silicides and/or borides. The composite coating comprises a protector material, for which ferroalloys and/or flux agents are used. The metals contained in the high-melting compounds are titanium and/or tungsten and/or silicon and/or magnesium and/or niobium and/or vanadium. Said coating is applied evenly onto the surface of the sheath.