Inventors:
Charles E. Eckert - Plum PA
Ronald E. Miller - Murrysville PA
Assignee:
Aluminum Company of America - Pittsburgh PA
International Classification:
C22C 100
Abstract:
A system for adding alloying material to molten metal media is disclosed. The system includes spark cup means, preferably cylindrically shaped, which is partially immersed in the molten media. The spark cup preferably has a lower open end which is exposed to a submerged surface of the molten media and an upper inlet, at least a portion of which is located above an exterior surface of the molten media. Means for supplying the spark cup means with an arc shielding gas through the inlet is provided as is means for feeding an elongated form of the alloying material through the spark cup inlet into the cup area or chamber of the spark cup. Also provided is means for establishing an electrical arc discharge between the submerged molten metal surface and the free end of the alloying element in the spark cup. The free end of the alloying element is converted into a spray of superheated alloy materials as it passes through the arc discharge. The shielding gas projects or directs the superheated spray of alloying material into the melt via the submerged surface in the open end of the spark cup.