Effective manufacturing of finished aluminium products or aluminium castings relies on efficient transferring of large amounts of liquid and solid metal. However, within even the biggest foundries and cast houses there are often instances where operators need to focus on smaller quantities of molten metal and the means of transferring it efficiently and safely.
This article will discuss how niche products such as crucibles and ladles are used to transfer molten aluminium efficiently.
How Using Crucibles and Ladles Enhances Safety
Molten aluminium can be moved in a range of ways and it is even possible by hand. Despite the fact this may be necessary in some situations, there are a range of health and safety concerns that come with doing things by hand. Even when using PPE, the risk of physical harm is extremely high when manual processes are used in foundries and cast houses. This is why the use of crucibles and ladles is so beneficial and allows small transfers of molten aluminium far safer and more cost-effective.
Transfer crucibles are often refractory-lined vessels employed to move molten aluminium. Desirable refractory lining material characteristics include minimal heat loss of the metal, resistance to corrosion, erosion, and thermal shock; non-wetting of molten aluminium is vital, as well as the capacity to reline liners with minimised maintenance time and enhanced safety.
Ladles are also employed in the aluminium industry to move molten metal from one location to another, sometimes from a melting furnace to a holding furnace which are frequently employed to hold metal whilst it is treated with fluxing agents or during degassing. They are filled by tapping out a furnace or using a specialist metal transfer pump. Most transfer ladles need supportive steel shells and are lined with refractory, which can be a precast shape or cast in place. The refractory must be resistant to thermal shock, erosion and cracks because of the extreme conditions that it is subjected to.
Ladles and Crucibles for Aluminium Handling from International Syalons
Sialon and silicon nitride ceramic ladles and crucibles from International Syalons are regularly used for handling smaller quantities of non-ferrous metals including aluminium. Sialons are alloys of silicon nitride, categorised by superb thermal and chemical stability, non-wetting properties, and high strength meaning they are ideal for aluminium handling applications.
Crucibles and ladles made from Syalon 101, which has fantastic thermal shock resistance, out-performs materials such as cast iron and other low cost refractory ceramics and offers outstanding service life with no little risk of contamination.
Ladles and crucibles from International Syalons are used for carrying and pouring molten aluminium. We manufacture both hand ladles and ladles for robotic arms which are renowned as reliable, durable and cost-effective.
Our ceramic ladles and crucibles are easy to use and do not always require preheating. If you would like to find out more about how our ladles and crucibles can be used in molten aluminium applications, contact us today.
