Metal transfer device
A metal transfer device including a cast trough body that includes a vessel for receiving liquid metal, a heater for heating the trough body, and a reinforcing layer provided on an outer surface of the cast trough body between the trough body and the heater. The reinforcing layer includes a composite ceramic material having a high thermal conductivity.
1. A metal transfer device, comprising:
a cast trough body comprising a vessel for receiving a liquid metal;
a heater for heating the trough body; and
a reinforcing layer provided on an outer surface of the cast trough body, said reinforcing layer comprising a composite ceramic material, wherein said composite ceramic material includes a fibrous reinforcing material embedded in a ceramic matrix.
2. The metal transfer device according to claim 1 , wherein the composite ceramic material has a thermal conductivity of at least 3W/m·K.
3. The metal transfer device according to claim 1 , wherein the ceramic matrix is based on silicon carbide.
4. The metal transfer device according to claim 3 , wherein the ceramic matrix comprises at least 15% wt silicon carbide.
5. The metal transfer device according to claim 3 , wherein the ceramic matrix includes one or more additional components selected from the group consisting of a rheology modifier, a thickening agent and a binding agent.
6. The metal transfer device according to claim 1 , wherein the fibrous reinforcing material comprises glass fibers, ceramic fibers and/or carbon fibers.
7. The metal transfer device according to claim 1 , wherein the fibrous reinforcing material comprises glass fibers.
8. The metal transfer device according to claim 1 , wherein the fibrous reinforcing material comprises a woven or non-woven fabric.
9. The metal transfer device according to claim 1 , wherein the composite ceramic material comprises 1-15 layers of fibrous reinforcing fabric.
10. The metal transfer device according to claim 1 , wherein the composite ceramic material has a thickness in the range of 2-10 mm.
11. The metal transfer device according to claim 1 , further comprising a detector for detecting leakage of liquid metal.
12. The metal transfer device according to claim 11 , wherein the detector comprises one or more electrically conductive elements.
13. The metal transfer device according to claim 11 , wherein the detector is located adjacent an outer surface of the trough body.
14. The metal transfer device according to claim 13 , wherein the detector is embedded within the reinforcing layer.
15. The metal transfer device according to any claim 1 , wherein the cast trough body and the reinforcing layer form a unitary component, which is separable from any components of the metal transfer device located externally of the unitary component.
16. The metal transfer device according to claim 1 , further comprising an outer casing located externally of the heater.
17. The metal transfer device according to claim 16 , further comprising an insulating layer located between the heater and the outer casing.
18. The metal transfer device according to claim 17 , further comprising an air gap between the insulating layer and the outer casing.
19. The metal transfer device according to claim 1 , further comprising a top cover.
20. The metal transfer device according to claim 19 , further comprising an insulating layer located beneath the top cover.
21. The metal transfer device according to clam 1 , wherein the metal transfer device further comprises a launder having a flow channel for a flow of liquid metal.