Electromagnetic refining of aluminum alloys by the CREM process: Part II. Specific practical problems and their solutions

An experimental investigation, described in Part I and bearing on aluminum alloy billets produced by the CREM process, has shown that the main characteristics of this new technology are the elimination of the need for grain-refiner master alloys and a marked reduction of the scalping operation. Part II reports on the examination of the problems specific to the CREM process, which occur particularly during slab casting. The three-dimensional (3-D) aspect of the electromagnetic and fluid flow phenomena, the effect of the electrical conductivity of the ingot mold, and the improvement of the process design are examined.