Modern Copper Smelting / being lectures delivered at Birmingham University, greatly extended and adapted and with and introduction on the history, uses and properties of copper.

by Donald M. Levy

The modern casting machine brings a series of moulds continually under the supply of metal which issues from a large ladle fed continuously from the tapping-slot of the furnace.

The method of tapping now used is to allow the copper to gently run out of the furnace, by gradually lowering the level of a temporary retaining wall which is constructed in a narrow vertical slot in the tapping side of the furnace.

Fig. 70.—Indicating Tilting and Pouring Mechanism
for Ladle of Casting and Refining Furnace.

This slot, which is

-shaped in plan, extends from the lowest point of the hearth to well above the highest possible level of the liquid metal. It is about 3 feet high and 4½ inches wide, and whilst the furnace is working it is kept rammed with a mixture of loam and anthracite, this filling being supported by a series of short transverse bars, 16 inches long and 1 inch square in section, which are set 3 inches apart and rest upon lugs fixed to the iron plates which strengthen the furnace-wall. During the operation of casting, this hard filling can be readily cut away as required and the level of the dam thus gradually lowered at will, permitting the gentle and continuous overflow of the molten metal. The stream is also regulated by inserting a pole of wood in the opening, should the flow become too rapid, and by this means it is kept under absolute control. The molten metal flows along a spout which feeds a small suspended ladle of about 800 lbs. capacity, the supply being so regulated that this ladle is filled sufficiently slowly as not to get ahead of the moulds. The ladle is supported hydraulically, and is pivoted so that it can be brought forward and tilted for pouring, and then lowered and moved a slight distance backwards, to allow the next mould to come into position.

On tilting the ladle, the metal flows gently and without splashing through a three-hole grid in the front—which keeps back slag or cinders—and runs into the mould, which is rapidly filled. In order to prevent the metal overflowing in the mould, and also to rapidly cool that portion which forms the lugs of the anode-plate, a hollow water-cooled block 2 feet 6 inches long and of 6 inches square section, situated opposite the ladle, is brought forward hydraulically into such a position that it rests on the mould just against the edge of the lugs.