Patent ID: 9267187
Filing Date: 2016-02-23
CPC Classification: B22D,C21D,C22B

Claim Text:
1. A method for reducing the oxidation of molten metal, the method comprising: (a) forming molten metal within a container, the molten metal having an exposed surface defining a surface area; (b) generating a biphasic inert cryogen comprising a liquid flow component and a vaporous flow component; (c) directing the liquid flow component into contact with the molten metal to generate an expanding gaseous volume having a rate of expansion; and (d) directing the vaporous flow component into the container to inhibit he rate of expansion of the gaseous volume, wherein: the container comprises: (c) further comprises directing the liquid flow component proximate the side wall such that the liquid flow component contacts the molten metal at a point proximate the side wall and wherein (b) comprises (b.1) directing a flow of biphasic inert cryogen at a flow rate effective to generate the expanding gaseous volume that is substantially coextensive with the exposed surface of the molten metal, wherein the molten metal possesses a generally meniscoid shape with a raised center meniscus portion and a lower edge meniscus portion, and (c) comprises (c.1) directing the liquid flow component into contact with the lower meniscoid portion.