IMPROVE- MENTS IN THE PRODUCTION OF DENSE METAL CASTINGS AND IN APPARATUS CONNECTED THEREWITH
Year: 1883

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Carl Maria Pielsticker, of 5 Sidney Terrace, Kilburn,
"
London, in the County of Middlesex, Engineer, for an Invention of "IMPROVE-
MENTS IN THE PRODUCTION OF DENSE METAL CASTINGS AND IN APPARATUS
CONNECTED THEREWITH partly of his own Invention and partly a communi-
cation to him from abroad by Doctor Friedrich C. G. Müller, of Brandenburgh
on the Havel, Prussia, Germany,
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Carl Maria Pielsticker at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 21st February 1883.
"
CARL MARIA PIELSTICKER, of 5 Sidney Terrace, Kilburn, London, in the County
of Middlesex, Engineer, "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE PRODUCTION OF DENSE METAL
CASTINGS AND IN APPARATUS CONNECTED THEREWITH Partly of my own
Invention and partly a communication to me from abroad by Doctor Friedrich
C. G. Müller of Brandenburgh, on the Havel, Prussia, Germany,
This invention relates to an improved process of eliminating the occluded gases
in steel and in other metal castings which, if not separated, render the castings on
cooling more or less porous; and it consists in effecting this separation by subjecting
the molten metal to the action of centrifugal force under exclusion of air using the
apparatus hereinafter described and forming part of this Invention or any other
apparatus in which centrifugal force is used for this purpose; producing by this
means not only a most minute division of the particles of molten metal, which
state is the most favorable to the elimination of the occluded gases, but in one
modification of our apparatus a vacuum is formed at the same time and in conse-
quence of the centrifugal action, which greatly assists in effecting the purpose
which we have in view. The centrifuge used in our process consists of a wrought
iron shell, having the form of a cylinder, closed at the bottom and open at the top,
say 18 inches in height and 3 feet in diameter or more in proportion, or it may be
entirely moulded of refractory material. This shell we propose to make with a rim
projecting from the open top towards the outside say 18 inches in width. The

page_text: shell and rim is throughout well lined with a refractory material, which may be
gannister or basic in nature. The shell is to rest on its closed bottom and in the
centre of it, on a solid wrought iron shaft, to which it is well fastened and riveted
on its outer circumference. This shaft we propose to make say 3 feet in height
and it is to -rest on its lower conical shaped end, in a hole or bearing in a heavy
iron or steel plate, so as to easily turn on its point. About one foot above its lower
end or pivot, we fasten a driving pulley, which is to be connected by means of a
belt or otherwise with the motive power; or rotary motion may be given by means
of a pair of bevel wheels. In order to insure a longer life to the iron shell we
surround the same with an iron jacket, leaving a space of say one inch between the
inner and outer shell and fill this with cold water, introduced constantly by means
of the shaft, which we make hollow, and force in the water from its lower end,
where it works in the socket. The hot water runs out continually at a point
where the outer shell enters the bearings in which it rotates, as described further
on, which is furnished with one or more perforations, which are continued through
the brickwork, for the outflow of the hot water. The whole of this centrifuge is
built in into solid refractory brickwork in the following manner; commencing
from the ground we build up the bricks, so as to leave an opening for the driving
belt, or the driving shaft connected with the pair of bevil wheels, to pass through.
A bearing of metal say 12 to 18 inches high encloses the vertical shaft on which the
shell rests just above the pulley or bevil wheel in which the shaft is to turn air
tight. The brickwork is built close against this bearing, but does not touch the
shaft itself at any point. The brickwork is further built up all around the shell,
leaving a space of say one inch between it and the outside of the shell, so as not to
touch or interfere with the shell at any point or in any way when rotating. The
brickwork is built up till about one inch under the projecting rim of the shell and
under its whole width and then deepens into a channel about four inches deep and
two feet wide all around the circumference of the projecting rim of the shell. The
brickwork then rises again to a height of say six inches and a foot wide on its
whole circumference and built up solid from the ground. The whole apparatus
and brickwork is closed on the top by a wrought iron cover slightly convex
towards the outside or otherwise, which may be lined inside with refractory
materials, and which rests on the top of the brickwork, to which it is fastened
and bolted so as to be air tight. In the centre of the cover a hole is left, say two
inches in diameter which carries a funnel, lined with refractory material and from
which a pipe or tube, made entirely of refractory material reaches some distance.
into the interior of the shell of the Centrifuge. Another hole of similar dimensions
is likewise loft in the cover between the centre and its circumference, which hole is
to be connected with an exhauster or aspirator for removing the atmospheric air
from the inside of the apparatus at the beginning of an operation and to draw off
the gases as soon as they are separated from the molten metal
In working our process we proceed as follows:-The inside of the apparatus is
first of all brought to an elevated temperature by means of a blast of gas and air,.
introduced from the outer circumference of the circular channel, or otherwise. The
aspirator or exhauster is set to work at the same time and draws off the products
of combustion. The blast is then stopped and the Centrifuge made to rotate with
considerable velocity. The molten steel or other metal is then poured in a con-
tinuous stream into the funnel in the centre of the cover in such quantity as to
completely fill the pipe leading into the centre of the Centrifuge, thus excluding
atmospheric air. The molten metal on arriving at the bottom of the shell is at
once driven with great force by centrifugal force towards the sides of the shell and
lays itself in a thin sheet against them and gradually, as the Centrifuge revolves,
creeping up on the sides, it overflows the broad rim and runs into the channel of the
brickwork as described; the molten metal being thrown with great force against
the outer circumference of this circular channel, from whence it is drawn off in a
continuous stream through an opening and pipe protruding from it, left for the
1-2-

page_text: The inflow of the molten metal is regulated by the outflow, and both ‘are to be
controlled by the speed with which the Centrifuge is made to revolve.
The operation being continuous, the whole apparatus may be of moderate
dimensions. We wish it to be understood that we do not confine ourselves to this
one form of Centrifuge and apparatus only; our Invention being based upon the
action of centrifugal force for the purpose of eliminating gases from molten metal
whatever the form of the apparatus may be, whether its sides be solid or perforated,
or whether it be merely a disc or table rotating at high velocity under exclusion of
atmospheric air on to which the molten metal runs and from which it is thrown off
by centrifugal force against the outer side of the circular channel, in which it
collects as described and from where it is drawn off for casting.
Another form of apparatus, which we have found to answer our purpose
particularly well, and in which the centrifugal action is assisted by a vacuum
formed at the same time and in consequence of the centrifugal action, we propose
to construct in the following manner. The vertical shaft, as above mentioned,
carries on its upper end an iron circular table or disc, well lined with refractory
material. Across its diameter we propose to place and well fasten a prism, which
may be easily exchanged for a new one when used up, and is also made of refrac-
tory material. This prism is furnished with one or more radial perforations
running through its entire length.
A funnel is placed accurately into the centre of the prism and communicates at
its lower outlet with the radial perforations of the prism, it being particularly
observed that the section of the outlet of the funnel is smaller than the sections of
the radial perforations in the prism taken together.
In working the apparatus care is taken to keep the funnel constantly filled with
molten metal up to a certain extent, so that the outlet is quite filled and no
atmospheric may be drawn in
On the table being set to rotate with great velocity, a sucking action is produced
at the outward openings of the radial channels of the prism, in consequence of
which a vacuum is formed at the centre of the radial channels, the streams of
molten metal passing through the radial perforations, are broken up, and the
occluded gases are separated therefrom in the form of small bubbles and enabled to
escape. The molten metal, on escaping at the outward openings of the radial
channels on the circumference of the rotating table, is thrown with great force
against the outward circumference of the surrounding circular channel of the brick-
work, broken up or atomized, and any gases which may still have been occluded in
the molten metal, are here finally set free and eliminated
The whole apparatus may be made moveable, and on account of its moderate
height may be filled directly from the converter or the usual casting ladle. The
prism can be brought to the required temperature, by introducing a gas and air
blast through the funnel
With a rotating table of say 24 inches diameter four revolutions a second are
sufficient.
The required motive power, of the apparatus is to be a moveable one, may easily
be furnished by four men..

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed
by the said Carl Maria Pielsticker in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
20th August 1883.
"
CARL MARIA PIELSTICKER of 5 Sidney Terrace Kilburn London in the County of
Middlesex Engineer "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE PRODUCTION OF DENSE METAL
Partly my own Invention
and partly a communication to me from abroad by Doctor Friedrich C. G. Muller
of Brandenburgh on the Havel Prussia Germany.
CASTINGS AND IN APPARATUS CONNECTED THEREWITH
This Invention relates to an improved process of eliminating the occluded gases
in steel and in other metal castings which, if not separated, render the castings on
cooling more or less porous; and it consists in effecting this separation by sub-
jecting the molten metal to the action of centrifugal force under exclusion of air,
using the apparatus hereinafter described and forming part of this Invention, or
any other apparatus in which centrifugal force is used for this purpose; producing
by this means, not only a most minute division of the particles of molten metal,
which-state-is-the most favorable to the elimination of the occluded gases, but in
one modification of our apparatus a vacuum is formed at the same time and in
consequence of the centrifugal action, which greatly assists in effecting the purpose
we have in view.
On the accompanying Drawing
Figure 1: Is a vertical Section
Figure 2. Being a plan of same.
Figure 3 Is a similar view to that shown in Figure 1 but represents the
modification described in latter part of Specification.
Figure 4-Represents a plan of same :-
The Centrifuge used in this process and as shown in Figure 1 of the accom-
panying Drawings consists of a wrought iron shell A. having the form of a
cylinder, closed at the bottom and open at the top say 18 inches in height and
3 feet in diameter or more in proportion, or it may be entirely moulded of refractory
material.
This shell we propose to make with a rim B projecting from the open top
towards the outside say 18 inches in width. The shell and rim is throughout well
lined with a refractory material which may be ganuister or basic in nature. The
shell is to rest on its closed bottom C and in the centre of it, on a solid wrought
iron shaft D to which it is well. fastened and riveted on its outer circumference.
This shaft we propose to make say 3 feet in height and it is to rest on its lower
conical shaped end E in a step or bearing F in a heavy iron or steel plate G so as
to easily turn on its point. About one foot above its lower end or pivot we fasten
a driving pulley T which is to be connected by means of a belt or otherwise with
the motive power; or rotary motion may be given by means of a pair of bevel
wheels. In order to ensure a longer life to the iron shell the same may be
surrounded with an iron jacket leaving a space of say one inch between the inner
and outer shell and fill this space with cold water, introduced constantly by means
of the shaft, which we make hollow and force in the water from its lower end,
where it works in the socket.
The hot water runs out continually at a point where the outer shell enters the
bearings in which it rotates, as described further on which is furnished with one
or more perforations which are continued through the brickwork for the outflow
of the hot water. The whole of this Centrifuge is built into solid refractory
brickwork H in the following manner, commencing from the ground we build up

page_text: the bricks so as to leave an opening for the driving belt or the driving shaft
connected with the pair of bevel wheels to pass through. A bearing of metal I say
12 to 18 inches high encloses the vertical shaft on which the shell rests just above
the pulley or bevil wheel in which the shaft is to turn air-tight.
The brickwork is built up all around the sholl leaving a space of say one inch
between it and the outside of the shell, so as not to touch or interfere with the
shell at any point or in any way when rotating. The brickwork is built up till
about one inch under the projecting rim of the shell and under its whole width
and then deepens into a channel K about 18 inches deep and 6 inches wide all
around the circumference of the projecting rim of the shell. The brickwork then
rises again to a height of say 6 inches and a foot wide on its whole circumference
and built up solid from the ground. The whole apparatus and brickwork is closed
on the top by a wrought iron cover L slightly convex towards the outside or
otherwise which may be lined inside with refractory materials, and which 'rests
on the top of the brickwork to which it is fastened and bolted so as to be air tight.
In the centre of the cover a hole is left say two inches in diameter, which carries
a funnel M lined with refractory material and from which a pipe or tube N made
entirely of refractory material reaches some distance into the interior of the shell
of the Centrifuge. Another hole O of similar dimensions is likewise left in the
cover between the centre and its circumference, which hole is to be connected with
an exhauster or aspirator for removing the atmospheric air from the inside of the
apparatus at the beginning of an operation, and to draw off the gases as soon as
they are separated from the molten metal, or instead of an exhauster a blast of a
neutral gas may be introduced at P from the outside of the circular channel and an
outlet provided for at the cover of the apparatus.
In working our process we proceed as follows:-
The inside of the apparatus is first of all brought to an elevated temperature by
means of a blast of gas and air introduced from the outer circumference of the
circular channel at P or otherwise. The aspirator or exhauster is set to work at
the same time and draws off the products of combustion. The blast is then stopped
and the inlet at P closed and the Centrifuge made to rotate with considerable
velocity. The molten steel or other metal is then poured in a continuous stream.
into the funnel M in the centre of the cover in such quantity as to completely fill
the pipe leading into the centre of the Centrifuge, thus excluding atmospheric air.
The molten metal on arriving at the bottom of the shell A is at once driven with
great force by centrifugal force towards the sides of the shell and lays itself in a.
thin sheet against them, and gradually as the centrifuge revolves creeping up on
the sides, it overflows the broad rim B and runs into the channel K of the
brickwork as described the molten metal being thrown with great force against
the outer circumference of this circular channel from whence it is drawn off in a
continuous stream through an opening and pipe R protruding from it left for the
purpose.
The inflow of the molten metal is regulated by the outflow, and both are to be
controlled by the speed with which the Centrifuge is made to revolve.
The operation being continuous, the whole apparatus may be of moderate
dimensions-We wish it to be understood that we do not confine ourselves to this
one form of centrifuge and apparatus only our Invention being based upon the
action of centrifugal force for the purpose of eliminating gases from molten metal
whatever the form of the centrifugal apparatus may be whether its sides be solid
or perforated or whether it be merely a disc or table rotating at high velocity
under exclusion of atmospheric air from which it is thrown off by centrifugal force
against the outer side of the circular channel in which it collects as described and
from where it is drawn off for casting.
Another form of apparatus which we have found to answer our purpose
particularly well is shewn in Figures 3 & 4. of the accompanying Drawing. In
this apparatus the centrifugal action is assisted, by a vacuum formed at the same

page_text: -
time and in consequence of the centrifugal action. We propose to construct it in
the following manner.
The vertical shaft D-as above mentioned carries on its upper end an iron circular
table or disc C well lined with refractory material. Across its diameter, we place
and well fasten a prism S which may be easily exchanged for a new one when
used up and which is also made of refractory material. This prism is furnished
with one or more radial perforations U running through its entire length. A
funnel M is placed accurately into the centre of the prism and communicates at its
lower outlet N with the radial perforations U of the prism S it being particularly
observed that the section of the outlet of the funnel is smaller than the sections
of the radial perforations in the prism taken together.
In working the apparatus care is taken to keep the funnel M constantly filled
with molten metal up to a certain extent so that the outlet N is quite filled and
no atmospheric air may be drawn in.
On the table C being set to rotate with great velocity a sucking action is
produced at the outward openings V of the radial channels U of the prism S in
consequence of which a vacuum is formed at the centre X of the radial channels U
the streams of molten metal passing through the radial perforations U are broken
up and the occluded gases are separated therefrom in the form of small bubbles and
enabled to escape. The molten metal on escaping at the outward openings V of
the radial channels. U on the circumference of the rotating table, is thrown with
great force against the outward circumference of the surrounding circular channel K
of the brickwork, broken up or atomized, and any gases, which may still have been
occluded in the molten metal are here finally set free and eliminated.
The whole apparatus may be made movable and on account of its moderate
height may be filled directly from the convertor or the usual casting ladle.
The prism can be brought to the required temperature by introducing a gas and
air. blast through the funnel M and from the sides of the circular channel at P
giving an outlet for the products of combustion and gases by means of the opening O
in the cover L of the apparatus.
• With a rotating table of say twenty four inches diameter four revolutions a
second are sufficient.
The whole apparatus may be made a movable one, and instead of building up
the brickwork from the ground, which carries the circular channel, the latter
may rest on an iron bottom plate G and be carried on four or more iron
columns Z.
Having now described and ascertained the nature of the said Invention and the
manner in which the same is or may be performed :—
What I Claim as secured to me by the herein before in part recited Lettera
Patent is :-
..Firstly. The production of dense metal castings by subjecting the molten metal
to the action of centrifugal force, substantially as described.
.
Secondly-The apparatus used for the purpose, substantially as described.
In witness whereof I the said Carl Maria Pielsticker have hereunto set my
hand and seal this Eleventh day of August in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and eighty three.