IMPROVEMENTS IN MOULDS OR APPARATUS FOR CASTING STEEL
Year: 1882

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Alexander Patrick, of Glasgow, in the County of
Lanark, North Britain, for an invention of IMPROVEMENTS IN MOULDS OR
APPARATUS FOR CASTING STEEL
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Alexander Patrick at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 2nd June 1882.
ALEXANDER PATRICK, of Glasgow, in the County of Lanark, North Britain,
"IMPROVEMENTS IN MOULDS OR APPARATUS FOR CASTING STEEL"
This Invention has for its object to provide improved moulds or apparatus for
casting steel, such moulds being capable of being heated up before the steel is run
into them in order to render the castings less porous or honey-combed than
ordinary steel castings. Each of the improved moulds can also be used several
times.
In carrying out the Invention a mould for an ingot or other block or article of
steel is made in the form of a complete shell of fireclay or ganister or similar
refractory material either with one end closed like a fireclay gas retort or with
both ends open like a pipe, such shell being burnt or fired like a retort or pipe. In
one modification of the arrangements the fireclay shell is made of moderate thick-
ness and when used is fixed in a castiron box, the sides of which may be perforated
if necessary for the escape of gases or grooves or spaces may be provided for that
purpose between the shell and the sides of the box. In a second modification the
fireclay mould or shell is made of sufficient thickness to dispense with an external
castiron box, but it may have iron hoops or straps applied externally to increase
its strength. In a third modification an inner fireclay shell of moderate thickness,
is combined with an outer fireclay shell of extra thickness and strength, the inner
shell being renewable after being used a number of times.
In using the improved moulds the fireclay shells are heated to a red heat or
higher in a suitable furnace or stove, prior to having the molten steel run into
them. Or the interiors of the shells may be heated by leading into them by
suitable pipes or passages streams of combustible gas and air and igniting the gas
within them.
:

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said Alexander Patrick in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 1st December
1882.
ALEXANDER PATRICK, of Glasgow, in the County of Lanark, North Britain,
"IMPROVEMENTS IN MOULDS OR APPARATUS FOR CASTING STEEL
"
My said Invention has for its object to provide improved moulds or apparatus
for casting steel, such moulds being capable of being heated up before the steel is
run into them in order to render the castings less porous or honeycombed than
ordinary steel castings. Each of my improved moulds can also be used several
times.
In carrying out my Invention a mould for an ingot or other block or article of
steel is made in the form of a complete shell of fireclay or other suitable refractory
material or composition, either with one end closed like a fireclay gas retort, or
with both ends open like a pipe, such shell being burnt or fired like a retort or
pipe. In one modification of my arrangements the fireclay shell is made of
moderate thickness, and when used is placed in a castiron box being packed therein
with ganister or other suitable slightly yielding material, and the sides of the cast-
iron box being perforated or formed with grooves or spaces for the escape of gas.
In a second modification the fireclay mould or shell is made of sufficient thickness
to dispense with an external castiron box, but it may have iron hoops or straps
applied externally to increase its strength. In a third modification an inner fireclay
shell of moderate thickness is combined with an outer fireclay shell of extra
thickness and strength, the inner shell being renewable after being used a number
of times, or instead of an inner shell of fireclay there may be applied inside of the
fireclay mould or box a lining of ganister or other suitable material such lining
being formed or rammed up upon a pattern or core, and being renewed as often as
may be found necessary.
And in order that my said Invention and the manner of performing the same
may be properly understood I hereunto append a sheet of explanatory drawings to
be hereinafter referred to and representing what I at present consider to be preferable
modifications of my improved apparatus.
Figure 1, on the accompanying sheet of drawings is a plan and figure, 2, is a
corresponding vertical section of one modification and figures 3 and 4, are similar
views of a second modification. In these drawings the same reference numerals
are used to mark the same or like parts wherever they are repeated.
In the modification shown in figures, 1, and 2, the body, 5, of the mould consists
of a tubular piece of thick fireclay and rests upon a castiron sole plate, 6, a fireclay
slab, 7, being fitted to the bottom of the mould to protect the castiron sole plate at
that part, there being holes in the plate beneath the fireclay slab to allow gas to
escape. The body, 5, of the mould is strengthened by iron hoops, 8, which are
tightened by screw bolts and can be slackened as required for expansion. Vertical
iron straps, 9, bolted to the sole plate, 6, also assist in strengthening the mould and
are formed with eyes at their upper ends for the attachment of chains for hoisting
the mould by.
The modification shown in figures, 3, and 4, differs from that shown in figures 1,
and 2, merely in being made a little larger for the same size of ingot and in having
applied to it a lining, 10, of ganister.
Instead of making the fireclay body, 5, in a single piece it may be made in two
pieces as if divided at the dotted lines, 11, in figure, 1; and in some cases the
mould body may be made in more than two pieces; being however in all cases
sufficiently bound by iron hoops.

page_text: In using the improved moulds the fireclay shells are heated to a red heat or
higher in a suitable furnace or stove, prior to having the molten steel run into
them. Or the interiors of the shells may be heated by leading into them by
suitable pipes or passages-streams of combustible gas and air and igniting the gas
within them.
Having thus particularly described my said Invention and the manner of
performing the same I have to state that I do not restrict myself to the precise
details herein described or delineated but that what I believe to be novel and
original and claim as the Invention secured to me by and in terms of the herein-
before in part recited Letters Patent is :-
The making of moulds or apparatus to be used in casting steel substantially in
the improved manner hereinbefore described.
In Witness whereof I, the said Alexander Patrick, have hereunto set my
hand and seal this thirtieth day of November, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and eighty-two,
Witness
EDMUND HUNT
Patent Agent
Glasgow.
ALEX. PATRICK. (L.S.)