Patent ID: 7770628

Claim:
A method for controlling the pouring of molten iron for the centrifugal casting of a pipe including the steps of: initiating the pouring of molten iron from a backup ladle to a pouring ladle, obtaining a first photoelectric cell signal when molten iron passes from the backup ladle to the pouring ladle, obtaining a second photoelectric cell signal when molten iron has filled the pouring ladle, stopping pouring of molten iron from the backup ladle to the pouring ladle upon receipt of the second photoelectric signal, and pouring the molten iron from the pouring ladle into a trough in a centrifugal casting machine, wherein upon receipt of the first photoelectric cell signal, the flow of molten iron from the backup ladle is slowed to fill the pouring ladle at a moderate rate, and wherein a completion timer is started upon receipt of the first photoelectric cell signal, and the completion timer sends a timing signal that is utilized to further slow the rate of filling of the pouring ladle.