Optimization of operating conditions of aluminum melt refining process in laboratory conditions

Abstract

Many industries desire to use aluminum alloys due to their properties, including low weight, good strength properties, corrosion resistance and good castability. This growing popularity of aluminum alloys increases the requirements for their purity and hence any associated structural defects and degradation of casting properties. Degraded properties of aluminum alloy castings are associated with, among other things, the presence of dissolved hydrogen. Mostly, hydrogen is removed from aluminum alloys by the FDU refining unit. Several variable parameters, which provide room for optimizing the process and increasing the degassing efficiency, characterize this technology. This paper focuses on research and optimization of refining technology at the FDU. Experiments using a physical model were performed to describe the effect of defined operating parameters on degassing intensity. Based on the experiments, combinations of operating parameters selected for testing in operational conditions were proposed.