Ultrasonic degassing of aluminium alloys: basic studies and practical implementation

Abstract

Ultrasonic processing is known to be an efficient means of aluminium melt degassing and structure modification with additional benefits of being economical and environment friendly. The present paper reports on the kinetics of ultrasonic degassing and regassing of foundry aluminium alloys and on pilot scale degassing trials. Efficiency of ultrasonic degassing is compared with conventional Ar rotary degassing. Direct measurements of hydrogen concentration in the melt by Foseco Alspek-H probe are used along with reduced pressure test. The effects of ultrasonic processing on porosity are studied using three-dimensional X-ray tomography.

Keywords:

• Ultrasound
• Degassing
• Aluminium
• Hydrogen
• Porosity
• Melt treatment

Acknowledgements

The research leading to these results has received funding from the European Union’s Seventh Framework Program managed by the Research Executive Agency (FP7/2007-2013) under grant agreement no. 286344 (www.ultragassing.eu).