Developments in Inclusion Removal Technology

Abstract

This paper reviews the past, present and possible future of molten aluminium inclusion removal technology. Filtration technology is far from a stagnant field. Methods used to remove inclusions from the melt are selected on the basis of the product requirements, operating and capital costs of the method, ease of use, efficiency and reliability of the method. The basic principles of inclusion removal for settling, floatation and filtration are reviewed along with an overview of current typical practice. New developments such as cyclones, MHD priming, vacuum assisted filtration and combined filters are described. Some ideas that have yet to result in commercial systems like “sticky” filters and use of centrifugal and Lorentz forces to increase filter efficiency are listed. The potential for new filter structures utilizing 3D printing methods to achieve high efficiency at low head loss is highlighted.