Abstract

A welding wire formed of a trace boron titanium base alloy is provided, along with welds formed from the wire and articles comprising one or more of such welds. A method may include forming such a weld or welds from such a welding wire, and may also include non-destructively inspecting titanium alloy articles comprising one or more of such welds using ultrasonic waves to detect internal flaws.

IPC Classes  ?

• B23K 35/32 - Selection of soldering or welding materials proper with the principal constituent melting at more than 1550°C

Abstract

A titanium alloy, components formed thereof, and methods of use are provided. Embodiments of the alloy may be useful in the energy extraction environment. Components formed of the alloy may include subsea or land-based components associated with oil and gas production and drilling.

IPC Classes  ?

• C22C 14/00 - Alloys based on titanium

Abstract

A titanium alloy contains niobium from 8 to 18% by weight; zirconium from 2 to 15% by weight; tin from 0 to 8% by weight; yttrium from 0.0 to 0.3% by weight, and a balance essentially titanium. The titanium alloy has a low Young's modulus, high yield strength, excellent cold bending properties, and good cold stamping and forming performance.

IPC Classes  ?

• C22F 1/18 - High-melting or refractory metals or alloys based thereon

Abstract

A continuous casting furnace for producing metal ingots includes a molten seal which prevents external atmosphere from entering the melting chamber. A startup sealing assembly allows an initial seal to be formed to prevent external atmosphere from entering the melting chamber prior to the formation of the molten seal.

IPC Classes  ?

• B22D 11/00 - Continuous casting of metals, i.e. casting in indefinite lengths

Abstract

A seal for a continuous casting furnace having a melting chamber with a mold therein for producing a metal cast includes a passage between the melting chamber and external atmosphere. As the cast moves through the passage, the cast outer surface and the passage inner surface define therebetween a reservoir for containing liquid glass or other molten material to prevent the external atmosphere from entering the melting chamber. Particulate material fed into the reservoir is melted by heat from the cast to form the molten material. The molten material coats the cast as it moves through the passage and solidifies to form a coating to protect the hot cast from reacting with the external atmosphere. Preferably, the mold has an inner surface with a cross-sectional shape to define a cross-sectional shape of the cast outer surface whereby these cross-sectional shapes are substantially the same as a cross-sectional shape of the passage inner surface.

IPC Classes  ?

• B22D 11/04 - Continuous casting of metals, i.e. casting in indefinite lengths into open-ended moulds
• B22D 11/12 - Accessories for subsequent treating or working cast stock in situ
• B22D 11/07 - Lubricating the moulds
• B22D 11/16 - Controlling or regulating processes or operations

Abstract

A continuous casting furnace includes a temperature control mechanism for controlling the temperature of a metal cast as it exits a continuous casting mold in order to provide improved characteristics of the metal cast. The temperature control mechanism includes a temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the metal cast, and a heat source and cooling device for respectively heating and cooling the metal cast in light of the temperature of the metal cast. A control unit determines if the temperature of the metal cast is within a predetermined range and controls the heat source and cooling device accordingly. The heat source may double as a cooling device or the cooling device may be separate from the heat source.

IPC Classes  ?

• B22D 11/00 - Continuous casting of metals, i.e. casting in indefinite lengths
• B22D 11/16 - Controlling or regulating processes or operations

Abstract

A hot creep stretch wrap forming method includes heating a metal bar (16) to a forming temperature within a temperature range suitable for creep deformation thereof, applying a stretching force to the metal bar at a strain rate no greater than 0.05 inch/inch/second, And wrapping the metal bar around a die (12), preferably having a thermally and /or electrically insulative work surface (34, 36). The stretching force is typically applied to a strain ranging from 0.5% to 15.0%. The metal bar (16) most preferably is a titanium alloy with a forming temperature ranging from 0.45 to 0.60 of its melting temperature. The wrapped metal bar is held in position and its temperature maintained within the temperature range typically for 5 to 120 minutes for stress relief. Preferably, the metal bar (16) is held substantially at the forming temperature throughout the process. Thermal insulation (62) around the die and metal bar reduce heat loss form the metal bar.

IPC Classes  ?

• B21D 11/02 - Bending by stretching or pulling over a die
• B21D 37/16 - Heating or cooling

Abstract

A hot stretch wrap forming apparatus includes a die having a work surface formed of a thermally and/or electrically insulative material, and a set of spaced jaws for stretching and wrapping the metal form around the work surface. A preferred insulative material is a flexible blanket of woven ceramic fibers. A heat source is used to heat the metal form prior to stretching and wrapping. The metal form is preferably heated resistively to maintain a uniform temperature throughout the metal form. The die is typically formed primarily of metal and thus the insulative material thermally insulates the metal form from the metal of the die to prevent the formation of hot spots which would otherwise occur therebetween. The insulative material also electrically insulates the metal form from the metal of the die to prevent shunting therebetween.

IPC Classes  ?

• B21D 37/16 - Heating or cooling

Abstract

A hot creep stretch wrap forming method includes heating a metal bar to a forming temperature within a temperature range suitable for creep deformation thereof, applying a stretching force to the metal bar at a strain rate no greater than 0.05 inch/inch/second, and wrapping the metal bar around a die, preferably having a thermally and/or electrically insulative work surface. The stretching force is typically applied to a strain ranging from 0.5% to 15.0%. The metal bar most preferably is a titanium alloy with a forming temperature ranging from 0.45 to 0.60 of its melting temperature. The wrapped metal bar is held in position and its temperature maintained within the temperature range typically for 5 to 120 minutes for stress relief. Preferably, the metal bar is held substantially at the forming temperature throughout the process. Thermal insulation around the die and metal bar reduce heat loss from the metal bar.

IPC Classes  ?

• B21D 11/02 - Bending by stretching or pulling over a die