Safety Enhancement in Ingot Casting at Tomago Aluminium

Tomago Aluminium experienced problems with the boiling of cooling water in ingot casting machines, where water splashed onto molten aluminium after mould filling. The boiling problem was particularly severe when new standard moulds were installed. This paper describes the experiments and modelling employed to analyse and identify the cause of the problem and based on the results, modifications to mould geometry were suggested. Subsequent testing in lab and field trials showed that the boiling was suppressed. The first set of modified moulds in service at Tomago Aluminium showed mould life was improved as predicted. Other issues with the modified mould design, which arose in service, are also discussed.