Ladle Dryers, Preheaters, & Dryer-Preheaters

Metal casting and molding dates back to 3000 B.C. and was originally used to make weapons and cult

products. Ever since its inception, the metal casting industry has been continuously changing and

growing, with improved equipment and different applications. Today metal casting and molding is used

to manufacture weapons, construction structures, art work, automotive parts, and much more. A very

important part of this industry is the use of ladles; and consequently, ladle preheaters, dryers and dryer-

preheaters.

Ladles, typically found in foundries, are containers which handle the transfer of molten metal. Like other

equipment in the metal casting industry, the shape, design, and handling of ladles has evolved over the

years. Ladles were originally hand operated. Currently, industries use hydraulics as well as automated

rack and pinion assemblies, to transfer and navigate these ladles. The insides of ladles are typically

coated with refractory linings to be better equipped for handling the molten metal. Depending on the

end product, production rate, and atmospheric conditions, ladles may require a dryer, preheater, or a

combination, dryer-preheater.

Ladle preheaters, as the name suggests, are responsible for preheating the ladles to increase the

temperature of the container to be comparable to that of the molten metal. This is done to prevent

temperature loss from the molten metal, and consequent beading, cracking, oxidation and/or flaking of

the end product.

After handling molten metal and contacting air, the lining of ladles will become moist with vaporized

steam. In order to ensure the end product is not compromised and that there’s no chance of any water

molecules coming into contact with molten metal, the ladle lining must be completely dry between

batches. Thus, ladle dryers dry the lining of ladles at a fast and even rate using rapid air circulation at

lower temperatures.

Ladle dryer-preheaters are a combination of the two units. They are designed to achieve the high

temperatures required for ladle preheating, but include rapid air circulation at lower temperatures

required for ladle drying.

For more information on ladle dryers, preheaters, or dryer-preheaters, call 513-367-9300 or visit

http://www.stelterbrinck.com/ladle-preheaters.htm

Keywords: stelter, brinck, ladle, dryer, preheater, dryer-preheater, molten metal, metal casting, metal

molding, foundries