Observation and characterization of flow in critical sections of a horizontal pressurized gating system using water models

• Main Authors: Jaiganesh Venkataramani, Prakasan Kalakkath
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Foundry Journal Agency 2013-07-01
• Series: China Foundry
• Subjects: flow visualization; water models; similitude; filling behavior; runner aspect ratio; horizontal gating system; multiple gating systems
• Online Access: http://www.foundryworld.com/uploadfile/2013082233103123.pdf

This work is concerned with the hydraulics and flow characterization in a pressurized, horizontal gating system with multiple ingates attached to a plate mold, using transparent water models. Runners with two different aspect ratios (w/h = 0.5 and 2) and four different types of ingates (rectangular, convergent, divergent and venturi) were examined for their influence on flow behavior. Flow behavior was visualized using a high speed camera capable of capturing images up to 10,000 frames per second. Real time experimentation with a few runner – ingate combinations were carried out to validate the usefulness of water models in predicting the filling behavior. Comparison of the approaches provided useful insights into the filling behavior in critical sections of the flow passages as well as the utility of water models towards understanding of the filling behavior during real time casting.