Abstract: Electromagnetic filtration primary Fe-rich phases (complex compound of AlFeSiMn) from Al-Si alloy melt containing 1.2 wt pet Fe have been studied by theoretical analysis and on a self-designed electromagnetic filtration equipment. The principle of the electromagnetic filtration is that the EMF (electromagnetic force) scarcely acts on the primary Fe-rich phases having low electric conductivity, which are then moved in the direction opposite to that of the EMF. Experimental results show that the primary Fe-rich phases are separated from AI-Si alloy melt and are collected in the filter while the melt is in horizontal flow. The removal efficiency of the primary iron-phases (eta) calculated is less as the greatest flow velocity of the melt (u(M)) and the height of the filter (2h) are larger, while it becomes larger as EMF, operating distance of electromagnetic force (x) and particle size (d(p)) become larger. It has been confirmed that the primary iron-phases larger than 20 mum can be removed efficiently by theoretical analysis and experiments. This new technique is high efficient and available for continuously flowing melts as compared with natural settling and filtration methods, which offer a Possibility for recycling high quality aluminum alloys.

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