
Gilsonite/Natural Asphalt in Foundry Industry
Gilsonite In Foundry & Construction Gilsonite is combined with coal and other ingredients as an additive in foundry sands to ensure the quality of the molded part. In sand case, by adding Gilsonite and asphalts at approximately one-third the level of sea coal the pitch had the same 900°F (482.2°C) volatiles. At this level, loss on ignition with asphalt, and Gilsonite was less than 50% of that obtained with seacoal and pitch while the Gilsonite and asphalts evolved less total gas when compared to seacoal and pitch Gilsonite had the least visible smoke generated in the laboratory tests. The lower gas evolution should reduce ventilation load on the pouring floor. The physical property relationships developed in new sand mixes were confirmed by sand using Gilsonite as an additive. Casting finish off a Gilsonite mix has been equal to Seacoal.
Applications of Gilsonite in the Foundry Industry
- Foundry Sand Additives :
– Sand Casting : Gilsonite In Foundry & Construction is used as an additive in foundry sand mixtures. It improves the quality of the sand molds and cores used in metal casting processes.
– Green Sand Molding : In green sand molding, Gilsonite is added to the sand to enhance its properties, such as bonding strength, surface finish, and collapsibility. - Core Binders :
– Core Production : Gilsonite acts as a binder in the production of cores. It helps in creating strong, durable cores that maintain their shape during the casting process.
– Shell Molding : In shell molding, Gilsonite In Foundry & Construction is used to improve the shell’s strength and thermal stability. - Facilitating Mold Release :
– Mold Release Agent : Gilsonite In Foundry & Construction helps in reducing the adherence of the metal to the mold, facilitating easier release of the casting from the mold and reducing defects. - Improving Surface Finish :
– Surface Quality : The addition of Gilsonite In Foundry & Construction to the mold or core sand can improve the surface finish of the castings, resulting in smoother, defect-free surfaces.
Benefits of Using Gilsonite in the Foundry Industry
- Improved Mold and Core Quality :
– Enhanced Strength : Gilsonite In Foundry & Construction enhances the bonding strength of the sand, resulting in stronger molds and cores that can withstand the stresses of the casting process.
– Better Collapsibility : It improves the collapsibility of molds and cores, making them easier to remove after the metal has solidified, thus reducing the risk of defects. - Enhanced Surface Finish :
– Smooth Castings : Gilsonite helps in producing castings with smoother surfaces, reducing the need for extensive finishing work.
– Reduced Defects : Its use minimizes casting defects such as veining, metal penetration, and gas defects. - Thermal Stability :
– Heat Resistance : Gilsonite provides thermal stability to molds and cores, preventing them from breaking down under high temperatures during the metal pouring process.
– Control of Thermal Expansion : It helps in controlling the thermal expansion of the sand, reducing the risk of mold distortion. - Improved Casting Precision :
– Dimensional Accuracy : The use of Gilsonite in molds and cores improves the dimensional accuracy of castings, ensuring that they meet precise specifications.
– Fine Details : It enables the production of castings with fine details and intricate geometries. - Environmental and Economic Benefits :
– Reduced Waste : Improved mold and core quality leads to fewer defective castings, reducing waste and increasing efficiency.
– Cost-Effective : Gilsonite In Foundry & Construction is a cost-effective additive that can enhance the overall performance of foundry sand mixtures, reducing the need for more expensive materials.
Considerations:
- Proportion Optimization : The proportion of Gilsonite in the sand mixture must be optimized to achieve the desired properties without negatively affecting other aspects of the casting process.
- Compatibility : Ensure compatibility with other additives and binders used in the foundry sand to achieve the best results.
Role in Foundry Processes
- Sand Preparation : Gilsonite In Foundry & Construction is mixed with the sand and other additives to prepare the mold and core sand mixtures.
- Mold and Core Formation : The prepared sand mixtures are used to form molds and cores through various processes, such as green sand molding, shell molding, or core shooting.
- Casting : Molten metal is poured into the molds, where Gilsonite helps in maintaining mold integrity and improving the surface finish of the castings.
- Mold and Core Removal : After the metal has solidified, the molds and cores are broken down, and the castings are extracted. The improved collapsibility and mold release properties of Gilsonite facilitate this process.
Ratio of Gilsonite in Foundry
The ratio of Gilsonite used in foundry sand mixtures can vary depending on the specific application, type of casting, and desired properties of the mold or core. However, typical usage rates for Gilsonite in foundry applications are generally in the range of 2% to 5% by weight of the total sand mixture. Here are some more detailed guidelines based on different foundry processes:
- Green Sand Molding
– General Use : In green sand molding, Gilsonite is often added to the sand mixture at a ratio of 2% to 3%. This helps improve the sand’s bonding strength, collapsibility, and surface finish of the castings.
– Heavy or High-Stress Castings : For more demanding applications, such as heavy or high-stress castings, the ratio may be increased to up to 4% to 5% to ensure the molds maintain integrity under higher thermal and mechanical stresses. - Core Production
– Standard Cores : For typical core production, Gilsonite is used at a ratio of about 2% to 4% by weight. This improves the strength and stability of the cores while ensuring they can be easily removed after casting.
– Complex Cores : For cores with intricate shapes or those that require higher strength, the ratio can be adjusted up to 5%. - Shell Molding
– Shell Sand : In shell molding, Gilsonite is used at a lower ratio, typically around 1% to 3%, due to the specific nature of the resin-coated sand used in this process. The lower ratio is sufficient to enhance the thermal stability and strength of the shell molds. - Special Applications
– Mold Release : When used primarily as a mold release agent to facilitate the easy removal of castings, a ratio of around 1% to 2% is often adequate.
– Improving Surface Finish : To specifically target improvements in the surface finish of the castings, the ratio can be fine-tuned based on trial and error, generally within the 2% to 4% range.
Factors Influencing the Ratio:
- Type of Metal Being Cast : The type of metal (e.g., aluminum, iron, steel) influences the thermal and mechanical stresses on the molds and cores, thus affecting the required ratio of Gilsonite.
- Casting Size and Complexity : Larger or more complex castings may require higher ratios of Gilsonite to ensure mold integrity and quality.
- Sand Type and Quality : The base sand’s properties (grain size, shape, and purity) can affect how much Gilsonite is needed to achieve the desired mold characteristics.
- Other Additives : The presence of other additives (such as clays, resins, or binders) in the sand mixture can interact with Gilsonite and influence the optimal ratio.
Practical Steps for Determining the Right Ratio
- Testing and Adjustment : Start with a baseline ratio of around 2% to 3% and conduct tests to evaluate the performance of the molds or cores. Adjust the ratio based on observed results such as surface finish, mold strength, and collapsibility.
- Consultation with Suppliers : Work with Gilsonite suppliers and foundry material experts to determine the best ratio for specific applications. They can provide insights based on extensive experience and testing.
- Quality Control : Implement quality control measures to consistently monitor the properties of the sand mixture and the resulting castings. This helps in fine-tuning the Gilsonite ratio for optimal performance.
Packing of Foundry Gilsonite Natural Asphalt Lump and Powder Form
Gilsonite in lump form like rock packed in the 500~1000 kg jumbo bag
Gilsonite 200 mesh packed in the 500~1000 kg jumbo bag
Gilsonite 300 mesh packed in the 500~1000 kg jumbo bag
Gilsonite 30-40 mesh packed in the 500~1000 kg jumbo bag
Gilsonite 100 mesh packed in the 500~1000 kg jumbo bag
Gilsonite 300 mesh packed in 25 kg pp bag
Gilsonite 200 mesh packed the 25 kg multi-paper bag
Gilsonite 200 mesh packed the 50 lbs multi-paper bag
Gilsonite 30-40 mesh packed pp bag on the pallet
Bulk on vessel
Analysis of Gilsonite Foundry
NO | TEST | RESULT | TEST METHOD |
1 | ASH CONTENT,WT% | 10 | ASTM-D3174 |
2 | MOISTURE CONTENT,WT% | 0.50% | ASTM-D3173 |
3 | VOLATILE MATTER,WT% | 64 | ASTM-D3175 |
4 | SOLUBILITY IS CS2,WT% | 7800.00% | ASTM-D4 |
5 | SPECIFIC GRAVITY @25C | 1.11 | ASTM-D3289 |
6 | NORMAL NEPTHAN INSOLUBLES,WT% | 7900.00% | ASTM-D3279 |
7 | COLOR IS MASS | BLACK | ———————– |
8 | COLOR IN STREAK OR POWDER | BLACK | ———————– |
9 | SOFTENING POINT,C | 150 | ASTM-D36 |
10 | PENETRATION @25C | 0.00% | ASTM-D5 |
ELEMENT ANALYSIS
1 | CARBON,WT% | 78 | ASTM-D5291 |
2 | HYDROGEN,WT% | 7.1 | ASTM-D5291 |
3 | NITROGEN,WT% | 3.67 | ASTM-D5291 |
4 | OXYGEN,WT% | 3.1 | ASTM-D5291 |
5 | SULPHURE,WT% | 2 | LECO(S)ANALYSER |