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Abstract

An apparatus for and method of controlling the cooling rate of a metallic melt in the production of a semi-solid slurry billet for use in a casting process. The apparatus comprises a thermal jacket including symmetrical halves, with each half having a rounded heat transfer surface extending between a pair of longitudinal edges. An actuator mechanism engages the heat transfer surfaces into intimate contact with a vessel containing the metallic melt to effectuate conductive heat transfer between the vessel and the thermal jacket, with the pairs of longitudinal edges of each halve being disposed in a generally opposite, spaced relationship. The thermal jacket includes a plurality of passageways adapted to carry cooling air for extracting heat from the metallic melt, and a plurality of electric heating elements for adding heat to the metallic melt. The cooling rate of the metallic melt is controlled within a range of about 0.1 degrees Celsius per second to about 10 degrees Celsius per second by regulating the flow of cooling air through the passageways and by regulating activation of the heating elements. The thermal jacket includes fluid manifolds disposed at opposite ends of the thermal jacket to distribute and direct the flow of cooling air, and a plurality of exhaust ports extending between each of the passageways to an exterior surface of the thermal jacket to discharge heat laden cooling air in a lateral direction.

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