SMALL FOOTPRINT MOLTEN METAL PUMP

Abstract

A device includes a molten metal pump and a metal-transfer conduit. A clamp may be used to attach the metal-transfer conduit to the pump. The pump has a pump base including an indentation configured to receive the metal-transfer conduit and align the pump outlet with the transfer inlet. The pump outlet may be formed in the indentation and preferably near the center of the indentation in order to better align with the transfer inlet. As the pump operates it moves molten metal through a pump outlet that is in communication with a transfer inlet in the metal-transfer conduit. The molten metal enters the transfer inlet, moves upwards in a passage in the metal-transfer conduit, and out of a transfer outlet.

Claims

1. A molten metal pump comprising: (a) a motor positioned on a platform, wherein the platform has a top surface and a bottom surface; (b) a pump base that comprises an inlet leading to a pump chamber and an outlet in communication with the pump chamber; (c) a drive shaft comprising a first end connected to the motor and a second end connected to a rotor, wherein the rotor is positioned at least partially in the pump chamber; and (d) a plurality of support posts, wherein each of the plurality of support posts has a body, a body first end, a body second end, and a rod positioned at least partially in the body and having a first rod end that extends outward from the body first end, and the first rod end is connected to the platform.

2. The molten metal pump of claim 1 that further comprises a plurality of openings in the platform and each of the plurality of openings is configured to have one first rod end positioned therein and having a portion that extends therethrough and above the top surface of the platform, and a fastener is connected to each first rod end at the top surface of the platform.

3. The molten metal pump of claim 2, wherein each first rod end is threaded and each fastener is a nut and threads onto the first rod end.

4. The molten metal pump of claim 2 that does not include support post clamps.

5. The molten metal pump of claim 1, wherein the rod has a second rod end that extends outward from the body second end and that connects to the pump base.

6. The molten metal pump of claim 5, wherein the second rod end is threaded and is threadingly connected to the pump base.

7. The molten metal pump of claim 6, wherein the pump base comprises a screw boss and the second rod end is threaded into the screw boss.

8. The molten metal pump of claim 7, wherein the screw boss is inside of the pump base.

9. The molten metal pump of claim 5, wherein the pump base has a top surface and a recess at the position of each rotor shaft and the second body end of each rotor shaft is positioned in the recess when the support post is connected to the pump base.

10. The molten metal pump of claim 5 that further comprises a one or more brackets configured to position it in a vessel configured to retain molten metal.

11. The molten metal pump of claim 10, wherein the one or more brackets are connected to the platform and to the vessel.

12. The molten metal pump of claim 10 that further comprises a frame on the vessel and the one or more brackets are connected to the one or more brackets.

13. The molten metal pump of claim 1, wherein each of the body plurality of each of the plurality of support posts comprises ceramic sheath.

14. The molten metal pump of claim 1, wherein the rod of each of the plurality of support posts extends through the center of the support post.

15. The molten metal pump of claim 13, wherein the transfer pipe has a second end that is positioned outside of the vessel.

16. A support post for use in a molten metal pump that comprises: (a) a motor positioned on a platform, wherein the platform has a top surface, a bottom surface, and a plurality of apertures extending therethrough; (b) a pump base that comprises an inlet leading to a pump chamber and an outlet in communication with the pump chamber; and (c) a drive shaft comprising a first end connected to a motor and a second end connected to a rotor, wherein the rotor is positioned at least partially in the pump chamber; wherein the support post has a body, a first body end, a second body end, and a rod positioned at least partially in the body, and the rod has a first rod end configured to be received in one of the apertures and be fastened above the top surface the platform.

17. The support post of claim 16, wherein the rod has a second rod end that extends from the second body end and is configured to connect to the pump base.

18. A molten metal pump base that comprises an inlet leading to a pump chamber and an outlet in communication with the pump chamber, and that is configured to be used in a molten metal pump that comprises: (a) a motor positioned on a platform, wherein the platform has a top surface and a bottom surface; (b) a drive shaft comprising a first end connected to a motor and a second end connected to a rotor, wherein the rotor is positioned at least partially in the pump chamber; and (c) a plurality of support posts, wherein each of the plurality of support posts has a body, a body first end, a body second end, a rod positioned at least partially in the body, a first rod end extending from the body first end, and the first rod end is connected to the platform, and a second rod end extending from the second body end and received in a bore in the molten metal pump base and connected to a fastener in the molten metal pump base.

19. The molten metal pump base of claim 18, wherein the second rod end is threaded and threads into the molten metal pump base.

20. The molten metal pump base of claim 18, wherein no cement is injected into the base to retain the second rod end or the support post.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] FIG. 1 is a side, perspective view of a pump and metal-transfer conduit according to this disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 2 is a side, perspective view of the pump and metal-transfer conduit of FIG. 1 not being attached.

[0026] FIG. 3 is a side, perspective view of the pump and metal-transfer conduit of FIG. 2 with the pump shown in an exploded view.

[0027] FIG. 4 is a side, perspective exploded view of the pump of FIGS. 1-3.

[0028] FIG. 5 is a side, perspective view of a platform with motor mount and an air pipe in accordance with this disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 6 is a top, perspective view of a pump base according to this disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 7 is another top, perspective view of a pump base according to this disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 8 is a top view of the pump base of FIGS. 6-7.

[0032] FIG. 9 is a side, cross-sectional view of the pump base of FIG. 8.

[0033] FIG. 10 is a side view of the pump base of FIGS. 6-9.

[0034] FIG. 11 is a top, cross-sectional view of the pump base of FIGS. 6-10.

[0035] FIG. 12 is a side, perspective exploded view of the metal-transfer conduit of FIGS. 1-3.

[0036] FIG. 13 is a front, perspective view of the metal-transfer conduit of FIGS. 1-3.

[0037] FIG. 14 is a front, perspective cross-sectional view of the metal-transfer conduit of FIG. 13 taken through line A-A of FIG. 13.

[0038] FIG. 15 is a side, perspective view of the metal-transfer conduit of FIGS. 1-3 and 13-14 without top section 600.

[0039] FIG. 16 is a side view of the metal-transfer conduit of FIG. 15 showing the inlet.

[0040] FIG. 17 is a top view of the metal-transfer conduit of FIG. 16.

[0041] FIG. 18 is a side, cross-sectional view of the metal-transfer conduit of FIG. 16.

[0042] FIG. 19 is a side, perspective view of a support post according to this disclosure.

[0043] FIG. 20 is a side, perspective cross-sectional view of the support post of FIG. 19 taken through line B-B of FIG. 19.

[0044] FIG. 21 is a side, perspective exploded view of the support post of FIGS. 19-20.

[0045] FIG. 22 is a front, perspective view of a system including the pump and metal-transfer conduit of FIG. 1 with an attached launder and mounting brackets positioned above a well of a vessel configured to retain molten metal.

[0046] FIG. 23 is a front, perspective view of the system of FIG. 22 positioned in the well of the vessel and with the brackets attached to frames on the vessel.

[0047] FIG. 24 is a top view of the system of FIG. 23.

[0048] FIG. 25 is a front, cross-sectional view of the system of FIG. 24 taken through line A-A of FIG. 24.

[0049] FIG. 26 is a front, partial cross-sectional view of the system of FIG. 24 taken through line B-B of FIG. 24.

[0050] FIG. 27 is a close-up view showing the detail of section E of FIG. 26.

[0051] FIG. 28 is a side, partial cross-sectional view of the system of FIG. 24 taken through line C-C of FIG. 24.

[0052] FIG. 29 is a top view of the vessel for retaining molten metal shown in FIGS. 22-26 and 28.

[0053] FIG. 30 is a front, cross-sectional view of the vessel of FIG. 29 taken through line D-D of FIG. 29.

[0054] FIG. 31 is a side, perspective view of the vessel of FIGS. 29-30.

[0055] FIG. 32 is a front, perspective view of a system including the pump and metal-transfer conduit of FIG. 1 with an attached transfer pipe and mounting brackets positioned above the well of the vessel configured to retain molten metal.

[0056] FIG. 33 is a front, perspective view of the system of FIG. 32 positioned in the well of the vessel and with the brackets attached to frames on the vessel.

[0057] FIG. 34 is a top view of the system of FIG. 33.

[0058] FIG. 35 is a front, cross-sectional view of the system of FIG. 34 taken through line A-A of FIG. 34.

[0059] FIG. 36 is a front, partial cross-sectional view of the system of FIG. 34 taken through line B-B of FIG. 34.

[0060] FIG. 37 is a close-up view showing the detail of section E of FIG. 36.

[0061] FIG. 38 is a side, partial cross-sectional view of the system of FIG. 34 taken through line C-C of FIG. 34.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0062] Turning now to the drawings, where the purpose is to describe an embodiment of the invention and not to limit the scope of the claims, a device 10 includes a pump 100 and a metal-transfer conduit 500. A pump, support post, platform, and pump base (with or without an indentation to receive a metal-transfer conduit) according to this disclosure may be used in any suitable application, including one without a metal-transfer conduit.

Pump

[0063] As seen, for example, in FIGS. 1-4, 22-26, 28, 34-36, and 38, pump 100 is preferably a circulation pump and can be any type of circulation pump, or gas-release pump, satisfactory to move molten metal through the pump outlet 138, and in the embodiment shown, into the metal-transfer conduit 500. The pump 100 preferably has a superstructure (or platform) 122, a drive source 124 (which is most preferably a pneumatic motor) mounted on a motor mount 131 of the superstructure 122, support posts 126, a drive shaft 128, and a pump base 130. Motor 124 as shown is secured in part to motor mount 131 by a strap 125. Motor mount 131 preferably partially surrounds motor 124 and acts as a cooling shroud. A blower 133 blows air through pipe 135 and into motor mount 131.

[0064] The support posts 126 connect the superstructure 122 to the pump base 130. The components of pump 100 that are immersed in molten metal, such as the pump base 130, support posts 126, rotor 200, and rotor shaft 128B, are preferably comprised of heat resistant material, such as refractory, graphite and/or ceramic.

[0065] As best seen in FIGS. 304, drive shaft 128 preferably includes a motor shaft 128A that extends downward from the motor 124, a rotor shaft 128B, and a coupling 128C. Motor shaft 128A is preferably comprised of steel. Rotor shaft 128B is preferably comprised of one or more of graphite, ceramic, or graphite coated with a ceramic. Coupling 128C is preferably comprised of steel and connects the motor shaft 128A to the rotor shaft 128B. Rotor shaft 128B has a first end 128B1 that connects to coupling 128C and a second end 128B2 that connects to rotor (also called an impeller) 200.

[0066] The rotor 200, best seen in FIGS. 3-4, is positioned in the pump chamber 134, which has an inlet 132. Rotor 200 can be any suitable rotor for pumping molten metal.

[0067] In operation, the motor 124 rotates the drive shaft 128, which rotates the rotor 200. As the rotor 200 rotates, it moves molten metal out of the pump chamber 134, through the discharge 136, and through the pump outlet 138.

Platform

[0068] The platform 122 is preferably comprised of steel and has a top (or upper) surface 122A and a bottom (or lower) surface (not shown). The platform 122 has openings 127 (best seen in FIG. 5) that pass through from the bottom surface (not shown) to the top surface 122A. As shown, for example, in FIGS. 1-4, a first rod end 126C1 passes through a respective opening 127 and is connected to a fastener at the top surface 122A to secure the support post 126 to the platform 122. As shown, the first rod end 126C1 is threaded and each fastener is a nut 123 that threads onto end 126C1 at top surface 122A.

Support Posts

[0069] The body 121 of each of the one or more support posts 126 preferably comprises one or more of ceramic, such as silicon carbide, and graphite. In one embodiment each body 121 of the one or more support posts 126 has a top end (called a first body end) 126D and a bottom end (also called a second body end) 126E. The body 121 is preferably comprised of graphite along about 15%-30% of its length at 126B as measured from the bottom body end 126E (which is the end juxtaposed the pump base when the pump is assembled), and is preferably comprised of ceramic at portion 126A from the top of the graphite portion 126B of the body 121 to the top body end 126D of the body, which is the end juxtaposed the platform when the pump is assembled. Thus, the ceramic portion (or ceramic covering graphite) 126A of the body 121 preferably comprises about 70%-85% of the length of the body.

[0070] A rod 126C, which can be comprised of any suitable material but is preferably steel, is at least partially embedded in each of the one or more support posts 126 and has one or both of (1) a first rod end 126C1 extending from the first body end 126D of the support post 126, and (2) a second rod end 126C2 extending from the second body end 126E of the support post 126. Therefore, there may only be a first rod end 126C1 or a second rod end 126C2 in each of the one or more support posts 126. In one embodiment, the rod 126C in each of the one or more support posts 126 extends entirely through the support post body 121 and has a first rod end 126C1 extending from the first body end 126D of the support post 126 and a second rod end 126C2 extending from the second body end 126E of the support post 126.

[0071] If the support post 126 has a rod 126C with a first rod end 126C1 extending from the first body end 126D of the support post 126, the first rod end 126C1 is positioned in and through an aperture 127 of the platform 122 and is attached to the platform 122 by a fastener (such as nut 123) that connects to the first rod end 126C1 on the top (or upper) surface 122A of the platform 122. In one embodiment, the first rod end 126C1 is threaded and is connected to the platform by nut 123 being threaded onto it on the top side 122A of the platform 122.

[0072] If the rod 126C has a second rod end 126C2 that extends from the second body end 126E of the support post 126, the second rod end 126C2 is positioned in a bore 139A in the pump base 130 where it is retained and connected to the pump base 130 by any suitable fastener, which is preferably positioned inside the pump base 130. In one embodiment, the second rod end 126C2 is threaded and is connected to the pump base 130 by being threaded into a screw boss (not shown) positioned in the pump base 130.

Pump Base

[0073] The pump base 130, which is shown, for example, in FIGS. 3-4 and 6-11 includes a first side 130A, a second side 130B, a third side 130C, and a fourth side 140. Pump base 130 further includes an inlet 132 at the top surface 137 of the pump base 130 (but an inlet may instead be in the bottom surface of base 130, or the base 130 may have an inlet in the top surface and bottom surface of the base), wherein the inlet 132 is an opening that leads to pump chamber 134.

[0074] Top surface 137 includes recesses 139 and apertures 139A that lead to screw bosses or other fastening devices inside of pump base 130. The second rod end 126C2 of each support post 126 is received in an aperture 139A and is connected to a fastener inside of pump base 130. In this embodiment, each respective second rod end 126C2 is threaded and is threadingly attached to a screw boss in pump base 130. When second rod end 126C2 is threaded into the screw boss, the second body end 126E is positioned in recess 139, which helps isolate second rod end 126C1 and the fastener from molten metal. Additionally, a bead of cement may be placed around second body end 126E when it is in recess 139.

[0075] Pump chamber 134 is a cavity formed in the pump base 130. The pump chamber 134 is connected to a tangential discharge 136 (shown, for example, in FIGS. 8 and 11) that leads to a pump outlet 138, which is an opening in the side wall 140 of the pump base 130. As shown, the side wall 140 of the pump base 130 has an indentation 142 formed therein and the pump outlet 138 is positioned in the indentation 142. This configuration is shown, for example, in FIGS. 2-4, 6-8, and 10.

[0076] Side 140 has a first outer recess 140A and a second outer recess 140B. Two legs 140C and 140D are formed on either side of indentation 142. As shown, indentation 142 is formed in the center of legs 140C and 140D with pump outlet 138 formed in the center of indentation 142. Any suitable location for indentation 142 and pump outlet 138, however, may be utilized.

[0077] The indentation 142 is configured to receive metal-transfer conduit 500 and to align the pump outlet 138 with a transfer inlet 506, which is shown, for example, in FIGS. 15-16 and 18. The indentation preferably has a depth D of about 1 to 3 and a length L of about 8 to 14. Legs 140C and 140D have respective sides 142A and 142B, which may be chamfered inwards, such as at an angle of about 5-30, and most preferably about 7. The purpose of the angled inner sides 142A, 142B is to assist in locating metal-transfer conduit 500 in indentation 142.

Metal-Transfer Conduit

[0078] A metal-transfer conduit 500 is a structure configured to be positioned in indentation 142 of pump base 130 and may be connected to and entirely supported by pump 100. Metal-transfer conduit 500 as shown (and best seen in FIGS. 1-5 and 12-15) is generally rectangular, but can be of any suitable shape or size.

[0079] Metal-transfer conduit 500 is preferably comprised of material capable of withstanding the heat and corrosive environment of molten metal (particularly molten aluminum). Most preferably the heat resistant material is a high temperature, castable cement, with a high silicon carbide content, such as ones manufactured by AP Green or Harbison Walker, each of which are part of ANH Refractory, based at 400 Fairway Drive, Moon Township, PA 15108, or Allied Materials. Cement (if used) to connect metal-transfer conduit 500 to pump base 130 is of a type know by those skilled in the art, and is cast in a conventional manner.

[0080] In the embodiment shown, the metal-transfer conduit 500 has a bottom portion 502 and a top portion 504. The bottom portion is preferably comprised of graphite because graphite is relatively inexpensive and simple to machine, which is helpful in obtaining dimensions sufficient for the bottom portion to be received in the indentation 142 and for the transfer inlet 506 to align with the pump outlet 138.

[0081] Metal-transfer conduit 500 as shown has four sides 500A, 500B, 500C and 500D, a bottom surface 500E a top surface 500F, a transfer inlet 506, a passage 508, and a transfer outlet 510. As best seen in FIG. 17, metal-transfer conduit 500 narrows moving from side 500A to side 500C, and sides 500B and 500D are formed at angles of about 5-10, or 7, or 7, or 7.13. The purpose of the narrowing configuration (if used) is to more easily position metal-transfer conduit 500 in indentation 142.

[0082] Transfer inlet 506 is formed in side 500C, preferably starting about 2-6, or 1-3, from bottom surface 500E. Transfer inlet 506 can be of any suitable size and shape, and as shown has rounded sides 506A and 506B and a height of about 2-4 (or about 3.25) and a width of about 4-6 (or about 5). Transfer inlet 506 may have the same size and dimensions of pump outlet 138 or it may have a cross-sectional area that is smaller or larger than the cross-sectional area of pump outlet 138. For example, the transfer inlet 506 may have a cross-sectional area that is 5%-10%, 10%-20%, 20%-30%, 30%-40%, 40%-50%, or any amount from 5%-50% larger or smaller than the cross-sectional area of pump outlet 138. The cross-sectional area of the pump outlet 138 is measured at the outer surface of indentation 142, and the cross-sectional area of transfer inlet 506 is measured at the outer surface of side 502C.

[0083] Transfer inlet 506 functions to allow molten metal to pass through it and into passage 508. Transfer inlet 506 may be configured to receive an extension (not shown) of base 130 of pump 100, wherein the pump outlet 138 is formed at the end of the extension.

[0084] Metal-transfer conduit 500 has a transfer outlet 510 formed in its top surface 512. Transfer outlet 510 is of any suitable size and shape to permit molten metal to move through it.

[0085] Pump base 130 and metal-transfer conduit 500 may also have structural features such as ridges, projections, grooves, or bores to assist in aligning metal-transfer conduit 500 with indentation 142 and pump outlet 138 with transfer inlet 506.

[0086] When aligned, pump outlet 138 and transfer inlet 506 are about 0-3 apart, or about 0-2 apart, or about -2 apart or 0- apart. The pump outlet 138 and transfer inlet 506 are also preferably aligned vertically and horizontally so the respective centers of pump outlet and transfer inlet 506 are approximately aligned. By maintaining pump outlet 138 and transfer inlet 506 in close proximity, most molten metal from pump outlet 138 enters transfer inlet 506 when pump 100 is activated. Little pump speed or pressure is wasted, which helps the overall function of device 10.

[0087] Metal-transfer conduit 500 includes a groove 520 on side 502B and groove 522 on side 502B. Each groove terminates at side 502A and extends slightly (about -1) onto side 502C. The purpose of grooves 520 and 522 is to connect to clamp 600 as described herein.

Clamp

[0088] Clamp 600 is preferably comprised of steel and has a top plate 602 that is configured to be positioned on top surface 500F of metal-transfer conduit 500 and be connected thereto by rods 720 and suitable fasteners, such as nuts. First plate 602 has an opening 602A that is configured to align with transfer outlet 510.

[0089] Arms 604 are connected to top plate 602 and are configured to be connected to platform 122 by being positioned on fasteners 150, each of which receives an aperture (not shown) in the bottom of each arm 604.

[0090] Side portions 612 each have ridges (not shown) that mate, respectively, with grooves 520 and 522 to secure clamp 600 to metal-transfer conduit 500.

Operation

[0091] In operation, when the motor 124 is activated, molten metal is pumped out of the pump outlet 138 through the transfer inlet 506, and into passage 508/708. Passage 508/708 fills with molten metal until the molten metal reaches the transfer outlet 510. Molten metal then exits transfer outlet 510. The transfer outlet 510 may be connected to a launder 1000, which has sides 1002, a first end 1004, a second end 1006, an inlet 1008, and a top 1010. Transfer outlet 510 is in communication with launder inlet 1008 and molten metal enters the launder at inlet 1008 and travels from first end 1004 to second end 1006. A pipe, launder or other structure that further transfers the molten metal may be attached to second end 1006.

[0092] Alternatively, a pipe 1100 with a first (or proximal) end 1102, a second (or distal) end, and a passage 1106 that extends from first end 1102 to second end 1104 may be utilized. The first end 1102 of pipe 1100 is connected to clamp 600 and is in fluid communication with outlet 510 of transfer-conduit 500. In operation, when the motor 124 is activated, molten metal is pumped out of the pump outlet 138 through the transfer inlet 506, and into passage 508/708. Passage 508/708 fills with molten metal until the molten metal reaches the transfer outlet 510. Molten metal then exits transfer outlet 510. The transfer outlet 510 may be connected to a pipe, launder or other structure that further transfers the molten metal

Non-Limiting Examples

[0093] Some non-limiting examples of this disclosure are as follows:

[0094] Example 1: A molten metal pump comprising: [0095] a motor positioned on a platform, wherein the platform has a top surface and a bottom surface; [0096] a pump base that comprises an inlet leading to a pump chamber and an outlet in communication with the pump chamber; [0097] a drive shaft comprising a first end connected to the motor and a second end connected to a rotor, wherein the rotor is positioned at least partially in the pump chamber; and [0098] a plurality of support posts, wherein each of the plurality of support posts has a body, a body first end, a body second end, and a rod positioned at least partially in the body and having a first rod end that extends outward from the body first end, and the first rod end is connected to the platform.

[0099] Example 2: The molten metal pump of claim 1 that further comprises a plurality of openings in the platform and each of the plurality of openings is configured to have one first rod end positioned therein and having a portion that extends therethrough and above the top surface of the platform, and a fastener is connected to each first rod end at the top surface of the platform.

[0100] Example 3: The molten metal pump of claim 2, wherein each first rod end is threaded and each fastener is a nut and threads onto the first rod end.

[0101] Example 4: The molten metal pump of claim 2 that does not include support post clamps.

[0102] Example 5: The molten metal pump of claim 1, wherein the rod has a second rod end that extends outward from the body second end and that connects to the pump base.

[0103] Example 6: The molten metal pump of claim 5, wherein the second rod end is threaded and is threadingly connected to the pump base.

[0104] Example 7: The molten metal pump of claim 6, wherein the pump base comprises a screw boss and the second rod end is threaded into the screw boss.

[0105] Example 8: The molten metal pump of claim 7, wherein the screw boss is inside of the pump base.

[0106] Example 9: The molten metal pump of claim 5, wherein the pump base has a top surface and a recess at the position of each rotor shaft and the second body end of each rotor shaft is positioned in the recess when the support post is connected to the pump base.

[0107] Example 10: The molten metal pump of claim 5 that does not use cement to connect any of the plurality of support posts to the pump base.

[0108] Example 11: The molten metal pump of claim 5, wherein the pump base does not include an aperture configured to receive the second body end of the support post.

[0109] Example 12: The molten metal pump of claim 11, wherein the pump base does not include one or more bores extending from the outside of the pump base to an aperture configured to receive a motor shaft.

[0110] Example 13: The molten metal pump of claim 1 that further comprises a one or more brackets configured to position it in a vessel configured to retain molten metal.

[0111] Example 14: The molten metal pump of claim 5 that further comprises a one or more brackets configured to position it in a vessel configured to retain molten metal.

[0112] Example 15: The molten metal pump of claim 14, wherein the one or more brackets are connected to the platform and to the vessel.

[0113] Example 16: The molten metal pump of claim 14 that further comprises a frame on the vessel and the one or more brackets are connected to the one or more brackets.

[0114] Example 17: The molten metal pump of claim 1 that is connected to a metal-transfer conduit, wherein the metal-transfer conduit includes an inlet in fluid communication with the pump outlet.

[0115] Example 18: The molten metal pump of claim 13, wherein the pump outlet is positioned against the metal-transfer conduit inlet.

[0116] Example 19: The molten metal pump of claim 10, wherein the metal-transfer conduit further includes an outlet above the metal-transfer conduit inlet.

[0117] Example 20: The molten metal pump of claim 13, wherein the metal-transfer conduit is connected to the frame.

[0118] Example 21: The molten metal pump of claim 17, wherein the metal-transfer conduit is connected to a launder that has a launder inlet and the outlet of the transfer conduit is in fluid communication with the launder inlet.

[0119] Example 22: The molten metal pump of claim 21, wherein the launder further comprises an outlet.

[0120] Example 23: The molten metal pump of claim 15, wherein the frame is welded to the vessel.

[0121] Example 24: The molten metal pump of claim 5, wherein the pump base has a small footprint.

[0122] Example 25: The molten metal pump of claim 1, wherein the platform has a small footprint.

[0123] Example 26: The molten metal pump of claim 1, wherein each of the body plurality of each of the plurality of support posts comprises ceramic sheath.

[0124] Example 27: The molten metal pump of claim 1, wherein the rod of each of the plurality of support posts extends through the center of the support post.

[0125] Example 28: The molten metal pump of claim 5, wherein the second rod end does not extend past a bottom surface of the pump base.

[0126] Example 29: The molten metal pump of claim 5 that does not include post clamps.

[0127] Example 30: The molten metal pump of claim 17, wherein the metal-transfer conduit has a top surface that is connected to a first end of a transfer pipe.

[0128] Example 31: The molten metal pump of claim 30, wherein the transfer pipe has an inlet in fluid communication with a metal-transfer conduit outlet.

[0129] Example 32: The molten metal pump of claim 26, wherein the transfer pipe has a second end that is positioned outside of the vessel.

[0130] Example 33: The molten metal pump of claim 30, wherein the transfer pipe is connected to the platform.

[0131] Example 34: A support post for use in a molten metal pump that comprises: [0132] (a) a motor positioned on a platform, wherein the platform has a top surface, a bottom surface, and a plurality of apertures extending therethrough; [0133] (b) a pump base that comprises an inlet leading to a pump chamber and an outlet in communication with the pump chamber; and [0134] (c) a drive shaft comprising a first end connected to a motor and a second end connected to a rotor, wherein the rotor is positioned at least partially in the pump chamber; [0135] wherein the support post has a body, a first body end, a second body end, and a rod positioned at least partially in the body, and the rod has a first rod end configured to be received in one of the apertures and be fastened above the top surface the platform.

[0136] Example 35: The support post of claim 34, wherein the rod has a second rod end that extends from the second body end and is configured to connect to the pump base.

[0137] Example 36: A molten metal pump base that comprises an inlet leading to a pump chamber and an outlet in communication with the pump chamber, and that is configured to be used in a molten metal pump that comprises: [0138] a motor positioned on a platform, wherein the platform has a top surface and a bottom surface; [0139] a drive shaft comprising a first end connected to a motor and a second end connected to a rotor, wherein the rotor is positioned at least partially in the pump chamber; and [0140] a plurality of support posts, wherein each of the plurality of support posts has a body, a body first end, a body second end, a rod positioned at least partially in the body, a first rod end extending from the body first end, and the first rod end is connected to the platform, and a second rod end extending from the second body end and received in a bore in the molten metal pump base and connected to a fastener in the molten metal pump base.

[0141] Example 37: The molten metal pump base of claim 36, wherein the second rod end is threaded and threads into the molten metal pump base.

[0142] Example 38: The molten metal pump base of claim 36, wherein no cement is injected into the base to retain the second rod end or the support post.

[0143] Some further non-limiting examples of this disclosure are as follows:

[0144] Example 1: A device for transferring molten metal, the device comprising: [0145] (a) a pump configured for pumping molten metal, wherein the pump comprises (i) a pump base including a pump chamber, a pump outlet, a discharge extending from the pump chamber to the outlet, (ii) a rotor in the pump chamber, and (iii) a front side that includes an indentation, wherein the pump outlet is positioned in the indentation; and [0146] (b) a metal-transfer conduit having a top portion and a bottom portion, a transfer inlet, a transfer outlet, and a passage extending from the transfer inlet to the transfer outlet, wherein the bottom portion of the transfer conduit is positioned in the indentation and the transfer inlet is juxtaposed and in fluid communication with the pump outlet.

[0147] Example 2: The device of example 1, wherein the pump outlet is in the center of the indentation.

[0148] Example 3: The device of example 1 or 2, wherein the pump further includes a platform that supports a motor.

[0149] Example 4: The device of example 3, wherein the platform is attached to a clamp and the clamp is further attached to the top portion of the metal-transfer conduit.

[0150] Example 5: The device of any of examples 1-4, wherein the bottom portion of the metal-transfer conduit is comprised of graphite and the top portion of the transfer conduit is comprised of ceramic.

[0151] Example 6: The device of example 5, wherein the ceramic is silicon carbide.

[0152] Example 7: The device of example 5 or 6, wherein the bottom portion consists of graphite.

[0153] Example 8: The device of any of examples 5 or 6, wherein the top portion consists of ceramic.

[0154] Example 9: The device of any of examples 1-8, wherein the discharge is tangential to the pump chamber.

[0155] Example 10: The device of any of examples 1-10, wherein the transfer outlet is on a top surface of the transfer conduit.

[0156] Example 11: The device of any of examples 1-11, wherein the pump outlet has an outer cross-sectional area and the transfer inlet has an outer cross-sectional area.

[0157] Example 12: The device of example 11, wherein the cross-sectional area of the pump outlet is the same as the cross-sectional area of the transfer inlet.

[0158] Example 13: The device of example 11, wherein the cross-sectional area of the pump outlet is greater than the cross-sectional area of the transfer inlet.

[0159] Example 14: The device of example 11, wherein the cross-sectional area of the transfer inlet is greater than the cross-sectional area of the pump outlet.

[0160] Example 15: The device of any of examples 1-14, wherein the metal-transfer conduit is connected to the pump base.

[0161] Example 16: The device of example 15, wherein the metal-transfer conduit is cemented to the pump base.

[0162] Example 17: The device of any of examples 1-16, wherein a distance between the pump outlet and the transfer inlet is 2 or less.

[0163] Example 18: The device of any of examples 1-16, wherein a distance between the pump outlet and the transfer inlet is or less.

[0164] Example 19: The device of any of examples 1-18, wherein the side of the pump base that includes the indentation has a first chamfered side and a second chamfered side.

[0165] Example 20: The device of example 19, wherein the first chamfered side and the second chamfered side are chamfered inwards by 5 to 20.

[0166] Example 21: The device of any of examples 1-20, wherein the indentation has a depth of 1 to 4.

[0167] Example 22: The device of any of examples 1-21, wherein the indentation has a length of 8 to 14.

[0168] Example 23: The device of any of examples 1-22, wherein the indentation has a first, inner wall and a second, inner wall.

[0169] Example 24: The device of example 23, wherein the first, inner wall is angled inwards by 5 to 20 and the second, inner wall is angled inwards by 5 to 20.

[0170] Example 25: The device of any of examples 1-24, wherein the pump outlet and the transfer inlet are vertically aligned.

[0171] Example 26: The device of any of examples 1-25, wherein the pump outlet and the transfer inlet are horizontally aligned.

[0172] Example 27: The device of any of examples 1-26, wherein the pump base further includes one or more locater structures configured to align the pump base with the metal-transfer conduit.

[0173] Example 28: The device of example 27, wherein the one or more locater structures are in the indentation.

[0174] Example 29: The device of any of examples 1-28, wherein the metal-transfer conduit has one or more locater structures configured to align the metal-transfer conduit with the pump base.

[0175] Example 30: The device of any of examples 1-29, wherein the metal-transfer conduit has a front surface having a first width, a second surface on which the transfer inlet is positioned, wherein the second surface has a second width, and the second width is less than the first width.

[0176] Example 31: The device of example 30, wherein the metal-transfer conduit has a two side surfaces that connect the first surface to the second surface, wherein each of the side surfaces are angled.

[0177] Example 32: The device of example 4, wherein the clamp has a first plate attached to a top surface of the metal transfer conduit and a second plate attached to the platform.

[0178] Example 33: The device of example 32, wherein the clamp further includes an opening in the first plate and the opening is aligned with the transfer outlet.

[0179] Example 34: The device of example 32 or 33, wherein the clamp further includes a step-up section that connects the first plate to the second plate.

[0180] Example 35: The device of example 34, wherein the step-up section is connected to a side of the platform.

[0181] Example 36: The device of any of examples 32-35, wherein the first plate and second plate are connected by hinges and the clamp is movable between a first, compressed position and a second, expanded position.

[0182] Example 37: The device of any of examples 4 or 32-36, wherein the metal transfer conduit has grooves in two sides and the clamp has side plates with ridges received in the grooves.

[0183] Some additional, non-limiting examples of this disclosure are as follows:

[0184] Example 1: A pump base for a molten metal pump, the pump base comprising: [0185] (a) a pump chamber configured to house a rotor, a pump outlet in one side of the base, and a discharge extending from the pump chamber to the pump outlet, and (b) a front side that includes an indentation configured to receive a metal-transfer conduit, wherein the pump outlet is positioned in the indentation.

[0186] Example 2: The device of example 1, wherein the outlet is in the center of the indentation.

[0187] Example 3: The device of example 1 or 2, wherein the pump further includes a platform that supports a motor.

[0188] Example 4: The device of example 3, wherein the platform is configured to attach to the top portion of the transfer conduit.

[0189] Example 5: The device of any of examples 1-4, wherein the discharge is tangential to the pump chamber.

[0190] Example 6: The device of any of examples 1-11, wherein the pump outlet has an outer cross-sectional area and the transfer inlet has an outer cross-sectional area.

[0191] Example 7: The device of any of examples 1-18, wherein the front side of the pump base has a first chamfered side and a second chamfered side.

[0192] Example 8: The device of example 19, wherein the first chamfered side and the second chamfered side are chamfered inwards by 5 to 20.

[0193] Example 9: The device of any of examples 1-20, wherein the indentation has a depth of 1 to 4.

[0194] Example 10: The device of any of examples 1-21, wherein the indentation has a length of 8 to 14.

[0195] Example 11: The device of any of examples 1-22, wherein the indentation has a first, inner wall and a second, inner wall.

[0196] Example 12: The device of example 23, wherein the first, inner wall is angled inwards by 5 to 20 and the second, inner wall is angled inwards by 5 to 20.

[0197] Some additional, non-limiting examples of this disclosure are as follows:

[0198] Example 1: A transfer conduit for use with a molten metal pump, the transfer conduit comprising: a top portion and a bottom portion, a transfer inlet, a transfer outlet, and a passage extending from the transfer inlet to the transfer outlet, wherein the bottom portion of the transfer conduit is positioned in the indentation and the transfer inlet is juxtaposed and in fluid communication with the outlet.

[0199] Example 2: The device of example 1, wherein the bottom portion of the transfer conduit is comprised of graphite and the top portion of the transfer conduit is comprised of ceramic.

[0200] Example 3: The device of example 2, wherein the ceramic is silicon carbide.

[0201] Example 4: The device of example 2 or 3, wherein the bottom portion consists of graphite.

[0202] Example 5: The device of any of examples 2 or 3, wherein the top portion consists of ceramic.

[0203] Example 6: The device of any of examples 1-5, wherein the transfer outlet is in a top surface of the transfer conduit.

[0204] Having thus described some embodiments of the invention, other variations and embodiments that do not depart from the spirit of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art. The scope of the present invention is thus not limited to any particular embodiment, but is instead set forth in the appended claims and the legal equivalents thereof. Unless expressly stated in the written description or claims, the steps of any method recited in the claims may be performed in any order capable of yielding the desired result.