Logan Main

Last updated on May 5th, 2020 at 01:12 pm

Meltable Program

Program Overview

 

Chemistry & Cleanliness

By far the two most important sheet ingot variables controlled by Logan Remelt are chemistry and metal cleanliness. The chemistry and cleanliness of inputs, which we commonly call meltables, have a direct effect on these variables. By working with suppliers and producing plants we hope to improve the quality of meltables used at Logan. Often we have found that suppliers and producing plants do not know our expectations. This has made it difficult for them to meet those expectations. The Meltable Program helps to communicate those expectations and provide feedback for improvement.

Components

  • Meltable Specification Manual
  • Shipping requirements and delivery appointment information
  • Summary of and link to purchase ASTM E716-94 (1998) Standard Practices for Sampling Aluminum and Aluminum Alloys for Spectrochemical Analysis. See the Supplier Resources tab.
  • Check the Analysis Program page for some producers
  • Logan data audits to ensure data integrity
  • Limited Technical Assistance
  • Best practices and training reference materials (Supplier Resources)
  • Reciprocal plant visits (time and schedule permitting)
  • Communication channels to have questions answered
  • Feed back when issues arise including photos if available

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the check analysis program help?

This program uses an independent laboratory to evaluate the analytical accuracy and stability of a spectrometer (quantometer). Equipment malfunction, chemistry bias and trends along with operator error can also be detected.

What if I perform poorly on the check analysis program?
A producing plant must put into action an improvement plan when a check analysis report indicates inadequate performance.
Does Logan inspect every sow entering the plant?
Yes, we inspect each sow for any safety or quality concerns (double pours, surface contamination, flux salts, excess mold release agent, etc.). Producing plants and suppliers are expected to follow a path of continual improvement.
Does Logan analyze every chemical sample?
Yes, We analyze every chemical sample coming to Logan. Remember that "The quality of an analysis is never better than the quality of the sample".
In the ASTM E-716 standard there is reference to a type A and B mold. Which is better?
The type B mold is better because it can be sparked all around the analytical surface. The MPRS will award points to users of the Type B mold (see drawing below) described in the ASTM E-716 standard. UBC - Properly packaged briquette with steel bands
What kind of technical assistance is available?
We can give non-proprietary suggestions, comments such as "At Logan we perform the job this way and it has worked well for us so far" or "We have tried something similar in the past with the following results". Names of equipment suppliers that we are satisfied with. Informal process audits at producing plants if time and scheduling permits. Some statistical advice. Note: It is the responsibility of the producing plant to make the its own process and equipment decisions.
If I have questions who do I call?

See the Contact & Directions page on this web site.

Resources

Recommended Texts

  • Modern Spectrochemical Analysis of Metals, An Introduction for Users of Arc/Spark Instrumentation. The author is Volker B. E. Thomsen. This ASM publication is great for helping to understand the equipment we use for aluminum analysis.
  • Understanding Statistical Process Control. The authors are Donald J. Wheeler and David S. Chambers. This book is a cookbook for control charts and capability histograms. Control charts are necessary for monitoring spectrometer calibration stability and trends.
  • Statistics for Analytical Chemistry. The authors are J. C. Miller and J. N. Miller. This text is the most complicated of the three mentioned here.

Useful Safety Publications

  • Guidelines for Aluminum Sow Casting and Charging. The Aluminum Association.
  • Guidelines for Handling Molten Aluminum. The Aluminum Association.
  • Guidelines for Aluminum Scrap Receiving and Inspection Based on Safety and Health Considerations.The Aluminum Association www.aluminum.org

Manual Updates

Periodically this program and website will be updated without notice. This is a living document so expect changes. Please ensure that any information you have printed and use as reference is up to date. The latest revisions of this information will be posted on this site. If you have questions about any information in the Manual please contact the appropriate person on the contact page.