Since it was founded in 1984 by Frank Drache and Gerlinde Weyl-Drache, Drache Umwelttechnik GmbH has been offering satisfied customers worldwide a diverse range of innovative products and systems for foundry technology.
Starting first with the manufacture of ceramic foam filters, which are still an active constituent of the company’s product focus, today, Drache provides its satisfied customers around the world with the whole range of innovative products for the foundry industry. Drache also focus on providing solutions in line with customer-specific requirements, the quick and uncomplicated execution of projects, as well as reliable long-term partnerships in order to meet all the criteria needed for quality that is made in Germany.
As early as 1989, Drache introduced the original duplex filter, which still combines two porosities in one filter. Other established in-house developments include the Ceralu Al2O3 filter, the Cerazirk ZrO2 filter, Cerazirk LD filter, the Cerapor LDNG filter and the Cerasic SiC filter. In the area of ceramics, the Drache fused silica, the fused silica fine and fused silica LD are some of their proven solutions.
However, Drache’s innovations are not limited to ceramic components and filters. Drache also offers innovations in engineering for filter boxes and launder systems, which are characterised by a long service life, minimal heat loss and highly efficient, robust, pre-heating systems. For the aluminium foundries, Drache have developed a crucible furnace with a more future-oriented energy efficiency when compared to conventional solutions.
Production capacities at the site in Diez, Germany, have increased continuously since the company was founded, with new investments made in modern machinery and furnaces along with constant optimisation of existing systems and internal processes. The worldwide reach has been further enhanced with the opening of a manufacturing plant in North Carolina, USA and in Sharjah, UAE.
In order to satisfy customers around the world with solutions from a single source, all the components are planned, designed and implemented for the innovative casting technology in Diez, a site that has now become two manufacturing facilities.
As a global company, Drache offer additional services which include a complete relining of filter boxes, launders, deep-bed filters, degassers and transport crucibles on-site or at Drache, design and optimisation of filter boxes and launder systems for aluminium casthouses, implementation for purity measurements of liquid aluminium using the Prefil test unit, metallurgical analysis of aluminium and the implementation of solidification and mould filling for die casting using the SolidCast simulation software.
Products includes the Ceralu Al2O3 ceramic foam filter, DBN boron nitride coating, DKS calcium silicate components as well as a large selection of services. In addition, Drache also manufactures fully engineered systems in-house, such as filter boxes, launder systems, preheating systems, and re-linings for degassers, as well as deep bed filters. Customised designs are also possible on request.
For foundries casting steels, super-alloys or cast iron alloys, for large components as well as small to mid-size castings, Drache has ceramic foam filters to achieve optimal results. Drache’s focus in the area of steel and iron casting is on the Cerazirk ZrO2 filter, which are applied for all kinds of steel castings, superalloy castings, and large iron castings.
In the field of aluminium casting, Drache provides numerous products for its customers, such as ceramic foam filters for sand and permanent mould castings, special components made from silicon nitride and aluminium titanate for low-pressure die casting as well as a crucible furnace, developed in-house. The filter of choice for aluminium foundries is the Cerapor LDNG ceramic foam filter, says Drache.
Tansport crucibles
Transport crucibles for aluminium foundries are made from genuine Drache fused silica. This refractory material is characterised by excellent wear and corrosion resistance. All crucibles are precast shapes, tempered at a temperature of 800°C (1470°F) or higher, which ensures that the crucibles are free from moisture. Thanks to this process, the hydrogen pick-up of the molten aluminium from the refractory material is eliminated right from the start.
All transport crucibles are fully customised, manufactured according to the geometry required by the foundry. A seamlessly integrated pouring spout is possible on request.
In addition to the precast refractory crucibles, Drache offers complete refurbishing services for transport crucibles, including the installation of highly efficient back insulation ensuring a minimised heat loss.
Additional components
Drache offers a wide range of further components for aluminium foundries, including the full range of dosing tubes for Striko-Westofen die casting furnaces, launder segments made from Drache fused silica for transfer, as well as casting launders, baffle plates for degassing units and components made from DKS calcium silicate, such as spouts and insulation inserts.
Drache are also one of the world’s leading providers of products for aluminium direct-chill casting and continuous casting. Furthermore, Drache also manufactures equipment for direct-chill casting plants, such as filter boxes, channel systems, preheating devices, and offers refurbishments for degassers and deep bed filters.
For further details contact Spectrum Technical on TEL: 035 789 6563 or visit www.spectrumtechnical.co.za
