Abstract: Aspects of this molten aluminum refining system include a rotor based injection system which provides for the injection and dispersion of both gas and flux for refining molten aluminum.

Abstract: A process for the production of coated carbonaceous particles including: providing a carbon-residue-forming material; providing particles of a carbonaceous material; mixing the carbon-residue-forming material and the particles of a carbonaceous material at an elevated temperature; depositing a coating of the carbon-residue-forming material onto the surface of the particles; and stabilizing the coated particles by subjecting the particles to an oxidation reaction. These coated carbonaceous particles are particularly useful in the manufacture of electrodes in electrical storage cells, particularly in rechargeable electrical storage cells.

Abstract: A molten metal handling device comprising an outer shell defined by a bottom and two side walls, an insulating layer partially filling the outer shell and a thermally conductive castable refractory body for carrying molten metal, the refractory body being within the insulating layer. The device further includes at least one heating element positioned in the insulating layer, adjacent to the refractory body. The refractory body is preferably fabricated from a castable alumina or castable silicon carbide material.

Abstract: A receptacle for handling molten metal is provided. The receptacle has bottom and side walls and includes a refractory defining a cavity within which the molten metal is conveyed or contained. The receptacle has at least one channel extending within at least one of its walls. The channel has an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is connectable to a source for circulating a fluid within the channel. The outlet allows the fluid to be expelled from said channel. The channel allows, when the fluid is circulated in it, to regulate the temperature of the refractory and thereby of the metal conveyed or contained. A casting assembly and a method for casting the refractory are also provided.

Abstract: A metal scrap submergence device having an open top chamber including side and base walls of a heat resistant material. An inlet is included in a side or base wall of the chamber for receiving molten metal. An outlet is included in the base of the chamber. A ramp extends from the side wall of the chamber to an inner column defining the outlet. The ramp includes a first edge adjacent the side wall and second interior edge adjacent the inner column. The working surface of the ramp between the first and second edges is concave. The inner column includes an end wall disposed opposite the chamber base, the end wall includes rounded inner and outer edges.

Abstract: A quick change conveyor roll assembly for metal or glass processing comprising an inner roll shaft having a rigid and elongated cylindrical surface supported and rotationally driven by an associate rotor mean. At least one removable spool having a cylindrical body with a first diameter, a hollow interior therethrough and a collar rigidly adapted at a first end, the collar having a second diameter whereby the second diameter is greater than the first diameter. At least one removable and replaceable insulated roll sleeve being slidably mounted over at least a portion of said removable spool and abutting said collar, the insulated roll sleeve including at least one layer of an insulation material and a securing means operably adjustable to hold said roll sleeve about said removable spool at a second end in a predetermined location on said inner roll shaft.

Abstract: A metal scrap submergence device comprising an open top chamber including walls of a heat resistant material, an inlet positioned in a side wall of the chamber, an outlet positioned in the base of said chamber, and a ramp adjacent said side wall of the chamber. The side wall further includes a feature affecting molten metal flow. The feature can include, for example, a baffle, a vane, a passage, a diverging or converging shape and combinations thereof. Similarly, the molten metal flow can be affected by slanting the ramp inwardly or outwardly.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus relate to methods of making carbonaceous material or coating from a precursor. Oxidation of hydrocarbons forming the precursor occurs upon adding an oxidation agent to a mixture of the precursor and a solvent for the precursor. The oxidation of the hydrocarbons yields constituents that are insoluble in the solvent and may not melt. The constituents that are insoluble in the solvent may further coat solid particles, if the solid particles are provided in the mixture. Carbonization of solids recovered by separation from liquids in the mixture increases carbon weight percent of the constituents that are insoluble in the solvent. The methods result in products that provide the carbonaceous material or coating and are suitable for use in electrodes.

Abstract: A quick change conveyor roll assembly for metal or glass processing comprising an inner roll shaft having a rigid and elongated cylindrical surface supported and rotationally driven by an associate rotor mean. At least one removable spool having a cylindrical body with a first diameter, a hollow interior therethrough and a collar rigidly adapted at a first end, the collar having a second diameter whereby the second diameter is greater than the first diameter. At least one removable and replaceable insulated roll sleeve being slidably mounted over at least a portion of said removable spool and abutting said collar, the insulated roll sleeve including at least one layer of an insulation material and a securing means operably adjustable to hold said roll sleeve about said removable spool at a second end in a predetermined location on said inner roll shaft.

Abstract: A molten metal pump comprised of a metal base defining a pumping chamber is provided. The pump further includes a motor mount adapted to receive a motor, at least one metal post extending between the base and the motor mount, and a metal shaft disposed between the motor and an impeller disposed in the pumping chamber. A bearing ring engages the impeller. The pumping chamber will include an inlet and an outlet. A steel riser tube in fluid communication the outlet is also provided.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a molten metal impeller is provided. It includes a generally cylindrical graphite body having a plurality of passages extending from a top surface to a side wall. A hub is formed in the center of the graphite body. A ceramic cap member is secured to the top surface of the graphite body. The cap member is comprised of a ring forming a central passage shaped cooperatively to overlap the hub and a plurality of vanes extending radially from the ring to an outer rim. The rim has a height between adjacent vanes which increases in the direction of intended impeller rotation. The rim further has a height which decreases from its radially outer most edge to an inner most edge.

Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of an exemplary embodiment, a furnace including a charge well is provided. The charge well comprises an open top chamber including side and base walls of a heat resistant material. An inlet is provided in a side wall of the chamber for receiving molten metal. A ramp is provided adjacent the side wall and an inner wall forms a central cavity. The ramp is disposed between the inner wall and the side wall. The ramp is generally inclined from an intersection with the base wall to adjacent a top surface of the inner wall. The cavity is in fluid communication with an outlet. A passage in the inner wall provides fluid communication between the inlet and the cavity. The inlet and an outlet each receives a conduit and at least one of the conduits can include an elbow joint.

Abstract: A flux injector apparatus and method adapted to distribute a predetermined amount of flux to an associated pool of molten aluminum. The flux injector apparatus includes a pressurized tank adapted to store and feed the flux under pressure. A feed mechanism operative to discharge a predetermined amount of flux to an outlet and a controller for monitoring and operating the apparatus. The feed mechanism includes a housing having an inner wall defining a cavity with an inlet and an outlet. A feed wheel is positioned within the cavity and operative to receive a predetermined amount of flux from the inlet, translate the flux within the cavity and discharge the predetermined amount of flux through the outlet of the pressurized tank.

Abstract: A molten metal pump assembly (10) and method to fill complex molds with molten metal, such as aluminum. The pump assembly includes an elongated shaft (16) connecting a motor (14) to an impeller (22). The impeller is housed within a chamber (18) of a base member such that rotation of the impeller draws molten metal into the chamber at an inlet (48) and forces molten aluminum through an outlet (50). A first bearing (36) is adapted to support the rotation of the impeller at a first radial edge (32) and a second bearing (38) is adapted to support the rotation of the impeller at a second radial edge. A bypass gap (60) is interposed between the second bearing and the second radial edge. Molten metal leaks through the bypass gap at a predetermined rate to manipulate a flow rate and a head pressure of the molten metal such that precise control of the flow rate is achieved.

Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of an exemplary embodiment, a dryer for removing hydrocarbons and/or moisture from metal chips is provided. The dryer has a chamber including a top portion and a base portion. The top portion is comprised of a material having a higher emissivity than the material forming the base portion. A burner is provided which introduces heated gas into the top portion. A device for transporting the metal chips is provided in the base portion. The device receives the metal chips at an inlet and transporting the metal chips to an outlet.

Abstract: According to another embodiment, a molten metal impeller comprised of a generally cylindrical body including a plurality of passages extending from a top surface to a side wall and a cap member secured to a top surface of the body. The cap member is shaped cooperatively to overlay the cylindrical body. The cap member includes a first side seated on the top surface and a second opposed side. The top surface includes one of a notch or a protrusion and the first side of the cap member includes one of a notch or a protrusion oriented to mate with the notch or protrusion of the body.

Abstract: Device and method for separating metals and metal oxides thereof, in particular in non-ferrous alloys, such as zinc. To this end, zinc residues (dross) is placed in a rotary drum and heated. After a certain treatment time, pure metal located in the bottom part of the drum is poured out. The invention proposes that the drum be held rotatably on a drive mechanism arranged in the cover of the furnace. This facilitates handling of the drum, more particularly when placing it on its drive mandrel. As a result, it is possible to use larger drums, resulting in a larger capacity and a more efficient process.

Abstract: A continuous galvanizing line uses a coating pot containing a molten zinc bath having bottom dross and further comprises a pump. The pump agitates the bottom dross so the bottom dross interacts with aluminum and converts to top dross, which can be removed without needing to stop the galvanizing line. A reaction vessel may also be used to provide a higher concentration of aluminum to react with the bottom dross.

Abstract: A preheat charging system for preheating scrap metal prior to delivery to a melting furnace. The system includes a preheating station having a heating chamber adapted to receive scrap metal. Hot gas from a burner chamber is circulated around the scrap metal. The burner chamber is adapted to receive exhaust gas from a hot exhaust gas source such as a melting furnace. A burner apparatus is mounted within the burner chamber in a flow path of an exhaust inlet port. The burner is configured to supply supplemental heat on demand to the heating chamber to supplement the hot exhaust gas. A first fan can be provided to direct exhaust air from a furnace to the burner chamber. A second fan can be provided for directing air into the burner apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an apparatus for degassing, submerging, agitating and pumping molten metal. More particularly, the present invention relates to a mechanical apparatus for moving or pumping molten metal such as aluminum, zinc or magnesium. Specifically, the present invention is related to a drive for such an apparatus in which a motor is positioned above a molten metal bath and rotates a vertical shaft. The lower end of the shaft drives an impeller or a rotor to impart motion to the molten metal.