Abstract: Apparatus and a method of handling a molten metal processing by-product are provided in which the by product is placed in a container unit and put in the apparatus, the apparatus including an element having a first position outside of the container and a second position in which at least a part of the element is in the container so as to compress the by-product and exclude oxygen from it. The element also serves to transfer heat from the contents of the container unit to the element and so provide cooling. The element can then be returned to the first position, the container unit be removed and placed at a cooling location for final cooling.

Abstract: A compressing element, devices for using such a compressing element and methods of use are provided, in which the compressing element has: a upper surface provided with an inlet and an outlet; a lower surface; an at least partially hollow interior provided between the upper surface and the lower surface, the hollow interior being connected to the inlet and the outlet; the hollow interior being provided with: one or more fluid flow constraining surfaces provided by one or more walls of the hollow interior; and one or more fluid flow control elements provided in the hollow interior, the one or more fluid flow control elements being additional to the one or more fluid flow constraining surfaces provided by the one or more walls of the hollow interior. The arrangement of inlet, outlet, fluid flow constraining surfaces and fluid control elements provides for improved cooling of the compressing element, for instance when used to press molten metal processing by-products to extract molten metal.

Abstract: An injection device includes a cap (38) which is withdrawn from the front of the device before use to remove a boot (52) from the needle (50). The cap (52) has fingers (46) which grip the boot and which pass down a passage through which the needle projects to inject a dose. The passage has projections disposed to reduce the effective bore of the passage, the projections having inwardly inclined resilient portions which allow the boot to be withdrawn forwardly through the passage but prevent a finger being poked into the passage.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved furnace structure and methods of melting material in furnaces, particularly aimed at reducing the start up time for such furnaces. The furnace (2) defines a container for the molten metal having a maximum depth of molten metal in that container during use. A flow generator (30) for the molten metal within the furnace is fed through a first conduit (32) and supplies material back to the furnace through a second conduit (36). The first conduit entrance is provided in the upper 60% of the maximum depth of the molten metal in the container and/or the second conduit exit is provided in the lower 25% of the maximum depth of the molten metal in the container. The flow generator may receive material preferentially from around the periphery of the container and/or direct material towards the centre of the container. The inlet and outlet to the flow generator may be angled downwards towards the container.

Abstract: A pump and a method of moving molten metal is provided in which a tube open at one end and closed at the other end cooperates with a secondary tube received within it, open at both ends, to pump metal from the open end of the tube down a space between the tube and secondary tube to the closed end of the tube and then return the metal up the centre of the secondary tube. A simpler way of providing circulation of molten metal is provided.

Abstract: Processing apparatus and methods for introducing material into a molten metal are provided. The material is introduced through a tube, which leads into the molten metal flow between the exit from a chamber and the entry back into a chamber. Increased breaks for material injection and/or better material injection are provided as a result.

Abstract: The invention provides apparatus and methods for discharging molten metal from a vessel based upon increasing the amount of molten metal moved into the vessel per unit time by a molten metal mover, such as a pump. This causes the level for at least part of the vessel to increase and so discharge through a discharge location. More reliable, safer to operate discharge of molten metal is provided as result.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved furnace structure and methods of melting material in furnaces, particularly aimed at reducing the start up time for such furnaces. The furnace (2) defines a container for the molten metal having a maximum depth of molten metal in that container during use. A flow generator (30) for the molten metal within the furnace is fed through a first conduit (32) and supplies maternal back to the furnace through a second conduit (36). The first conduit entrance is provided in the upper 60% of the maximum depth of the molten metal in the container and/or the second conduit exit is provided in the lower 25% of the maximum depth of the molten metal in the container. The flow generator may receive material preferentially from around the periphery of the container and/or direct material towards the centre of the container. The inlet and outlet to the flow generator my be angled downwards towards the container.