Abstract: A master alloy compacted mass of particulate metal is fabricated using non-spherical particulated aluminum, such as aluminum sawdust from production operations, in combination with metal particles of a brittle and friable principal metal of the master alloy which is non-malleable and, therefore, non-compactable. The compacted mass retains its homogeneity by the interlocking action of the aluminum sawdust and thereby obviates the need for additional binder despite the non-compactability of the metal particles of the non-malleable principal metal of the master alloy.

Abstract: A rotatable furnace for treatment of metallic scrap is fed metallic scrap comprising at least two metallic components having different incipient melting temperatures. The furnace is heated to a temperature at least equal to the lowest incipient melting temperature of the metallic components but less than the incipient melting temperatures of other components in the scrap while rotating the furnace to agitate the scrap. The combination of heating to the incipient melting temperature and agitating the scrap serves to fragment the metallic component having the lowest incipent melting temperature. The scrap is then removed from the furnace, and the scrap is segregated by particle size. Fines representing dirt and other impurities may also be separated therefrom.

Abstract: A method of charging relatively large briquettes of metal scrap to a melting system at a substantially constant feed rate is disclosed. The method comprises providing a pumping bay, a charging and melting bay, and a molten metal furnace from which molten metal is recirculated from the furnace through the pumping bay to the charging and melting bay. The briquettes are transferred onto a first conveyor adapted to store and convey a controlled weight of briquettes to a second conveyor. The briquettes are conveyed from the first conveyor to a second conveyor mounted on load cells which intermittently stops the first conveyor to maintain a controlled weight in the second conveyor. The briquettes are transferred from the second conveyor to a third conveyor where they are aligned and accumulated. The briquettes are then discharged individually at a substantially constant rate into the melting bay.

Abstract: A method of detaching and segregating metallic components secured to metallic articles is disclosed. The segregation is made in accordance with the alloy composition of the components. The method comprises the steps of providing articles having at least two components thereon comprised of different aluminum alloys and heating the articles to a temperature sufficiently high to initiate incipient melting of the component having the lowest incipient melting temperature. While at the lowest incipient melting temperature of the aluminum alloy component, the articles are subjected to agitation sufficient to cause the aluminum alloy component having the lowest incipient melting temperature to fracture and detach itself from the article. Thereafter, the detached components are segregated from the remaining articles and recovered.

Abstract: The magnesium content in used aluminum scrap is reduced by preheating the scrap to a temperature sufficiently high to promote migration of the magnesium to the surface of the scrap. Thereafter, the magnesium is removed by oxidation.