Abstract: Apparatus for the continuous heat processing of scrap materials, particularly for decontaminating aluminum can scrap, has a rotary kiln defining a furnace chamber along which the material is fed and a hot gas circulation system including a duct leading through the chamber from the input end to an enclosure at the output end from which the gases pass back in contra-flow to the material through the furnace chamber itself to return to the input end. The gas circulation system also includes an after burner through which the exhausted gases are recirculated, and being at the input end of the furnace to provide a compact unitary and readily adaptable construction in which heat losses are minimized.

Abstract: Continuous melting of lightweight shredded metal, e.g., in the recycling of aluminum can scrap is achieved by feeding lightweight scrap portions into a melting chamber through which a heated gas stream flows upwardly at a temperature in excess of the metal melting point and at such velocity that the scrap portions are borne in the flow within the chamber until they melt into denser droplets or globules which drop from the chamber and are collected in a holding furnace.

Abstract: Apparatus for sorting and recovery of scrap material, particularly aluminum beverage can scrap, includes a rotary kiln (10) in which the raw scrap is heat processed to leave a furnace chamber (12) of the kiln as a mix of large particles of a first composition (e.g. larger pieces of soft aluminium alloy can body) and substantially smaller particles of a second and different composition (e.g. aluminium/manganese alloy can top fines). The output end of the kiln is provided with an axially extending screen section (30) to separate the larger particles from the small immediately adjacent to the chamber so that they cn be passed immediately without substantial loss of heat to a melting furnace (38).

Abstract: Apparatus includes a kiln (10) through the chamber (12) of which is passed a flow of scrap material, e.g. aluminium can scrap, for heat processing e.g. removal of lacquer and other contaminants, and gas circulation means having a heater (40) providing inflow of hot gases to the kiln, an outlet flue (32) leading off exhaust gases from the kiln with recirculation of at least part of the latter gases to the inflow, and a fan (36) or other flow inducing means for effecting circulation, preferably by suction with respect to the kiln, with flow through the latter in the opposite direction to the feed of material, and at least a temperature sensor (TI) at the material input end of the kiln for automatic regulation of the throughput of gases to regulate the kiln temperature.