Abstract: A process for the continuous copper drossing of molten lead bullion is provided, the process comprising, establishing a column of molten lead having a hot top portion at a temperature of about 800.degree. C. to 1150.degree. C. and a bottom portion of substantially lower temperature of about 340.degree. C. to 425.degree. C. Approximately the middle portion of the molten lead is controlled at a temperature of about 750.degree. C. to 900.degree. C. to thereby provide a predetermined temperature gradient extending from the middle portion to the bottom portion controlled at about 340.degree. C. to 425.degree. C. The temperature of the top portion is controlled by induction heating and the temperature of the bottom portion by cooling coils containing a fluid coolant. The molten lead is fed continuously to the middle portion of the column while maintaining the temperature thereof at about 750.degree. C. to 900.degree. C.

Abstract: Waste or refuse is fed to a first reaction chamber communicating with a second one through openings in the lower portion of a partition between the chambers and hot metal or the like is fed into at least one of the two chambers; gas is extracted from the second chamber and the pressure conditions are such that different liquid levels obtain in the two chambers causing reaction gas to bubble through the openings and the liquid in the second chamber. The principle product gases extracted are hydrogen, carbonoxide and inert gases. Lime is preferably added to the waste to be processed.

Abstract: This is a process for producing high quality zirconium or hafnium sponge. It is especially useful for producing the very high purity zirconium which may be used to line the inner surface zirconium of Zircaloy tubing for nuclear fuel rods. The process uses a combination reduction-distillation vessel which is directly fed with zirconium or hafnium tetrachloride from a molten salt sublimer. A precharge of magnesium chloride is used to prevent reduction of metal outside the inner liner, and thereby facilitate removal of the inner liner after reduction and distillation. The agitator for the molten salt sublimer preferably utilizes a molten metal seal around the agitator shaft.

Abstract: A thermal gravity classifier in which various nonferrous scrap metals are classified and separated, using a single tank containing two layers of molten media. Shredded nonferrous scrap containing metal constituents such as aluminum, zinc, lead, and copper or the like are introduced to the top of the tank containing an upper layer of molten zinc, floating on a lower layer of molten lead. Metals such as aluminum, having a specific gravity less than zinc, by a screw conveyor approximately parallel with the top surface. Heavier metals and alloys such as copper or the like, having a melting point above the temperature within the tank, fall through the zinc layer and are conveyed from the tank by a separate screw conveyor extending up a diagonal wall of the tank. Metals such as lead and zinc, having a melting point lower than the temperature maintained within the tank, melt and gravitate to the appropriate molten layer in the tank.

Abstract: A refractory lined melting furnace particularly suited for separation of non-ferrous metals with embedded or attached ferrous components, includes a casing or body pivotally mounted and tiltable by means of fluid operators. The interior is divided by two vertical walls into a combustible waste burning portion for the generation of combustible gases to assist in heating the furnace, and a melt chamber into which a variety of metallic waste can be charged for melting. A conventional fire burner is supplied to the melt chamber. The temperature of the melt chamber is raised to the melting point of the metallic waste material having the lowest melting point, e.g. aluminum, and when the aluminum is melted, the aluminum runs through drainage apertures into a liquid metal holding chamber provided on the floor of the melt chamber. When the molten metal has drained, the furnace is tilted rearwardly to discharge the remaining scrap out through rake-out doors at the rear of the melt chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for converting metal-containing waste material having substantial quantities of organic constituents, such as plastics, rubber, paper and greases, to a product from which metal can readily be recovered. The waste material is introduced into a reactor vessel arranged for rotation about its longitudinal axis, the vessel being provided with a bottom and a common charge and discharge opening, whereafter the reactor vessel is rotated with its axis inclined to the horizontal plane at an angle of less than 90.degree.. The reactor vessel is maintained during this rotation at a temperature which is sufficiently high to expel organic constituents in the form of a combustible gas for as long as such a gas continues to be generated. The combustible gas is combusted continuously at a location external of the reactor vessel, and the residual content of the reactor vessel is taken out in a molten and/or non-molten state.

Abstract: A reactor for reclaiming lead and other metals from scrap batteries which includes two reaction chambers with the upper end of one chamber having a scrap feeding mechanism and at least one burner to melt lead and other metals and ignite organic materials. The chambers are interconnected at their low points for gravity flow of molten metal into a sump. The other reaction chamber is connected with an exhaust system and provided with baffles to retain gases for a predetermined time. The sump includes a tap for slag and a siphon discharge for molten lead. Also, air or oxygen may be introduced into the reaction chambers and/or the sump.

Abstract: Process and apparatus are provided for the selective separation of non-femagnetic metals from a mixture of comminuted metallic scrap of approximately uniform particle size. The process includes the step of continuously introducing the mixture into a fluid bath maintained at a temperature higher than the melting point of a selected metal to be separated from the mixture. Solid mixture constituents remaining after the melting out of the selected metal from the mixture are withdrawn from the bath fluid by means of a screw conveyor. A melt of the selected metal is recovered.

Abstract: A metal melting furnace comprising a furnace housing, which includes a means for heating the interior thereof, and a hearth for holding metal to be melted wherein the hearth and the furnace housing are mounted for mutual relative movement between a position wherein the hearth is within the furnace housing where the metal can be melted and a position wherein the hearth is outside the furnace housing where metal can be loaded onto and unloaded from the hearth.

Abstract: Metallic scrap containing a coating of organic insulation material is processed to recover a clean, unoxidized metallic substrate and various insulation by-products by thermally decomposing the organic insulation under pressure in a closed, externally heated vessel. Volatile decomposition products are periodically vented to a vapor recovery system and non-volatile decomposition products, primarily carbonaceous char adhering to the clean scrap, are separated by mechanical action such as vibration or tumbling. Apparatus for performing this process is also disclosed.