Abstract: A gas distributor for an apparatus for refining molten metal, the distributor being positionable in a vessel with a heat source for heating the metal and inlets and outlets for metal and gases. The distributor includes a stationary unit and a rotating unit, with the rotating unit including a rotor carried on the lower end of a shaft rotatably positioned within the stationary unit, and with the stationary unit including a stator carried at the lower end of a sleeve, with the rotor having a frusto-conical upper surface and the stator having a mating frusto-conical lower surface with an outward gas flow path between the mating surfaces into the vessel. Also, a gas flow path is provided into the vessel downward from the lower end of the rotating unit. Further the stator and rotor have vanes at the outer surfaces thereof defining oblique channels which converge in the downward direction, with the rotor diameter preferably greater than the stator diameter.

Abstract: Metal particles are melted by mixing them with molten metal contained in a bath. A shaft-supported, rotatable impeller is immersed into the molten metal and rotated so as to establish a vortex-like flow of molten metal. Metal particles are deposited onto the surface of the molten metal in the vicinity of the rotating impeller. The particles are submerged substantially immediately after being deposited onto the surface of the molten metal. The impeller includes a thin rectangular prism having sharp-edged corners and vanes that extend upwardly from the prism. The impeller also can be used to disperse gas into the molten metal by pumping the gas through a bore extending the length of the shaft and out of the impeller along the lower surface of the impeller. The gas is sheared into finely divided bubbles as it rises along the sides of the impeller.

Abstract: A furnace maintains metal in a molten condition as a melt, and part of the melt is exposed in a charging well where lightweight solid scrap is introduced into the furnance. A vortex generator imparts a vortex to the melt within the well, so that lightweight solid scrap is quickly submerged in the well. The vortex generator includes an impeller which rotates within the well and actually creates the vortex. In addition, it has an elevator from which the impeller is suspended as well as a drive motor for turning the impeller, with the motor being on the elevator. An elevator frame serves to guide the elevator and the elevator frame is in turn connected to a trolley which runs along a track that passes over the charging well, but also extends well beyond it.

Abstract: An apparatus and process are described for treating molten metal. The invention comprises: (a) a heated vessel having inlet and outlet means for the continuous flow of molten metal downwardly through the vessel, (b) a perforated plate extending horizontally across the vessel dividing it into an upper treatment section and a lower treatment section, this plate forming an intermediate treatment section, and (c) a device for injecting gas in the form of small discrete bubbles into the metal in the lower treatment section, this device comprising a hollow rotatable shaft extending downwardly through an opening in the plate with drive means coupled to the upper end of the shaft, a vaned rotor fixedly attached to the lower end of the shaft within the lower treatment section, with one or more passageways within the rotor for conducting gas from the interior of the shaft to the metal in the lower treatment section.

Abstract: An easy method and apparatus to eliminate casting defects from composite materials of hypereutectic Al-Si alloys and improve their properties. The product composite materials with primary silicon crystals of several microns have fine honogeneous microstructures and mechanical properties comparable to similar materials produced by the conventional powder metallurgy technology. Highly wear-resistant composite materials, in which the hypereutectic Al-Si alloy and strengthening material are homogeneously mixed, can be obtained with ease. The hypereutectic Al-Si alloy and strengthening material are homogeneously mixed by stirring blades rotated at low speed. The obtained molten composite alloy rotated at high speed about a horizontal shaft in a heat-resistant vessel. The rotor rotating and stirring at high speed spatters the molten composite alloy material to break up the crystallizing out primary silicon crystals.

Abstract: An apparatus for fusing small articles of nonferrous metal comprises an molten metal chamber, for forming and containing molten metal, having burners for fusing a raw material such as ingot etc., and a fusing chamber disposed adjacent to the molten metal chamber for fusing small particles of the nonferrous metal. The molten metal discharged from the molten metal chamber is circulated through a swirl generation chamber and a suction passage and is introduced into a pump and discharged into to the molten metal chamber. The small particles of nonferrous metal are introduced into the upper side of a swirl generation chamber, in which a swirl stream is generated, mixed with the molten metal while dispersed in the molten metal and delivered to the molten metal chamber.

Abstract: A furnace maintains metal in a molten condition as a melt, and part of the melt is exposed in a charging well where lightweight solid scrap is introduced into the furnance. A vortex generator imparts a vortex to the melt within the well, so that lightweight solid scrap is quickly submerged in the well. The vortex generator includes an impeller which rotates within the well and actually creates the vortex. In addition, it has an elevator from which the impeller is suspended as well as a drive motor for turning the impeller, with the motor being on the elevator. An elevator frame serves to guide the elevator and the elevator frame is in turn connected to a trolley which runs along a track that passes over the charging well, but also extends well beyond it.

Abstract: A metal having a high purity is prepared by immersing a hollow rotary cooling member in a molten metal containing eutectic impurities and rotating the cooling member while supplying a cooling fluid to the interior of the cooling member, whereby the high-purity metal is caused to crystallize out on a metal deposition area of the peripheral surface portion of the cooling member present under the surface of the molten metal, the metal deposition area being the peripheral surface of at least a part of the entire portion, present under the melt surface, of the member. When the purified metal is caused to crystallize out by rotating the cooling member, a flow of molten metal having a downward velocity component is produced in the vicinity of an upper part of the entire portion, present under the melt surface, of the cooling member.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating a molten metal comprises a vertical post, a treating container disposed at one side of the post and having an opening at its upper end for containing the molten metal, a horizontal suspending arm mounted at its base end on the post upwardly and downwardly movably and rotatable in a horizontal plane, a vertical rotary shaft suspended from the arm and having a treating gas channel internally extending therethrough longitudinally, a bubble releasing-dispersing rotor provided at the lower end of the rotary shaft and having in its bottom surface a treating gas outlet in communication with the gas channel, the rotor being movable into and out of the container through the opening, and at least one baffle suspended from the arm and movable into and out of the container through the opening for preventing eddying and waving.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for dissolving alloy elements and dispersing gas in an aluminum bath comprising a vertical shaft (1) pierced along its axis by a duct (2) intended for passing the gas, connected in its upper part to a gas source and to a drive motor and comprising in its lower part which is immersed in the bath a disc (3) with the same axis as the shaft. It is characterized in that the disc is provided with blades (4) which extend along the generatrices of a right prism of parallelogrammatic section, have a rounded end, are inclined with respect to the horizontal at an angle of at most 45 degrees, have their faces between the two planes containing the upper and lower faces of the disc and are provided with axial orifices (7) connected to the duct (2) by a tubular passage (3). The apparatus permits the rapid production of alloys with a low proportion of alkaline elements therein, in particular in a transportation ladle.

Abstract: An aluminum refining vessel has two refining stages positioned side-by-side, with flow of molten aluminum into and out of the vessel being from the same side thereof. The vessel is readily adaptable for the reversal of flow therethrough, and for ease of installation, operation and maintenance.

Abstract: A method of melting metal particles includes the steps of swirling molten metal in a vortex within a crucible, adding metal particles onto the surface of the metal, and submerging the metal particles substantially immediately after the particles have been added onto the surface. Apparatus for carrying out the method includes a mixer having a vertically oriented sleeve secured to the bottom of the crucible, the sleeve supporting a plurality of blades on its outer surface and having a plurality of openings adjacent its bottom. The blades force the metal particles beneath the surface of the metal and create turbulence which ensures rapid melting of the particles. The blades as well as the openings adjacent the bottom of the sleeve break up any agglomerated metal particles. Discharge piping is connected to the bottom of the crucible. A vortex breaker is disposed in the piping to control the vortex in the crucible.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the agitation of base metal on alloy melts, and for the agitation and alloying of base metal melts with at least one alloying metal. A rotatable device is suspended in a melt of base metal and the device is rotated to draw at least a partial vortex in the melt. The device comprises a hollow cylinder having an open top and a closed bottom. An array of openings in the cylinder side wall is adapted to allow melt of the base metal to pass through. In the agitation of a base metal or alloy melt, the amount of dross formed on the melt is reduced. In alloying, the at least one alloying metal may be added directly to the melt or may be added in particulate form into the vortex in the device, the latter being particularly useful when the melting point of the alloying metal is higher than that of the base metal or alloy.

Abstract: The threaded connection between a graphite shaft and a metal shaft, such as is used to drive a rotating nozzle in the refining of aluminum, is strengthened by coating the graphite surface that contact the flange portion of the metal shaft prior to the fastening of said shafts together. The coating of said graphite shaft serves to greatly strengthen the threaded connection and the ability of said connection to transmit driving torque from the metal shaft to the graphite shaft.

Abstract: A device comprising a rotary shaft to be disposed in a liquid substantially vertically and rotatable about its own axis, the rotary shaft having a gas channel extending therethrough axially of the shaft, and a rotor fixed to the lower end of the rotary shaft and having at its bottom surface a gas discharge outlet communicating with the gas channel. The rotor is formed in its bottom surface with radial grooves extending from the gas outlet to the peripheral surface of the rotor and each having an open end at the peripheral surface. A recess is formed in the peripheral surface between the open ends of immediately adjacent grooves and has an open lower end at the bottom surface. When the rotary shaft is rotated in a liquid while supplying a gas to the gas channel of the shaft, the gas flows out from the discharge outlet into the radial grooves and is released from the open ends of the grooves at the peripheral surface into the liquid in the form of finely divided bubbles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ladle for the chlorination in co-flow mode of aluminium alloys in a molten state.It is divided by a vertical partition (6) which, with the bottom, leaves a space (7) for the flow of the metal, into a feed compartment (8) and a treatment compartment (9) in which a chlorinated gas distributor rotor (10) is immersed. It is characterized in that the treatment compartment is closed at its base by a horizontal wall (13) which extends at the level of the bottom of the partition and which is apertured at its center by an opening whose axis coincides with the axis of rotation of the rotor.It is used in the removal of magnesium from aluminium alloys and, with ladles of a capacity of close to 1 m.sup.3 and which can therefore be easily maneuvered, it makes it possible to attain treatment capacities of the order of 20 T/hour with suitable levels of efficiency in regard to the removal of magnesium.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for remelting light gauge scrap metals which includes a remelting furnace with separate heating and melting chambers and pump means for inducing circulation of molten metal between the two. Also included are auger means adapted to include light gauge "floating" scrap metal from the melt into the central zone of the melt.

Abstract: An improved method of melting metal scrap in a molten melting media is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of providing a body of molten melting media in a housing having an upper portion and a lower portion, the lower portion having a generally cylindrical wall section. A supply of metal scrap is added to the housing and a supply of molten melting media is introduced to the upper portion of the housing. Melting of the metal scrap is initiated by ingesting it and molten melting media downwardly in the housing by action of an impeller positioned in the lower portion, the impeller having a flat ring member having an opening in the center thereof and having blades extending from said ring member to a substantially circular disc member. The scrap and melting media enters the opening in the ring member in an axial direction and is propelled therefrom in a radial direction by use of the blades.

Abstract: A recirculating system for ingestion of metal scrap into a molten melting media is disclosed. The system comprises a heating bay containing the molten melting media and a scrap charging bay having upper and lower portions wherein metal scrap is charged into the upper portions of the bay and ingested into the melting media, the scrap charging bay connected to the heating bay to permit molten melting media to be circulated from the heating bay through the scrap charging bay and back to the heating bay. An impeller is positioned in the scrap charging bay for purposes of ingesting the metal scrap into the molten melting media. The impeller has a base member and a top member provided with an opening therein and having an annular flange thereon extending beyond the periphery of the base member substantially transversely to the impeller rotation axis, the impeller having blades positioned between the base member and the top member, the blades extending in a generally radial direction.

Abstract: An improved method of melting metal scrap in a molten melting media is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of providing a body of molten melting media in a housing having an upper portion and a lower portion, the lower portion having a generally cylindrical wall section. A supply of metal scrap is added to the housing and a supply of molten melting media is introduced to the upper portion of the housing. Melting of the metal scrap is initiated by ingesting it and molten melting media downwardly in the housing by action of an impeller positioned in the lower portion, the impeller having a flat ring member having an opening in the center thereof and having blades extending from said ring member to a substantially circular disc member. The scrap and melting media enters the opening in the ring member in an axial direction and is propelled therefrom in a radial direction by use of the blades.

Abstract: A method of removing dissolved contaminant alkali metals and alkaline earth metals from molten aluminum by reaction of the contaminants with solid particulate aluminum-fluoride-yielding material, wherein a body of the molten aluminum to be decontaminated is stirred, in the presence of the aluminum fluoride particles, in such manner as to generate and maintain a stable vortex in the molten body.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating metallic zinc from zinc-containing residues includes a tank which is coolable by the flow of air through a helicoidal conduit that is open radically to the outside via upper and lower orifices and formed within a chamber surrounding the tanks internal refractory coating. A radial flow of molten material against the tank walls is produced by the driven blades of a paddle wheel. Air is supplied to the tank via an air intake in the closure cover. An upper annulr chamber around the cover's seating communicates with the tank's interior via the cover and has an external orifice for connection of a suction conduit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the treatment of a stream of aluminum or magnesium-based liquid metal or alloy during its passage, comprising a ladle formed by an external metal casing, a refractory lining, a channel for the admission of the crude liquid metal at the rear, a nozzle for the casting of the treated liquid metal at the front, at least one internal partition leaving, with the bottom of the ladle, a space for the circulation of the liquid metal and defining a first rear compartment and at least one second front compartment opening into the casting nozzle. The ladle is fixed on a supporting cradle connected to an articulated frame relative to which the said cradle can rock forwards about a first horizontal axis passing through the casting nozzle, the articulated frame itself being connected to a fixed frame relative to which it can rock about the second horizontal axis. The first horizontal axis is approximately perpendicular to the stream of liquid metal.

Abstract: Apparatus for melting relatively large floating units of metal scrap in a molten melting media or medium, the units having oxide films and solid, liquid and gaseous inclusions. After the units are charged into a melting medium, layers of freshly melted metal are presented to the molten media. The apparatus includes a bay for heating the molten media and means for pumping the media from the heating bay to a circular bay for receiving the large units of metal scrap. Located in the circular bay is a rotor means for moving the media therein at a velocity sufficient to sweep away the surface and insulating layers of the floating units in a rapid manner such that new metal is rapidly and continuously exposed to the melting media without the floating units being submerged in the media. A third bay is included for collecting skim material from the molten media leaving the circular bay.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rotary gas dispersion device for the treatment of a bath of liquid metal such as aluminum and its alloys, comprising a cylindrical rotor equipped with blades immersed in the bath, connected to a hollow control shaft for the supply of gas, and is characterized in that the rotor is pierced by oblique ducts coupled to radial ducts in which the metal and the gas circulate respectively before being mixed at the point where these ducts join up, emerging in the bath so as to form a fine dispersion which is then distributed in the said bath by means of blades.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating a molten metal to a high quality by means of applying gas treating and filtration consecutively in a simple compact treating vessel. The vessel is divided into two parts, i.e., fluxing and filtration compartments, by a vertical partition wall having a molten metal passage therein integrally formed with the vessel, and a vacant space is left above the top of the partition wall and the ceiling of the vessel of sealed box type for allowing communication of the upper space above the bath level in both compartments. In two chambers formed in the fluxing compartment divided by a pair of dividers a respective gas treating device including a graphite pipe supplying treating gas and a rotor body to stir the molten metal is inserted from above.

Abstract: A mixing device (e.g., a stirrer) to ensure thorough mixing of metals and metal alloys comprising a generally rectangular solid and a series of off-side, but area-equivalent ports on each side of the axial center, wherein the size and number of ports on one side is different from the size and number of ports on the other side, the upper and lower limits of the ports being defined by oppositely opposed anguarly directed fin portions wherein the fins on one side of the axial center are directed in one direction and the fins on the other side of the axial center are directed in the opposite direction. The invention also embodies a method of mixing molten metals and alloys with the device.

Abstract: A poking system for use in checking the condition of and agitating the contents of a coal gasifier utilizes a carriage (22) for transporting a poker (50) around the gasifier from one poke hole (12) to another. The carriage (22) mounts a poker assembly (24) comprising a tiltable arm (30) controlled by hydraulic ram (36) and the poker is incrementally inserted into and with withdrawn from each pokehole (12) by means of a reciprocable slide (38) provide with poker engaging clamps (60) which are operated during the advance or return stroke of the slide (38) depending on whether the poker is to be inserted or withdrawn. A pyrometer (72) is provided on the arm (30) for detecting, during withdrawal, the location of that portion of the poker (50) which has been resident within the oxidation zone of the gasifier.

Abstract: A continuous method and apparatus for removing copper from lead comprises introducing molten lead and sulphur to the upper end of a vertical stirred reaction vessel, maintaining a dispersion of sulphur in the lead without substantial back-mixing and thereafter recovering the dispersion and allowing the formed copper sulphide to float to the surface. The process is suitable for continuous operation on a small scale, e.g. 3 tons per hour, is environmentally acceptable and requires a lead inventory only about one third of that required by conventional batch processes.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and a system including apparatus for submerging, entraining, melting and circulating aluminum scrap in a molten metal media, which scrap is comprised of pieces not capable of self-submergence. The apparatus of the system includes means to introduce a supply of scrap into an open bay that has heated molten metal drawn from an entry point below the surface of the molten metal by the action of a molten metal scrap entrainment circulator submerged beneath the surface of the molten metal at a point beneath the entry point of the heated molten metal. The circulator continuously draws the heated molten metal including the scrap into the circulator wherein the scrap is completely entrained in the molten metal and delivered into a molten metal circulation path that delivers the scrap metal entrained in the molten metal for subsequent heating further melting and recirculation to the circulator.

Abstract: An improved molten metal pump and gas injection apparatus comprising a submersible pump housing 10 enclosing a rotatable impeller 30, an impeller drive 12 supported above the housing and an elongate drive shaft 16 operatively connected to the impeller. Rotation of the drive shaft effects fluid flow between a pump inlet 35 and a pump outlet 44 both being at least partially defined by the impeller housing. A gas injection conduit 54 extends downwardly from a drive motor support platform 20 and includes an output end 54a that terminates near the pump inlet and which is received by a gas inlet collar 58 that defines a venturi 60, coaxial with the axis of the pump inlet. A passage 62 formed in the collar communicates the end of the gas injection conduit with the throat of the venturi so that the gas is injected into the incoming molten metal in an area of low pressure, thereby reducing the gas pressure needed to effect injection.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and a system including apparatus for submerging, entraining, melting and circulating aluminum scrap in a molten metal media, which scrap is comprised of pieces not capable of self-submergence. The apparatus of the system includes means to introduce a supply of scrap into an open bay that has heated molten metal drawn from an entry point below the surface of the molten metal by the action of a molten metal scrap entrainment circulator submerged beneath the surface of the molten metal at a point beneath the entry point of the heated molten metal. The circulator continuously draws the heated molten metal including the scrap into the circulator wherein the scrap is completely entrained in the molten metal and delivered into a molten metal circulation path that delivers the scrap metal entrained in the molten metal for subsequent heating further melting and recirculation to the circulator.

Abstract: In an apparatus for refining molten metal comprising a vessel having an inlet compartment; first and second refining compartments, each having a rotating gas distributing device disposed therein; and an exit compartment, the improvement comprising providing an exit tube wherein (i) the top wall slants downward from inlet end to outlet end at an angle of about 5 to about 15 degrees from the horizontal and (ii) the ends of the exit tube are about flush with the baffle and the wall dividing the first refining compartment and the exit compartment.

Abstract: A vertically symmetrical mechanical stirrer adapted for submersion in a metallurgical melt includes an entrance canal in the bottom of the stirrer and at least two discharge canals in communication with the entrance canal. The community or common zone of the entrance canal and the discharge canals defines an inner mixing and degassing chamber. The entrance canal has a length which is not more than twice its inner diameter; the discharge canals have a length at least twice their average inner diameter and inner diameter of which uniformly diminish in the direction of flow from the mixing chamber to the point of discharge. The discharge canals are inclined upwardly at an angle from the horizontal of at least 10.degree.. The distance between the lowest points at the entrances to the discharge canals proximate to the mixing chamber is at least 20 percent greater than the inner diameter of the entrance canal.

Abstract: Fluid masses comprising molten metal, such as magnesium alloys, are stirred using a loop-shaped paddle rotating about an axis which itself rotates orbitally about a fixed axis, the loop being shaped so that it passes close to substantially the whole of the bottom of the vessel.

Abstract: In an apparatus for refining molten metal comprising, in combination:(a) a vessel;(b) inlet and outlet means for molten metal and gases; and(c) at least one rotating gas distributing means disposed in said vessel, said gas distributing means comprising (i) a rotatable shaft coupled to drive means at its upper end and fixedly attached to a vaned circular rotor at its lower end; (ii) a hollow stationary sleeve surrounding said shaft and fixedly attached at its lower end to a hollow circular stator; (iii) an axially extending passageway for conveying and discharging gas into the clearance between the rotor and stator, said passageway being defined by the inner surface of the sleeve and stator and the outer surface of the shaft; and (iv) means for providing gas to the upper end of the passageway under sufficient pressure to be injected into the vessel,the improvement comprising utilizing, in the combination, a smooth outer surface construction for the stator and a ratio of the diameter of the stator to the root d

Abstract: An apparatus and method to form a metal containing degenerate dendrites are disclosed. Molten metal is cooled in a receiving means and agitated by rotating blades connected to a rotating shaft. Solid metal, such as dendrites, deposited on inner wall portions of the receiving means are removed by suitable means, such as a scraping blade, in operable combination with the rotating blades. The so produced metal can be cast by conventional metal casting processes.

Abstract: An aluminium/dross separator comprising a container or drum having one or more mixer blades mounted therein, drive means being provided to produce relative rotary movement of the container and blades characterized in that the drive means are positioned below and/or, to the side of, the container and do not extend over the top thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to form a metal containing degenerate dendrites are disclosed. Molten metal is cooled in a receiving means and agitated by rotating blades connected to a rotating shaft. Solid metal, such as dendrites, deposited on inner wall portions of the receiving means are removed by suitable means, such as a scraping blade, in operable combination with the rotating blades. The so produced metal can be cast by conventional metal casting processes.

Abstract: Apparatus for the continuous sulphur drossing of lead to reduce its copper content including a plurality of reaction vessels arranged in series, each reaction vessel having a curved bottom and a stirrer for creating a vortex of the contents. Bullion and sulphur are fed into the series through a vortex at controlled rates and through the series at controlled temperatures and a controlled total reaction time, optimally between 8 and 15 minutes. The bullion, dross and unreacted sulphur, if any, are overflowed from vessel to vessel and into an unagitated vessel for separation of the dross and bullion. The bullion feed device splits the undrossed bullion into a metered stream and an unmetered stream, the unmetered stream being utilized to carry away the separated dross for further processing.

Abstract: The disclosure is of apparatus useful for oxidizing and mixing molten ferruginous metallurgical slags such as converter slag, electric steel making furnace slag and open hearth furnace slag.

Abstract: An agitator assembly for use with a melting furnace such as used for preparing metal to mold bullets has a motor mount slidably disposed on a support arrangement for movement toward and away from the furnace. Rotated by a motor mounted on the motor mount is an agitator element selectively inserted into and removed from the furnace by appropriate movement of the motor mount. A cover plate also is movably mounted on the support arrangement for placement over the access opening of the furnace to prevent splash from the furnace whenever the agitator element is operating within the furnace.

Abstract: Apparatus for debismuthising lead containing one or more alkaline earth metals or alloys thereof, including a separation vessel having independently temperature-controlled upper liquation and lower separation zones, devices for adding a reagent selected from the group consisting of antimony, arsenic and alloys containing antimony and/or arsenic to the input lead to form a crust/bullion mixture and continuously and directly introducing the crust/bullion mixture into the lower separation zone of the vessel at a point below the upper liquation zone, the crust particles being separated from the bullion in the lower separation zone and moving upwardly in the vessel, the entrained lead being separated from the crust particles in the upper liquation zone and moving downwardly in the vessel, the enriched crusts being removed from the upper surface of the material in the vessel, and the debismuthised product lead being withdrawn from near the lower end of the lower separation zone.

Abstract: A vessel adapted for maintaining metal in a molten state comprising, in combination:A. an insulating refractory shell impervious to molten metal;B. a lining for a major proportion of that interior surface of said shell, which will be below the surface of the melt, said lining comprising graphite or silicon carbide blocks, which are free to expand in at least one direction in response to the application of heat; andC. at least one heating means disposed within any of the blocks.

Abstract: A system for melting metal scrap in a molten melting media comprises a housing having an upper portion wherein the melting media and scrap are brought together to initiate melting. The housing also has a lower portion in which a volute is located. An impeller, having a central hub, a circumferential band surrounding the hub, and canted vanes projecting radially from the hub to the band, is positioned in the lower portion of the housing to cooperate with the volute so that upon rotation of the impeller, metal scrap and melting media are moved downwardly and out of the housing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for moving molten media such as molten metal or molten salt through a metal treating system utilizing a vaned disc immersed in the media and located in a cylindrical portion of an open-ended volute so as to provide above the disc a body of the media having an unconfined surface.