Filtering Vaporous Or Liquid Metal Patents (Class 75/407)
  • Patent number: 9669334
    Abstract: A filter is used in a target material supply apparatus and includes a sheet having a first flat surface and a second opposing flat surface, and a plurality of through holes. The first flat surface is in fluid communication with a reservoir that holds a target mixture that includes a target material and non-target particles. The through holes extend from the second flat surface and are fluidly coupled at the second flat surface to an orifice of a nozzle. The sheet has a surface area that is exposed to the target mixture, the exposed surface area being at least a factor of one hundred less than an exposed surface area of a sintered filter having an equivalent transverse extent to that of the sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: ASML Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: Igor V. Fomenkov, William N. Partlo, Gregory O. Vaschenko, William Oldham
  • Patent number: 9605332
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are described for effectively priming a non-electrically conductive filter for removal of solid inclusions from liquid metal. In one embodiment, the ceramic filter media is surrounded by a low frequency induction coil (1-60 Hz) with its axis aligned in the direction of the net metal flow. The coil is positioned to enhance the heating of any metal frozen onto, or in the pores of, the filter element. In one embodiment, the coil is positioned in order to generate Lorentz forces, which act to cause heated metal to impinge on the upper surface of the filter element, enhancing the priming action. Once a filter equipped with such a coil has been primed, it can be kept hot or reheated, and subsequently reused during several batch tapping sequences.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: NORWEIGIAN UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (NTNU)
    Inventors: Mark William Kennedy, Shahid Akhtar, Robert Fritzsch, Jon Arne Bakken, Ragnhild Elisabeth Aune
  • Patent number: 9133033
    Abstract: A method includes isolating carbon atoms as carbide anions below a surface of a reactant liquid. The carbide anions are then enabled to escape from the reactant liquid to a collection area where carbon nanostructures may form. A carbon structure produced in this fashion includes at least one layer made up of hexagonally arranged carbon atoms. Each carbon atom has three covalent bonds to adjoining carbon atoms and one unbound pi electron.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: Clean Technology International Corp.
    Inventor: Anthony S. Wagner
  • Patent number: 8869993
    Abstract: A filter used for filtering molten metal and a preparation method thereof are disclosed. The filter comprises open-pored porous material, binder and refractory material. The refractory material is bonded on the open-pored porous material by the binder, wherein the weight proportion of the binder is at least 50% and the weight proportion of the refractory material is not more than 50%. The filter has enhanced mechanical property and high temperature resisting property, while its preparation method is more cost-efficient than usual ones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Jinan Shengquan Double Surplus Ceramic Filter Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jianxun Zhu, Jinghao Liu
  • Patent number: 8318121
    Abstract: In a device and a method for the processing of non-ferrous metals for simple and economic reduction of the concentration of impurity elements and/or impurity compounds contained in the non-ferrous metal, it is provided to gas the non-ferrous metal in a processing column with at least one gas at a low pressure, causing the impurity elements and/or impurity compounds to evaporate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Sunicon AG
    Inventors: Karsten Wambach, Claudia Knopf, Ingo Röver
  • Publication number: 20120144958
    Abstract: An improved filter is described which is particularly suitable for filtering molten metal. The filter has a porous open celled ceramic foam body with voids separated by struts wherein a portion of the struts are densified with glass.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2010
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Inventors: Rudolph A. Olson, III, Matthew W. Willer, Leonard S. Aubrey
  • Patent number: 8163061
    Abstract: A granulation method for granulating a (CuX)6Sn5 compound by passing a composition comprising a (CuX)6Sn5 compound and tin through a multi-perforated plate to granulate the (CuX)6Sn5 compound wherein X represents an element which is solved in Cu but forms a precipitate with Sn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Nihon Superior Sha Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tetsuro Nishimura
  • Publication number: 20120082603
    Abstract: Systems and methods for treating a fluid with a body are disclosed. Various aspects involve treating a fluid with a porous body. In select embodiments, a body comprises ash particles, and the ash particles used to form the body may be selected based on their providing one or more desired properties for a given treatment. Various bodies provide for the reaction and/or removal of a substance in a fluid, often using a porous body comprised of ash particles. Computer-operable methods for matching a source material to an application are disclosed. Certain aspects feature a porous body comprised of ash particles, the ash particles have a particle size distribution and interparticle connectivity that creates a plurality of pores having a pore size distribution and pore connectivity, and the pore size distribution and pore connectivity are such that a first fluid may substantially penetrate the pores.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Inventors: Charles E. Ramberg, Stephen A. Dynan, Jack A. Shindle
  • Publication number: 20110283836
    Abstract: A temperature-specific compound applied to refractory substrates having molten metal-contacting surfaces creates a chemically active and viscous surface that dramatically increases the ability of the treated substrate to remove slag, dross and other inclusions from a base metal alloy as it passes through or contacts the substrate. The refractory substrates include molten metal filters used by foundries and metal casters such as reticulated ceramic foam, cellular/honeycomb, silica mesh, and others that rely on their physical or sieving ability to remove particulate impurities from the base alloy being cast. The chemically active surfaces significantly increase filtration efficiency through a treatment process tailored to the specific chemistry of the alloy being filtered, such as ferrous metals that include iron, steel and more.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Inventors: Jay R. Hitchings, Jason Hitchings
  • Publication number: 20110229390
    Abstract: Systems and methods for treating a fluid with a body are disclosed. Various aspects involve treating a fluid with a porous body. In select embodiments, a body comprises ash particles, and the ash particles used to form the body may be selected based on their providing one or more desired properties for a given treatment. Various bodies provide for the reaction and/or removal of a substance in a fluid, often using a porous body comprised of ash particles. Computer-operable methods for matching a source material to an application are disclosed. Certain aspects feature a porous body comprised of ash particles, the ash particles have a particle size distribution and interparticle connectivity that creates a plurality of pores having a pore size distribution and pore connectivity, and the pore size distribution and pore connectivity are such that a first fluid may substantially penetrate the pores.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Inventors: Charles E. Ramberg, Stephen A. Dynan, Jack A. Shindle
  • Publication number: 20110229389
    Abstract: Systems and methods for treating a fluid with a body are disclosed. Various aspects involve treating a fluid with a porous body. In select embodiments, a body comprises ash particles, and the ash particles used to form the body may be selected based on their providing one or more desired properties for a given treatment. Various bodies provide for the reaction and/or removal of a substance in a fluid, often using a porous body comprised of ash particles. Computer-operable methods for matching a source material to an application are disclosed. Certain aspects feature a porous body comprised of ash particles, the ash particles have a particle size distribution and interparticle connectivity that creates a plurality of pores having a pore size distribution and pore connectivity, and the pore size distribution and pore connectivity are such that a first fluid may substantially penetrate the pores.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Inventors: Charles E. Ramberg, Stephen A. Dynan, Jack A. Shindle
  • Patent number: 7927398
    Abstract: A multistage electromagnetic purification method of molten metal, which employs a multistage separator composed of two or more multichannel straight-pass separators bonded together with inorganic high-temperature adhesive. Each stage of the separators is set up in such a manner that the region of centerline of each channel in the former separators is occupied by the sidewall of the next separators at the corresponding position therein; while simultaneously the position in the next separators becomes a region close to sidewall. The multistage separator eliminates the “dead zone” of electromagnetic separation, realizes the transformation from “weak zone” to “strong zone” of electromagnetic separation, and significantly increases removal efficiency of inclusions in the melt with great volume under the effect of induced magnetic field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Shanghai Jiao Tong University
    Inventors: Da Shu, Jun Wang, Haiyan Chen, Baode Sun
  • Publication number: 20110062215
    Abstract: A process by which molten solder is purified in-situ, making the soldering process more efficient and yielding better results, particularly for lead-free soldering. Lead-free solder becomes practical for use since the temperature for reliable soldering is reduced. A layer of active additive is maintained on the surface of molten solder for scavenging metal oxide from the solder and assimilating metal oxide into a liquid layer. The active additive is an organic liquid having nucleophilic and/or electrophilic groups. As an example, a layer of dimer acid maintained on a wave soldering apparatus scavenges metal oxide from the bath, and assimilates dross that may form on the surface. Scavenging metal oxide cleanses the bath and lowers viscosity of the solder, and PC boards or the like soldered on the wave have reliable solder joints.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Inventors: Lawrence C. Kay, Erik J. Severin, Luis A. Aguirre
  • Patent number: 7718114
    Abstract: A ceramic precursor, and ceramic filter prepared therewith, with 35-70 wt % refractory aluminosilicate; 10-30 wt % colloidal silica; 0-2 wt % modified bentonite; 0-35 wt % fumed silica; 0-10 wt % pore formers and liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Porvair PLC
    Inventors: Rudolph A. Olson, III, Leonard S. Aubrey, Feng Chi, Christopher J. Plantec, Myron K. Redden, David P. Haack
  • Patent number: 7666248
    Abstract: A method is described for priming an in-line molten metal filtration unit having a porous ceramic or refractory filter mounted substantially horizontally in a filter box. This filter box has an inlet for molten metal and an outlet for molten metal, the outlet being a closeable outlet in an exit well connecting to the downstream side of the filter. The method of the invention comprises the steps of adding a molten metal to the filter box sufficient to entirely cover the upstream side of the filter with a depth of molten metal and temporarily sealing the outlet in the exit well. A steadily increasing vacuum is then applied to the closed exit well at a rate between 0.1 and 10 kPa per second by withdrawing a stream of air from the exit well by means of a fan or air venturi until molten metal begins to flow through the filter. At that point the vacuum is quickly released and the molten metal outlet is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Alcan International Limited
    Inventors: Luc Belley, Jean-François Bilodeau, André Gendron, Serge Munger
  • Publication number: 20090320647
    Abstract: A direct smelting process for producing molten metal from a metalliferous feed material in a direct smelting vessel is disclosed. The process includes using a stream of off-gas from the vessel as a fuel gas in (i) stoves for generating a hot blast of air or oxygen-enriched air for the process and (ii) a waste heat recovery apparatus for generating steam for the process. The process also includes controlling pressure in the vessel by controlling pressure in the off-gas stream while the process is producing molten metal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2007
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Inventor: John Neil Goodman
  • Patent number: 7632333
    Abstract: A method of separating metal particulates from a slurry of original constituents of liquid metal and metal particulates and salt particulates is disclosed. The metal and salt particulates are concentrated by removing at least some of the liquid metal, and then, liquid metal or a liquid of the original salt constituent or a mixture thereof is passed through the particulates at a temperature greater than the melting point of the original salt constituent to further concentrate the metal particulates. The metal particulates are then separated from the remaining original constituents or a mixture of the salt constituent. Density differences between the liquid metal and salt are also used to facilitate separation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Cristal US, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard P. Anderson, Armstrong Donn, Lance Jacobsen
  • Patent number: 7594950
    Abstract: A method for removing slag comprises: preparing a filter 21 of heat-resistant porous ceramics, which passes a molten metal and catches slag, liquidizing metal material to form a molten metal A on which slag is floating; and traveling filter 21 along a surface of the molten metal A and removing slag. And a device for removing slag comprises: a filter 21 of heat-resistant porous ceramics, which passes a molten metal and catches slag; and a driving device for traveling filter 21 along a surface of the molten metal on which slag is floating and removing slag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: Sanki Dengyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroaki Oka, Nariaki Oka
  • Patent number: 7591873
    Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to separate excess coppers leached out in a lead-free solder bath and recover tin with high efficiency. An element X for forming a (CuX)6Sn5 compound between copper and tin in molten lead-free solders is added to separate out a (CuX)6Sn5 compound. Tin is recovered by binding the (CuX)6Sn5 compound by passing thereof through a multi-perforated plate, further generating swirling currents to precipitate and separate the bound (CuX)6Sn5 compounds and removing thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Nihon Superior Sha Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tetsuro Nishimura
  • Publication number: 20090071293
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a ceramic filter device for molten metal filtration comprising a major ceramic phase and a minor carbon phase bonded by phosphate bond, a method for producing such filter devices, and the use of such filter devices for the filtration of molten steel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2006
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Inventor: Kassim Juma
  • Patent number: 7501007
    Abstract: A system and method of separating metal powder from a slurry of liquid metal and metal powder and salt is disclosed in which the slurry is introduced into a first vessel operated in an inert environment when liquid metal is separated from the metal powder and salt leaving principally salt and metal powder substantially free of liquid metal. The salt and metal powder is transferred to a second vessel operated in an inert environment with both environments being protected from contamination. Then the salt and metal powder are treated to produce passivated powder substantially free of salt and liquid metal. The method is particularly applicable for use in the production of Ti and its alloys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: Cristal US, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard P. Anderson, Lance Jacobsen
  • Publication number: 20090011512
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate generally to systems used to measure mercury in gaseous emissions. In one aspect, the invention is directed to the use of silicon carbide as material for a thermal pyrolysis unit. In another aspect, at least one of silicon nitride, silicon boride, and/or boron nitride is used as material for a thermal pyrolysis unit. In another aspect, the invention is directed to an improved pyrolyzer design, in which a thermal pyrolysis unit comprises a tailpiece that allows water to be injected at the heated exit of the thermal pyrolysis unit. In another aspect, the invention is directed to the use of a coalescing filter in a scrubbing unit. In another aspect, the invention is directed to the use of a hydrophobic filter element in a scrubbing unit. One or more of these elements may be used in a conditioning module of a continuous emissions monitoring system, for example.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2008
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Applicant: TEKRAN INSTRUMENTS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Frank H. Schaedlich, Daniel R. Schneeberger
  • Patent number: 7425273
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for processing a suspension. According to the invention, a suspension is led into a washing column in which at least one filter element is present, so that near the filtering element, a packed bed of particles forms. The bed is disintegrated under the influence of the impulse of a washing liquid, while particles from the bed are incorporated in the washing liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Assignee: Nederlandse Organisatie voor toegepast-natuurwetenschappelijk Onderzoek TNO
    Inventors: Piet Huisjes, Johannes van der Meer, Michiel Nienoord, Dirk Verdoes
  • Publication number: 20080216605
    Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to separate excess coppers leached out in a lead-free solder bath and recover tin with high efficiency. An element X for forming a (CuX)6Sn5 compound between copper and tin in molten lead-free solders is added to separate out a (CuX)6Sn5 compound. Tin is recovered by binding the (CuX)6Sn5 compound by passing thereof through a multi-perforated plate, further generating swirling currents to precipitate and separate the bound (CuX)6Sn5 compounds and removing thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2006
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicant: NIHON SUPERIOR SHA CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Tetsuro Nishimura
  • Publication number: 20080053275
    Abstract: A method is described for priming an in-line molten metal filtration unit having a porous ceramic or refractory filter mounted substantially horizontally in a filter box. This filter box has an inlet for molten metal and an outlet for molten metal, the outlet being a closeable outlet in an exit well connecting to the downstream side of the filter. The method of the invention comprises the steps of adding a molten metal to the filter box sufficient to entirely cover the upstream side of the filter with a depth of molten metal and temporarily sealing the outlet in the exit well. A steadily increasing vacuum is then applied to the closed exit well at a rate between 0.1 and 10 kPa per second by withdrawing a stream of air from the exit well by means of a fan or air venturi until molten metal begins to flow through the filter At that point the vacuum is quickly released and the molten metal outlet is opened.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2005
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventors: Luc Belley, Jean-Francois Bilodeau, Andre Gendron, Serge Munger
  • Patent number: 6932853
    Abstract: A method of operating mechanical separation devices at high temperatures to separate various volatile metals, metal halides and metal oxides to produce high purity materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Heritage Environmental Services LLC
    Inventors: James E. Bratina, Fred M. Fehsenfeld
  • Patent number: 6793707
    Abstract: A method for inoculating molten iron. The method comprises passing the molten iron through a filter assembly at an approach velocity of about 1 to about 60 cm/sec. The filter assembly comprises a filter element and an inoculation pellet in contact with the filter element. The pellet has an inoculant dissolution rate of at least 1 mg/sec. to no more than 320 mg/sec. and comprises about 40-99.9%, by weight, carrier comprising ferrosilicon. The pellet further comprises about 0.1-60%, by weight, at least one inoculating agent selected from a group consisting of cerium, strontium, zirconium, calcium, manganese, barium, bismuth, magnesium, titanium and aluminum or from rare earths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignees: Pechiney Electrometallurgie, Porvair PLC
    Inventors: Donald B. Craig, Leonard S. Aubrey, Thomas J. Margaria
  • Publication number: 20040003681
    Abstract: A method for recovering catalytic metals from fluid compositions containing catalytic metal colloids. Fluid compositions such as aqueous rinse solutions or dragout baths containing catalytic metal colloids are passed through a porous metal filter that entraps the catalytic metal colloids. The catalytic metal colloids have a high affinity for the porous metal filter in contrast to other components of the fluids. The other components of the fluids pass through the porous metal filter while the catalytic metal colloids concentrate on the porous metal filter. The catalytic metal colloids that are captured on the porous metal filter are removed from the filter by backwashing the filter with a gas and/or a liquid. The backwashing forces the catalytic metal colloids off of the porous metal filter and through a solids discharge valve and into a solids collection container. The method is economically efficient with high catalytic metal recovery and is environmentally friendly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2002
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Applicant: Shipley Company, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Doubrava, Anthony Gallegos, Eric G. Lundquist, James C. Bohling, Richard F. Staniunas
  • Publication number: 20030209106
    Abstract: A method for recovering catalytic metals from fluids containing catalytic metal colloids. Fluid compositions such as rinse solutions or dragout baths containing catalytic metal colloids are passed through a filter that entraps catalytic metal colloids on the filter. The catalytic metal colloids have a high affinity for the filter in contrast to other components of the fluids. The other components of the fluids pass through the filter while the catalytic colloids concentrate on the filter. The filter containing the catalytic metal colloids is burned, and the catalytic metal is retrieved. The method is economically efficient and environmentally friendly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2002
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Applicant: Shipley Company, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Doubrava, Anthony Gallegos, Eric G. Lundquist, James C. Bohling, Richard F. Staniunas, Chad Serell
  • Publication number: 20030150294
    Abstract: A molten metal or molten metal alloy is filtered to remove contaminants. Filters may include imaging agents, especially those useful for N-ray radiography, X-ray analysis, and neutron activation. Currently preferred imaging agents include gadolinia and tungsten. Currently preferred refractory materials include yttria, zirconia, tantalum, tungsten and rhenium. A homogeneous distribution of refractory and imaging materials may be accomplished by vacuum impregnation, chemical vapor deposition, physical vapor deposition, chemical vapor infiltration, fusing, cocalcining, alloying, and physical mixing. Filters substantially resistant to chemical and mechanical degradation may be used. For example, filters may be constructed with at least an outer layer of the filter comprising yttria. Filters may define a porosity and mesh size for efficient filtration and to exclude the maximum allowed size of defects for the particular application.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2002
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventors: Njall Stefansson, Mark E. Springgate, James R. Barrett, David Howard Sturgis, James E. Ault, Patrick J. Durbin, Douglas Gene Nikolas
  • Publication number: 20030145683
    Abstract: A 99.99% pure indium feed is charged into crucible 8 and heated to 1250° C. by upper heater 6 in a vacuum atmosphere at 1×10−4 Torr, whereupon indium evaporates, condenses on the inner surfaces of inner tube 3 and drips to be recovered into liquid reservoir 9 in the lower part of tubular member 11 whereas impurity elements having lower vapor pressure than indium stay within crucible 8. The recovered indium mass in liquid reservoir 9 is heated to 1100° C. by lower heater 7 and the resulting vapors of impurity elements having higher vapor pressure than indium pass through diffuser plates 12 in the upper part of tubular member 11 to be discharged from the system whereas the indium vapor recondenses upon contact with diffuser plates 12 and returns to liquid reservoir 9, yielding 99.9999% pure indium while preventing the loss of indium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Applicant: DOWA MINING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kishio Tayama, Toshiaki Hodozuka
  • Patent number: 6468326
    Abstract: A device for an in-line filtering (10) of a liquid metal, by using only a single installation, to obtain a very good filtering of any liquid metal whatever its melting point. The device comprising a treating chamber (11) made of refractory material and having an inlet (12) for supplying the metal liquid to be filtered, an element for cleaning (16) the metal, and an element for degassing (17) the cleaned metal. The degassed metal is then injected, under pressure via an injection pump (18), into a porous filtering element (19) and injected liquid flows tangentially to a filtering surface of the filtering element (19) for filtering the metal while simultaneously cleaning the filtering surface. Under the effect of the applied pressure, a portion of the degassed metal passes through the filtering element (19), which is enclosed by a chamber (20), and the filtered liquid is evacuated through an output port (21) provided in the treating chamber (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Membratec S.A.
    Inventors: Emmanuel Bonvin, Eric Wuilloud
  • Patent number: 6231639
    Abstract: A filter cartridge for a molten metal filtering system is provided with a modular construction in which the filter elements are adapted to be removably mounted to an end plate. The filter elements may be removed separately from the filter and replaced with new filter elements without removing the entire cartridge assembly. According to another aspect of the invention, the filter elements are provided with an elliptical cross-section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: Metaullics Systems Co., L.P.
    Inventors: David J. Eichenmiller, Richard S. Henderson, Lennard D. Lutes, Harvey Martin
  • Patent number: 6224648
    Abstract: In order to separate metals and/or metal alloys of different melting points from one another, a mixture of these metals and/or metal alloys is brought to a temperature at which the metal or the metal alloy of relatively low melting point is molten and the metal or the metal alloy of relatively high melting point is in the solid state. The solid constituents are separated from the melt, use being made of washing column with at least one filter which withstands the temperature of molten metal. Each of the filters is arranged in the wall of a separate pipe which extends through the washing column. The mixture is fed to one end of the washing column and moves along the pipe or pipes, towards means arranged at the opposite side of the washing column for removing solid crystalline material. The melt passes via the filter or filters into the pipe or pipes, and flows in countercurrent to the mixture situated on the outside of the pipe or pipes, towards a melt discharge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Nederlandse Organisatie voor Toegepast-Natuurwetenschappelijk Onderzoek TNO
    Inventors: Dirk Verdoes, Hendrik Visscher
  • Patent number: 6203593
    Abstract: A ceramic filter arranged in a flow passage through which a molten metal is poured from a gate into a cavity of a casting mold. The ceramic filter has a ceramic main body of a three-dimensional reticulated skeleton structure having interconnected pores. The main body is formed into a cylindrical shape having an inner hollow portion. A method of making the ceramic main body is disclosed by applying a ceramic slurry on a reticulated synthetic resin foam having no cell membranes. The foam is sintered and applied with the ceramic slurry until the foam is removed by carbonization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Bridgestone Corporation
    Inventors: Eigo Tanuma, Takashi Tokugawa
  • Patent number: 6183533
    Abstract: A secondary lamp glass and/or parts processor for removing mercury from recycled lamp parts. The device includes a housing defining a heating chamber. A heater is connected to the heating chamber to heat the lamp glass and retort the mercury on the lamp parts. A hopper is disposed adjacent the heating chamber. The hopper can be disposed proximate the heating chamber such that the heat from the heating chamber can be transferred to the hopper. The hopper can be connected to the heating chamber such that parts from the hopper can be fed into the chamber. A blower fluidly connected to the chamber and the hopper forces air through the chamber and into the hopper as parts are fed into the chamber from the hopper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Inventor: Dennis Sewill
  • Patent number: 6136063
    Abstract: A process and system for separating metals from a waste composition and for producing a reusable glass product is disclosed. The process includes heating waste materials containing at least one glass forming substance to a temperature sufficient to volatilize any volitile metals contained within the waste material. The waste material is also heated to a temperature and for a time sufficient for substantially all of the glass forming substances contained within the material to melt and form a molten glass. In one embodiment, the waste materials are heated in a reducing atmosphere in a direct contact radiant heating device, such as an electric arc furnace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignees: Clemson University, AJT Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Denis A. Brosnan
  • Patent number: 6086652
    Abstract: A method for removing oxides from a liquid metal heat exchange fluid following the initial startup of the heat exchange system fixes oxygen by locating an oxygen scavenging material in a drain tank. During initial fabrication and periods of maintenance metal surfaces of the conduits, heat exchange elements and other equipment become coated with an oxide layer. This invention eliminates the need for the sacrificial traps in the circulating system that are used to remove this initial oxide loading by placing an oxygen scavenging material in the drain tank. The drain tank is ordinarily provided to retain the inventory of liquid metal when it is not circulating in the heat exchange volume. A simple drain down of the liquid metal inventory can thereby remove from the liquid metal inventory essentially all of the oxide impurities that usually accompany an initial startup of such a system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Robert C. Mulvaney, III, Stephen A. McColl
  • Patent number: 6036743
    Abstract: There is provided a method and apparatus for removing liquid salts from liquid metal utilizing at least one porous substrate which is wettable by liquid salts and is not wettable by liquid metal. The porous substrate is inserted into a container having a quantity of liquid metal which is contaminated with an amount of liquid salt. The salt contaminated liquid metal contacts the substrate so that the liquid salt is absorbed into the porous substrate. The salt wetted porous substrate is then removed from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: Selee Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth R. Butcher, Leonard S. Aubrey
  • Patent number: 5972073
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for separating the group III element component of a group III-V material from an aqueous waste containing a group III-V material to allow for their recovery and beneficial use. The method includes adjusting the pH of an aqueous waste containing a group III-V material to a pH from about 9.5 to about 12.5 by adding an alkali metal hydroxide base to the aqueous waste; precipitating a group V element oxyanion by adding a soluble alkaline metal salt to the aqueous waste; separating the group V element oxyanion from the aqueous waste; adjusting the pH of the aqueous waste to form a group III element hydroxide precipitate by adding a mineral acid to the aqueous waste; separating the group III element hydroxide precipitate from the aqueous waste; and recovering the group III element from the group III element hydroxide precipitate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: The University of Dayton
    Inventors: Jeffrey Allen Sturgill, Joseph Thomas Swartzbaugh
  • Patent number: 5961918
    Abstract: Honeycomb filters for the filtration of molten metal streams comprise a triangular cell cross-section in combination with specified cell density, cell wall thickness, filter open frontal area and geometric surface area, thereby offering improved filtration performance when compared with similar filters of square or circular cell design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventor: J. Paul Day
  • Patent number: 5914440
    Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a system for the filtration of molten material. The system is particularly useful for removing MgO impurities present in molten magnesium chloride electrolyte. The invention also comprises a method for removing solid particles from molten materials. Preferred molten materials include magnesium, aluminum, magnesium chloride electrolyte and aluminum electrolyte. The concentration of solid remaining in the molten material is less than 0.05 wt %.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1999
    Assignee: Noranda Inc.
    Inventors: Cesur Celik, Pasquale Ficara, Daniel Laroche
  • Patent number: 5894085
    Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus for determining the purity of a metal alloy, and in particular an aluminum alloy. The apparatus comprises a shell (10) defining a receptacle (14) of generally tapering shape about a vertical axis having a bottom end defining an orifice (18) of small dimensions, a filter (20) completely closing the orifice, means a heater for initially raising the shell to a first predetermined temperature, an orifice putting a predetermined quantity of alloy to be tested into the receptacle, the quantity of alloy being initially at a second predetermined temperature, whereby the alloy flows under gravity through the filter until the filter becomes clogged with the impurities in the alloy, and means a pan for collecting and measuring the volume of alloy that passes through the filter prior to the filter becoming clogged by the impurities contained in the alloy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1999
    Assignee: Centre Technique des Industries de la Fonderie
    Inventors: Jean-Luc Roberge, Michel Richard
  • Patent number: 5891215
    Abstract: Molten metal (e.g., on its way to a continuous casting machine for forming a bar that will be rolled into a rod to be drawn down to wire) is filtered to remove particulate impurities by passing it through at least one and preferably several ceramic filters. In addition, the molten metal is degassed by injecting a flushing gas into the metal through one or more porous plugs in the bottom of the chamber through which the molten metal flows. A partial vacuum column above each porous plug is used to help pull gas up through and out of the metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Assignee: Phelps Dodge Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: George M. Meseha, Fausto Tavares
  • Patent number: 5676731
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for filtering molten metal are disclosed. The apparatus utilizes a continuous filtering medium that is serially indexed into the metal filtering area. The apparatus may be used to filter ferrous and non-ferrous metals, and provides significant cost and time savings. In one embodiment the apparatus allows automatic indexing of a new filter for each shot or pour on high production casting machines. In another embodiment the apparatus is adapted to filter large amounts of metal up to 5,000 pounds or more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Inventor: Jay Hitchings
  • Patent number: 5567223
    Abstract: A method for dealing with mercury-containing waste including button-type batteries, wherein the waste is heated in a furnace while being agitated and in the presence of elementary selenium vapour in an amount sufficient to form mercury-selenide from essentially all the mercury contained by the waste. The waste is heated to a temperature at which mercury and selenium will be present in a gaseous state and at which solid mercury-selenide will not form, and a partial pressure of oxygen is maintained at a sufficiently low level to avoid oxidation of the selenium. The thus treated mercury-freed waste is extracted from the resultant process gas and from any other solid material that may be present and is either dumped or worked-up metallurgically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Assignee: Boliden Mineral AB
    Inventors: Per-Olov Lindgren, Karin Paulsson, Anna Svedberg
  • Patent number: 5556592
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for filtering molten metal are disclosed. The apparatus utilizes a continuous filtering medium that is serially indexed into the metal filtering area. The apparatus may be used to filter ferrous and non-ferrous metals, and provides significant cost and time savings. In one embodiment the apparatus allows automatic indexing of a new filter for each shot or pour on high production casting machines. In another embodiment the apparatus is adapted to filter large amounts of metal up to 5,000 pounds or more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Inventor: Jay Hitchings
  • Patent number: 5518518
    Abstract: A process is described for producing amorphous metal alloys wherein impure ferrophosphorus slag, a by-product from a phosphorus-producing electric furnace, is used to supply phosphorus, chromium, vanadium and iron values to such alloys by treating the ferrophosphorus slag to a separation step to recover a purified molten ferrophos, mixing it with iron and any other desired metalloid and/or elements to form a molten mixture and rapidly cooling the molten mixture to below its vitrification temperature to form a solid amorphous metal alloy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1996
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventors: Michael F. Blum, Gary L. Boerman, Thomas M. Fekete, Donald L. Horak, Yulig K. Kovneristy, Michael T. Orillion
  • Patent number: 5511766
    Abstract: A vessel used for transfer of molten metal having a refractory filter wall with filters for removing inclusion from molten metal as it flows through the vessel. The refractory filter wall having passages sized according to a predetermined volume of molten metal that is to be filtered, the desired flow rate of molten metal through the vessel and the limiting characteristics of the filters. In another aspect of the invention, protrusions are provided on refractory walls of the vessel to enhance deposition of non-metallic inclusions on the protrusions by disrupting the boundary layer flow in the molten metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Assignee: USX Corporation
    Inventor: Achilles Vassilicos
  • Patent number: 5427602
    Abstract: Molten metal containing suspended liquid and solid particles is passed preferably generally upwardly through a porous media so constructed and arranged such that the movement of the molten metal therethrough renders the suspended liquid particles gravity separable. The gravity separable liquid particles rise upwardly or settle downwardly so as to be removable from said molten metal for subsequent removal therefrom. An associated apparatus is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1995
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventors: David H. DeYoung, Grant G. Owen, Dennis R. Moeller, K. Dean Vinnedge