Abstract: An automatic dross processing system has a pivotably-mounted reaction vessel and a vertically movable motor and impeller. A microprocessor controls the operation of the motor and a series of actuators that move the motor vertically, move a probe that removes a plug to drain collected metal from the reaction vessel, and move the reaction vessel between a loading-and-processing position and a dumping position. The microprocessor coordinates the actions of these elements to complete a dross processing cycle to recover metal from a dross without requiring the attention of an operator throughout the process. The reaction vessel can have an inner shell and an outer shell that are bolted together with a gap therebetween to accommodate insulation, which can include a felt overlying one or more pieces of rigid material. A drain tube can be attached to the inner shell by an accordion-like structure to reduce thermal stresses in service.

Abstract: A dross processing system has a motor mounted to a motor support arm by a motor support carriage, and has a carriage guide which engages the motor support carriage to guide the motor along a vertical path between a raised position and a lowered position. The motor is moved by a motor height actuator connected between the motor support arm and the motor support carriage. A hood having a hood rim and a hood upper structure is configured to be engaged by the motor support carriage when moved to the raised position. When the motor is moved to the lowered position, the hood rim engages a reaction vessel upper rim. The motor support arm can rotate between a loading/dumping position and an operating position. The dross processing system can be partially automated by a microprocessor. A preferred impeller for agitating dross and a plug setting tool can be employed.

Abstract: A dross processing system has a substantially vertical support positioned in close proximity to a furnace. A reaction vessel is mounted to the substantially vertical support by a reaction vessel support. The reaction vessel preferably has a substantially vertical sidewall and a bottom member having a sealable port. The reaction vessel is preferably fabricated of stainless steel sheet stock, and can have expanded metal sheet welded to the outside or can have a dual-shell structure. The reaction vessel is retained in a horizontal position for loading metal-bearing dross, and can pivot to dump spent dross. The reaction vessel support can be rotatably mounted with respect to the furnace to allow the reaction vessel to be swung away from the furnace for dumping. In one embodiment, the reaction vessel can also be raised and lowered.