Abstract: The present invention provides an improved filtering vessel for filtering molten metal. The filtering vessel of the present invention is provided with a partition and fitted with a removable filter blade. The partition provides support for the removable filter blade. The removable filter blade contains a filter element. Molten metal is filtered by passing through the filter element contained in the removable filter blade. Molten metal can be made to pass through the filter element by the appropriate application of pressure to the surface of the unfiltered molten metal, by tilting the vessel in such a manner as to cause hydrostatic pressure to force unfiltered molten metal through the filter element, or by removing filtered molten metal with a ladle and thereby causing a differential hydrostatic pressure between the region of the vessel containing filtered molten metal and the region of the vessel containing unfiltered molten metal.

Abstract: The molten metal transfer crucible of the present invention filters molten metal during transfer of the molten metal to a receptacle such as a mold. The molten metal transfer crucible of the present invention is fitted with an external removable filter blade. The removable filter blade contains a filter element and is positioned with respect to an inlet in the transfer crucible such that molten metal is filtered by passing through the filter element contained in the blade while the crucible is being filled with molten metal. During operation molten metal can be intermittently back-flushed through the filter element contained in the blade. Back-flushing molten metal through the filter element extends the life of the filter element, and thereby increases the hours the transfer crucible may be operated between blade changes.

Abstract: The improved crucible of the present invention both filters molten metal during the transfer of the molten metal from a supply receptacle such as a melting furnace to a receiving receptacle such as a mold. The transfer crucible of the present invention may be either portable or permanently mounted. The present invention relates to both the design of the improved transfer crucible and to the method for using the improved transfer crucible. The transfer crucible of the present invention is fitted with one or more removable blades, each of which contains a filter element. Molten metal can be filtered while the crucible is being filled with molten metal, during transfer of molten metal, or if desired molten metal can be filtered both on entry into and on exit from the transfer crucible.