Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating aluminum-based materials from non-aluminum materials is provided. The apparatus includes a conveyor which leads into a chute. Mixed materials which may be pre-shredded travel along the conveyor and into the chute. An adjustable air header assembly is provided at the end of the conveyor within the chute which directs an air stream generally upwardly and at an angle towards the end of the conveyor and the pieces of material thereon. A predetermined air velocity and air flow is selected such that the lighter aluminum materials are lifted and blown, or propelled, a fixed distance as they emerge from the end of the conveyor and the heavier non-aluminum materials fall short of that distance. Suitable collection bins are provided at the appropriate location. The apparatus and associated method used are particularly suited to separating used food and beverage can stock before it enters a recycling station.

Abstract: A process and apparatus is disclosed for removing volatile contaminants from scrap metal. The process is carried out in a furnace maintained at a relatively constant temperature having a first zone in which volatiles contained on the surface of the metal are vaporized and a second zone in which carbon contained on the surface of the metal is pyrolyzed. The furnace also has a vibrating conveyor for transporting metal therethrough at a specific speed. The process includes the step of vaporizing and fluidizing the volatiles to produce fumes containing unburned hydrocarbons without oxidizing the metal. The hydrocarbon fumes are then burned to produce hot gas which is recirculated to the furnace so as to contact new incoming scrap metal.

Abstract: A control system controlling the movements of a pneumatic percussion tool for breaking crust away from anode butts in an electrolysis cell. The system comprises a control arm extending through first and second plates connected to respective first and second valve stems. In a preferred embodiment, the first valve stem operates a hydraulic scissors jack for extending and retracting the tool, and the second valve stem operates a hydraulic rotator motor for radially rotating a mast supporting the tool. A preferred system also comprises a pneumatic control valve connected to the control arm for positioning and energizing the percussion tool.

Abstract: A process for removing hydrocarbon combustibles from the surface of metal particles and recovering the heat content therefrom is disclosed. The process is carried out in a system having a smoke collection zone, a heating zone and burner means supplied with fuel and air. The process includes charging the metal particles into a moving molten metal bath contained in the smoke collection zone. The charging generates smoke and vaporizes the hydrocarbon combustibles to provide unburned hydrocarbon fumes. A burner means is fired to draw transporting gas into the smoke collection zone to entrain and transport the smoke and fumes from the smoke collection zone to a jet stream exiting the burner means. The smoke and fumes are incinerated in the jet stream to provide hot gas. The transporting gas also contains oxygen for incinerating the smoke and fumes. The hot gas provided by incinerating the smoke and fumes is then jetted via the jet stream into the heating zone where its heat content is recovered.