Abstract: A process and apparatus for removing volatile contaminants from scrap metal is disclosed. The process is carried out in a furnace maintained at a relatively constant temperature and 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 conveyor for transporting metal therethrough at a specific speed to ensure complete vaporization and pyrolysis of the contaminants. The process includes the steps of sufficiently vaporizing the volatiles without oxidizing the metal, the vaporizing producing fumes containing unburned hydrocarbons. The hydrocarbon fumes are then burned to produce hot gas which is recirculated to the furnace. The hot gas contacts the incoming metal and vaporizes the volatiles contained thereon.

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 process and apparatus for removing volatile contaminants from scrap metal is disclosed. The process is carried out in a furnace maintained at a relatively constant temperature and 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 conveyor for transporting metal therethrough at a specific speed to ensure complete vaporization and pyrolysis of the contaminants. The process includes the steps of sufficiently vaporizing the volatiles without oxidizing the metal, the vaporizing producing fumes containing unburned hydrocarbons. The hydrocarbon fumes are then burned to produce hot gas which is recirculated to the furnace. The hot gas contacts the incoming metal and vaporizes the volatiles contained thereon.