Abstract: Certain embodiments of a melting and casting apparatus comprising includes a melting hearth; a refining hearth fluidly communicating with the melting hearth; a receiving receptacle fluidly communicating with the refining hearth, the receiving receptacle including a first outflow region defining a first molten material pathway, and a second outflow region defining a second molten material pathway; and at least one melting power source oriented to direct energy toward the receiving receptacle and regulate a direction of flow of molten material along the first molten material pathway and the second molten material pathway. Methods for casting a metallic material also are disclosed.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of a melting and casting apparatus comprising includes a melting hearth; a refining hearth fluidly communicating with the melting hearth; a receiving receptacle fluidly communicating with the refining hearth, the receiving receptacle including a first outflow region defining a first molten material pathway, and a second outflow region defining a second molten material pathway; and at least one melting power source oriented to direct energy toward the receiving receptacle and regulate a direction of flow of molten material along the first molten material pathway and the second molten material pathway. Methods for casting a metallic material also are disclosed.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of a melting and casting apparatus comprising includes a melting hearth; a refining hearth fluidly communicating with the melting hearth; a receiving receptacle fluidly communicating with the refining hearth, the receiving receptacle including a first outflow region defining a first molten material pathway, and a second outflow region defining a second molten material pathway; and at least one melting power source oriented to direct energy toward the receiving receptacle and regulate a direction of flow of molten material along the first molten material pathway and the second molten material pathway. Methods for casting a metallic material also are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of liberating various existing hydrocarbon fractions from hydrocarbon mixtures without the need of additives, catalysts or heating using ultrasonic cavitation. Ultrasonic energy is provided at a rate sufficient to induce cavitation in the hydrocarbon mixture without causing cracking. The high temperatures and high pressures resulting from cavitation reduce intermolecular forces between hydrocarbons thereby liberating existing lighter hydrocarbons in the diesel range or lighter for recovery via more traditional separation technologies. The resulting upgraded petroleum product exhibits lower distillation curves and decreased pollution causing components. Further, a wide variety of feedstocks can be treated according to the method of this invention.

Abstract: A method of liberating various existing hydrocarbon fractions from emulsified hydrocarbon mixtures without the need of additives, catalysts or heating using ultrasonic cavitation. Ultrasonic energy is provided at a rate sufficient to induce cavitation in the emulsified hydrocarbon mixture without causing cracking. The high temperatures and high pressures resulting from cavitation disrupt the emulsion thereby liberating existing lighter hydrocarbons in the diesel range or lighter for recovery via more traditional separation technologies. The resulting upgraded petroleum product exhibits lower distillation curves and decreased pollution causing components. Further, a wide variety of feedstocks can be treated according to the method of this invention.

Abstract: A method of upgrading hydrocarbon mixtures without the need of additives, catalysts or heating using ultrasonic cavitation. Ultrasonic energy is provided at a rate sufficient to induce cavitation in the hydrocarbon mixture. The high temperatures and high pressures resulting from cavitation cause cracking of a portion of the hydrocarbons in the mixture thereby creating lighter hydrocarbons in the diesel range or lighter for recovery via more traditional separation technologies, such as distillation. The resulting upgraded petroleum product exhibits lower distillation curves and decreased pollution causing components. Further, a wide variety of feedstocks can be treated according to the method of this invention.

Abstract: A method for separating used oil in a simple batch process into usable fractions. A pretreatment step involves forming a mixture of the used oil and specified pretreatment chemicals. A reduced pressure is maintained throughout the process along with mixing of the formed mixture. Heat is applied at a predetermined rate corresponding to vaporization and recovery of usable fractions of aqueous, light hydrocarbons, base oil, and a pumpable residual. Each distillate fraction is removed as a vapor, condensed and collected. Undesirable cracking is avoided by maintaining a reduced pressure and avoiding rapid or localized heating within the mixture by mixing during the distillation process. The resulting aqueous and light fractions can be reused in the process or otherwise used. The pumpable residual can also be sold as a high quality asphalt extender. The recovered base oil fraction may be sold as a diesel fuel extender, lubricant, catalytic cracker feed stock, or #4 fuel oil for stationary power generators.