Abstract: Separation of heavy tramp metal pieces from lighter weight machine tool turnings and chips is accomplished by apparatus and method in which turnings or chips containing tramp objects are moved along a conveying path and across an elongate free-fall area or region which is generally transverse to the conveying path. A stream of gas is directed through the free-fall area to blow the chips and turnings away from the free-fall area and into a separate processing path while the tramp objects fall through the free-fall area under the influence of gravity. In order to ensure than the tramp objects are properly dumped into the elongate free-fall area and do not bridge the free-fall area in the conveying path, an abutment member is placed along the elongate free-fall area for deflecting a leading portion of an elongate tramp metal object upwardly and/or sidewardly with respect to the conveying path.

Abstract: A control system for multiple burners or heaters in an afterburner section of a metal scrap dryer is provided. The control system provides for cascade and sequential control including selective and sequential ignition as well as selective and sequential deenergization of the burners or heaters.

Abstract: Separation of heavy tramp metal pieces from lighter weight machine tool turnings and chips is accomplished by apparatus and method in which turnings or chips containing tramp objects are moved along a conveying path and across an elongate free-fall area or region which is generally transverse to the conveying path. A stream of gas is directed through the free-fall area to blow the chips and turnings away from the free-fall area and into a separate processing path while the tramp objects fall through the free-fall area under the influence of gravity. In order to ensure than the tramp objects are properly dumped into the elongate free-fall area and do not bridge the free-fall area in the conveying path, an abutment member is placed along the elongate free-fall area for deflecting a leading portion of an elongate tramp metal object upwardly and/or sidewardly with respect to the conveying path.