Abstract: A tiltable rotary furnace system includes a tiltable rotary furnace which rotates about a central axis and pivots around a general horizontal axis similar to a typical tiltable rotary furnace. The tiltable rotary furnace and the rotating and pivoting mechanisms are mounted on a rotating platform. The rotating platform allows the furnace to be positioned with respect to other elements of the system rather than having to position the other elements of the system with respect to a stationary tiltable rotary furnace.

Abstract: A process and apparatus are disclosed for recovering a non-ferrous metal, preferably aluminum and aluminum alloys, in molten coherent form from a charge of material to be processed containing the metal. The charge is introduced into a sealable furnace which is then sealed. The charge is agitated. A control parameter indicative of conditions inside said furnace is monitored and compared to a pre-determined first condition for the parameter. A heat source is operated to heat the charge until the control parameter reaches the first condition. The operation of the heat source is then stopped. A controlled amount of oxidizing agent and an inert carrier is then introduced into the furnace. The control parameter is monitored and compared to a predetermined second condition for the parameter. The flow of the oxidizing agent and the carrier is controlled to maintain the control parameter at about the second condition. The molten metal is subsequently removed from the furnace.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for recovering free aluminum from a metal bearing dross containing free aluminum metal and oxides of the metal. Hot dross is collected from a hot dross source into a vessel, and the vessel is placed into a sealable storage container. The storage container is insulated to maintain heat generated by the hot dross within the interior of the storage container to maintain the dross at or near its temperature when first placed in the storage container. An inert gas is then introduced into the container to purge the container of all gasses other than the inert gas. The inert gas reduces thermiting of the hot dross and limits the cooling of the hot dross in order to maintain the hot dross at an elevated temperature while the hot dross remains in the storage container. The dross is then removed from the vessel and introduced dross into a dross processing device such as a furnace.

Abstract: A process and apparatus are disclosed for recovering a non-ferrous metal, preferably aluminum and aluminum alloys, in molten coherent form from a charge of material to be processed containing the metal. The charge is introduced into a sealable furnace which is then sealed. The charge is agitated. A control parameter indicative of conditions inside said furnace is monitored and compared to a pre-determined first condition for the parameter. A heat source is operated to heat the charge until the control parameter reaches the first condition. The operation of the heat source is then stopped. A controlled amount of oxidizing agent and an inert carrier is then introduced into the furnace. The control parameter is monitored and compared to a predetermined second condition for the parameter. The flow of the oxidizing agent and the carrier is controlled to maintain the control parameter at about the second condition. The molten metal is subsequently removed from the furnace.

Abstract: The invention provides dross treatment apparatus comprising a drum rotatable about a horizontal axis with means to feed dross to the inside of the drum where it is cooled and broken by tumbling and then removed from the other end of the drum for separation and treatment. The invention also provides efficient delivery apparatus for introducing the dross to the apparatus.