Abstract: A dross press head is constructed of refractory material. The refractory material may be a vitreous silica based refractory or other suitable refractory material including ceramic material. The refractory head may include reinforcing fibers, which may be stainless steel fibers. The refractory head may be provided with refractory clips or anchor bolts and secured at its upper end to a metal plate for structural strength. One or more spikes may be formed on or mounted to a lower surface of the refractory head for aiding flow of the upper layer of metal recovered from the dross. The spikes may be constructed of refractory material including ceramic material, cast steel, cast iron or hot rolled steel. Spike material may be selected based on the type of dross. The spike may be formed on the head threadably mounted to a supporting rod mounted to the upper metal plate.

Abstract: A portable dross pressing apparatus utilizes a frame which may be made portable by wheels, by forklift tubes or the like. A press head is mounted to an upper portion of the portable frame and a drive means is used to force a skim pot upwardly into juxtaposition with the press head wherein dross within the skim pot may be compressed between the skim pot and the press head. The pot and/or head may contain ribs which may or may not mate. The pressing components may be made of cast steel or of a refractory material, such as ceramic. A pot of refractory material would be constructed over a metal shell for reinforcement. Preferably, the skim pot and sow mold are mounted within a traveling frame which is movably mounted to the portable frame. The skim pot may be provided with an automatic dumping mechanism and the sow mold may be mounted on a slide drawer mechanism. In a preferred embodiment, the skim pot is provided with means for preheating which may either be a gas burner or electrical resistance heaters.

Abstract: An improved cooling system for cooling the head of a dross press used in the recovery of non-ferrous metals from dross utilizes a controlled flow of cooling fluid (preferably water) through a cooling coil mounted in particulate matter having a high absorbtivity for heat, preferably sand and most preferably chromite sand. A temperature sensor is mounted within the particulate material or sand, and is used to control the flow of water through the coil in the cooling head. When a temperature above a predetermined value is sensed, water flow through the cooling coil is caused to increase. When the sensed temperature is below a second predetermined value, the controlled water flow through the cooling coil is caused to decrease. Apparatus is also provided for controlling the amount of time that the dross press head is in contact with the dross to be pressed as a function of the temperature of the dross.