Abstract: An improved mechanism for recovery of metal, particularly aluminum, from metal bearing dross utilizes a trough for collection of the dross. A wedge member compresses the dross in the trough. In this manner, metal is decanted from the compressed dross and flows through slots in the bottom or passages in the walls of the trough for collection in a pan, or becomes concentrated at the edges or walls of dross. The trough and wedge members also serve to cool the dross material thereby diminishing metal loss due to thermite reaction.

Abstract: An improved method for recovery of metal, particularly aluminum, from metal bearing dross utilizes a trough for collection of the dross. A wedge member compresses the dross in the trough. In this manner, metal is decanted from the compressed dross and flows through slots in the bottom or passages in the walls of the trough for collection in a pan, or becomes concentrated at the edges or walls of the volume of dross. The trough and wedge members also serve to cool the dross material thereby diminishing metal loss due to thermite reaction. The compressed dross coalesces and solidifies, is broken and is mechanically separated. The larger dross components from the separation process are substantially metallic and may be recycled through the furnace. The remaining components are charged in a vortex melting furnace for the lowest possible melt loss. This also effects segregation of the remaining metal from the dross by melting the metal and allowing the dross to rise to the top of the bath.