Abstract: The dual-function impeller can be rotated in molten metal in a direction of rotation, as part of a rotary injector. The impeller can have a body having an axis, a plurality of blades circumferentially interspaced around an axis, and an aperture coinciding with the axis. The blades having both a radially extending portion facing the direction of rotation and collectively generating a radial flow component upon said rotation, and a slanted portion also facing the direction of rotation, inclined relative to a radial plane, and collectively generating an axial flow component directed away from the rotary injector upon said rotation.

Abstract: A rotary injector comprising an elongated shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, and an impeller at the distal end of the elongated shaft, the elongated shaft and the impeller being collectively rotatable during operation around an axis of the shaft, the rotary injector being hollow and having an internal supply conduit extending along the shaft and across the impeller, the supply conduit having an inlet at the proximal end of the shaft, a main portion extending from the inlet to a discharge portion, the discharge portion extending to an axial outlet, the discharge portion having a narrow end connecting the main portion of the supply conduit and a broader end at the axial outlet.

Abstract: The dual-function impeller can be rotated in molten metal in a direction of rotation, as part of a rotary injector. The impeller can have a body having an axis, a plurality of blades circumferentially interspaced around an axis, and an aperture coinciding with the axis. The blades having both a radially extending portion facing the direction of rotation and collectively generating a radial flow component upon said rotation, and a slanted portion also facing the direction of rotation, inclined relative to a radial plane, and collectively generating an axial flow component directed away from the rotary injector upon said rotation.

Abstract: A rotary injector comprising an elongated shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, and an impeller at the distal end of the elongated shaft, the elongated shaft and the impeller being collectively rotatable during operation around an axis of the shaft, the rotary injector being hollow and having an internal supply conduit extending along the shaft and across the impeller, the supply conduit having an inlet at the proximal end of the shaft, a main portion extending from the inlet to a discharge portion, the discharge portion extending to an axial outlet, the discharge portion having a narrow end connecting the main portion of the supply conduit and a broader end at the axial outlet.

Abstract: A method is described for priming an in-line molten metal filtration unit having a porous ceramic or refractory filter mounted substantially horizontally in a filter box. This filter box has an inlet for molten metal and an outlet for molten metal, the outlet being a closeable outlet in an exit well connecting to the downstream side of the filter. The method of the invention comprises the steps of adding a molten metal to the filter box sufficient to entirely cover the upstream side of the filter with a depth of molten metal and temporarily sealing the outlet in the exit well. A steadily increasing vacuum is then applied to the closed exit well at a rate between 0.1 and 10 kPa per second by withdrawing a stream of air from the exit well by means of a fan or air venturi until molten metal begins to flow through the filter. At that point the vacuum is quickly released and the molten metal outlet is opened.

Abstract: A method is described for priming an in-line molten metal filtration unit having a porous ceramic or refractory filter mounted substantially horizontally in a filter box. This filter box has an inlet for molten metal and an outlet for molten metal, the outlet being a closeable outlet in an exit well connecting to the downstream side of the filter. The method of the invention comprises the steps of adding a molten metal to the filter box sufficient to entirely cover the upstream side of the filter with a depth of molten metal and temporarily sealing the outlet in the exit well. A steadily increasing vacuum is then applied to the closed exit well at a rate between 0.1 and 10 kPa per second by withdrawing a stream of air from the exit well by means of a fan or air venturi until molten metal begins to flow through the filter At that point the vacuum is quickly released and the molten metal outlet is opened.

Abstract: The brushwood cutting device comprises a frame structure, a massive circular flywheel disk rotatable about its geometrical axis, and a hydraulic motor mounted on the frame structure for rotating the flywheel disk at high speed. A first flat and rectangular blade has an end attached to the disk through a first, peripheral pivot, while a second blade of same shape has an end also attached to the disk through a second, peripheral pivot, which first and second pivots are diametrically opposed with respect to each other. The frame structure comprises a plurality of vertically positioned transversal plate members, including front and rear plate members and intermediate ones. Each intermediate plate member is provided with an elongated aperture in which the disk and blades rotate. The frame structure is pivotally mounted at the distal end of a hydraulic backhoe whereby the brushwood cutting device can be moved as desired through operation of the backhoe.