Abstract: A method for removing slag cakes from synthesizing gas reactors. The seal at the bottom of the reactor is removed, an orifice is melted through the partially solidified slag cake by means of the flame of an oxygen core lance, the liquid slag is drained and the residual parts of the slag cake are liquified by means of an oxygen excess powered gas flame and allowed to drain. When the seal at the bottom of the reactor is in the form of a flat frustum of a cone and made of refractory material filled into a fixed refractory ring the method is facilitated.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for beneficiating relatively small shredded scrap metal particles, such as aluminum metal particles preparatory to remelting the same, by passing the particles through a beneficiating chamber that is heated to a substantially uniform elevated metal temperature throughout and while passing the particles through such chamber effecting a vaporization of the non-aluminum volatiles, such as coatings, paints and lacquers that adhere to said particles and while avoiding ignition of the said volatiles.