Abstract: A target substance replenishment device may include a first container containing a solid target substance, a first path through which the solid target substance supplied from the first container passes, a first supply switching device switching between a first state where supply of the solid target substance from the first container to the first path is suppressed and a second state where the supply of the solid target substance from the first container to the first path is allowed, a first valve connected to the first path, a second path which is connected to the first valve and through which the solid target substance having passed through the first valve passes, a first detector outputting a first detection signal indicating that the second path is clogged with the solid target substance, and a processor controlling the first supply switching device to the first state based on the first detection signal.

Abstract: An overflow system for a doorway exhaust hood on a metal melt furnace having an eductor gas circulator. The system includes a manifold with an inlet near the hood's lower lip, and a conduit between the manifold and eductor. A blower draws gas into the manifold and urges that gas through the conduit, into the eductor, and into the furnace. Sensors detect when the door is open and the volatiles level under the hood. An electronic controller instructs the blower to draw exhaust gases through the manifold when the door is open and the volatiles level exceeds a predetermined level.

Abstract: An automated, high throughput system that mechanically separates electrode tips from spark plugs to facilitate recovery of platinum group metals in the electrodes. Spark plugs may be fed into the system in bulk and an automated mechanism under computer control executes a sequence of operations to feed plugs in a fixed orientation and at a controlled rate to a robot arm. The robot arm has a gripper that securely holds a set of spark plugs and passes them across a cutting tool to separate tips from the bodies. The gripper has independently actuated finger assemblies that accommodate plugs of varying shapes. A visual inspection system ensures that spark plugs are oriented with the tips facing in the same direction to simplify operation of the robot and the cutting tool. The tips may be processed to extract the contained valuable metals; the remaining bodies may be recycled as iron scrap.

Abstract: A backflow prevention device of a light metal injection device and a backflow prevention method thereof of the disclosure include: a valve which has a valve body made of a corrosion-resistant and heat-resistant steel and a valve seat made of a ceramic, and in which the valve body advances and is seated on the valve seat to close a communication path communicating a melting unit and an injection unit, and the valve body retracts and is separated from the valve seat to open the communication path; a valve body drive device which moves a drive body to which the valve body is connected forward and backward; a position sensor which detects that the drive body has reached at least a predetermined advance limit position; and a valve body drive control device which controls the valve body drive device based on a signal of the position sensor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for additive manufacturing that includes a material guide for directing a supply of working material. An advancement mechanism comprising one or more pistons, pushers, plungers and/or pressure regulation systems are positioned behind at least a portion of the supply of working material for advancing the working material forward. The working material is heated using an electro-magnetic heating element and the melted or molten working material is deposited from a tip positioned at an end of the material guide.

Abstract: A converter comprising a container (2) defining a first axis X; a support ring (3), coaxial to the container and spaced therefrom, provided with two diametrically opposed supporting pins (6), defining a second axis Y orthogonal to the first axis X, adapted to allow a rotation of the converter about the axis Y; suspension elements, connecting said container to said support ring, clamped at a first end to the container and at a second end to the support ring so as to not require any maintenance as compared to traditional systems which use spherical joints and pins which are subject to wear, thus saving hours of maintenance and plant standstill.

Abstract: A metal scrap submergence device having an open top chamber including side and base walls of a heat resistant material. An inlet is included in a side or base wall of the chamber for receiving molten metal. An outlet is included in the base of the chamber. A ramp extends from the side wall of the chamber to an inner column defining the outlet. The ramp includes a first edge adjacent the side wall and second interior edge adjacent the inner column. The working surface of the ramp between the first and second edges is concave. The inner column includes an end wall disposed opposite the chamber base, the end wall includes rounded inner and outer edges.

Abstract: A lift and pivot device for a cover of a furnace including a guide housing having a base plate, a rotatably mounted slide roller, and a vertical opening; a lift pin that can be lifted and lowered inside the vertical opening; a lift cylinder for lifting and lowering the lift pin, the lift cylinder being articulated to the lift pin at one end as well as articulated and rotatably connected to the base plate at the other end; and a guide frame for carrying the cover. The guide frame includes a support arm, wherein an upper end of the support arm is equipped for connection to the cover and includes a lift nose having a lift eye which is in engagement with an end of the lift pin facing away from the lift cylinder. The support arm at the other end thereof has a slide plate.

Abstract: An production apparatus of a semi-solidified metal has a vessel and a cooling device. The vessel into which a liquid-state metal material M is poured has a hollow member which is opened in up and down directions, and a bottom member which can close the lower opening of the hollow member and can be separated from the hollow member. The cooling device can cool the bottom member more than the hollow member.

Abstract: A refractory bottom lining for lining the bottom of a metallurgical vessel. The refractory bottom includes a stepped portion and an impact portion. The impact portion is formed of a first refractory material. The stepped portion is formed of a second refractory material and is disposed around the impact portion. The stepped portion includes an upper surface that has a plurality of discrete surface sections. The plurality of discrete surface sections includes an uppermost surface section, at least two intermediate surface sections and a lowermost surface section. Each surface section has a different elevation such that the uppermost surface section has a highest elevation and the lowermost surface section has a lowest elevation. The uppermost surface section, the at least two intermediate surface sections and the lowermost surface section define a continuously downward stepped path from the uppermost surface section to the lowermost surface section.

Abstract: In a steel ladle used for handling molten steel, a precast ladle barrel ring forms part of a refractory structure that covers the bottom wall and side wall of the steel ladle. The precast ladle barrel ring is comprised of a monolithic annular ring formed of a high-temperature, cast refractory. The annular ring further includes means for positioning the precast ladle barrel ring in a steel ladle.

Abstract: Method of combining industrial processes having inherent carbon capture and conversion capabilities offering maximum flexibility, efficiency, and economics while enabling environmentally and sustainably sound practices. Maximum chemical energy is retained throughout feedstock processing. A hybrid thermochemical cycle couples staged reforming with hydrogen production and chlorination. Hydrogen generated is used to upgrade feedstocks including bitumen, shale, coal, and biomass. Residues of upgrading are chlorinated, metals of interest are removed, and the remainder is reacted with ammonia solution and carbon dioxide to form carbonate minerals. The combination provides emissions free production of synthetic crude oil and derivatives, as well as various metals and fertilizers. Sand and carbonate minerals are potentially the only waste streams. Through this novel processing, major carbon dioxide reduction is afforded byminimizing direct oxidation.

Abstract: An apparatus for heating vessels, the vessels having enclosed spaces therein and controlling air ingress into the enclosed spaces through gaps. The method includes providing a lid structure for the vessel having the enclosed space, the lid structure having a burner assembly mounted therein. The burner is configured to provide a predetermined flame diameter. The vessel and lid structure are mated such that the gap is formed between the vessel and the lid structure. Fuel and oxidant are discharged from the burner assembly under conditions to provide the predetermined flame diameter and impart a flame velocity sufficiently large to create an outward gas flow from the enclosed space through the gap and control air ingress.

Abstract: The sealed connection system between a tuyere of a shaft furnace, such as a steelmaking blast furnace, and an air blast pipe, in which a tip of the blast pipe is pressed towards a rear end of the tuyere, being centred thereon while still retaining freedom of pivoting movement relative thereto, including an added annular blast pipe seat, placed between the tip of the blast pipe and tuyere and immobile relative to the tuyere, the blast pipe tip resting against a rear face of the seat and an immobile gasket being placed between the seat and the tuyere such that the seat rests in sealed manner against a rear face of the tuyere, and a sleeve arranged around the contact zone between the blast pipe tip and the seat, is connected in sealed manner to the seat and to the blast pipe.

Abstract: A burner for a flash smelting furnace. The burner includes an injector having a sleeve for delivering pulverous feed material to the furnace and having a central lance within the sleeve to supply compressed air for dispersing the pulverous feed material in the reaction shaft of the furnace. The central lance has an annular slot at its tip for creating a substantially continuous air curtain.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention include a transfer chamber constructed inside of or next to a vessel used to retain and degas molten metal. The transfer chamber is in fluid communication with the vessel so molten metal from the vessel is pulled through the vessel by the pump as it is degassed. This helps maintain a generally constant flow of molten metal through the degassing vessel. Other aspects relate to a system and method for efficiently performing maintenance on components positioned in a vessel.

Abstract: Nano-scale particles of materials can be produced by vaporizing the material and allowing the material to flow in a non-violently turbulent manner into thermal communication with a cooling fluid, thereby forming small particles of the material that can be in the nano-scale size range.

Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of an exemplary embodiment, a furnace including a charge well is provided. The charge well comprises an open top chamber including side and base walls of a heat resistant material. An inlet is provided in a side wall of the chamber for receiving molten metal. A ramp is provided adjacent the side wall and an inner wall forms a central cavity. The ramp is disposed between the inner wall and the side wall. The ramp is generally inclined from an intersection with the base wall to adjacent a top surface of the inner wall. The cavity is in fluid communication with an outlet. A passage in the inner wall provides fluid communication between the inlet and the cavity. The inlet and an outlet each receives a conduit and at least one of the conduits can include an elbow joint.

Abstract: A device (10) for adjusting the locking point of the electrode of a smelting furnace includes a vice (120) for supporting said electrode and supplying it with power. A structure (13) is coupled with the vice (120), supports the electrode and moves the electrode vertically.

Abstract: A tilting converter comprising a container (2), defining a first longitudinal axis X, having a bottom (2?); a support ring (3), coaxial to the container (2) and distanced from said container, provided with two diametrically opposite supporting pins (6), defining a second axis Y orthogonal to the first axis X, adapted to allow a rotation of the converter about said second axis Y; a suspension system, connecting said container (2) to said support ring (3), comprising groups (12) of first suspension devices (7), said groups (12) being arranged substantially equidistant to each other along a cylindrical side surface coaxial to the first axis X, in a position between the support ring (3) and the bottom (2?); each of said first suspension devices (7) being provided with a plurality of longitudinal elastic elements, each longitudinal elastic element being arranged alongside the next so as to define a laying plane, and a gap (15, 15?) is provided between one longitudinal elastic element and the next.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for removing metal from complex materials.

Abstract: A portable thermal oven includes a metal frame and a plurality of terracotta panels disposed inside of the frame and defining an enclosed chamber having a front panel, a rear panel, two opposite side panels, a top panel and a bottom panel. The furnace also includes a terracotta door hingedly disposed in the front panel and including a handle on one side thereof for opening and closing the door. A plurality of gas manifolds and a plurality of gas burners are disposed on each of the two opposite sides of the chamber and a ventilation hatch is disposed in the top panel for exhausting fumes and excess heat. A first and a second gas cylinder and pipes for connecting the gas cylinders to the manifolds for supplying gas and/or air to the manifolds are also provided.

Abstract: A converter comprising a container (2) defining a first axis X; a support ring (3), coaxial to the container and spaced therefrom, provided with two diametrically opposed supporting pins (6), defining a second axis Y orthogonal to the first axis X, adapted to allow a rotation of the converter about the axis Y; suspension elements, connecting said container to said support ring, clamped at a first end to the container and at a second end to the support ring so as to not require any maintenance as compared to traditional systems which use spherical joints and pins which are subject to wear, thus saving hours of maintenance and plant stand-still.

Abstract: A process and a device for charging a primary product for pig iron into a smelting unit are provided. According to the process and device, some of the primary product that has been formed by reducing oxidic iron carriers is stored in the hot state in a reservoir tank before being supplied into the storage device or charging device that is directly connected to the smelting unit.

Abstract: A method reduces carbon dioxide resulting from a steel production process. The carbon dioxide is reacted with an electropositive metal in combustion to produce carbon monoxide. The resultant carbon monoxide is fed back into the steel production process. In this method, the carbon monoxide can be used in a direct reduction method as a reduction gas or can be fed to a blast furnace process. The reacted metal can also be recovered by electrochemical conversion from its oxides or salts. In particular, a form of regenerative energy can be used to recycle the electropositive metal.

Abstract: A non-ferrous metal melting furnace includes a non-ferrous metal melt pump, a vortex chamber body, and a magnetic field device formed of permanent magnets. The vortex chamber body makes a non-ferrous metal melt flow into a vortex chamber from an inlet, makes the non-ferrous metal melt flow in a spiral shape by applying a driving force to the non-ferrous metal melt in the vortex chamber, and discharges the non-ferrous metal melt from the vortex chamber to an outlet. The magnetic field device formed of permanent magnets is disposed outside the vortex chamber and below a bottom plate of the vortex chamber, and applies the driving force that is generated by current flowing in the non-ferrous metal melt and magnetic lines of force from the magnetic field device formed of permanent magnets.

Abstract: An induction heating inductor and perforated susceptor are formed as an integral unit to provide a low cost, physically stable, efficient, and easily cleaned unit.

Abstract: Described herein is a method of melting a bulk metallic glass (BMG) feedstock, comprising: feeding the BMG feedstock into a crucible; melting a first portion of the BMG feedstock to form molten BMG, while maintaining a second portion of the BMG feedstock solid; wherein the second portion and the crucible hold the molten BMG.

Abstract: A system and method for continuous casting. The system includes a melt chamber, a withdrawal chamber, and a secondary chamber therebetween. The melt chamber can maintain a melting pressure and the withdrawal chamber can attain atmospheric pressure. The secondary chamber can include regions that can be adjusted to different pressures. During continuous casting operations, the first region adjacent to the melt chamber can be adjusted to a pressure that is at least slightly greater than the melting pressure; the pressure in subsequent regions can be sequentially decreased and then sequentially increased. The pressure in the final region can be at least slightly greater than atmospheric pressure. The differential pressures can form a dynamic airlock between the melt chamber and the withdrawal chamber, which can prevent infiltration of the melt chamber by non-inert gas in the atmosphere, and thus can prevent contamination of reactive materials in the melt chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vessel for melting and casting meltable materials. The vessel may be a surface temperature regulated vessel for providing a substantially non-wetting interface with the molten materials. In one embodiment, the vessel may include one or more temperature regulating channels configured to flow a fluid therein for regulating a surface temperature of the vessel such that molten materials are substantially non-wetting at the interface with the vessel. Disclosed also includes systems and methods for melting and casting meltable materials using the vessel.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a ladle metallurgy furnace having an improved roof structure. The improved roof may comprise an internal surface structure having a substantially smooth exterior surface, an external surface structure spaced apart from the internal surface structure, a plurality of channels that are defined intermediate the internal and external surface structures, a supply port in fluid communication with at least one channel through the second surface structure and in further fluid communication with a supply line, and a return port in fluid communication with at least one channel through the external surface structure and in further fluid communication with a return line.

Abstract: Crucible compositions and methods of using the crucible compositions to melt titanium and titanium alloys. More specifically, crucible compositions having intrinsic facecoats that are effective for melting titanium and titanium alloys for use in casting titanium-containing articles. Further embodiments are titanium-containing articles made from the titanium and titanium alloys melted in the crucible compositions. Another embodiment is a crucible curing device and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: A bottom part refractory includes a center part refractory, an arrangement refractory which is arranged contiguously with the center part refractory, and a connection refractory which is arranged at a position where at least a portion of the connection refractory overlaps with a vertically downward projection view of a side wall refractory. The connection refractory which is contiguously arranged with the arrangement refractory is constituted of two or more force transmission refractories arranged in the direction toward the arrangement refractory from the side-wall refractory. Opposedly facing surfaces between the force transmission refractories at least at a position among the force transmission refractories are inclined such that upper portions of the opposedly facing surfaces are positioned on a more inner side of a bottom portion than lower portions of the opposedly facing surfaces are positioned.

Abstract: Methods for degassing and for removing impurities from molten metals are disclosed. These methods can include operating an ultrasonic device in a molten metal bath, and adding a purging gas into the molten metal bath in close proximity to the ultrasonic device.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a hopper and a reduction device using the same. The hopper and the reduction device can be used to refining a material using thermal reduction reaction. The reduction device has a body defining cavity and a hopper, wherein the hopper is slidably disposed in the cavity.

Abstract: A receptacle for handling molten metal is provided. The receptacle has bottom and side walls and includes a refractory defining a cavity within which the molten metal is conveyed or contained. The receptacle has at least one channel extending within at least one of its walls. The channel has an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is connectable to a source for circulating a fluid within the channel. The outlet allows the fluid to be expelled from said channel. The channel allows, when the fluid is circulated in it, to regulate the temperature of the refractory and thereby of the metal conveyed or contained. A casting assembly and a method for casting the refractory are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new compositions of matter, particularly metals and alloys, and methods of making such compositions. The new compositions of matter exhibit long-range ordering and unique electronic character.

Abstract: An energy efficient metal melter is disclosed, said melter having a portion of melting energy supplied to it by a combustion process for heating a melter charge to a temperature where the melter charge can no longer maintain its shape. A portion of melting energy is also supplied to that melter by an electrical process for adding remaining transformational and sensible heat. Preferably, the combustion process uses a hydrocarbon fuel energy source selected from a distillate compound, gas compound or both and the electrical energy comes from a source selected from an external power grid, a generator and combinations thereof. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A target material refinement device may include a refinement tank to accommodate a target material, a heating section to heat the interior of the refinement tank, and an oxygen-atom removing section to remove oxygen atoms present in the target material.

Abstract: Provided are an apparatus and a method for producing an inexpensive Mg2Si1-xSnx polycrystal that can be effectively used as thermoelectric conversion materials that can be expected to have a high performance index by doping if necessary.

Abstract: A metal reclaiming system and method for reclaiming metal from scrap material is provided. The system has a furnace (12) and a controller (106) for controlling operation of the system. The controller (106) operates the metal reclaiming system in a first operating mode in which the furnace (12) is operated at a first temperature in the range of 350° C. to 550° C. to incinerate pollutants and drive off volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the scrap material without melting the metal. The controller (106) is operates the metal reclaiming system in a subsequent operating mode in which the furnace (12) is operated at a further, higher temperature to melt metal in the said scrap for reclaiming.

Abstract: Modern steel production processes require precise knowledge of the current composition and temperature of the liquid metal being processed. In particular during steel production in a converter, high match rates for final carbon content and bath temperature are required. Quantitatively precise blowing of oxygen corresponding to the final target carbon content, and the metal temperature, are decisive factors affecting the economic efficiency of the process and the quality of the steel produced. In order to allow relatively precise process monitoring, various processes and procedures are known, the application thereof being based on measuring exhaust gas composition and on mass flow balances. All models work at an exactness that depends on the precision of the input data, particularly with respect to the weight data of the raw materials and the chemical properties of the metal used.

Abstract: A metal melting apparatus has a heating furnace, a melting furnace mounted on the heating furnace, a high-cycle regenerative system (FIRS), a raw material feeding device and a melted material feeding device mounted on the melting furnace. The HRS heats and recycles high temperature air in the heating furnace and guides the high temperature air to the preheating screw to preheat metal materials in the preheating screw. Thus, a time for melting the metal materials from solid to liquid is greatly shortened. Furthermore, a series of processes for preheating the metal materials in the raw material feeding device, melting the metal materials in the melting furnace and injecting the molten materials to the molds is fluent, time-saving and safe, and can progress continuously.

Abstract: An apparatus for condensing metal vapors has at least one inlet conduit that is cooled to cause a portion of the metal vapor to condense to liquid. The apparatus also has a holding tank that is connected to the inlet conduit that collects condensed liquid metal. The apparatus also has at least one outlet conduit connected to the holding tank that is cooled to cause a portion of the remaining metal vapor to condense to solid metal. The apparatus also has at least one heater that heats the at least one outlet conduit to cause the solid metal to melt to liquid metal and subsequently flow in to the holding tank. The apparatus also has at least one sealing mechanism located at a distal end of the at least one outlet conduit for preventing metal vapor and carrier gas from exiting the outlet conduit during heating of the outlet conduit.

Abstract: A hearth for a metallurgical reactor, in particular for a blast furnace, has an outer shell and an annular wall lining of refractory material inside the shell, the wall lining having a lower region with a multi-layered construction a radially inner layer faces the interior of the hearth and includes at least one inner ring of refractory elements, radially outer layer faces the outer shell and has at least one outer ring of refractory elements, where in the at least one inner ring elements are made of a first carbonaceous refractory material that is different from one or more carbonaceous refractory materials of the elements in the outer layer such that, the first refractory material contains, in a proportion of at least 5% by mass in total, at least one property-enhancing additive other than metallic silicon or silicon carbide. In beneficial combination therewith, the at least one inner ring has a wall thickness of less than 45%, of the corresponding total wall thickness of the wall lining.

Abstract: A molten bath-based direct smelting process comprises controlling the process conditions in a direct smelting yessel so that molten slag in a molten bath of metal and slag in the vessel has a viscosity in a range of 0.5-5 poise when the slag temperature is in a range of 1400-1550° C. in the molten bath in the vessel.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing lead and zinc from concentrates of zinc and lead sulfides or oxides, including: a source of zinc ore and/or lead ore concentrates, iron bearing and carbon containing materials; metallic iron fines and iron oxide fines; carbonaceous reductant; fluxing agent; and a binder; a mixer for forming a mixture from said concentrates and other materials; an agglomerator communicating with the mixer for forming agglomerates from the mixture; a melting furnace for melting the mixture and vaporizing lead and zinc; a pressure sealed feed system communicating with the agglomerator and the melting furnace for introducing agglomerates to the melting furnace; a pressure sealed chamber surrounding the melting furnace; a water-cooled condenser for receiving the vaporized metal and cooling and condensing the metal vapors to liquid metal; a tapping device communicating with the condenser for removing the liquid metal; and associated devices for separating the zinc and lead and recovering the lead and zinc me

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide a movable sweat hearth for use with a metal melting furnace having a wall provided with a metal-loading entrance. The sweat hearth includes a hearth body movable relative to the furnace into and out of contact with the wall of the furnace at the entrance. The body has exterior walls enclosing a hollow interior except at a furnace-engagable side wall of the hearth body provided with an opening communicating with the interior. The interior has a floor adapted to support a charge of scrap metal, and the opening is positioned relative to the floor to allow molten metal to drain from the interior through the opening. The floor is arranged at an angle to horizontal to slope in a downward direction towards the opening when the container is moved into sealing engagement with the wall of the furnace with the opening aligned with the furnace entrance.

Abstract: A channel inductor of a channel induction furnace is disclosed. The channel inductor comprises a channel liner that defines a channel for a molten metal to flow through the channel inductor. The channel liner comprises an inlet and an outlet for the molten metal and a flange for mounting the channel liner to a refractory material lining of a pot of the channel inductor furnace. The channel liner being formed from a ceramic material that is resistant to chemical attack by the molten metal in the channel, whereby in use of the channel induction furnace direct contact between the molten metal and the channel inductor is limited to contact with the channel liner (including the flange) only and molten metal does not contact other parts of the channel inductor.

Abstract: Mixing drum (3) for a blast furnace including a body and adapted to accommodate Materials (1) for mixing, said drum having suitable lining system, said lining system including liners of polyurethane with ceramic blocks impregnated.