Abstract: Device and method for separating metals and metal oxides thereof, in particular in non-ferrous alloys, such as zinc. To this end, zinc residues (dross) is placed in a rotary drum and heated. After a certain treatment time, pure metal located in the bottom part of the drum is poured out. The invention proposes that the drum be held rotatably on a drive mechanism arranged in the cover of the furnace. This facilitates handling of the drum, more particularly when placing it on its drive mandrel. As a result, it is possible to use larger drums, resulting in a larger capacity and a more efficient process.

Abstract: A tilting rotary furnace with a door assembly that seals against a furnace vessel. The seal between the door and the furnace vessel allows for regulation of the internal environment of the furnace and control over thermitting of the aluminum. As a result, aluminum recovery may be carried out without the use of salt. A portion of the door may rotate with the furnace vessel and a portion of the door may remain rotationally stationary with respect to the furnace vessel and the rotating portion of the door.

Abstract: Equipment for the treatment of loads or residues of non-ferrous metals and their alloys include a rotary furnace having a vessel with a sealed door. An electrode is introduced into the rotary furnace and is used to establish a free burning convective electric arc with the load introduced into the furnace or with the furnaces bottom wall. The equipment is assembled over a hinged base which allows elevating or lowering its rotation axis with respect to a horizontal plane.

Abstract: A grate-kiln pelletizing furnace includes a grate that conveys pelletized material to a rotary kiln, a cooler that cools pelletized material from the rotary kiln, and a gas flow apparatus that directs a stream of gas from the cooler to the rotary kiln to provide preheated process air for pelletized material in the rotary kiln. The gas flow apparatus also directs a stream of gas from the grate to the rotary kiln to vitiate the preheated process air.

Abstract: The invention relates to an industrial furnace for melting and gas-treating nonferrous metals.

Abstract: A process for producing foamed aluminum in space comprising the steps of: heating aluminum until it is molten; applying the force of gravity to the molten aluminum; injecting gas into the molten aluminum to produce molten foamed aluminum; and allowing the molten foamed aluminum to cool to below melting temperature. The apparatus for carrying out this invention comprises: a furnace which rotates to simulate the force of gravity and heats the aluminum until it is molten; a door on the furnace, which is opened for charging the aluminum into the furnace, closed for processing and opened again for removal of the foamed aluminum; a gas injection apparatus for injecting gas into the molten aluminum within the furnace; and an extraction apparatus adjacent the door for removing the foamed aluminum from the furnace.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a furnace (10), its method of operation and control. The invention overcomes problems associated with existing furnaces by improving the recovery rate of waste metal. In a preferred embodiment the furnace (10) comprises a cylindrical body of constant internal diameter. The furnace body (12) is mounted on a frame (15) pivoted to a ground members (16a and 16b), the furnace body (12) is adapted to be reclined or inclined or at various angles (? and ?); a burner (30) to heat the furnace, and a door (19a, 19b) for sealing an open end (14). As the internal walls of the furnace body (12) are of a constant diameter, it is no longer necessary to incline the furnace (10) to such a degree in order to pour molten metal, because there is no narrow neck (which previously acted like a weir). In a preferred embodiment combustion air is routed through the door hinge to the burner (30).

Abstract: The powder homogenizing apparatus of the invention comprises a cylindrical shell with a circular section and a substantially horizontal axis, an assembly of cylindrical drums disposed inside the shell and comprising an inner drum and an outer drum, the external face of the cylindrical wall of said outer drum being overlaid with blades, which drum assembly can homogenize the powder contained in the annular space formed between the outer drum and the shell, a space of revolution being formed between said inner and outer drums, and a shaft on which said cylindrical drum assembly is mounted in integral manner, said shaft being hollow and connected outside the shell to a cold air supply system and also connected to an air exhaust system outside the shell; drive means for rotating said shaft are also provided.

Abstract: A method of, and apparatus for, recycling a metal by melting it to remove it from metal-containing scrap through the use of a tiltable, swivel rotary furnace, which is swiveled to a first station for receiving metal-containing scrap, tilted back and rotated while heating to melt the metal, swiveled to a second station where it is stopped and forward tilted to quickly pour off the molten metal into a holding apparatus. The furnace is swiveled to a third station where it is further forward tilted and rotated to discharge the residual scrap, and then leveled and swiveled to the first station while still hot to receive metal-containing scrap, thereby reducing the amount of energy required to reheat the furnace to melting temperature. The furnace comprises a hollow elongated drum having a tapered snout, a door closing the front opening, a power rotary drive to rotate the drum, which is mounted for tilting about a transverse axis, and for swiveling about a vertical axis, and a heater.

Abstract: A furnace system for recovering a non-ferrous metal from a charge of material containing the metal. The furnace system has a furnace chamber having walls defining a refractory chamber, the refractory chamber receiving the charge of material and the metal contained in the charge of material being heated into a flowable mode in the refractory chamber. One feature of the furnace system includes a door having a closed position adjacent an inlet passage to the furnace chamber, the door having rollers and a suspension. Another feature is the geometry of the refractory chamber and the interaction of that geometry with heat energy introduced into the refractory chamber.

Abstract: The powder homogenizing apparatus of the invention comprises a cylindrical shell with a circular section and a substantially horizontal axis, an assembly of cylindrical drums disposed inside the shell and comprising an inner drum and an outer drum, the external face of the cylindrical wall of said outer drum being overlaid with blades, which drum assembly can homogenize the powder contained in the annular space formed between the outer drum and the shell, a space of revolution being formed between said inner and outer drums, and a shaft on which said cylindrical drum assembly is mounted in integral manner, said shaft being hollow and connected outside the shell to a cold air supply system and also connected to an air exhaust system outside the shell; drive means for rotating said shaft are also provided.

Abstract: A method of, and apparatus for, recycling a metal by melting it to remove it from metal-containing scrap through the use of a tiltable, swivel rotary furnace, which is swiveled to a first station for receiving metal-containing scrap, tilted back and rotated while heating to melt the metal, swiveled to a second station where it is stopped and forward tilted to quickly pour off the molten metal into a holding apparatus. The furnace is swiveled to a third station where it is further forward tilted and rotated to discharge the residual scrap, and then leveled and swiveled to the first station while still hot to receive metal-containing scrap, thereby reducing the amount of energy required to reheat the furnace to melting temperature. The furnace comprises a hollow elongated drum having a tapered snout, a door closing the front opening, a power rotary drive to rotate the drum, which is mounted for tilting about a transverse axis, and for swiveling about a vertical axis, and a heater.

Abstract: A furnace system for recovering a non-ferrous metal from a charge of material containing the metal. The furnace system having a furnace chamber having walls defining a refractory chamber, the refractory chamber receiving the charge of material and the metal contained in the charge of material being heated into a flowable mode in the refractory chamber. The furnace system having at least one paddle radially projecting from an interior surface of the furnace chamber toward a longitudinal axis of the furnace chamber. Other features of the invention include a door having a closed position adjacent an inlet passage to the furnace chamber, the door having rollers and a suspension. Other features of the invention include a motor and a control unit which monitors torque to rotate the furnace chamber as an indication of viscosity of the charge of material. Methods of operating a furnace system for recovering non-ferrous metal from a charge of material containing the metal are also discussed.

Abstract: A rotary furnace apparatus is provided for rapid melting of a variety of virgin and recycled ferrous and non-ferrous metals, which distributes the introduction of the unmelted charge materials and hence the melting heat requirements along an elongate gas-solid-liquid reaction zone within the furnace, according to the distribution of heat available to effect melting. In the case of fine-sized metal charge materials, fluxes and additive reagents, a longitudinally traversing solids injection lance projecting into the furnace is provided with nozzle directed to project a jet of charge down into the bath as it traverses successively backwards and forwards. A traversing oscillating conveyor is provided for coarse-sized scrap metals and the like.

Abstract: Process for melting a metal charge in a rotary furnace equipped with at least one oxygen burner, comprising the steps of:(i) adding between 1.5 and 9% of a charge of solid fuel to the metal charge to form a combined charge; and(ii) injecting at least one jet of oxygen in a direction of the combined charge in the furnace.

Abstract: A kiln system for a process for treatment of aluminum dross residue (NMP) having available aluminum nitride (AlN) and/or free aluminum (Al) and/or aluminum chlorides (AlCl.sub.3) having a particle size within the range of 0.3 to 300 microns, i.e., "fines" to produce a high alumina lightweight aggregate is described. The process is characterized in that the NMP is fed into a rotating sealed kiln and heated to a temperature in the range of 2000.degree. to 4000.degree. F. while feeding oxygen or a mixture of oxygen and water into the kiln with less than about 20% of the total heat energy input for heating the NMP to a temperature between 2000.degree. and 4000.degree. F. being supplied from an external source. The process does not require prior agglomerization of the fines.

Abstract: A process and apparatus are disclosed for recovering a non-ferrous metal, preferably aluminum and aluminum alloys, in molten coherent form from a charge of material to be processed containing the metal. The charge is introduced into a sealable furnace which is then sealed. The charge is agitated. A control parameter indicative of conditions inside said furnace is monitored and compared to a pre-determined first condition for the parameter. A heat source is operated to heat the charge until the control parameter reaches the first condition. The operation of the heat source is then stopped. A controlled amount of oxidizing agent and an inert carrier is then introduced into the furnace. The control parameter is monitored and compared to a predetermined second condition for the parameter. The flow of the oxidizing agent and the carrier is controlled to maintain the control parameter at about the second condition. The molten metal is subsequently removed from the furnace.

Abstract: An industrial waste management facility (IWMF) for disposing of spent potlining includes a co-current gas-fired rotary kiln for containing a molten pool of spent potlining throughout the entire length of the rotary kiln from the inlet to the outlet, an ash quencher and cooler for receiving molten residue from the discharge end of the rotary kiln, a secondary combustion chamber, and a down-draft transition chamber for channeling discharge gases from the rotary kiln to the secondary combustion chamber. Pneumatic injection slingers feed and distribute spent potlining into the inlet end of the rotary kiln. A discharge dam provides a predetermined average depth of molten bath material in the rotary kiln over its entire length. A blended ratio of comminuted materials injected through the pneumatic injection slinger feeder is adjusted and controlled in response to signals received from a radiative optical kiln bath temperature measurement system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating non-ferrous metal drosses in order to recover the free metal contained therein. The dross is heated by a plasma torch in a rotary furnace, preferably to a temperature above 800.degree. C. The plasma heating and rotary motion make it possible to recover metal from the dross without employing the conventional salt bath. This means that the gases exiting the furnace can be treated more easily to remove pollutants and the solid residues can be discarded without risk of causing environmental pollution. By controlling the speed of rotation of the furnace, large dross lumps can be accommodated and so the conventional grinding and screening procedure of the dross can advantageously be eliminated.

Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus for smelting copper which includes a smelting furnace, a separating furnace, a converting furnace, and launders connecting these furnaces in series. In the smelting furnace, copper concentrate is melted and oxidized to produce matte and slag. In the separating furnace, the matte is separated from the slag. In the converting furnace, the matte separated from the slag is oxidized to produce blister copper. A plurality of anode furnaces are provided for refining the blister copper produced in the converting furnace into copper of higher quality. A blister copper launder assembly, which has a main launder and a plurality of branch launders branched off from the main launder, is provided to connect the converting furnace and the anode furnaces together. A selecting device may be attached to the launder assembly for selectively bringing the main launder into fluid communication with one of the branch launders.

Abstract: An apparatus for heat treating particulate material containing a combustible contaminant. The particulate material is fed into the upstream end of a rotary drum and is conveyed toward the downstream end of the drum. A fixed first tubular member is disposed concentrically within the downstream end of the drum and includes a small diameter inlet section and a larger diameter outlet section. A fuel burner is located within the small diameter end of the first tubular member and combustion gases from the burner travel through the first tubular member to the larger diameter outlet section where the gases expand and are cooled. The gases are then discharged into the upstream end of the drum into contact with the particulate material to vaporize the combustible contaminants. A second tubular member is mounted in radially spaced relation between the first tubular member and the downstream end of the drum to provide inner and outer annular chambers.

Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus for smelting copper which includes a smelting furnace, a separating furnace, a converting furnace, and launders connecting these furnaces in series. In the smelting furnace, copper concentrate is melted and oxidized to produce matte and slag. In the separating furnace, the matte is separated from the slag. In the converting furnace, the matte separated from the slag is oxidized to produce blister copper. A plurality of anode furnaces are provided for refining the blister copper produced in the converting furnace into copper of higher quality. A blister copper launder assembly, which has a main launder and a plurality of branch launders branched off from the main launder, is provided to connect the converting furnace and the anode furnaces together. A selecting device may be attached to the launder assembly for selectively bringing the main launder into fluid communication with one of the branch launders.

Abstract: The invention is a process for steelmaking in a rotary furnace from a solid metallic charge adapted to realize greatly increased heat transfer and melting rates and thereby greater steel production. A hot liquid metal bath is maintained over the length of an oxy-fuel fired rotary furnace. Solid metallic scrap is continually introduced by way of a charge end opening into a melting zone, wherein the bath melting point temperature is depressed on the order of 300 degrees celsius at the furnace charge end, by means of coincident additions of supplementary carbon into the melt. The effect is a multifold increase in temperature differential between the flame temperature and the temperatures of the furnace walls and charge, with a proportionate increase in the quantity of heat transferred.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating non-ferrous metal drosses in order to recover the free metal contained therein. The dross is heated by a plasma torch in a rotary furnace, preferably to a temperature above 800.degree. C. The plasma heating and rotary motion make it possible to recover metal from the dross without employing the conventional salt bath. This means that the gases exiting the furnance can be treated more easily to remove pollutants and the solid residues can be discarded without risk of causing environmental pollution. By controlling the speed of rotation of the furnace, large dross lumps can be accommodated and so the conventional grinding and screening procedure of the dross can advantageously be eliminated.

Abstract: A melting furnace has a drum rotating in operating position about an approximately horizontally arranged axis of rotation and being provided within the area of the rear end with a burner and with a discharge opening and comprising within the area of the opposite front end an opening for charging and for extracting combustion gas, the latter opening being provided with a pressure head lid being movable between a closed position and an opened position and maintaining in the closed position an annular gap for the escape of the effluent gases. That end of the drum, which has the opening for charging, is conically shaped and extends into an effluent gas chamber which is connected with a stack via an effluent gas pipe.The drum is swivellably supported within a supporting bed for swivelling movement around an approximately horizontal axis intersecting the axis of rotation and is guided by guide rolls, so that it is possible to give the axis of rotation an inclined position in both directions.

Abstract: Converting thermally meltable materials to a liquefied state is carried out on a lining of pulverulent material. As liquefied material is drained from the surface, additional unmelted material is fed onto the surface to maintain the lining substantially intact.

Abstract: Converting thermally meltable materials to a liquefied state is carried out on a lining of pulverulent material. As liquefied material is drained from the surface, additional unmelted material is fed onto the surface to maintain the lining substantially intact.

Abstract: Converting thermally meltable materials to a liquefied state is carried out on a support surface of the unmelted material. As liquefied material is drained from the surface, additional unmelted material is fed onto the surface to maintain a substantially constant layer of the unmelted material.

Abstract: Converting thermally meltable materials to a liquefied state is carried out by a plasma heat source encircled by a layer of the unmelted material. As liquefied material is drained from the surface, additional unmelted material is fed onto the surface to maintain a substantially constant layer of the unmelted material, thereby maintaining the temperature of the melting vessel relatively low and eliminating the need for forced cooling of the vessel.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for melting pulverulent material such as glass batch wherein liquefaction takes place on a stable layer of pulverulent material, adjustable means are provided for feeding the material in a controlled manner onto the active melting surface.

Abstract: In a process for liquefying glass batch and the like, wherein a layer of batch is maintained as a lining in the liquefaction vessel, the thickness of the lining is monitored by measuring the temperature in a region facing an end portion of the lining. Preferably, a series of thermocouples serves to determine the location of the face of the lining on which liquefaction is taking place.

Abstract: Process control method and apparatus for an ablation liquefaction chamber including primary and secondary burners positioned to direct a primary combustion flame for electively heating portions of the chamber interior for control of product temperature and chamber pressure.

Abstract: A reclaiming method and apparatus for reclaiming aluminum from the skim recovered from an aluminum furnace by a highly mechanized method and apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for converting metal-containing waste material having substantial quantities of organic constituents, such as plastics, rubber, paper and greases, to a product from which metal can readily be recovered. The waste material is introduced into a reactor vessel arranged for rotation about its longitudinal axis, the vessel being provided with a bottom and a common charge and discharge opening, whereafter the reactor vessel is rotated with its axis inclined to the horizontal plane at an angle of less than 90.degree.. The reactor vessel is maintained during this rotation at a temperature which is sufficiently high to expel organic constituents in the form of a combustible gas for as long as such a gas continues to be generated. The combustible gas is combusted continuously at a location external of the reactor vessel, and the residual content of the reactor vessel is taken out in a molten and/or non-molten state.

Abstract: A converter vessel is coaxially surrounded by a trunnion ring carried by a pair of trunnions for rotary or tilting motion about a horizontal axis. In order to permit rotation of the vessel relative to the trunnion ring about the vessel axis at right angles with the noted horizontal axis, two annular rows of support elements such as rollers are mounted on the trunnion ring and engaged with respective annular tires on the vessel so as to bear its radial load. Two other annular rows of rollers or like support elements are also mounted on the trunnion ring and engaged with the respective tires so as to bear the axial vessel load. Several identical drive mechanisms are compactly mounted within the trunnion ring for revolving the vessel through a gear drive, friction drive, or chain drive.

Abstract: In the direct reduction process for reducing iron ore to sponge iron of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,890,138 to Hockin wherein all of the air supply tubes along the rotary kiln inject air toward the discharge end of the kiln it has been found that by reversing the direction of injection of the air from one or more of the tubes in the preheat zone of the kiln the condition of the off-gases can be considerably improved without affecting the process in the reduction zone and ultimately the quality of the resulting product and improved preheating of the kiln charge can be effected without the formation of undesirable kiln accretions.

Abstract: A furnace for the refining of nonferrous metal such as copper comprising a drum structure rotatable about a substantially horizontal axis and formed along the same side of the shell with a tapping box for discharging the molten metal and a slag-discharging weir, the interior of the furnace being subdivided into two chambers communicating respectively with the weir and with the tapping box. The partition is formed with a port interconnecting the molten metal baths in the chambers below the levels thereof to form a siphon.

Abstract: Furnace apparatus and method, for the continuous electric heating or fusion of particulate mineral-bearing substances, wherein a cylindrical furnace housing is adapted to trunnion bearing, the housing having at least one detachable and elongated conical extension at ends for dumping, the extensions likewise having electrode openings which are coaxially aligned with the housing, whereby a charge of the mineral-bearing substance may be introduced either during fusion or heating or roasting or firing, thus permitting partial filling of the furnace housing and sequential build-up, protecting the respective ends of the furnace against dead space and excessive charge recycle. By virtue of design, the conical ends are shielded against burning out by unbearable heat generated from the electrode arc. Inherent advantages occur by highly accelerated rotation, yielding resultant centrifugal forces which are applied to the charge.

Abstract: Finely divided particulate material is discharged against the incandescent wall of a rotary furnace through a pipe extending into the open end of the furnace in a position where the material is out of the path of the flame projected into the furnace through the open end and out of the path of the out-flowing gases. The material is retained against the interior wall of the furnace by centrifugal force and, as the material melts, it collects in a pool at the inner end of the furnace. The entrainment of fine particles and their subsequent removal with the exhaust furnace gases is thereby substantially reduced, if not entirely eliminated.

Abstract: A portable highly versatile thermal metal refining apparatus for selectively reclaiming metals from a mixed or combined load of materials having varied melting temperatures. A refining chamber cylindrically shaped about a central axis having oppositely disposed open and closed ends defines an internal reduction cavity loaded through its open end. The chamber cavity is lined with durable glass, enabling successive reduction cycles of different metals without carry-over contamination. Detachable support and drive means mount the refining chamber for operative rotation about the central axis, and pivotal means are provided for controlling the operative pitch of the central axis. Field supply means, operable from available field sources, provide a controlled fuel/air mixture to a burner nozzle at the closed end of the chamber for directing a reducing flame toward a load within the reduction cavity.

Abstract: An apparatus for the continuous smelting and converting of copper containing concentrates to copper or matte involves charging concentrates into a reactor which is maintained at a temperature at which a molten bath of slag, matte and metallic copper is formed. An oxidizing gas is injected into the molten bath and the charge of the concentrates is controlled in balanced relationship to an injection control rate of the gas such that the gas is sufficient to oxidize substantially all significant iron and sulphur in the concentrate so that smelting and converting is effected in the same zone of the reactor. The injection of the gas is such as to maintain a turbulent state of the molten bath and produce metallic copper. Slag and metallic copper are withdrawn from the reactor. The apparatus used for carrying out the process embodies a charging port, injection means, a copper settling area and a sump in the base thereof.