Abstract: A molten metal pumping apparatus. The apparatus has each of a circulation function and a transfer function. The apparatus includes a molten metal pump having an outlet. The outlet is moveable while submerged in molten metal between a first position engaged with a circulation passage in a furnace assembly and a second position engaged with a transfer passage in the furnace assembly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for moving molten material within a container are provided. The method comprising: providing apparatus including an electromagnetic mover adjacent a part of the container, wherein the electromagnetic mover has a primary motion axis, the primary motion axis being aligned along the direction of the maximum linear force generated by the electromagnetic stirrer; applying a current to the electromagnetic mover such that changes in magnetic field configuration cause movement of the molten metal within the container; wherein the primary motion axis is inclined relative to the vertical in two different planes; or wherein the longitudinal axis is inclined relative to the vertical in two different planes.

Abstract: In a molten metal pump, which includes a pump chamber portion and a drive unit and drives molten metal in a pump chamber of the pump chamber portion by the drive unit for discharging and sucking, the pump chamber portion has an outer cylinder and an inner cylinder detachably housed in the outer cylinder, the outer cylinder is configured as a bottomed cylindrical body having an outer cylinder bottom wall and an outer cylinder side wall, the inner cylinder is configured as a bottomed cylindrical body having an inner cylinder bottom wall and an inner cylinder side wall, a ring-shaped spacer, which is interposed between an inner surface of the outer cylinder bottom wall and an outer surface of the inner cylinder bottom wall in a sealed state and in a detachable manner, is further provided.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an experimental device for cavitation corrosion of liquid metal, comprising a stand, and a vibration device and a lifting and rotating device separately arranged on the stand, wherein a heating device for experimental use is arranged on the vibration device; a furnace lid with a sealing ring is arranged above the heating device; a stirring mechanism is arranged on the furnace lid; the stirring mechanism is connected to a chunk below the furnace lid; a clamp is connected below the chuck, and the clamp is connected to a sample; the furnace lid is connected to the lifting and rotating device; the lifting and rotating device can control the movement of the furnace lid so that the sample is placed in the heating device; the lifting and rotating device, the stirring mechanism, the heating device and the vibration device are connected to a control system.

Abstract: A stirrer for glass melting which can be used over a prolonged life expectancy, while maintaining a high strength, even in an environment exposed to a high temperature and an oxygen-containing gas atmosphere for a long period of time, and can prevent the air bubbles from being mixed into the glass melt.

Abstract: A metal scrap submergence device comprising an open top chamber including walls of a heat resistant material, an inlet positioned in the chamber, an outlet positioned in the base of the chamber, and a ramp adjacent the side wall of the chamber. The device further including a removable vane, an inwardly or outwardly sloped ramp surface, and/or diverter.

Abstract: A method of driving conductive molten metal and a melting furnace, the method including making direct current flow vertically between a first electrode, and applying a magnetic field radially toward the center of a melting chamber from the outside of the melting furnace or toward the outside of the melting furnace from the center of the melting chamber to apply torque. The method further includes rotating the molten metal by the torque to discharge the molten metal to a holding furnace, which is provided on the melting chamber, from an outlet opening of a partition plate provided between the melting chamber and the holding furnace and to suck the molten metal, which is present in the holding furnace, from an inlet opening of the partition plate.

Abstract: A system for removing molten metal from a vessel is disclosed. The system includes a vessel having a first section and a second section and a pump positioned in the first section of the vessel. As the pump operates it moves molten metal through a pump discharge and through an opening into the second section of the vessel, where the molten metal reaches a vessel outlet and exits the vessel. The pump discharge is preferably formed at an angle to the vessel outlet. The outlet may be attached to a launder.

Abstract: A drive transmission device, which is included in an image forming apparatus, includes an output body, an input body, and an intermediate body. The output body has a drive output portion. The input body has a drive input portion. The intermediate body is supported by a support side body that is one of the output body and the input body. The intermediate body includes a relay portion to receive a driving force applied by the drive output portion and to transmit the driving force to the drive input portion, and a retaining portion to prevent the intermediate body from falling from the support side body. A distance from a center of rotation of the intermediate body to a leading end of the retaining portion is greater than or equal to a distance from the center of rotation of the intermediate body to a leading end of the relay portion.

Abstract: A molten metal rotor receives and retains an end of a molten metal rotor shaft. The rotor shaft has one or more projections at the end received in the rotor. The rotor has an inner cavity, a top surface with an opening leading to the inner cavity, and at least one abutment. The opening includes one or more portions for allowing each projection to pass through the opening and into the inner cavity. The rotor and/or shaft are then rotated so at least one of the outwardly-extending projections is under the top surface of the rotor and is against an abutment. A molten metal pump, rotary degasser scrap melter or other device used in molten metal may utilize a rotor/shaft combination as disclosed herein.

Abstract: A metal scrap submergence device comprising an open top chamber including walls of a heat resistant material, an inlet positioned in a side wall of the chamber, an outlet positioned in the base of said chamber, and a ramp adjacent said side wall of the chamber. The side wall further includes a feature affecting molten metal flow. The feature can include, for example, a baffle, a vane, a passage, a diverging or converging shape and combinations thereof. Similarly, the molten metal flow can be affected by slanting the ramp inwardly or outwardly.

Abstract: A load current value I of a motor rotationally driving an impeller is read out when the impeller is rotated at a predetermined set rotational speed X0, and the rotational speed of the impeller is increased so that the load current value I becomes equal to or larger than a threshold value I0 when it is determined that the load current value I is smaller than the predetermined threshold value I0.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems for transferring molten metal from one structure to another. Aspects of the invention include a transfer chamber constructed inside of or next to a vessel used to retain molten metal. The transfer chamber is in fluid communication with the vessel so molten metal from the vessel can enter the transfer chamber. A powered device, which may be inside of the transfer chamber, moves molten metal upward and out of the transfer chamber and preferably into a structure outside of the vessel, such as another vessel or a launder.

Abstract: A system for applying tension to a component for use in molten metal processing. Preferably, the component includes an outer core and at least one tension rod positioned partially within the outer core. The component is preferably elongated, such as a support post or an impeller shaft. The tension rod applies compression to the outer cover, which makes the outer cover more resistant to breakage if it strikes, or is stricken by, an object.

Abstract: The present invention provides a carriage to transport a ladle and to transfer molten metal into equipment for pouring (hereafter, transfer carriage) whereby the investment cost can be reduced by having the equipment made compact, and the temperature of the molten metal can be maintained high, and the cycle time can be reduced, because the time to transport the molten metal can be less. Further, the present invention provides a transportation line for transporting the molten metal. This line requires a smaller space for its installation.

Abstract: The present invention includes a first injection tube for supplying a colloidal medium, a storage part connected to the first injection tube for receiving the colloidal medium through the first injection tube, a second injection tube connected to the storage part for supplying a colloid, a discharge tube connected to both the storage part and the second injection tube for discharging the colloidal medium coming from the storage part and the colloid coming from the second injection tube, and a free surface inversion part for inverting the free surface of the liquid in the second injection tube so as to mix the colloidal medium and the colloid in the discharge tube.

Abstract: During a process of cooling a hypereutectic Al—Si alloy melt, ultrasonic vibration is applied to the melt to crystallize primary crystal ?-Al using, in combination, an ultrasonic transducer (8) that generates the ultrasonic vibration, an ultrasonic horn (7) that is connected to the ultrasonic transducer (8) and transmits the ultrasonic vibration in a specified direction, a treatment vessel (2) that holds the melt and is in contact with the ultrasonic horn (7), and a treatment vessel fixing device (3) that fixes the treatment vessel (2) by pressing the treatment vessel toward the ultrasonic horn (7).

Abstract: An objective of the present invention is, in refining a metal or a semiconductor melt, without impairing refining efficiency, to alleviate wear and tear commensurate with unevenness in a crucible caused by instability in melt flow, and to allow safe operation over long periods of time such that leakages from the crucible do not occur. Provided is a metal or semiconductor melt refining method, in which, by using an AC resistance heating heater as a crucible heating method, the melt is heat retained and mixed by a rotating magnetic field which is generated by the resistance heating heater.

Abstract: An apparatus for electromagnetic stirring of the steel melt in an electrical arc furnace includes two electromagnetic stirrer units, a current supply, and a control unit. The two stirrers are mounted on an outer bottom surface of the electrical arc furnace at opposites sides of a central position of the bottom surface, the current supply is operatively connected to the two electromagnetic stirrer units, and the control unit is operatively connected to the current supply to control the operation of the two electromagnetic stirrer units.

Abstract: A metal melting furnace includes: a furnace body including a storage space storing molten metal; a vortex chamber body including a vortex chamber communicating with the storage space, the vortex chamber body including a partition plate serving as a drop weir uprightly formed inside the vortex chamber, the partition plate disposed at a communication side with respect to the storage space in the vortex chamber so that the longitudinal direction of the partition plate follows the communication direction and divides the communication side to form first and second vortex chamber openings positioned at both sides of the partition plate and communicating with both the storage space and the vortex chamber; and a molten metal whirling gap formed between a front end portion of the partition plate positioned inside of the vortex chamber in the longitudinal direction and an inner wall of the vortex chamber body facing the front end portion.

Abstract: A magnetic pump in a pump well in a molten metal furnace with a long, relatively thin side wall that wraps around a significant fraction of the circumference of the pump, which facilitates creation of an eddy current based flow field in the molten material with better magnetic coupling, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of the pump. Breach of the well wall will not result in spillage of metal outside the furnace, and the well can be monitored for any such breach or other change so that the pump can be lifted out of the well to protect it from contact with the molten metal in the event of such a breach, or other appropriate action can be taken.

Abstract: A magnetic pump in a pump well in a molten metal furnace with a long, relatively thin side wall that wraps around a significant fraction of the circumference of the pump, which facilitates creation of an eddy current based flow field in the molten material with better magnetic coupling, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of the pump. Breach of the well wall will not result in spillage of metal outside the furnace, and the well can be monitored for any such breach or other change so that the pump can be lifted out of the well to protect it from contact with the molten metal in the event of such a breach, or other appropriate action can be taken.

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 metal melting furnace includes: a furnace body which includes a storage space storing molten metal; a vortex chamber body which includes a vortex chamber capable of communicating with the storage space of the furnace body; and a drop weir part which changes a communication state and an interruption state between the storage space and the vortex chamber, wherein the drop weir part includes a blind drop weir and an opening type drop weir which are formed as separate members, wherein at least the blind drop weir is movable up and down with respect to the vortex chamber body and is selectively positioned at an upward movement position and a downward movement position so as to switch the communication state and the interruption state, and wherein the opening type drop weir includes notches which communicate the vortex chamber and the storage space with each other in the communication state.

Abstract: A device and method for removing impurities in aluminum melt. The device comprises an upper furnace body, a lower furnace body, an intermediate partition plate, a crucible, heating elements and a charging opening. The intermediate partition plate is mounted between the upper furnace body and the lower furnace body. The upper furnace body, a mixing chamber and the heating element are above the intermediate partition plate. The crucible is amounted in the lower furnace body. The heating element is provided around the lower furnace body. The lower furnace body is provided with the charging opening and a pipeline. The upper furnace body is provided with an inlet valve and an exhaust valve. The mixing chamber and the crucible are connected by a jet pipe passing through the intermediate partition plate. A ceramic seal pad is used for sealing between the mixing chamber and the jet pipe.

Abstract: An arc melting furnace apparatus is provided which reduces an operation burden on a worker and shortens working hours. An arc melting furnace apparatus 1 includes a housing 2 having formed therein a melting chamber 2a, a hearth 4 provided within the melting chamber 2a and having a recessed portion 4a, and a heating mechanism 10 for heating and melting a metal material supplied into the recessed portion 4 to generate an alloy ingot. The apparatus comprises a turning member 23 rotatably supported on a supporting member 21 standing within the melting chamber 2a, a perimeter edge of the turning member 23 rotating and moving along the inner surface of the recessed portion 4a to lift the alloy ingot generated in the recessed portion 4a above the hearth 4 and turn it over, and a resilient turn-over assisting member 24 provided above an upper end of the recessed portion 4a.

Abstract: An apparatus for melting a solid metal having a vortex chamber disposed within the apparatus, the vortex chamber having an inlet and an outlet, and a molten metal mover configured to move molten metal within the apparatus into the vortex chamber and disposed proximate to the entrance of the vortex chamber.

Abstract: An agitation device, a melting apparatus, and a melting method for improving melting efficiency of molten metal without contaminating the same. The agitation device is provided with a traveling magnetic field generating unit which is disposed outside a charging tank for storing molten metal and generates, inside the charging tank, a magnetic field that travels downward along the rear sidewall of the charging tank. A flow of the molten metal that rotates longitudinally about an axis approximately parallel to the surface of the molten metal is produced in the molten metal. By charging aluminum cutting chips into the molten metal in which the flow is produced, the aluminum cutting chips move with a downward flow of the molten metal, and are immersed in the molten metal. As a result, melting of the aluminum cutting chips can be accelerated.

Abstract: An apparatus for electromagnetic stirring of the steel melt in an electrical arc furnace includes two electromagnetic stirrer units, a current supply, and a control unit. The two stirrers are mounted on an outer bottom surface of the electrical arc furnace at opposites sides of a central position of the bottom surface, the current supply is operatively connected to the two electromagnetic stirrer units, and the control unit is operatively connected to the current supply to control the operation of the two electromagnetic stirrer units.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus (high shear device) and method for treating liquid metals by intensive melt shearing. The apparatus comprises a stator and a rotor with a small gap between them to provide intensive melt shearing for dispersing efficiently and distributing uniformly gas, liquid and solid phases in liquid metals without severe turbulence at the melt surface. The device can be extended to a multistage high shear pump by arranging individual rotor/stator assemblies either concentrically (one in another) or vertically. The device and high shear pump can be readily integrated into existing casting processes. The device is suitable for use in casting processes including high pressure die casting, low pressure die casting, gravity die casting, sand casting, investment casting, direct chill casting, twin roll casting, and any other casting process which requires liquid metal as a feedstock.

Abstract: Disclosed are degassers, couplings, impeller shafts and impellers for use in molten metal. One such coupling transfers gas into an impeller shaft, the coupling having a smooth, tapered internal surface to align with a corresponding surface on the impeller shaft and help prevent gas leakage and to assist in preventing damage to the impeller shaft. Improved impellers for shearing and mixing gas are also disclosed, as is a degasser including one or more of these components.

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: An improved post clamp for a molten metal pump includes a support post clamp that supports the weight of a pump superstructure on the top of the support posts. The clamp preferably includes (a) a bottom flange for connecting to the pump superstructure, (b) a cavity for receiving an end of a support post, wherein the end has a top surface, and (c) a top flange for being positioned above the top surface. In operation the top flange rests on the top surface of the support post thereby supporting at least part of the weight of the superstructure. It is preferred that a plurality of support posts and post clamps according to the invention be used with a molten metal pump wherein the top surface of each support post supports some of the weight of the superstructure. Also disclosed are novel support posts that may be used with the post clamp, and a pump in which the post clamp and/or support posts may be 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: Apparatuses, systems, and methods discussed herein facilitate processing of, and thermal recovery from, material such as slag. A disk assembly is configured to process material. One or more heat exchangers are configured to extract heat that is already present in the material, heat generated during processing, or both. A thermal transfer system is configured to transfer heat away from the disk assembly, away from the one or more heat exchangers, or both.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the invention provides a side well for a metal melting furnace. The side well comprises an insulated body having a front wall adapted to form part of an insulated side wall of a metal melting furnace and a top, a cavity within the body including a single upright well having a cylindrical wall adjacent to a closed bottom of the cavity, an entrance to the cavity at the top of the insulated body, a metal inlet channel leading directly into the cavity from an inlet aperture in the front wall, and a metal outlet channel leading directly from the cavity to a metal outlet aperture in the front wall. The side well includes a rotatable impeller having a vertical rotatable shaft and at least one vaned section positioned at a lower end of the rotatable shaft; wherein the impeller extends into the cavity with the vaned section positioned in the well adjacent to the cylindrical wall.

Abstract: During a process of cooling a hypereutectic Al—Si alloy melt, ultrasonic vibration is applied to the melt to crystallize primary crystal ?-Al using, in combination, an ultrasonic transducer (8) that generates the ultrasonic vibration, an ultrasonic horn (7) that is connected to the ultrasonic transducer (8) and transmits the ultrasonic vibration in a specified direction, a treatment vessel (2) that holds the melt and is in contact with the ultrasonic horn (7), and a treatment vessel fixing device (3) that fixes the treatment vessel (2) by pressing the treatment vessel toward the ultrasonic horn (7).

Abstract: An impeller for dispersing gas into molten metal includes a rectangular prism body having upper and lower faces and four side walls. The body has an opening extending through the upper and lower faces and defines a hub around the opening on the upper face. The impeller further includes a plurality of elongate grooves extending radially outwardly from the hub.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for manufacturing stoichiometric Mg2Ni compound applicable to industry and capable of manufacturing continuously. The apparatus mainly comprises: a vacuum chamber, comprising a material feeding tube; a first crucible, set in the vacuum chamber; a heating device, set on the first crucible; a stirring device, set in the vacuum chamber, and above the first crucible; and a second crucible, set in the vacuum chamber, and on one side of the first crucible. Through this apparatus, a stoichiometric ?-phase Mg2Ni hydrogen storage compound with an exactly atomic ratio of 2:1, without other phases, and with excellent hydrogen absorption-desorption dynamics is given and the rest waste magnesium-rich liquid can be recycled.

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 through the tip of the ultrasonic device.

Abstract: Provided are an agitation device, a melting apparatus, and a melting method which achieve good melting efficiency without contaminating molten metal. The agitation device is provided with a traveling magnetic field generating unit which is disposed outside a charging tank for storing molten metal and generates, inside the charging tank, a magnetic field that travels downward along the rear sidewall of the charging tank, whereby a flow of the molten metal that rotates longitudinally about an axis approximately parallel to the surface of the molten metal is produced in the molten metal. By charging aluminum cutting chips into the molten metal in which the flow is produced, the aluminum cutting chips move with the flow of the molten metal, get into the molten metal roughly in the position where a downward flow of the molten metal is produced, and are immersed in the molten metal, and thus the melting of the aluminum cutting chips is accelerated.

Abstract: An electromagnetic stirring apparatus includes a vessel (2) for containing an electroconductive material in a molten state, such as a molten metal (1); an axially traveling magnetic field generating coil (3) for generating magnetic line of force (15) in an axial direction of the vessel (2) towards the molten metal (1) contained in the vessel (2) from an outside of the vessel (2); and a strip-shaped magnetic plate (4) disposed between the coil (3) and the vessel (2). Portions (11) where an axial electromagnetic force is generated in the molten metal contained in the vessel by the coil (3), and portions (10) into which a magnetic field is prevented by the magnetic plate (4) from locally entering, are formed in the vessel (2), whereby a circumferential pressure gradient is generated.

Abstract: The invention provides a technique and a device that dramatically improve joint reliability of miniature joints of fine electronic components. According to the invention, when producing a tin or a solder alloy used for electronic components, an ingot of a tin or a solder alloy is heated, melted and delivered to a reactor. Also, a solution containing organic acid having a carboxyl group (—COOH) is delivered to the reactor. After stirring and mixing the two liquids intensively, the mixed liquid is separated into a molten tin or a molten solder alloy liquid and an organic acid solution according to the difference in specific gravity. Then, the respective liquids are circulated to the reactor, and the metal oxides and the impurities existing in the molten tin or the molten solder alloy are removed, and the molten tin or the molten alloy is purified to have oxygen concentration of 5 ppm or less.

Abstract: An agitator for applying an alternating field to a melting furnace main body in order to melt a row material to form a melt includes a plurality of magnets, which are arranged so that magnetic lines of force emitted from one of the magnets pass through the melt in the melting furnace main body and return to another magnet, the magnets being fixed to an inclined surface which is inclined by an angle with respect to a horizontal surface, and being rotatable around an axis substantially perpendicular to the inclined surface.

Abstract: An apparatus 2 and method for mixing, agitating and transporting a slurry of molten or semi-solid metal or metal-matrix composite material including a casing 1 for containment of the slurry. An electrical conductor means 10 applies to the slurry a moving magnetic field to induce flow thereof. A component 7,8 is secured and located within the casing to modify the flow pattern of the slurry induced by the moving magnetic field.

Abstract: An acoustic system for applying vibratory energy including a horn connected to an ultrasonic energy source. The horn defines an overall length and wavelength, and at least a leading section thereof is comprised of a ceramic material. The leading section has a length of at least ? the horn wavelength. In one preferred embodiment, an entirety of the horn is a ceramic material, and is mounted to a separate component, such as a waveguide, via an interference fit. Regardless, by utilizing a ceramic material for at least a significant portion of the horn, the ultrasonic system of the present invention facilitates long-term operation in extreme environments such as high temperature and/or corrosive fluid mediums. The present invention is useful for fabrication of metal matrix composite wires.

Abstract: There is provided a melting furnace with an agitator. The melting furnace with an agitator includes a melting furnace that contains melt, and an agitator that agitates the melt by an electromagnetic force. The agitator includes a first electrode that is provided at an arbitrary position of the melting furnace so as to come in contact with the melt contained in the melting furnace, a second electrode that is provided near a bottom wall of the melting furnace so as to come in contact with the melt, a first magnetic field device that is provided outside the melting furnace so as to face the bottom wall of the melting furnace and makes a north pole face the bottom wall, and a second magnetic field device that is provided outside the melting furnace so as to face the bottom wall of the melting furnace and makes a south pole face the bottom wall. The first and second magnetic field devices are disposed with a gap in a certain direction.

Abstract: An acoustic system for applying vibratory energy including a horn connected to an ultrasonic energy source. The horn defines an overall length and wavelength, and at least a leading section thereof is comprised of a ceramic material. The leading section has a length of at least ? the horn wavelength. In one preferred embodiment, an entirety of the horn is a ceramic material, and is mounted to a separate component, such as a waveguide, via an interference fit. Regardless, by utilizing a ceramic material for at least a significant portion of the horn, the ultrasonic system of the present invention facilitates long-term operation in extreme environments such as high temperature and/or corrosive fluid mediums. The present invention is useful for fabrication of metal matrix composite wires.

Abstract: A rotary device for treating molten metal, said device comprising a hollow shaft (30) at one end of which is a rotor (40), said rotor (40) having:—a roof (42) and a base (44), said roof (42) and base (44) being spaced apart and connected by a plurality of dividers (50); a passage (52) being defined between each adjacent pair of dividers (50) and the roof (42) and the base (44), each passage (52) having an inlet (54) in an inner surface of the rotor (40) and an outlet (56) in a peripheral surface of the rotor (40), each outlet (56) having a greater cross-sectional area than the respective inlet (54) and being disposed radially outward therefrom; a flow path being defined through the shaft (30) into the inlets (54) of the passages (52) and out of the outlets (56); and a chamber (48) in which mixing of the molten metal and gas can take place; wherein a plurality of first cut-outs (58a) are provided in the roof (42) and a plurality of second cut outs (58b) are provided in the base (44), each of the first and seco

Abstract: A melting apparatus facilitates the melting of pieces of solid metal in a bath of molten metal (10). The melting apparatus comprises a device (18) having a lower portion (22), an upper portion (20), and a body portion (24) extending therebetween. Solid metal is introduced into the device (18) through the upper portion (20). A flow inducer, such as an impeller (28) induces flow of molten metal through the device (18). Flow straighteners, such as baffles (38) encourage axial flow of molten metal through the device (18). The body portion (24) is formed with a plurality of apertures (36) therein and the device (18) is arranged, in use, with the lower portion (22) and the plurality of apertures (36) positioned within the bath (10) and the upper portion (20) positioned above the upper surface (12) and the molten metal bath (10).