Abstract: Ultrasonic probes containing a plurality of gas delivery channels are disclosed, as well as ultrasonic probes containing recessed areas near the tip of the probe. Ultrasonic devices containing these probes, and methods for molten metal degassing using these ultrasonic devices, also are disclosed.

Abstract: This invention refers to a pyrometallurgical method for the continuous reduction of oxidized copper through combustion gases in countercurrent to the continuous gravitational flow of liquid copper that disperses through a packed bed reactor with ceramic grains.

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: An anode refinement method for high-sulfur content coarse copper: while high-sulfur coarse copper liquid from a flash converting furnace flows to the anode furnace through a chute, inert gas is continuously added, to stir the copper liquid and improve discharging of the SO2 produced from reaction of the sulfur with oxygen in the liquid and the oxygen absorbed from the atmosphere, so as to remove more than 90% sulfur in the coarse copper liquid. After the coarse copper liquid is fully led to the anode furnace, operations of low-oxidization and low-reduction, non-oxidization and low-reduction or cancel of reduction-oxidization are conducted according to the sulfur content in the copper liquid. The method can resolve the shortages in the fire-refining process, save working time, notably improve production efficiency and capacity, save energy, and settle the pollution problem of black smoke in the atmosphere.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rotary device for dispersing a gas in a molten metal. The device comprises a hollow shaft at one end of which is attached a rotor. The rotor has a roof and a base which are spaced apart and connected by a plurality of vanes. A compartment is defined between each adjacent pair of vanes and the roof and the base, and each compartment has an inlet and first and second outlets. A flow path is defined through the shaft into the inlets of the compartments and out of the first and second outlets. Each first outlet is disposed radially outwardly of the respective inlet and arranged to disperse gas laterally of the rotor in use, and each second outlet is disposed in the roof of the rotor and arranged to disperse gas upwardly from the rotor in use.

Abstract: A system for producing a metal foam comprises a bath containing a molten metal, a rotating shaft or impeller extending through the base of the bath into, and submerged in the molten metal, and a gas discharge nozzle provided on the submerged end of the shaft. The opposite end of the shaft is connected to a gas supply line and the shaft is rotated with a motor. A seal is provided at the opening in the base of the bath for preventing leakage of the molten metal there-through.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a low-oxygen copper wire is provided, in which a dehydrogenating treatment can be performed without requiring a long moving distance of molten copper, and the generation of holes in solidification is suppressed, whereby high quality low-oxygen copper wire can be obtained having superior surface quality.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method, whereby the non-ferrous metal content of the slag generated in the production of non-ferrous metals such as copper or nickel in a suspension smelting furnace is reduced by charging metallurgical coke, with a size ranging from 1-25 mm, into the furnace. Baffles can be positioned from the roof of the furnace downwards, by means of which small particles containing copper and nickel are prevented from drifting to the back of the furnace and being tapped with the slag. The baffles force the small particles to settle in the reduction zone of the furnace.

Abstract: The process and the device serve for decreasing the oxygen content of a copper melt. One or more [porous] flushing plugs, from which a scavenging gas emerges, are arranged in the perpendicular direction in the lower region of the copper melt. The scavenging gas ascends into the copper melt, and the copper melt itself is electrically stirred. The copper is initially melted in a shaft furnace, and then it is led to a treatment furnace via a transportation channel. As a result of flowing out of the [porous] flushing plugs, the scavenging gas ascends into the copper melt both in the region of the transportation channel and also in the region of the treatment furnace. The scavenging gas flows out of at least one of the [porous] flushing plugs with a composition corresponding to 30% to 70% reducing gas and 70% to 30% inert gas.

Abstract: A tool or fluxing head for fluxing molten metal that comprises a fluxing gas supply line that communicates with the interior of an inverted plunger cup providing a hollow interior into which refining agents and other additives that are to be introduced into a molten metal can be incorporated. In use, the fluxing head is introduced into a molten metal body with the plunger cup in the inverted position. The inverted plunger cup has a closed top at the point where the gas supply line enters and an open bottom that allows molten metal to enter the inverted cup to make contact with the refining agent or other additive. Apertures are provided in the wall of the inverted plunger cup to allow gas introduced therein to escape therefrom. According to a preferred embodiment, a porous layer is provided at the top of the inverted plunger cup to allow for the escape of gas into the molten metal through the porous layer.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating, in particular purifying or degassing, molten metal (40), comprising a component (10) exposable to molten metal to be treated and means (13) for imparting a rotary motion to the molten metal (40) about a substantially vertical axis. The apparatus is so arranged that during use at least part of a wear-exposed surface of the component (10) is temporarily or permanently in contact with molten metal (40), the contacting molten metal being in motion relative to the wear-exposed surface. The wear-exposed surface is coated with a slurry-applied protective coating (18A,18B) of refractory material in a heat stable binder, in particular an inorganic colloidal and/or polymeric binder, protecting the wear-exposed surface against erosion, oxidation and corrosion.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for improving the making of metals such as steel and copper by using a molten metal gas measurement system to measure the gas content of the molten metal particularly H.sub.2 content, and to controlling the metal making process based on the gas content value. The preferred gas analyzer comprises an improved long lasting immersion probe body and an analyzer wherein the probe body is immersed in the molten metal and a carrier gas is cycled through the probe and analyzer. The carrier gas entrains gases diffusing into or formed in the probe body and this gas mixture is electronically compared with a reference value to provide a measurement of the gases in the molten metal and the process is controlled based on the analyzer results. Another important use of the gas analyzer is in molten metal degassing operations such as used in the steel industry.

Abstract: Offgas recycling processes, including an argon degassing embodiment which cyclically regenerates one treatment flow path while the other treatment flow path is treating the offgas. The system is changed into a second mode to regenerate the previously treating portion of the system while the offgas is being treated by the previously regenerated treatment device. A second embodiment oxidizes a copper chloride bed to release chlorine, which is injected into the melt. The offgas contains chlorine and HCl, which react with a second bed, containing oxides of copper, forming copper chloride. Water vapor and nitrogen are exhausted to the environment. Before the beds are fully reacted, the flow of gas through the beds is reversed, oxidizing the CuCl bed and reducing the copper oxides.

Abstract: A method for improving the making of metals such as steel and copper by specially using a gas measurement system to analyze molten metals for gas, particularly H2 content, and to controlling the metal making process based on these values. The preferred gas analyzer comprises a hollow probe and an analyzer wherein the probe is immersed in the molten metal and a carrier gas containing a reducing gas such as CO is cycled through the probe and analyzer. The carrier gas entrains gases in the probe and this gas mixture is electronically compared with a reference value to provide a measurement of the gases in the molten metal and the process is controlled based on the analyzer results.

Abstract: Molten metal (e.g., on its way to a continuous casting machine for forming a bar that will be rolled into a rod to be drawn down to wire) is filtered to remove particulate impurities by passing it through at least one and preferably several ceramic filters. In addition, the molten metal is degassed by injecting a flushing gas into the metal through one or more porous plugs in the bottom of the chamber through which the molten metal flows. A partial vacuum column above each porous plug is used to help pull gas up through and out of the metal.

Abstract: The present invention is a process to recover precious metals from sulfide ores. It involves chlorinating a mixture of an ore concentrate and salt to form a liquid melt. The salt preferably contains potassium chloride. This chlorination is carried out at a temperature between 300.degree. and 600.degree. C. while stirring. The process converts precious metals in the elemental and sulfide forms into precious metal chlorides which are recovered by subsequent processing steps.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for manufacturing an oxygen-free copper having an oxygen content of no greater than 3 ppm by weight are disclosed. In the method, a deoxidizing step is carried out by bringing a reducing gas containing hydrogen gas into contact with a molten copper to react to the oxygen to remove the same. Then a dehydrogenation step may be carried out by bringing a gas of lean hydrogen concentration into contact with the molten copper. Accordingly, the apparatus has a deoxidizing device for blowing the reducing gas into the molten copper and preferably a dehydrogenation device.