Abstract: A method for the purification of a metal selected from the group consisting of aluminum and aluminum alloys, wherein the metal is in a liquid phase and is contacted with a salt flux consisting of a binary mixture of NaCl and MgCl2. Preferably, more than 22% by weight of the binary mixture consists of NaCl.

Abstract: An in-line deep box treatment of molten metal wherein, instead of gaseous Cl2, a solid salt reactant containing a halide salt (e.g., MgCl2) as one of its components may be injected into the molten metal along with an inert gas (typically argon) through the existing degasser impellor. The salt flux may be metered into the inert gas stream at a controlled rate. A salt injector flux tank may be retrofitted to current rotary degassing equipments without requiring a specialized rotor design or changes in the degasser unit design. Using the halide salt-based solid flux, the benefits of alkali, alkaline earth, and inclusion removal may be achieved without the industrial hygiene, environmental, and safety issues associated with storing and using the gaseous and hazardous Cl2 during molten metal degassing.

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: Improved apparatus and method are described for the removal of light metals; sodium, lithium, calcium and magnesium, from virgin aluminum tapped from a Hall Heroult reduction cell using LiF-modified or LiF+MgF2 electrolyte. The method is performed in a crucible or at a station intermediate between the cells and furnaces in a cast house. Fine particulate aluminum fluoride and/or sodium aluminum tetrafluoride are transported by a gas or gas mixture into the molten aluminum in a manner such that the light metals are preferentially removed or their concentration substantially lowered through: a) the axle of a specially designed spinning impeller; b) partially through the axle of a specially designed spinning impeller and partially through one or more pipes equipped with dispersers for dispersing into the molten metal flow close to the spinning impeller; or c) through one or more pipes equipped with dispersers for dispersing into the molten metal flow close to the impeller fastened to a solid axle.

Abstract: An improved method of eliminating phosphorus and/or antimony from molten aluminum containing phosphorus and/or antimony is provided, including the step of adding magnesium or calcium to the molten aluminum maintained at a temperature of 650° to 850° C. while blowing chlorine gas or a chloride thereinto, to remove the phosphorus and/or the antimony contained in the molten aluminum.