Abstract: This electric furnace includes one or more upper electrodes, one or more bottom-blowing tuyeres, a mechanical stirrer equipped with an impeller, and a charging device which injects an iron oxide-containing iron raw material.

Abstract: In a method is provided for removing a material from a substrate, a plasma is generated at atmospheric pressure. The plasma includes an energetic species reactive with one or more components of the material. The plasma is flowed from an outlet as a plasma plume that includes periodic regions of high plasma density and low plasma density. The material is exposed to the plasma plume. At least one component of the material reacts with the energetic species, and at least one other component of the material is physically impacted and moved by one or more of the regions of high plasma density.

Abstract: A high shear liquid metal treatment device for treating metal includes a barrel, a rotor shaft, rotor fans, and stator plates. The barrel has a longitudinal axis that extends between an upper end and a lower end, and an opening at its upper and lower ends. The rotor shaft is mounted centrally through, and parallel to the longitudinal axis. The rotor fans are mounted along an axial length of the shaft. The stator plates are formed on an inner surface of the barrel and are located between adjacent rotor fans. Each stator plate has at least one passage formed therethrough to allow fluid to pass through the plate; and upper and lower surfaces of each stator plate are formed to be within the minimum distance of an adjacent rotor fan. The minimum distance is between 10 ?m and 10 mm. The device allows improved treatment of liquid and semi-liquid metals during processing.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a molten metal pump comprising an elongated pumping chamber tube with a base end and an open top end. A shaft extends into the tube and rotates an impeller therein, the impeller rotates proximate the base end. The tube has a diameter at least 1.1 times the diameter of the impeller. The pumping chamber tube preferably has a length at least three times the height of the impeller. The base end includes an inlet and the top end includes a tangential outlet. Rotation of the impeller draws molten metal into the pumping chamber and creates a rotating equilibrium vortex that rises up the walls of the pumping chamber. The rotating vortex adjacent the top end exists the device cia the tangential outlet.

Abstract: A method and system for ballast water treatment is provided for a vessel with a ballast water tank system that pumps water from a local environment through a conduit into at least one tank on the vessel. The water contains aerobic micro-organisms from the local environment. Oxygen-containing gas is introduced into the water as it is pumped through the conduit. Living organisms are added into the water with the oxygen-containing gas introduced therein. As a result, the tank receives a mixture of the water with the oxygen-containing gas introduced therein and the living organisms added thereto. The living organisms are selected to consume (i) the aerobic micro-organisms, (ii) oxygen dissolved in the water, and (iii) food sources for the aerobic micro-organisms contained in the water. A vacuum is applied to the tank's ullage space at a point in time after the mixture is received in the tank.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for heating molten metal by the use of a heater that can be immersed into the molten metal. This immersion heater includes an outer cover formed of one or more materials resistant to the molten metal in which the immersion heater is to be used, and a heating element inside of the outer cover, where the heating element is protected from contacting the molten metal.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for industrial-scale production of metal matrix nanocomposites (MMNCs) are provided. The apparatus and methods can be used for the batch production of an MMNC in a volume of molten metal housed within the cavity of a production chamber. Within the volume of molten metal, a flow is created which continuously carries agglomerates of nanoparticles, which have been introduced into the molten metal, through a cavitation zone formed in a cavitation cell housed within the production chamber.

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: A process for producing particle-reinforced composite materials through utilization of an in situ reaction to produce a uniform dispersion of a fine particulate reinforcement phase. The process includes forming a melt of a first material, and then introducing particles of a second material into the melt and subjecting the melt to high-intensity acoustic vibration. A chemical reaction initiates between the first and second materials to produce reaction products in the melt. The reaction products comprise a solid particulate phase, and the high-intensity acoustic vibration fragments and/or separates the reaction products into solid particles that are dispersed in the melt and are smaller than the particles of the second material. Also encompassed are particle-reinforced composite materials produced by such a process.

Abstract: Ultrasonic devices having an integrated gas delivery system are described, and these devices can be used to remove dissolved gasses and impurities from molten metals.

Abstract: Nanomaterials are incorporated within a material, such as within a metal-based material. As may be implemented in accordance with various embodiments, nanomaterials are introduced to a metal-based material in a liquid state, and the metal-based material and nanomaterials are cooled from the liquid state to a viscous state. The metal-based material is stirred in the viscous state to disperse the nanomaterials therein, and the metal-based material is used in the viscous state to maintain dispersion of the nanomaterials as the metal-based material cools.

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: Apparatus and methods for industrial-scale production of metal matrix nanocomposites (MMNCs) are provided. The apparatus and methods can be used for the batch production of an MMNC in a volume of molten metal housed within the cavity of a production chamber. Within the volume of molten metal, a flow is created which continuously carries agglomerates of nanoparticles, which have been introduced into the molten metal, through a cavitation zone formed in a cavitation cell housed within the production chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing monotectic alloys with finely dispersed and homogeneously distributed second phase particles from two or more starting metals or alloys, in which the two or more metals or alloys are melted together or separately and the two or more, practically immiscible liquid metallic alloys are mixed to disperse the alloy of lower volume ratio with the other alloy of higher volume ratio, then the system is cooled below the eutectic temperature. The characteristic feature of the method is that at least one of the starting alloys contains stabilizing solid particles.

Abstract: A method for making a metal based nano-composite material is disclosed. In the method, a semi-solid state metal based material is provided. The semi-solid state metal based material is stirred and nano sized reinforcements are added into the semi-solid state metal based material to obtain a semi-solid state mixture. The semi-solid state mixture is heated to a temperature above a liquidus temperature of the metal based material, to achieve a liquid metal-nano sized reinforcement mixture. The liquid metal-nano sized reinforcement mixture is ultrasonically processed at a temperature above the liquidus temperature by conducting ultrasonic vibrations to the liquid metal-nano sized reinforcement mixture along different directions at the same time.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein comprise a system and method for the recycling and recovery of components and metals found within lithium ion batteries. The process includes the safe and effective means of disposing of batteries, including lithium thylnel cloride, lithium ion, conventional designs, in a manner that utilizes a process of alloying to chemically capture the by product.

Abstract: Metal seeds for forming single-crystal shape-memory alloys (SMAs) may be fabricated with high reliability and control by alloying thin films of material together. In particular, described herein are methods of forming AlCuNi SMAs by first producing high-quality seeds (ingots) of copper, aluminum, and nickel to produce for pulling single crystal shape memory alloys, in particular superelastic or hyperelastic alloys. The method is applicable to a wide range of alloys in which one or more of the components are reactive. The method is an improvement upon traditional methods such as mixing and melting pellets. In this improved method, a reactive layer (e.g., aluminum) is provided in thin flat layers between layers of other materials (e.g., copper and layers of nickel).

Abstract: A method of adjusting a vortex of molten metal comprises providing a scrap charging vessel. The scrap charging vessel includes a vortex control plate having an outlet orifice that can be positioned at a bottom of the vessel so that the outlet orifice is in fluid communication with an outlet passageway of the vessel. A vortex level is estimated or observed. A size of the outlet orifice of the vortex control plate is selected that can produce a desired level of a vortex in the vessel that is the same as or different than the estimated or observed vortex level. The vortex control plate of the selected outlet orifice size is positioned in the vessel. Molten metal is moved into an inlet opening of the vessel and forms the vortex at the desired level in the vessel.

Abstract: A process for producing particle-reinforced composite materials through utilization of an in situ reaction to produce a uniform dispersion of a fine particulate reinforcement phase. The process includes forming a melt of a first material, and then introducing particles of a second material into the melt and subjecting the melt to high-intensity acoustic vibration. A chemical reaction initiates between the first and second materials to produce reaction products in the melt. The reaction products comprise a solid particulate phase, and the high-intensity acoustic vibration fragments and/or separates the reaction products into solid particles that are dispersed in the melt and are smaller than the particles of the second material. Also encompassed are particle-reinforced composite materials produced by such a process.

Abstract: Various illustrative embodiments of an apparatus and method for reducing the dissolved hydrogen content of a molten metal alloy are provided. The disclosed embodiments can be utilized for the processing of molten metal alloys such as aluminum, and more particularly, for the removal of dissolved hydrogen from molten metal alloys such as aluminum. Gas permeable diffusers can be employed that are wettable by molten metal. When used as gas injectors, either in combination with ultrasonic oscillation or without, the gas permeable wettable diffusers can provide a high density of ultrafine inert gas bubbles that can be used to rapidly and efficiently reduce the level of dissolved hydrogen within the molten metal.

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: A method of adjusting a vortex of molten metal comprises providing a scrap charging vessel. The scrap charging vessel includes a vortex control plate having an outlet orifice that can be positioned at a bottom of the vessel so that the outlet orifice is in fluid communication with an outlet passageway of the vessel. A vortex level is estimated or observed. A size of the outlet orifice of the vortex control plate is selected that can produce a desired level of a vortex in the vessel that is the same as or different than the estimated or observed vortex level. The vortex control plate of the selected outlet orifice size is positioned in the vessel. Molten metal is moved into an inlet opening of the vessel and forms the vortex at the desired level in the vessel.

Abstract: The present invention describes an apparatus and a process for in-line substantially continuous degassing of aluminium and/or aluminium alloys, in absence of chlorine and through the injection of at least one metal halide salt that includes a halogen and water and an inert gas, in a transfer trough before casting.

Abstract: A method of producing steel with reduced internal stress concentrations is disclosed. In an embodiment, hot steel is shaped by a rolling mill. The resultant steel product is bundled as soon as practicable and the bundle is allowed to cool. Vibration energy is applied to the bundle of steel product so that internal stress concentrations within the steel product are relieved. In an embodiment, a plurality of bundles are stored on a rack and the rack is vibrated, the vibrations being transmitted to the plurality of bundles so that undesired internal stress concentrations within the steel products are relieved. Alternatively, magnetics may be used to relieve the undesired internal stress concentrations within the steel products. Thus, improved steel is produced as well as improved steel that can be produced more rapidly than known techniques.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a method for purifying metals, which can very efficiently and inexpensively eliminate impurity elements included in various metallic or semiconductor materials, or more specifically included in metallurgical grade silicon.

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: An apparatus and method are disclosed in which ultrasonic vibration is used to assist the degassing of molten metals or metal alloys thereby reducing gas content in the molten metals or alloys. High-intensity ultrasonic vibration is applied to a radiator that creates cavitation bubbles, induces acoustic streaming in the melt, and breaks up purge gas (e.g., argon or nitrogen) which is intentionally introduced in a small amount into the melt in order to collect the cavitation bubbles and to make the cavitation bubbles survive in the melt. The molten metal or alloy in one version of the invention is an aluminum alloy. The ultrasonic vibrations create cavitation bubbles and break up the large purge gas bubbles into small bubbles and disperse the bubbles in the molten metal or alloy more uniformly, resulting in a fast and clean degassing.

Abstract: A method of refining molten metal in a vessel by the reaction of oxygen with impurities in the molten metal comprises the steps of: a) ejecting at least one primary jet of oxygen from a lance positioned above the molten metal into the molten metal to react with impurities therein and to form a layer of molten slag; b) continuing to eject the primary jet of oxygen from the lance and thereby causing the primary bet of oxygen to pass through the slag layer into the molten metal; c) ejecting a plurality of secondary jets of oxygen from the lance, the secondary jet of oxygen travelling for a distance separately from the primary jet of oxygen; and d) entraining the secondary jets of oxygen into the primary jet of oxygen upstream of the entry of the primary jet of oxygen into the molten metal.

Abstract: A method of dispersing flux in molten metal includes providing a source of flux powder and a source of gas. An impeller is disposed on an end of a shaft inside the impeller chamber of a base made of heat resistant material. The base is submerged in the molten metal and includes a molten metal inlet opening into the impeller chamber and a molten metal discharge passageway extending from the impeller chamber to an exterior of the base. Molten metal is drawn through the inlet opening into the impeller chamber by rotation of the impeller in the impeller chamber. The molten metal is moved out of the impeller chamber through the discharge passageway by the rotation of the impeller. A discharge stream of molten metal travels through the discharge passageway into the molten metal exterior to the base. The gas flows from the gas source into a refractory flux conduit. The flux conduit extends from outside the molten metal into fluid communication with the discharge passageway.

Abstract: The invention provides efficient and effective processes for recovering metals such as aluminum, magnesium and lithium from mixed waste sources such as auto shredder residue, aluminum cans, waste particles of aluminum alloy and municipal waste. The metal-waste source is dissolved in a more noble metal solvent at a temperature at which contaminants do not dissolve. The purified metal is then recovered from the solvent, preferably by electrorefining.

Abstract: A method for forming a nanocomposite material and articles made with the nanocomposite material are presented.

Abstract: A method for mixing particles in a liquid or semi-liquid medium, such as ceramic reinforcing particles in a molten metal or metal alloy matrix for the production of stir-cast metal matrix composite (MMC) materials. The particles can be introduced under the surface of the matrix by feeding the particles through the inner passage of a rotatable hollow impeller tube. The impeller tube is terminated at its lower end by an impeller head that includes teeth positioned proximate to an impeller base. The particles enter the matrix through a shear region in and around the volume between the impeller base and the impeller head. The rotating impeller and the high shear force thereby created wet the particles in the composite matrix and effect homogenization of the composite matrix. The present invention may be practiced either under vacuum or atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A shaft for use with molten aluminum using an impeller mounted on the shaft comprising a protective refractory sleeve resistant to attack by molten aluminum, the protective sleeve employing a reinforcing media and mounted on the shaft to extend above and below the molten aluminum surface when the shaft is in use.

Abstract: A metal refining method particularly useful with a basic oxygen steelmaking process, wherein during an initial period, refining oxygen is provided into the furnace headspace surrounded by a shroud comprising oxygen and inert gas, and during a subsequent period refining oxygen is provided into the furnace headspace surrounded by a flame shroud.

Abstract: Molten metal (6) in a furnace (5) and containing particles of solid material (not shown) in suspension is cast in moulds (1) conveyed continuously past the mould-filling station shown by a conveyor (4). To maintain the particles in suspension and keep the metal (6) homogeneous throughout the furnace (5), a paddle-wheel rotor (10) driven by a motor (13) keeps the molten metal in constant movement. A curved guide vane (14) is shaped, placed and oriented so as to divert some of the centrifugal flow from the rotor (10) towards the delivery tube (8) for the moulds (1), thus ensuring that the tube (8) is supplied with freshly-agitated metal.

Abstract: A shaft for use in a method for treating molten aluminum using an impeller mounted on the shaft comprising a protective refractory sleeve resistant to attack by molten aluminum, the protective sleeve mounted on the shaft by casting to extend above and below the molten aluminum surface when the shaft is in use.

Abstract: A system for establishing and maintaining a supersonic coherent gas jet, effective with either an oxidizing or an inert gas, employing a converging/diverging nozzle for establishment of a non-disruptive initial supersonic velocity, and a slower moving defined triple layered flame envelope coaxial with the jet for effective maintenance of the supersonic velocity. The invention is particularly useful for providing gas into a pool of liquid.

Abstract: An inert gas bubble-actuated molten metal pump is located between one section of a metal-melting furnace and a second section to pump molten metal from the one section, wherein the molten metal is at a higher temperature, into the second section, wherein the molten metal is at a lower temperature, and its effluent is directed into contact with metal chips being charged into the second section, thereby assisting in the more rapid melting of the chips into the molten metal mass in the second section. The inert gas employed to actuate the molten metal pump is captured beneath a heat-resistant and flame-resistant cover located above the exit port of the pump and over a substantial portion of the molten metal mass in the second section, thereby providing a non-oxidizing atmosphere at the surface of the molten metal mass or pool beneath said cover.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for degassing molten metal in a vacuum treatment chamber defined by a open topped ladle containing the molten metal and a generally cylindrical refractory lined cover having a closed top and an open bottom positioned on the ladle, with a temporary joint formed therebetween, and a vacuum seal sealing the vacuum treatment chamber from the atmosphere. A vacuum offtake is connected to the cover chamber to apply vacuum to the vacuum treatment chamber, and the molten metal is stirred to produce sufficient turbulence and splashing to produce an increased surface area of molten metal exposed to vacuum to accelerate the degassing rate. The offtake outlet is located at a height above the cover chamber open bottom to substantially prevent splashed metal and slag from being carried into the offtake while permitting aggressive stirring to increase treatment rate.

Abstract: A jet column reactor apparatus for moving molten metal in a bath of such metal is formed with a monolithic refractory body.

Abstract: A method for introducing gas into a liquid wherein a gas stream is ejected from a lance spaced above the liquid surface and directed from the lance onto the liquid surface. The gas retains substantially all its original jet axis velocity when it contacts the liquid surface, and substantially all of the gas penetrates the liquid surface and is introduced into the liquid. Preferably the gas stream is surrounded by a flame envelope running from the lance to the liquid surface, which shields the gas from ambient gas entrainment. The gas stream preferably forms a gas cavity within the liquid having a diameter substantially the same as the diameter of the gas stream as it is ejected from the lance.

Abstract: A method of treating a body of molten metal to produce high levels of shear forces in the body. The method comprises providing a body of molten metal; inductively moving molten metal in the body in one direction at outer regions thereof and in an opposite direction in inner regions of the body. An impeller is provided on a shaft projecting into the inner regions of the body; and the impeller is rotated in the inner region of the body to oppose the direction of the molten metal in the inner regions, thereby generating the high levels of shear forces in the molten metal in the inner regions.

Abstract: An inert gas bubble-actuated molten metal pump is located in a metal-melting furnace to effect circulation of molten metal throughout the furnace. The inert gas employed to actuate the molten metal pump is captured beneath a heat-resistant and flame-resistant cover located above the exit port of the pump and over a substantial portion of the molten metal, thereby to prevent splashing, spattering, and disruption of a thin protective layer or skin of oxidized metal at the surface of the molten metal as well as to provide a non-oxidizing atmosphere at the surface of the molten metal beneath said cover. In this manner and by this combination, the inert gas is employed most efficiently and economically.

Abstract: An improved method for processing a body of molten metal using an impeller and a rotatable container, the method including increasing shear forces in the body of molten aluminum and reducing vortex formation, the method comprising the steps of providing a body of molten metal in a container and projecting an impeller on a shaft into the body. The impeller is rotated in one direction and the container and the body of molten metal is rotated counter or in a direction opposite of rotating the impeller, the container and the impeller being rotated at a rate which minimizes vortex formation and which maximizes shear forces in the body for purposes of improved processing.

Abstract: A three-stage process for obtaining metallic Cr units insitu during the production of stainless steel. Raw chromite ore or a concentrate produced from chromite ore is mixed with a carbonaceous reductant and slagging agents are added to an iron bath (24) for smelting and refining in a refining reactor (10). During the first stage, partially metallized chromite is smelted by carbon in the reactor that is top-and bottom-blown with oxygen and oxygen-containing gases respectively to produce a chromium alloy bath having a carbon content well below saturation. In the second stage, the alloy bath is decarburized by being bottom stirred with the oxygen-containing gas to the final bath carbon specification. In the third stage, the alloy bath is reduced by a metalloid reductant such as silicon or aluminum and again bottom stirred but with a non-oxidizing gas to achieve a high chromium yield.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for treating molten metal to achieve effective removal of such unwanted inclusions as gases, alkali metals, entrained solids, and the like. The method comprises continuously introducing molten metal into a container forming a trough or trough section, such as the trough provided between a melting furnace and a casting machine, providing at least one mechanically movable gas dispenser submerged within the metal in the container and introducing a gas into the metal adjacent to the gas disperser in a part of the trough forming a treatment zone such that the gas is broken into smaller bubbles by the gas dispenser and dispersed through the treatment zone. The trough or trough section is such that it exhibits a static to dynamic metal holdup of less than 50%.

Abstract: A process for making metal-matrix composites includes: purging a refining chamber filled with molten metal matrix in a furnace by an inert gas such as nitrogen gas; filling a reinforcing material, preferably with particulates, in a bucket suspended above the molten metal matrix filled in the furnace; applying a forced drafting on the reinforcing material in the bucket for subsequently upwardly drafting the reinforcing material from the bucket; and downwarddly forcing the uprising reinforcing material to be homogeneously distributed into the molten metal matrix under homogeneous agitation, for producing a metal-matrix composite reinforced with reinforcing material in a closed system wherein the nitrogen gas is served merely for Initially purging the air outwardly from the system, not being consumed continuously in order for greatly saving the nitrogen consumption and reducing the production cost thereof.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for treating molten metal to achieve effective removal of such unwanted inclusions as gases, alkali metals, entrained solids, and the like. The method comprises introducing molten metal into a trough, such as the trough provided between a melting furnace and a casting machine, providing at least one mechanically movable gas injector submerged within the metal in the trough and injecting a gas into the metal in a part of the trough forming a treatment zone through the injector(s) to form gas bubbles in the metal while moving the injector(s) mechanically to minimize bubble size and maximize distribution of the gas within the metal.

Abstract: A method, for the conveyance of molten metal from one place to another, in a high-temperature molten metal pool in a metal-melting furnace or out of said molten metal pool, employing an at least partially-inclined elongated conveying conduit and gas feed means for feeding inert gas into the lower end of the conveying conduit and thereby inducing a flow of molten metal in and through said conveying conduit, is disclosed, along with suitable apparatus for carrying out the said method wherein the parts or elements coming into contact with the high-temperature molten metal pool are of a suitable refractory material. According to the present invention, the inert gas is fed into the conveying conduit at a supersonic velocity, thereby simultaneously effecting a degassing of the molten metal while it is being conveyed.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved method for dispersing a treatment media in a body of molten metal using an impeller, nozzles, and other mixing means to disperse the media in the body of molten metal, the method producing increased shear forces in the body of molten metal and preferably reducing vortex formation. In one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of providing a body of molten metal and an impeller on a shaft in the body. A treatment media is added to the body and dispersed by rotating said impeller in one direction and thereafter reversing the direction of rotation of the impeller to a counter direction. The direction of rotation of the impeller is reversed periodically to substantially reduce formation of a vortex around the shaft of the impeller and to provide increased shear forces in the body for purposes of improving treatment of the molten metal by improved dispersion of the media therein.