Removal of fine particles from molten metal
US4390364A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 3, 1981 |
| Grant date | Jun 28, 1983 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 3, 2001 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P10/20
- WIPO fieldMaterials, metallurgy
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Molten metal such as the light metals aluminum and magnesium containing finely divided suspended particles is treated to remove such particles and beneficiate the metal. The particles are typically in the micron size range and may include solid material such as oxides or solid salt particles and may include buoyant liquid particles such as liquid salt particles. Solid particles may be attached to or encapsulated within liquid salt particles. The molten metal containing the suspended particles is moved through a medium of submerged contacting surfaces such as a packed bed. The contacting medium has a high void fraction and a high specific surface area. This results in coalescence or agglomeration of the particles which are thus rendered more responsive to gravity separation than the fine particles. The molten metal preferably is then passed through inclined channels or passages in contact with inclined surfaces such as parallel plates or tubes, the movement therethrough being substantially laminar. Buoyant particles and agglomerates collect on the underside of the inclined surfaces and typically move upwardly in counterflow relationship with metal where the metal moves laterally and…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.