Apparatus for melting metal particles
US4747583A · kind A · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 10, 1987 |
| Grant date | May 31, 1988 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 10, 2007 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S266/901
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method of melting metal particles includes the steps of swirling molten metal in a vortex within a crucible, adding metal particles onto the surface of the metal, and submerging the metal particles substantially immediately after the particles have been added onto the surface. Apparatus for carrying out the method includes a mixer having a vertically oriented sleeve secured to the bottom of the crucible, the sleeve supporting a plurality of blades on its outer surface and having a plurality of openings adjacent its bottom. The blades force the metal particles beneath the surface of the metal and create turbulence which ensures rapid melting of the particles. The blades as well as the openings adjacent the bottom of the sleeve break up any agglomerated metal particles. Discharge piping is connected to the bottom of the crucible. A vortex breaker is disposed in the piping to control the vortex in the crucible.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.