Patent ID: 6012447
Filing Date: 2000-01-11
Classification: B01F,B29B,Y10S

Abstract:
Apparatus for melting and mixing a solid material into a homogenous molten state comprising:a kettle having a generally cylindrical internal wall defining a central longitudinal axis;a source of heating including a burner assembly and fire box disposed beneath said kettle for heating said kettle;a helically-formed agitator supported for rotation in close proximity to said internal wall of said kettle;a rotatable shaft supporting opposed ends of said helically-formed agitator, said shaft extending generally along the central axis of said internal wall;a plurality of paddles supported by said shaft and extending radially outwardly therefrom with distal ends being spaced from said helically-formed agitator;said paddles and said helically formed agitator having opposed pitches;wherein said solid material is continuously and homogeneously mixed into a molten state upon heating of said kettle and rotation of said shaft by causing said material to circulate along the internal wall of the kettle and thence through a central region of the kettle under the action of the agitator and paddles.