Patent ID: 6464929
Filing Date: 2002-10-15
Classification: C21C,C22B,F27D,Y02P

Abstract:
An in situ dross processing system for removing metal from dross skimmed from a metal melt of a metal melting furnace having a footprint, the dross processing system comprising:a substantially vertical support terminating in an upper support region and a lower support region; means for positioning said substantially vertical support in close proximity with respect to the furnace; a reaction vessel having an upper rim and a bottom terminating in a sealable port; a reaction vessel support for supporting said reaction vessel with respect to said substantially vertical support, said reaction vessel being pivotably mounted with respect to said reaction vessel support; means for retaining said reaction vessel in a horizontal position where said upper rim is substantially horizontal; means for pivoting said reaction vessel to a dump position where material residing in said reaction vessel is free to fall out; a motor having a drive shaft with a free end; a motor arm on which said motor is mounted, said motor arm being adjustably mounted with respect to said substantially vertical support; means for displacing said motor with respect to said reaction vessel between a raised position and at least one lowered position; and an impeller attached to said free end of said drive shaft so as to be driven by said motor during a stirring cycle, said impeller being positioned on said drive shaft such that, when said motor is in said raised position said impeller resides above said reaction vessel, and when said motor is in said at least one lowered position and aligned with said reaction vessel, said impeller resides below said upper rim of said reaction vessel, whereby said impeller stirs the dross retained in said reaction vessel.