Patent ID: 6767382
Filing Date: 2004-07-27
Classification: C22B,Y02P

Abstract:
An aluminium processing apparatus for separating molten aluminium from a mixture of molten aluminium and aluminium dross comprising:a table for supporting an insulated crucible, the crucible having an open top for containing the mixture of molten aluminium and aluminium dross; vibration means for vibrating the crucible when supported on the table; a frame adapted to support a paddle means, means for rotating the paddle means and means for relatively lowering the paddle means into the mixture in the crucible for stirring the mixture with the paddle means, the paddle means comprising a rotatable plate and a plurality of tines having a generally triangular cross section attached to the plate, with a ridge of the triangular cross section being uppermost in use when the tines are lowered into the crucible; a shroud adapted to cover the top of the crucible and maintain an oxygen reduced atmosphere in the crucible; and a screening means comprising walls mounted to the frame which substantially surround the crucible when it is supported by the table, the screening means having at least a movable portion thereof movable between at least a first retracted position to allow access to the crucible and at least a second position where it prevents access to the crucible; wherein simultaneous vibration of the crucible by the vibration means and stirring of the mixture by the tines is enabled with the tines moving through the dross in a shearing action mixing and tumbling the mixture and causing the droplets of aluminium to coalesce.