Patent ID: 8062616
Filing Date: 2011-11-22
Classification: A62D

Abstract:
1. A method for treating spent pot liner material (SPL) containing carbon and/or an inorganic material, the method comprising: providing a plasma furnace having first and second electrodes for generating plasma and a crucible having a non-electrically conductive inner surface, heating the SPL material in the crucible in the presence of a flux material and an oxidant selected from the group consisting of steam, water, air, oxygen gas, and combinations thereof, by passing an arc between the first and second electrodes via the SPL material to form a molten slag material and convert at least some of the carbon in the SPL material to CO and/or CO wherein the first electrode comprises graphite and is disposed above the crucible, and wherein the second electrode is disposed in or forms part of the crucible such that the arc passes between the electrodes through the SPL material and/or the slag material.