Patent ID: 6948424

Claim:
A method of compacting a comminuted metallic material and substantially separating liquid from the material in a material compaction apparatus, comprising the steps of: directing comminuted metallic material into the material compaction apparatus by a feed apparatus having a bin and an auger; performing a preliminary level of compaction on the comminuted metallic material in preparation for final compaction through a taperable compaction chamber having first and second ends; repeatedly advancing a compaction ram through a continuously open inner cavity of the compaction chamber such that the comminuted metallic material in the chamber is continuously advanced and subjected to compacting resistance against at least two opposing adjustable plates defining at least a part of the inner cavity and a continuously open discharge port proximate the second end, wherein the at least two opposing plates are selectively adjustable by an external force application proximate thereto and the comminuted metallic material is expelled out of the chamber through the continuously open discharge port; and channeling liquid expelled from the comminuted metallic material under compaction from the compaction chamber by at least one channel extending from the inner cavity of the compaction chamber to an exterior thereof.