Apparatus and methods for filtering metals
AssigneeAlcoa Canada Co.
InventorsRobert Dumont, Francis Caron, Patrice Côte, Jean-Francois DesMeules
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An apparatus and method for filtering molten metal (M), such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy includes at least one ceramic foam filter or any other type of filtration media such as porous tube or alumina balls disposed in a receptacle (12) for the molten metal (M). A vibrator vibrates at least one of the filter, the receptacle (12) or the metal and may be used to induce priming, filtering and/or drainage of the filter. The vibrator may be retrofitted to an existing filter system and may be adjustable in frequency and amplitude. The vibration may be continuous over a given period or produced in a single shock.
Claims20
A device, comprising:
- a receptacle configured to hold molten metal, the receptacle having an inlet through which the molten metal may enter the receptacle and an outlet through which the molten metal may exit the receptacle;
- a filter disposed within the receptacle and positioned between the inlet and the outlet, wherein the filter is capable of passing the molten metal there through;
- and
- a vibrator configured to induce vibrations in the molten metal, wherein the vibrator contacts and acts on an exterior surface of the receptacle.
A method, comprising:
- (A) pouring molten metal into a reservoir and onto a filter disposed within a receptacle;
- and
- (B) vibrating at least one of the molten metal, the filter or the reservoir thereby inducing passage of the molten metal into pores of the filter and displacing air residing in the filter, thereby priming the filter, wherein the vibrating comprises vibrating at least one resilient element interposed between a refractory liner and a shell of the receptacle.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.