Dual-Function Impeller for a Rotary Injector

A dual-function impeller for rotation in molten metal in a direction of rotation, as part of a rotary injector, the impeller comprising:

• a body having an axis and a central injection path along the axis,
• a set of radial blade portions circumferentially interspaced from one another around the axis, located adjacent to the injection path, each having a radial blade leading face facing the direction of rotation, the radial blade leading faces collectively configured for generating a radial flow component upon said rotation,
• a plurality of channels, each channel extending between a corresponding pair of adjacent radial blade portions;
• a set of radial surfaces circumferentially interspaced from one another around the axis, each one of the radial surfaces forming an axial limit to a corresponding one of the channels;
• and
• a set of axial blade portions circumferentially interspaced from one another around the axis, radially-outwardly from the set of radial blade portions, each having a leading face facing the direction of rotation, the axial blade leading faces being inclined relative to a radial plane and collectively configured for generating an axial flow component directed axially away from the rotary injector upon said rotation.