Converter for refining liquid metal

A converter for the refinement of liquid metals comprising:

• (a) a generally cylindrical horizontal hollow vessel mounted to rotate on its horizontal axis, said vessel having an outer cylindrical, longitudinally extending surface;
• (b) a first opening in said body on the outer cylindrical surface thereof at one location about the circumference of the cylindrical surface;
• (c) a second opening in said vessel through which gas produced during said refinement can escape, said second opening also being on the outer cylindrical surface thereof and being longitudinally and circumferentially displaced from said first opening, with the circumferential displacement being sufficient to prevent liquid metal from pouring from said second opening when said vessel is rotated from a first position for charging materials into said first opening to a second position for pouring the contents of said vessel from said first opening;
• (d) a jacket fixed to said vessel, said jacket extending circumferentially around said vessel and longitudinally along said vessel in an area of said vessel including said second opening;
• (e) an extension of said second opening extending radially from said vessel to said jacket;
• (f) an opening in said jacket allowing said gases to pass through said jacket;
• (g) open ends of said jacket circumferentially surrounding said vessel;
• (h) means for supplying a cool gas to the region between said vessel and said jacket;
• and
• (i) a hood in circumferential and longitudinal contact with said jacket over an area of said jacket sufficient to cover said opening in said jacket as said vessel is rotated from said first position to said second position.