Scrap metal measuring and weighing process and apparatus
AssigneeThe David J. Joseph Company
InventorDaniel A. Pflaum
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An on-line system for measuring the composition of scrap metal, including a loader with a load sensor having a motion compensator linked to a bulk material analyzer such as a prompt gamma-ray neutron activation analyzer. The grade of scrap used to prepare batches for a melt is controlled to provide a batch having desired properties and composition.
Claims21
A process for obtaining a batch of scrap steel having desired characteristics, comprising the steps of:
- selecting a first amount of scrap from a first scrap source;
- weighing said first amount of scrap;
- performing bulk material analysis of the first amount of scrap;
- adding the first amount of scrap to a batch for use in a melter;
- and
- selecting a second amount of scrap from a second scrap source wherein said second scrap source is different from said first scrap source and combining said second amount of scrap with said first amount of scrap;
- wherein said bulk material analysis of said first amount of scrap determines said second amount of scrap to establish said batch of steel having said desired characteristics.
An apparatus for obtaining a batch of scrap steel having desired characteristics, comprising:
- a conveyor directed to a melter;
- a loader adapted to select and deposit scrap on the conveyor;
- and
- a means to weigh said scrap selective by said loader;
- and
- a bulk material analyzer for determining the elemental composition of the scrap
- said apparatus further comprising a processor for calculating the need for additional scrap, selected from a plurality of available scrap grades, said processor capable of accessing at least one of:
- stored values for the composition of the plurality of available scrap grades;
- stored values for the expected impact of the use of the plurality of available scrap grades on process variables selected from the group consisting of oxygen consumption;
- power consumption, final composition and yield;
- and
- stored values for historical impact of the use of the plurality of available scrap grades on process variables selected from the group consisting of oxygen consumption, power consumption, final composition and yield.
An apparatus for obtaining a batch of material having desired characteristics, comprising:
- a conveyor;
- a loader including a motion compensated scale for depositing a known weight of material on the conveyor;
- a prompt gamma neutron activation analyzer bulk material analyzer for determining the composition of the material;
- a processor for calculating the amount and grade of additional material, selected from a plurality of available material grades, said processor capable of accessing:
- stored values for the composition of the plurality of available material grades;
- stored values for the expected impact of the use of the plurality of available material grades on process variables selected from the group consisting of oxygen consumption, power consumption, final composition and yield;
- and
- stored values for historical impact of the use of the plurality of available material grades on process variables such as oxygen consumption, power consumption, final composition and yield.
A process for obtaining a batch of scrap steel having desired characteristics, comprising the steps of:
- selecting and weighing a first amount of scrap from a first scrap source;
- performing bulk material analysis of the first amount of scrap to thereby determine a need for at least one additional amount of scrap;
- adding the first amount of scrap to a batch for use in a melter;
- and
- communicating the need for at least one additional amount of scrap, based upon the bulk material analysis of the foregoing scrap wherein said additional amount of scrap is selected from a second scrap source.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.