Method and apparatus for optimized mixing in a common hearth in plasma furnace
AssigneeLectrotherm, Inc.
InventorsEdward Scott Jackson, David O. Warren
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method and apparatus for optimized mixing in a common hearth in a plasma furnace. The apparatus provides a main hearth, a plurality of optional refining hearths, and a plurality of casting molds or direct molds whereby the refining hearths and molds define at least two separate ingot making lines. A feed chute provides raw material to the main hearth, whereby the feed chute is moveable to optimize its position during operation of the main hearth. Most particularly, the feed chute is moveable to provide better mixing, minimize skull build-up, and optimally place it opposite the overflow in use.
Claims18
An apparatus for optimal mixing of metal chips during melting, the apparatus comprising:
- a main hearth defining a melting cavity therein with first and second opposed overflows;
- a feed chute positioned to provide metal chips to the main hearth, the feed chute including an adjustable chute moveable to a plurality of positions over the main hearth for improved mixing of the metal chips in the melting cavity;
- first and second molds aligned respectively with the first and second overflows to be in fluid communication therewith;
- and
- at least one heat source overhead of the main hearth for selective heating of the contents of the main hearth.
A method for optimal mixing of metal chips during melting, the method comprising:
- moving an adjustable chute on a vibratory feed chute over a main hearth defining a melting cavity therein with first and second opposed overflows;
- and
- adjusting the adjustable chute in a lateral side to side direction for improved mixing of the metal chips in the melting cavity.
An apparatus for optimal mixing of metal chips during melting, the apparatus comprising:
- a main hearth defining a melting cavity therein with first and second opposed overflows;
- a first feed chute positioned to provide metal chips to the main hearth, the first feed chute including an adjustable chute moveable to a plurality of positions over the main hearth for improved mixing of the metal chips in the melting cavity;
- first and second molds aligned respectively with the first and second overflows to be in fluid communication therewith;
- each mold defining a melting cavity;
- at least one additional feed chute positioned to provide metal chips to at least one of the first and second molds, the additional feed chute including an adjustable chute moveable to a plurality of positions over the mold for improved mixing of the mold metal chips in the melting cavity;
- and
- at least one heat source overhead of the main hearth for selective heating of the contents of the main hearth.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.