Method and apparatus for removing material from a surface of a metal processing chamber
AssigneeMars Metals, Inc.
InventorAaron P. Mars
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Methods and apparatus for removing condensed metal from the surfaces of metal processing chambers, such as, a vacuum induction metal (VIM) furnaces having, for example, condensed Mg or Ti, are disclosed. The methods and apparatus provide a robotic arm end positioned in the furnace having a nozzle operatively connected to a source of dry ice. The robotic arm end directs a stream of dry ice particles against the surface of the furnace to displace condensed metal. The displaced metal is collected for reuse or disposal. Aspects of the invention provide a safe and automated process for cleaning process chambers and recovering metal that can typically be dangerous when performed by conventional methods.
Claims23
A method for removing condensed metal from a surface of a metal processing chamber, the method comprising:
- positioning a robotic arm end into the metal processing chamber;
- providing the arm end with a source of dry ice;
- directing a flow of dry ice against the surface of the metal processing chamber with the arm end to displace at least some condensed metal from the surface;
- and collecting at least some of the displaced material.
A method for removing condensed metal from a surface of a vacuum induction melting furnace, the method comprising:
- positioning a robotic arm end into the vacuum induction melting furnace;
- providing the arm end with a source of dry ice;
- directing a flow of dry ice against the surface of the vacuum induction melting furnace with the arm end to displace at least some condensed metal from the surface;
- and collecting at least some of the displaced metal.
A method for removing condensed metal from a surface of a metal processing chamber, the method comprising:
- positioning a robotic arm end above a crucible in the metal processing chamber;
- providing the arm end with a source of dry ice;
- directing a flow of dry ice against the surface of the metal processing chamber with the arm end to displace at least some condensed metal from the surface;
- and collecting at least some of the displaced material.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.