Apparatus for removing material from surfaces of a metals 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, vacuum induction melting (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.
Claims21
An apparatus for removing material containing condensed metal from a surface of a metal processing chamber, the apparatus comprising:
- a robotic arm end positioned in the metal processing chamber;
- a source of dry ice operatively connected to the arm end;
- means for directing a flow of dry ice against the surface of the metal processing chamber with the arm end to displace at least some material containing condensed metal from the surface;
- and a displaced material collection system operatively connected to the chamber.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.