Removing material from surfaces of metals processing chambers
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.
Claims20
An apparatus for removing material containing condensed metal from a surface of a metal processing chamber, the apparatus comprising:
- an articulating nozzle positioned in the metal processing chamber;
- a source of dry ice operatively connected to the articulating nozzle;
- means for directing a flow of dry ice against the surface of the metal processing chamber with the-articulating nozzle to displace at least some material containing condensed metal from the surface;
- and a displaced material collection system operatively connected to the chamber.
A method for removing material containing condensed metal from a surface of a metal processing chamber, the method comprising:
- positioning an articulating nozzle into the metal processing chamber;
- providing the articulating nozzle with a source of dry ice;
- directing a flow of dry ice against the surface of the metal processing chamber with the articulating nozzle to displace at least some material containing condensed metal from the surface;
- and collecting at least some of the displaced material.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.