Patent US3870511A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3870511A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Process for refining molten aluminum
Assignee: Union Carbide Industrial Gases Technology Corp
•
Filing: 1973-01-15
•
Granted: 1975-03-11
•
Expires: 1993-01-15
Abstract
Abstract The apparatus of the invention is capable of injecting gas in the form of small discrete bubbles into a mass of molten metal. The apparatus comprises a rotatable shaft coupled to drive means at its upper end and a vaned rotor at its lower end. Gas under sufficient pressure to be injected into the melt is fed into a passageway extending axially through the device whereby upon rotation of the rotor the gas is injected into the molten metal and subdivided into discrete gas bubbles. The process of the invention utilizes the above described gas injection apparatus for refining molten aluminum by introducing an inert gas into the metal beneath the surface of the melt.
Inventors
- 👤 Andrew Geza Szekely
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 23:10
CPC Classifications
C; C22; C22B; C22B21/00; C22B21/06; C22B21/064; B; B01; B01F; B01F23/00; B01F23/20; B01F23/23; B01F23/233; B01F23/2331; B01F23/23311; B01F23/2366; B01F23/2368; C22B21/066; B01F23/23314; F; F27; F27B; F27B14/00; F27B14/08; F27B14/14; F27B14/143; F27D; F27D3/00; F27D3/16; F27D2003/161; F27D2003/166
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 89
Claim 1
Independent Claim
10 words
A PROCESS FOR REFINING MOLTEN ALUMINUM COMPRISING THE STEPS OF:
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
10 words
A PROCESS FOR REFINING MOLTEN ALUMINUM COMPRISING THE STEPS OF:
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
6 words
FEEDING MOLTEN INTO A REFINING ZONE,
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
6 words
FEEDING MOLTEN INTO A REFINING ZONE,
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
10 words
A process for refining molten aluminum comprising the steps of:
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
10 words
A process for refining molten aluminum comprising the steps of:
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
7 words
feeding molten aluminum into a refining zone,
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
7 words
feeding molten aluminum into a refining zone,
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
7 words
feeding molten aluminum into a refining zone,
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
7 words
feeding molten aluminum into a refining zone,
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
16 words
providing a refining vessel for containing molten aluminum, said vessel containing at least one refining zone,
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
16 words
providing a refining vessel for containing molten aluminum, said vessel containing at least one refining zone,
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
7 words
feeding molten aluminum into the refining vessel,
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
7 words
feeding molten aluminum into the refining vessel,
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
28 words
maintaining a protective atmosphere above the surface of said molten aluminum at a greater than atmospheric pressure, thereby preventing contact of the melt with air or atmospheric moisture,
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
28 words
maintaining a protective atmosphere above the surface of said molten aluminum at a greater than atmospheric pressure, thereby preventing contact of the melt with air or atmospheric moisture,
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
28 words
maintaining a protective atmosphere above the surface of said molten aluminum at a greater than atmospheric pressure, thereby preventing contact of the melt with air or atmospheric moisture,
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
28 words
maintaining a protective atmosphere above the surface of said molten aluminum at a greater than atmospheric pressure, thereby preventing contact of the melt with air or atmospheric moisture,
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
80 words
MAINTAINING A PROTECTIVE ATMOSPHERE ABOVE THE SURFACE OF SAID MOLTEN ALUMINUM AT A GREATER THAN ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE, THEREBY PREVENTING CONTACT OF THE MELT WITH AIR OR ATMOSPHERIC MOISTURE, 3.PROVIDING A GAS INJECTION DEVICE SUBMERGED IN SAID MOLTEN ALUMINUM COMPRISING (A)A SHAFT FIXEDLY ATTACHED TO A VANED ROTOR AS ITS LOWER END, (B) A STATIONARY SLEEVE SURROUNDING SAID SHAFT, AND (C) A PASSAGEWAY FOR CONVEYING AND DISCHARGING INERT GAS INTO THE MOLTEN METAL RUNNING THE LENGTH OF SAID GAS INJECTION DEVICE,
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
80 words
MAINTAINING A PROTECTIVE ATMOSPHERE ABOVE THE SURFACE OF SAID MOLTEN ALUMINUM AT A GREATER THAN ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE, THEREBY PREVENTING CONTACT OF THE MELT WITH AIR OR ATMOSPHERIC MOISTURE, 3.PROVIDING A GAS INJECTION DEVICE SUBMERGED IN SAID MOLTEN ALUMINUM COMPRISING (A)A SHAFT FIXEDLY ATTACHED TO A VANED ROTOR AS ITS LOWER END, (B) A STATIONARY SLEEVE SURROUNDING SAID SHAFT, AND (C) A PASSAGEWAY FOR CONVEYING AND DISCHARGING INERT GAS INTO THE MOLTEN METAL RUNNING THE LENGTH OF SAID GAS INJECTION DEVICE,
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
11 words
The process of claim 1 wherein said inert gas is argon.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
15 words
The process of claim 1 wherein said gas inert with respect to aluminum is nitrogen.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
53 words
providing a gas injection device submerged in said molten aluminum comprising (a) a shaft fixedly attached to a vaned rotor at its lower end, (b) a stationary sleeve surrounding said shaft, and (c) a passageway for conveying and discharging inert gas into the molten metal running the length of said gas injection device,
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
53 words
providing a gas injection device submerged in said molten aluminum comprising (a) a shaft fixedly attached to a vaned rotor at its lower end, (b) a stationary sleeve surrounding said shaft, and (c) a passageway for conveying and discharging inert gas into the molten metal running the length of said gas injection device,
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
11 words
introducing an inert gas into said melt beneath the surface thereof,
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
11 words
introducing an inert gas into said melt beneath the surface thereof,
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
29 words
maintaining a protective atmosphere above the surface of the molten metal at a greater than atmospheric pressure, thereby preventing contact of the molten metal with air or atmosphere moisture,
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
29 words
maintaining a protective atmosphere above the surface of the molten metal at a greater than atmospheric pressure, thereby preventing contact of the molten metal with air or atmosphere moisture,
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
59 words
providing at least one gas injection device in said refining vessel submerged in said molten aluminum comprising (a) a shaft fixedly attached to a vaned rotor at its lower end, (b) a stationary sleeve surrounding said shaft, and (c) a passageway for conveying and discharging inert gas into the molten metal running the length of said gas injection device,
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
59 words
providing at least one gas injection device in said refining vessel submerged in said molten aluminum comprising (a) a shaft fixedly attached to a vaned rotor at its lower end, (b) a stationary sleeve surrounding said shaft, and (c) a passageway for conveying and discharging inert gas into the molten metal running the length of said gas injection device,
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
29 words
preheating said inert gas before being subdivided into gas bubbles by expanding the gas to the point where thermal growth of said bubbles in the melt is substantially prevented,
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
29 words
preheating said inert gas before being subdivided into gas bubbles by expanding the gas to the point where thermal growth of said bubbles in the melt is substantially prevented,
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
20 words
introducing an inert gas into the upper end of said passageway under sufficient pressure to be injected into the melt,
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
20 words
introducing an inert gas into the upper end of said passageway under sufficient pressure to be injected into the melt,
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
20 words
INTRODUCING AN INERT GAS INTO THE UPPER END OF SAID PASSAGEWAY UNDER SUFFICIENT PRESSURE TO BE INJECTED INTO THE MELT,
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
20 words
INTRODUCING AN INERT GAS INTO THE UPPER END OF SAID PASSAGEWAY UNDER SUFFICIENT PRESSURE TO BE INJECTED INTO THE MELT,
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
16 words
The process of claim 1 wherein said inert gas is a mixture of argon and nitrogen.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
38 words
The process of claim 1 further including the step of adding a solid chemical fluxing agent to the molten metal, said chemical fluxing agent being selected from the group consisting of halides of alkali metals and alkali-earth metals.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
40 words
PREHEATING THE INERT GAS BY CONTACT THEREOF WITH THE HOT WALLS OF THE PASSAGEWAY, WHEREBY THE GAS IS EXPANDED, BEFORE BEING SUB-DIVIDED INTO GAS BUBBLES, TO THE POINT WHERE THERMAL GROWTH OF SAID BUBBLES IN THE MELT IS SUBSTANTIALLY PREVENTED,
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
40 words
PREHEATING THE INERT GAS BY CONTACT THEREOF WITH THE HOT WALLS OF THE PASSAGEWAY, WHEREBY THE GAS IS EXPANDED, BEFORE BEING SUB-DIVIDED INTO GAS BUBBLES, TO THE POINT WHERE THERMAL GROWTH OF SAID BUBBLES IN THE MELT IS SUBSTANTIALLY PREVENTED,
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
40 words
preheating the inert gas by contact thereof with the hot walls of the passageway, whereby the gas is expanded, before being sub-divided into gas bubbles, to the point where thermal growth of said bubbles in the melt is substantially prevented,
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
40 words
preheating the inert gas by contact thereof with the hot walls of the passageway, whereby the gas is expanded, before being sub-divided into gas bubbles, to the point where thermal growth of said bubbles in the melt is substantially prevented,
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
8 words
sub-dividing the inert gas into discrete gas bubbles,
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
8 words
sub-dividing the inert gas into discrete gas bubbles,
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
90 words
introducing an inert gas into the upper end of said passageway under sufficient pressure to be injected into the melt, the flow rate of said inert gas being defined by the following formula: V W. C/N where: V flow rate of gas through each injection device, normal cu. ft./min. W the feed rate of molten aluminum into said refining vessel, lbs/min. C the specific refining gas requirement, having a value of from 0.005 to 0.040 normal cu. ft./lb. metal N the number of gas injection devices in said refining vessel,
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
90 words
introducing an inert gas into the upper end of said passageway under sufficient pressure to be injected into the melt, the flow rate of said inert gas being defined by the following formula: V W. C/N where: V flow rate of gas through each injection device, normal cu. ft./min. W the feed rate of molten aluminum into said refining vessel, lbs/min. C the specific refining gas requirement, having a value of from 0.005 to 0.040 normal cu. ft./lb. metal N the number of gas injection devices in said refining vessel,
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
65 words
sub-dividing the inert gas into discrete gas bubbles by rotating said vaned rotor at a speed sufficient to create a circulation pattern in the molten aluminum such that the gas bubbles are transported substantially radially outward with a downward component relative to their points of entry into the melt, resulting in the removal of dissolved hydrogen and substantially all non-metallic impurities from the aluminum melt.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
65 words
sub-dividing the inert gas into discrete gas bubbles by rotating said vaned rotor at a speed sufficient to create a circulation pattern in the molten aluminum such that the gas bubbles are transported substantially radially outward with a downward component relative to their points of entry into the melt, resulting in the removal of dissolved hydrogen and substantially all non-metallic impurities from the aluminum melt.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
15 words
directing the preheated gas to the vanes of said rotor of said gas injection device,
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
15 words
directing the preheated gas to the vanes of said rotor of said gas injection device,
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
6 words
DIRECTING THE SAID GAS INJECTION DEVICE,
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
6 words
DIRECTING THE SAID GAS INJECTION DEVICE,
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
29 words
The process of claim 1 wherein said molten aluminum is a magnesium containing aluminum alloy and said inert gas contains from about 0 to 5 volume percent of chlorine.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
69 words
creating a circulation pattern in the molten aluminum such that the bubbles of said inert gas are transported substantially radially outward with a downward component relative to their points of entry into the melt, whereby said gas bubbles come into intimate contact with substantially the entire mass of molten aluminum in said refining zone, resulting in the removal of dissolved hydrogen and substantially all non-metallic impurities from said melt,
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
69 words
creating a circulation pattern in the molten aluminum such that the bubbles of said inert gas are transported substantially radially outward with a downward component relative to their points of entry into the melt, whereby said gas bubbles come into intimate contact with substantially the entire mass of molten aluminum in said refining zone, resulting in the removal of dissolved hydrogen and substantially all non-metallic impurities from said melt,
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
24 words
withdrawing the spent inert gas containing hydrogen, while collecting other non-metallic impurities in a dross layer on the surface of the molten aluminum, and
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
24 words
withdrawing the spent inert gas containing hydrogen, while collecting other non-metallic impurities in a dross layer on the surface of the molten aluminum, and
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
81 words
sub-dividing the inert gas into discrete gas bubbles by rotating said vaned rotor at a speed sufficient to create a circulation pattern in the molten aluminum such that the gas bubbles are transported substantially radially outward with a downward component relative to their points of entry into the melt thereby coming into intimate contact with substantially the entire mass of molten aluminum in said refining zone, resulting in the removal of dissolved hydrogen and substantially all non-metallic impurities from said melt,
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
81 words
sub-dividing the inert gas into discrete gas bubbles by rotating said vaned rotor at a speed sufficient to create a circulation pattern in the molten aluminum such that the gas bubbles are transported substantially radially outward with a downward component relative to their points of entry into the melt thereby coming into intimate contact with substantially the entire mass of molten aluminum in said refining zone, resulting in the removal of dissolved hydrogen and substantially all non-metallic impurities from said melt,
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
47 words
The process of claim 1 wherein said molten aluminum is a magnesium containing aluminum alloy and said inert gas contains chlorine in an amount sufficient to form a magnesium chloride flux but less than an amount which results in the emission of harmful by-products from the system.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
81 words
SUB-DIVIDING THE INERT GAS INTO DISCRETE GAS BUBBLES BY ROTATING SAID VANED ROTOR AT A SPEED SUFFICIENT TO CREATE A CIRCULATION PATTERN IN THE MOLTEN ALUMINUM SUCH THAT THE GAS BUBBLES ARE TRANSPORTED SUBSTANTIALLY RADIALLY OUTWARD WITH A DOWNWARD COMPONENT RELATIVE TO THEIR POINTS OF ENTRY INTO THE MELT THEREBY COMING INTO INTIMATE CONTACT WITH SUBSTANTIALLY THE ENTIRE MASS OF MOLTEN ALUMINUM IN SAID REFINING ZONE, RESULTING IN THE REMOVAL OF DISSOLVED HYDROGEN AND SUBSTANTIALLY ALL NON-METALLIC IMPURITIES FROM SAID MELT,
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
81 words
SUB-DIVIDING THE INERT GAS INTO DISCRETE GAS BUBBLES BY ROTATING SAID VANED ROTOR AT A SPEED SUFFICIENT TO CREATE A CIRCULATION PATTERN IN THE MOLTEN ALUMINUM SUCH THAT THE GAS BUBBLES ARE TRANSPORTED SUBSTANTIALLY RADIALLY OUTWARD WITH A DOWNWARD COMPONENT RELATIVE TO THEIR POINTS OF ENTRY INTO THE MELT THEREBY COMING INTO INTIMATE CONTACT WITH SUBSTANTIALLY THE ENTIRE MASS OF MOLTEN ALUMINUM IN SAID REFINING ZONE, RESULTING IN THE REMOVAL OF DISSOLVED HYDROGEN AND SUBSTANTIALLY ALL NON-METALLIC IMPURITIES FROM SAID MELT,
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
24 words
withdrawing the spent inert gas containing hydrogen while collecting other non-metallic impurities in a dross layer on the surface of the molten aluminum, and
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
24 words
withdrawing the spent inert gas containing hydrogen while collecting other non-metallic impurities in a dross layer on the surface of the molten aluminum, and
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
9 words
withdrawing the refined molten aluminum from said refining vessel.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
9 words
withdrawing the refined molten aluminum from said refining vessel.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
24 words
WITHDRAWING THE SPENT INERT GAS CONTAINING HYDROGEN WHILE COLLECTING OTHER NON-METALLIC IMPURITIES IN A DROSS LAYER ON THE SURFACE OF THE MOLTEN ALUMINUM, AND
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
24 words
WITHDRAWING THE SPENT INERT GAS CONTAINING HYDROGEN WHILE COLLECTING OTHER NON-METALLIC IMPURITIES IN A DROSS LAYER ON THE SURFACE OF THE MOLTEN ALUMINUM, AND
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
25 words
The process of claim 1 wherein said passageway is formed by the outer surface of said shaft and the inner surface of said stationary sleeve.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
24 words
withdrawing the spent inert gas containing hydrogen while collecting other non-metallic impurities in a dross layer on the surface of the molten aluminum, and
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
24 words
withdrawing the spent inert gas containing hydrogen while collecting other non-metallic impurities in a dross layer on the surface of the molten aluminum, and
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
9 words
withdrawing the refined molten aluminum from said refining zone.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
9 words
withdrawing the refined molten aluminum from said refining zone.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
13 words
The process of claim 1 wherein said passageway extends axially through said shaft.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
9 words
withdrawing the refined molten aluminum from said refining zone.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
9 words
withdrawing the refined molten aluminum from said refining zone.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
9 words
WITHDRAWING THE REFINED MOLTEN ALUMINUM FROM SAID REFINING ZONE.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
9 words
WITHDRAWING THE REFINED MOLTEN ALUMINUM FROM SAID REFINING ZONE.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
10 words
A process for refining molten aluminum comprising the steps of:
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
10 words
A process for refining molten aluminum comprising the steps of:
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
74 words
The process of claim 10 wherein said gas injection device is operated at a speed approximately as defined by the following formula: R (300 + 750V + 83r2) /d where: R rotational speed of the rotor, RPM; V gas flow rate through the injection device, normal cu. ft./min; r the ratio of the least cross-sectional dimension of the refining zone to the diameter of the rotor (dimensionless); and d diameter of the rotor, inches.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
11 words
The process of claim 10 wherein said inert gas is argon.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
15 words
The process of claim 10 wherein said gas inert with respect to aluminum is nitrogen.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
29 words
The process of claim 10 wherein said Molten aluminum is a magnesium containing aluminum alloy and said inert gas contains from about 0 to 5 volume percent of chlorine.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
47 words
The process of claim 10 wherein said molten aluminum is a magnesium containing aluminum alloy and said inert gas contains chlorine in an amount sufficient to form a magnesium chloride flux but less than an amount which results in the emission of harmful by-products from the system.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
10 words
A process for refining molten aluminum comprising the steps of:
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
10 words
A process for refining molten aluminum comprising the steps of:
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
25 words
The process of claim 16 wherein said inert gas with respect to aluminum is selected from the group consisting of argon, nitrogen and mixtures thereof.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
28 words
The process of claim 16 wherein said molten aluminum is a magnesium containing alloy and said inert gas contains from about 0 - 5 volume percent of chlorine.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-03-10 | 1978-09-09 | 1979-03-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-03-10 | 1982-09-09 | 1983-03-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-03-10 | 1986-09-09 | 1987-03-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |