SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR THE CONTINUOUS SOLIDIFICATION AND/OR GRANULATION OF MOLTEN MATERIALS WITH HEAT PIPE DRUMS

摘要

There is disclosed a system and method for the solidification and/or granulation of matte, slag, alloys, bullion, metals in their elemental state and any other metal intermediate or compound. The system comprises a set of twin-drums rotating in opposite direction outwardly or inwardly, and onto which molten matte or slag is poured. The drums are sealed under vacuum and contain a working substance and a wick structure. The drums are also provided with a blade adjacent their external surface so that the solidified matte or slag is granulated when stripped from the surface of the drums. The granulated material can then be recovered in any conventional manner. Alternatively, a near net shape sheet may be produced.