APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR METAL CHIP RECLAMATION

摘要

An apparatus and method for reclaiming metal chips formed while machining metal castings to their finished shape. The apparatus includes a stationary charging tube (100) extending in a generally perpendicular direction from the charge well of a reverberatory furnace. The lower end of the charging tube is attached to a box-shaped structure (101) which has an open bottom. The sides of the structure extend into a pool of molten metal contained in the charge well. A variable rate feeder (38, 39 and 40) provides a continuous supply of metal chips to the charging tube (100) at a rate which is essentially the same as the rate at which the chips are being produced. The chips form a column (140) within the charging tube which extends through the box-shaped structure (101) and into the pool of molten metal (86). As the chips at the bottom of the column are melted, additional chips are added to the top, forcing the bottom of the column of chips into the pool of molten metal.