| 摘要 |
<p>An inert gas bubble-actuated molten metal pump (PU) is located between one section of a metal-melting furnace (10) and a second section to pump molten metal from the one section, wherein the molten metal is at a higher temperature, into the second section, wherein the molten metal (26) is at a lower temperature, and its effluent is directed into contact with metal chips (80) being charged into the second section, thereby assisting in the more rapid melting of the chips into the molten metal (26) mass in the second section. The inert gas (IG) employed to actuate the molten metal pump (PU) is captured beneath a heat-resistant and flame-resistant cover (30) located above the exit port of the pump (PU) and over a substantial portion of the molten (26) mass in the second section, thereby providing a non-oxidizing atmosphere at the surface of the molten metal (26) mass or pool beneath said cover (30). In this manner the inert gas (IG) is employed not only to actuate the inert gas bubble-actuated molten metal pump (PU), but also to assist in the rapid melting of metal chips (80) being charged, as well as to provide a non-oxidizing atmosphere at the surface of the molten metal (26).</p> |
