Process for recovering metal from aluminum dross

摘要

A method for the recovery of free aluminum metal from its dross is disclosed. The dross is charged into a receptacle having at least one inclined sidewall and at least one passageway extending through the receptacle's bottom. The passageway is sized and configured to permit the passage of free aluminum metal but inhibit the passage of the dross' network of solid particles. Dross having been charged into the receptacle is then mechanically compacted by applying compressive forces on the dross towards the inclined sidewall. Such compression causes the free aluminum in the dross to coalesce and pass through the passageway in the receptacle's bottom. Steps are also taken during the aforesaid charging and compaction steps to prevent or inhibit the dross from cooling. Free aluminum passing through the receptacle's bottom passageway is then collected. Compacted dross remaining in the receptacle can be subjected to conventional reprocessing techniques for recovering remaining aluminum contained therein.