Premelt Systems, Inc.

Covidien LP

Tyco Healthcare Group LP

Robert J Behnke

Joseph D Brannan

Larry D Areaux

Peter L Valentyik

Scott E Frushour

Utilization of metal chips, especially scrap metal chips, particularly brass and aluminum, by introduction of the metal chips into a pool of molten metal of which they are formed or an alloy thereof, with minimization of fuel cost, heat loss, and minimal conversion of the metal at the surface of the molten metal pool to metal oxide, as well as an increase in the yield of utilizable metal from the remelting or recycling operation, by maintaining a non-oxidizing atmosphere at the surface of the molten metal pool and optionally utilizing vaporized residual impurities from chips being recycled such as oil, lacquer, or similar vaporizable impurity to assist in maintaining the non-oxidizing atmosphere, thereby permitting elimination of impurity-removal steps previously required for preparation of the chips for recycling by introduction into such a molten metal pool, and thereby also conveniently and simultaneously substantially reducing environmental pollution from vaporizable contaminants, fumes, and decomposition products of combustion thereof. Apparatus for use in the process, including a furnace charge-well cover and associated hood, is also disclosed.

Growing community of inventors

Bloomfield Hills, MI, United States of America

Robert J Behnke