Process and apparatus for introducing metal chips into a molten metal

Abstract

A process for the introduction of metal chips, especially scrap metal chips, into a molten mass of the metal of which said chips are formed, wherein the essentially dry chips are first compacted and placed into strip form, and then introduced into the molten metal bath in such strip form in an essentially continuous manner, is disclosed. A cleaning flux is also advantageously incorporated with the chips, into the compacted and strip form thereof, and then into the bath. The metal chips, after compacting and placing into strip form, are introduced directly into the molten metal bath through the skin of metal oxide existing on its surface and caused to become a part of the metal pool beneath the surface thereof without essential disturbance of the metal oxide skin except at the point of introduction. The temperature in the molten metal pool at or near the point of introduction of the metal strip is sensed and communicated to means regulating the feed of the metal strip into the molten metal pool so as to coordinate the rate of introduction of the metal strip with the rate at which the added metal can conveniently and safely be melted and incorporated into the molten metal pool. Apparatus particularly suitable for carrying out the process of the invention is also disclosed.