Dross processing system

Abstract

A dross processing system crucible comprising a substantially vertical inner wall having an upper end, a lower end, an outer surface, and an inner surface, a bottom having an upper surface and a lower surface, the upper surface affixed to the lower end of the inner wall. A blockable port is disposed in the bottom, and a thermal insulating material covers the outer surface of the vertical inner wall and the lower surface of the bottom. An outer vessel is affixed to the upper end of the substantially vertical inner wall, and the thermal insulating material is disposed between the outer surface of the inner wall and the outer vessel.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A dross processing system crucible comprising:
 a. a substantially vertical inner wall having an upper end, a lower end, an outer surface, and an inner surface,   b. a bottom having an upper surface and a lower surface, the upper surface affixed to the lower end of the inner wall,   c. a blockable port disposed in the bottom,   d. a thermal insulating material covering the outer surface of the vertical inner wall and the lower surface of the bottom, and   e. an outer vessel affixed to the upper end of the substantially vertical inner wall, wherein the thermal insulating material is disposed between the outer surface of the inner wall and the outer vessel.   
     
     
         2 . The crucible of  claim 1 , further comprising a protective coating on the inside surface of the inner wall and on the upper surface of the bottom. 
     
     
         3 . The crucible of  claim 2 , whereas exposure to molten metal causes the coating to become an aerated insulating coating. 
     
     
         4 . The crucible of  claim 1 , wherein the inner wall is stainless steel having a thickness of between 0.05 and 0.25 inches and the bottom is stainless steel having a thickness of between 0.1 and 0.4 inches. 
     
     
         5 . The crucible of  claim 1 , wherein the inner wall is stainless steel having a thickness of between 0.1 and 0.15 inches and the bottom is stainless steel having a thickness of between 0.2 and 0.3 inches. 
     
     
         6 . The crucible of  claim 1 , wherein the inner watt is stainless steel having a thickness of between 0.12 and 0.13 inches and the bottom is stainless steel having a thickness of between 0.24 and 0.26 inches. 
     
     
         7 . The crucible of  claim 1 , wherein the thermal insulating material is a ceramic material. 
     
     
         8 . The crucible of  claim 1 , wherein the outer vessel is a stainless steel expanded metal mesh. 
     
     
         9 . A method for processing dross, comprising
 a. providing a dross processing system crucible comprising a substantially vertical inner wall having an upper end, a lower end, an outer surface, and an inner surface, a bottom having an upper surface and a lower surface, the upper surface affixed to the lower end of the inner wall, a blockable port disposed in the bottom, a thermal insulating material covering the outer surface of the vertical inner wall and the lower surface of the bottom, and an outer vessel affixed to the upper end of the substantially vertical inner wall, wherein the thermal insulating material is disposed between the outer surface of the inner wall and the outer vessel,   b. pouring molten dross into the crucible,   c. pouring an exothermic flux into the crucible containing the molten dross,   d. stirring the dross and flux to enhance an exothermic reaction,   e. maintaining heat within the crucible by placing a lid on the pot, and   f. allowing the dross and flux to sit a predetermined amount of time.   
     
     
         10 . A dross processing system comprising:
 a. a frame,   b. a crucible frame pivotably mounted to the frame   c. a crucible comprising a substantially vertical inner wall having an upper end, a lower end, an outer surface, and an inner surface, a bottom having an upper surface and a lower surface, the upper surface affixed to the lower end of the inner wall, a blockable port disposed in the bottom, a thermal insulating material covering the outer surface of the vertical inner wall and the lower surface of the bottom, and an outer vessel affixed to the upper end of the substantially vertical inner wall, wherein the thermal insulating material is disposed between the outer surface of the inner wall and the outer vessel, whereas the crucible is disposed in the crucible frame,   d. a stirring mechanism moveably mounted to the frame, whereas the stirring mechanism is pivotable between a position above the crucible to a position away from the crucible,   e. an insulated lid pivotably mounted to the frame, whereas the lid is movable between a position above the crucible to a position away from the crucible, and   f. a metal collection pan located on the frame below the crucible holder.   
     
     
         11 . The dross processing system of  claim 10 , further comprising a drain port having a tapered portion and connected to the bottom of the pot and a drain and a drain plug having a tapered end for mating with the tapered portion of the drain port.