Non-Crucible Aluminum Furnace Improves Energy Efficiency.

The new Cyclone furnace from Thermtronix Corp., Adelanto, California, was designed for both continuous and batch-melting aluminum operations as a durable, refractory-lined furnace that does not use crucibles. Metal is charged into a dry hearth charging chamber, eliminating the safety issue in small to medium melting furnaces of placing cold, wet or moisture-bearing charge materials into a molten bath.

In addition, the furnace substantially improves the operating efficiency by capturing exhaust energy to preheat and melt new charge. Melt quality is improved because slag, dross and residuals from the melt are left on the dry hearth, where they can be removed easily. The result is less post-melt processing because contaminates never enter the molten aluminum. Full access for cleaning is provided through a manually operated top access cover.

The furnace uses a bonded particle vertical gate filter located between the melt chamber and dip well assuring only clean, filtered aluminum enters the dip well area. A factory-installed inert gas pressure regulator with flow control supplies inert gas to a ceramic degassing device. This continuous, controlled degassing system operates at the metal entrance of the dip well assuring aluminum is available when required.

The furnace also is available with an optional factory-installed Safety-Tap, a mechanical metal transfer assembly that allows the operator to stand safely behind the flow of molten metal while transferring large quantities of aluminum from the dip well directly to a pouring ladle. This feature eliminates the need for a tilting-style furnace and assures clean molten aluminum is withdrawn below the surface of the molten bath.