A scrap melting system and method includes a vessel that is configured to retain molten metal and a raised surface about the level of molten metal in the vessel. Solid metal is placed on the raised surface and molten metal from the vessel is moved upward from the vessel and across the raised surface to melt at least some of the solid metal. The molten metal is preferably raised from the vessel to the raised surface by a molten metal pumping device or system. The molten metal moves from the raised surface and into a vessel or launder.

A molten metal processing apparatus selected from a pump, a degasser, a flux injector, and a scrap submergence device constructed to include at least one element comprised of C/C composite.

Embodiments of the invention are directed to a rotor for a molten metal pump and a molten metal pump including the rotor. The rotor has a main body and a top comprised of a material that is at least twice as hard as the main body. The top, among other things, may form a first portion of each rotor blade wherein the first portion directs molten metal into a pump chamber or other structure in which the rotor is mounted.

A circulating apparatus for circulating the body of molten metal within an associated furnace is provided. The circulating apparatus includes a molded body with an inlet and an outlet. The inlet and the outlet are aligned with corresponding openings on the associated furnace. The inlet and the outlet define a flow chamber within the molded body. An inductor is secured to a portion of the molded body. The inductor is configured to pump molten metal from the associated furnace and into the flow chamber. A flow channel is spaced from the inlet and the outlet on the molded body. A dam assembly is positioned adjacent the outlet. The dam assembly is movable between a raised position and a lowered position relative to the outlet. The molten fluid flows back into the associated furnace when the dam assembly is in the raised position and the molten fluid flows to the flow channel when the dam assembly is in the lowered position.

A metal scrap submergence device comprising an open top chamber including walls of a heat resistant material, an inlet positioned in the chamber, an outlet positioned in the base of the chamber, and a ramp adjacent the side wall of the chamber. The device further including a removable vane, an inwardly or outwardly sloped ramp surface, and/or diverter.

A furnace includes a tank having outer and inner walls defining a closed canal to be filled with molten metal continuously circulating along the canal. The canal includes at least one heating area having a heating component for transferring energy to the molten metal thus overheating it; at least one loading area for loading metal or metallic waste into the molten metal; a melting/treatment area for receiving the overheated molten metal and material dragged on its surface. The overheated molten metal transfers its exceeding energy to the material, causing its melting/treatment. The furnace has a central hollow delimited by the inner wall and a driving component within the hollow, having a rotor with at least one magnet body and coupled to a motor and configured to rotate upon activation of the motor, generating a magnetic field capable of causing circulation of the molten metal in a continuous and cyclical manner.

A bubble pump is provided. The bubble pump has an interior formed from a material that is resistant to attack by molten aluminum. The interior surface may be formed from a ceramic. The ceramic may be selected from the following: alumina, magnesia, silicate, silicon carbide, or graphite, and the mixtures thereof. The ceramic may be a carbon-free, 85% Al.sub.2O.sub.3 phosphate bonded castable refractory.

A molten metal pumping apparatus. The apparatus has each of a circulation function and a transfer function. The apparatus includes a molten metal pump having an outlet. The outlet is moveable while submerged in molten metal between a first position engaged with a circulation passage in a furnace assembly and a second position engaged with a transfer passage in the furnace assembly.

A device includes a molten metal pump and a metal-transfer conduit. A clamp may be used to attach the metal-transfer conduit to the pump. The pump has a pump base including an indentation configured to receive the metal-transfer conduit and align the pump outlet with the transfer inlet. The pump outlet may be formed in the indentation and preferably near the center of the indentation in order to better align with the transfer inlet. As the pump operates it moves molten metal through a pump outlet that is in communication with a transfer inlet in the metal-transfer conduit. The molten metal enters the transfer inlet, moves upwards in a passage in the metal-transfer conduit, and out of a transfer outlet.

A molten metal pump assembly and method to fill a mold with molten metal, such as aluminum. The assembly includes a support frame for suspending the molten metal pump above a furnace. The support frame includes a mechanism for lifting and lowering the molten metal pump into engagement and disengagement with the mold.