A vertical member, which is preferably a support post used in a molten metal pump, includes a ceramic tube and tensioning structures to add a compressive load to the tube along its longitudinal axis. This makes the tube less prone to breakage. A device, such as a pump, used in a molten metal bath includes one or more of such vertical members.

A vertical member, which is preferably a support post used in a molten metal pump, includes a ceramic tube and tensioning structures to add a compressive load to the tube along its longitudinal axis. This makes the tube less prone to breakage. A device, such as a pump, used in a molten metal bath includes one or more of such vertical members.

Embodiments of the invention are directed to a rotor for use in molten metal and devices including the rotor. The rotor has a rotor body and blades, wherein each blade includes a tip that is at least twice as hard as the rotor body.

A centrifugal pump (100) for processing molten urea having: an inlet (102) adapted to receive molten urea at a suction pressure; a delivery outlet (104) adapted to allow an output of molten urea at a delivery pressure greater than the suction pressure; and an intermediate outlet (103) adapted to allow an output of molten urea at an intermediate pressure greater than the suction pressure and lower than the delivery pressure.

A centrifugal pump (100) for processing molten urea having: an inlet (102) adapted to receive molten urea at a suction pressure; a delivery outlet (104) adapted to allow an output of molten urea at a delivery pressure greater than the suction pressure; and an intermediate outlet (103) adapted to allow an output of molten urea at an intermediate pressure greater than the suction pressure and lower than the delivery pressure.

A molten metal pump comprised of a metal base defining a pumping chamber is provided. The pump further includes a motor mount adapted to receive a motor, at least one metal post extending between the base and the motor mount, and a metal shaft disposed between the motor and an impeller disposed in the pumping chamber. A bearing ring engages the impeller. The pumping chamber will include an inlet and an outlet. A steel riser tube in fluid communication the outlet is also provided.

A runner assembly for mounting to, and rotating with, a pump shaft of a pump includes a support member to be fixed to the pump shaft; a seal face ring positioned on, and mounted to the support member by a support shroud coupled to the support member; and an outer O-ring positioned in an upward and radially outward facing notch defined in a top portion of the support member. The outer O-ring forms a static sealed joint between the top of the support member and the bottom of the seal face ring.

Embodiments of the invention are directed to a rotor for use in molten metal and devices including the rotor. The rotor has a rotor body and blades, wherein each blade includes a tip that is at least twice as hard as the rotor body.

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 system and method for filling a mold with molten aluminum includes a molten metal pump, a vessel configured to contain molten metal, a mold for receiving molten metal, and a conduit between the vessel and the mold. Molten metal is pumped in the vessel until it reaches a level at which it flows through the conduit and into the mold. The flow of molten metal into the mold is stabilized to maintain a level of molten metal in the mold. A skin of solid metal forms between the mold and the conduit, at which time the pumping of molten metal can cease. The mold with solid metal in it can be moved.