A vacuum arc remelt apparatus comprising a crucible having a wall, said wall having an interior and an exterior opposite said interior; an electrode within the crucible proximate the interior; an ingot within the crucible and below the electrode, wherein said ingot includes a crown and shelf; and a vibration source at the exterior of the crucible proximate the crown and shelf.

A system and process for concentrating a lithium stream is disclosed. The lithium stream is directed to a reverse osmosis unit which produces a concentrate containing lithium compounds. The RO concentrate is directed through two pressure retarded osmosis (PRO) modules connected in series. The two PRO modules further concentrate the RO concentrate and at the same time yield a diluted brine that is effective to drive an energy recovery device. The RO concentrate leaving the PRO modules is directed to an osmotically assisted reverse osmosis (OARO) module which also further concentrates the RO concentrate.

A system and process for concentrating a lithium stream is disclosed. The lithium stream is directed to a reverse osmosis unit which produces a concentrate containing lithium compounds. The RO concentrate is directed through two pressure retarded osmosis (PRO) modules connected in series. The two PRO modules further concentrate the RO concentrate and at the same time yield a diluted brine that is effective to drive an energy recovery device. The RO concentrate leaving the PRO modules is directed to an osmotically assisted reverse osmosis (OARO) module which also further concentrates the RO concentrate.

A metal purifying method having: a local heating step of heating an aluminum-based molten metal in a first region on a molten metal surface of the aluminum-based molten metal; and a local low pressure step of lowering the pressure in a second region on the molten metal surface to a pressure lower than the pressure in the first region. The second region is different from the first region. This allows a specific element to be vaporized from the second region to purify the aluminum-based molten metal. The specific element is one or more of Zn, Mg, or Pb having a saturated vapor pressure higher than that of Al. This is effective not only in a purifying method for removing a specific element from an aluminum-based molten metal but also in a method of recovering a specific element, which can be a resource, from an aluminum-based molten metal.

An apparatus and method for filtering molten metal (M), such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy includes at least one ceramic foam filter or any other type of filtration media such as porous tube or alumina balls disposed in a receptacle (12) for the molten metal (M). A vibrator vibrates at least one of the filter, the receptacle (12) or the metal and may be used to induce priming, filtering and/or drainage of the filter. The vibrator may be retrofitted to an existing filter system and may be adjustable in frequency and amplitude. The vibration may be continuous over a given period or produced in a single shock.

An apparatus and method for filtering molten metal (M), such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy includes at least one ceramic foam filter or any other type of filtration media such as porous tube or alumina balls disposed in a receptacle (12) for the molten metal (M). A vibrator vibrates at least one of the filter, the receptacle (12) or the metal and may be used to induce priming, filtering and/or drainage of the filter. The vibrator may be retrofitted to an existing filter system and may be adjustable in frequency and amplitude. The vibration may be continuous over a given period or produced in a single shock.

A method for recycling a scrap material includes providing a sample having one or more components having a respective melting temperature, and heating the sample to a first melting point corresponding to a first component to form a molten first component, and separating the molten first component from the sample. A system for recycling scrap materials includes a housing component for a sample containing one or more components to be heated, and subsequently melted and separated. The system may include a microwave plasma source, and at least one collection mechanism corresponding to each separated molten component.

A device for producing a target material from starting material comprises a chamber, at least one trough, at least a first heating element being configured to heat the chamber such that starting material is vaporized, and at least one collecting vessel being configured to receive a condensate that will constitute the target material. The device optionally comprises at least a first source of negative pressure or at least a first supply device being in connection with the chamber being configured to evacuate the chamber or to supply an inert gas to the chamber. The device further comprises at least one condensation device, wherein said condensation device is configured to condensate the vaporized starting material, whereby the condensate is formed, and/or at least a first gate device being in connection with the chamber such, that the starting material is introducible into the chamber via said first gate device.

A device for producing a target material from starting material comprises a chamber, at least one trough, at least a first heating element being configured to heat the chamber such that starting material is vaporized, and at least one collecting vessel being configured to receive a condensate that will constitute the target material. The device optionally comprises at least a first source of negative pressure or at least a first supply device being in connection with the chamber being configured to evacuate the chamber or to supply an inert gas to the chamber. The device further comprises at least one condensation device, wherein said condensation device is configured to condensate the vaporized starting material, whereby the condensate is formed, and/or at least a first gate device being in connection with the chamber such, that the starting material is introducible into the chamber via said first gate device.

The present invention provides an automated device for degassing and/or foaming of metals and their alloys and process thereof. Said automated device for degassing and/or foaming of molten metals and their alloys and a process facilitates in controlled degassing and/or foaming of molten metals and thereby increases tensile strength, impact strength, hardness, malleability, corrosion resistance, conductivity of metals and their alloys and further eliminates the use of harmful chemicals and injectable gases in degasification of metal and alloys. Present automated device mainly comprises of plurality of sonic generator 1, controller 2, first assembly 3, second assembly 4, third assembly 5, fourth assembly 6. Said process comprises of steps including; 1. Selecting the mode of operation and setting parameters; 2. Activating said assemblies and facilitating Formation of ultrasonic cavitation in metal and their alloys; 3. Degassing of the molten metal and their alloys due to formation of micro bubbles.