The present disclosure discloses methods and systems for removing dross from a liquid metal chamber, such as would be used in magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) or metal 3D printing. The method and systems comprise inserting a dross removal tool into a liquid metal chamber. A seal is compromised, fluidically connecting an evacuated volume and the liquid metal chamber. Pressure equalizes between the fluidically coupled volumes through an inflow of gas, liquid, and solid components from the liquid metal chamber into the dross removal tool. The dross removal tool is removed from the liquid metal chamber.

The present disclosure discloses methods and systems for removing dross from a liquid metal chamber, such as would be used in magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) or metal 3D printing. The method and systems comprise inserting a dross removal tool into a liquid metal chamber. A seal is compromised, fluidically connecting an evacuated volume and the liquid metal chamber. Pressure equalizes between the fluidically coupled volumes through an inflow of gas, liquid, and solid components from the liquid metal chamber into the dross removal tool. The dross removal tool is removed from the liquid metal chamber.

A smart molten metal pump system and method automatically controls the operating speed of the pump rather than requiring an operator to control the speed. The system includes a pump, a controller for controlling the speed of the pump and one or more vibration sensors (such as an accelerometer) to measure vibration. The controller receives input about the vibration of the pump or one or more pump components, and possibly other data, such as the temperature of the molten metal, and/or the depth of the molten metal, ad/or parameters related to the operation of the pump. The controller analyzes the one or more inputs to vary the speed of the pump, turn the pump off, and/or send a communication to an operator.

A smart molten metal pump system and method automatically controls the operating speed of the pump rather than requiring an operator to control the speed. The system includes a pump, a controller for controlling the speed of the pump and one or more vibration sensors (such as an accelerometer) to measure vibration. The controller receives input about the vibration of the pump or one or more pump components, and possibly other data, such as the temperature of the molten metal, and/or the depth of the molten metal, ad/or parameters related to the operation of the pump. The controller analyzes the one or more inputs to vary the speed of the pump, turn the pump off, and/or send a communication to an operator.

A device for melting a metal-containing mixture includes a vacuum melting furnace, in particular with a plasma jet melting means. A metal-containing mixture, in particular catalysts from motor vehicles, is to be fed into a graphite pool through a feed line. A first lateral discharge opening can be inserted into the graphite pool for discharging metal melt, and a second lateral discharge opening, specifically a siphon discharge opening, is provided for molten slags. The discharge openings are to be inserted through a wall of the graphite pool by a piercing lance. The lateral siphon discharge opening comprises an attached siphon with an integrated slag brick. An adaptively designed metal cover plate close to the outlet opening is inserted, in particular a copper cover plate, which is prepared in such a way that it is designed to be replaceable even when the vacuum melting furnace is running.

A device for melting a metal-containing mixture includes a vacuum melting furnace, in particular with a plasma jet melting means. A metal-containing mixture, in particular catalysts from motor vehicles, is to be fed into a graphite pool through a feed line. A first lateral discharge opening can be inserted into the graphite pool for discharging metal melt, and a second lateral discharge opening, specifically a siphon discharge opening, is provided for molten slags. The discharge openings are to be inserted through a wall of the graphite pool by a piercing lance. The lateral siphon discharge opening comprises an attached siphon with an integrated slag brick. An adaptively designed metal cover plate close to the outlet opening is inserted, in particular a copper cover plate, which is prepared in such a way that it is designed to be replaceable even when the vacuum melting furnace is running.

A system according to aspects of the invention includes a pump and a refractory casing that houses the pump or is in fluid communication with the pump. As the pump operates it moves molten metal upward through an uptake section of the casing until it reaches a rectangular outlet wherein it exits the vessel. The rectangular outlet is configured to be connected to, or may be attached to, a launder. Another system uses a wall to divide a cavity of the chamber into two portions. The wall has an opening and a pump pumps molten metal from a first portion into a second portion until the level in the second portion reaches an outlet and exits the vessel.

A system according to aspects of the invention includes a pump and a refractory casing that houses the pump or is in fluid communication with the pump. As the pump operates it moves molten metal upward through an uptake section of the casing until it reaches a rectangular outlet wherein it exits the vessel. The rectangular outlet is configured to be connected to, or may be attached to, a launder. Another system uses a wall to divide a cavity of the chamber into two portions. The wall has an opening and a pump pumps molten metal from a first portion into a second portion until the level in the second portion reaches an outlet and exits the vessel.

Methods and systems for the production and delivery of lithium metal of high purity are provided herein. In one or more embodiments, method for flowing liquid lithium to a processing chamber is provided and includes flowing liquid lithium from a lithium refill container to a liquid lithium delivery module, where the liquid lithium delivery module is fluidly coupled to the lithium refill container, and flowing the liquid lithium from the liquid lithium delivery module to the processing chamber. The liquid lithium delivery module contains a lithium storage region operable to store liquid lithium and containing a fluid supply line fluidly coupling an outlet port of a liquid lithium storage tank, and a flow meter positioned downstream from the lithium storage region along the fluid supply line and operable to monitor the flow of the liquid lithium through the fluid supply line.

This invention patent application addresses a thermal launder that allows the transport of white metal (WM) or other molten material to a converter or furnace or from these to a transfer pot while keeping it molten, with a viscosity that allows the material to continue flowing en route.