METHOD AND DEVICE FOR CRUSHING METAL DROSS BLOCKS AND/OR METAL EXTENSIONS

Abstract

A method for crushing a metal dross block and/or metal extension uses a cable saw to at least tartly cut the metal dross block and/or metal extension.

Claims

1. A method for comminuting a metal dross block or a metal run-out, the method comprising the step of: (a) at least partially cutting up by a wire saw the metal dross block or the metal run-out to form a comminuted metal dross block or a comminuted metal run-out.

2. The method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising performing after step (a) the step of treating the comminuted metal dross block or the comminuted metal run-out to recover the metal contained therein.

3. The method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising performing before step (a) the step of removing from a foundation of an electrolysis furnace and feeding to the wire saw the metal dross block or the metal run-out.

4. The method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising performing before step (a) the step of removing from a dross container and feeding to the wire saw the metal dross block or the metal run-out.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein step (a) is performed by guiding a saw wire of the saw wire from an upper side of the metal dross block or the metal run-out through another side in a direction of a floor.

6. A device for comminuting a metal dross block or a metal run-out, the device comprising: a wire saw comprising a saw wire; a base frame a yoke pivotally fastened to the base frame, the yoke guiding the saw wire; and wherein the base frame comprises a securing means for the metal dross block or the metal run-out.

7. The device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the securing means forms a stop for the metal dross block or the metal run-out in a running direction of the saw wire.

8. The device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the securing means forms a substantially vertical plate, the vertical plate being connected to the base frame.

9. The device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the yoke comprises two arms, each arm having an arm end; wherein the saw wire extends freely between two arm ends.

10. The device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the yoke comprises a first arm, the first arm comprises a multiple roller guide for the saw wire.

11.-14. (canceled)

15. The device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the yoke comprises three arms, each arm having an arm end; wherein the saw wire extends freely between two arm ends.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0017] The invention will be explained more fully with further details in conjunction with the single schematic figure.

[0018] FIG. 1 shows a side view of a device for comminuting metal dross blocks and/or metal run-outs.

DETAILED DISCUSSION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] The method according to the invention for comminuting a metal dross block and/or metal run-out 10 can be carried out for example with the device illustrated in the FIG. 1. Other devices, for example mobile wire saws, are possible for carrying out the method. The stationary wire saw 11 shown in the FIG. 1 is particularly suitable for comminuting large metal dross blocks and/or metal run-outs 10. The shape of the metal dross blocks and/or metal run-outs to be comminuted is virtually arbitrary.

[0020] A metal dross block and/or metal run-out are or is a solidified metal block which is formed by run-out or conveyed-out metal or metal oxide or impurities or a mixture thereof from a smelting furnace or liquid metal furnace or an electrolysis furnace. Dross is generally a metal-type product which arises during the melting and processing of metals and is recycled as a secondary raw material for metal recycling. The metal dross block and/or metal run-out shown in the FIG. 1 are or is for example an aluminum block which, upon run-out in a melting furnace, has formed in the foundation of the furnace. The block is removed from the foundation and fed to the wire saw.

[0021] The method is based on the fact that the metal dross block and/or metal run-out 10 are or is cut up by a wire saw 11.

[0022] The method is explained by way of example on the basis of the device which is shown in the FIG. 1 and which is built up as follows. The device has a wire saw 11 which comprises, in a manner known per se, a drive, a feed mechanism and a wire store. These components are not illustrated in the FIG. 1 and are situated in the housing of the wire saw 11. Beside the wire saw 11, there is provided an operator panel for the wire saw (no reference sign). In addition to the wire saw 11, the device has a base frame 13 which is arranged separately next to said wire saw. The base frame 13 forms the bearing surface for the metal dross block and/or metal run-out 10. For this purpose, the base frame 13 has a plurality of beams 22 on which the metal dross block and/or metal run-out 10 rests. Another support for the metal dross block and/or metal run-out 10 is possible. Pivotably fastened to the base frame 13 is a yoke 14 which serves as a guide for the saw wire 12. The yoke has three arms 16, 17, 18, wherein a first arm 16 is pivotably connected to a bearing block 23. The second arm 17 extends substantially at a right angle to the first arm 16 and determines the length of the yoke 14. The third arm 18 is mounted at the end of the second arm 17 and extends substantially parallel to the first arm 16. The saw wire 12 extends freely between the end 19 of the first arm 16 and the end 20 of the second arm 17. The saw wire 12 extends parallel to the second arm 17. Other yoke forms are possible.

[0023] Provided on the first arm 16 is a multiple roller guide 21 for the saw wire 12, said guide guiding the forward and rearward running of the wire saw 12 out of or into the wire saw 11. Provided in the corners of the yoke 14 are further deflection rollers which have the effect of guiding the saw wire along the yoke 14 or in the yoke 14.

[0024] The yoke 14 is pivotable and acts as a lever. The FIG. 1 shows two pivoting positions of the yoke 14, wherein, in the first upper position, the saw wire 12 penetrates from the upper side of the metal dross block and/or metal run-out 10 into the latter and, in the second lower position, can extend parallel to the floor. The saw wire 12 does not necessarily have to cut up the complete metal dross block and/or metal run-out 10. It is sufficient if the metal dross block and/or metal run-out 10 is at least partially cut up, with the result that the complete severing of the metal dross block and/or metal run-out 10 can occur in some other way, for example using wedges.

[0025] It has been shown that a saw wire with abrasive elements in the form of diamonded beads allows a sufficient cutting action for sawing up a metal dross block and/or metal run-out, in particular an aluminum-containing metal dross block and/or metal run-out.

[0026] As can be seen in the FIG. 1, the base frame 13 has a plate 15 which serves as a stop for the metal dross block and/or metal run-out 10. The plate 15 is arranged substantially vertically and is connected by one end to the base frame, for example to a beam 22 of the base frame 13. During operation, the metal dross block and/or metal run-out butts against the plate 15 and is thereby fixed in the sawing direction.

[0027] The method described above and the device explained for carrying out the method afford an appreciable cost reduction since repair costs for the foundation and, where appropriate, for the construction machines used therefor are minimized and comminution occurs more quickly and more securely. The use of a wire saw in metallurgy makes these advantages possible.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

[0028] 10 Metal dross block and/or metal run-out

[0029] 11 Wire saw

[0030] 12 Saw wire

[0031] 13 Base frame

[0032] 14 Yoke

[0033] 15 Plate

[0034] 16 First arm

[0035] 17 Second arm

[0036] 18 Third arm

[0037] 19, 20 Arm ends

[0038] 21 Multiple roller guide

[0039] 22 Beam

[0040] 23 Bearing block