Non-Ferrous Metals
Non-Ferrous? Not a problemGas Enhanced Technology for Aluminum Processing
Aluminum Melting
Linde has developed and commercialized several proprietary oxygen-injection techniques, oxy-fuel combustion systems and aluminum melting burners that enhance the productivity and efficiency of aluminum melting furnaces. Oxygen injection increases the heat available in the furnace for melting by reducing the heat loss due to hot nitrogen in the flue gas.
Oxy-fuel combustion for secondary aluminum melting provides many benefits compared to conventional air/fuel combustion. These benefits include:
- Increased flame temperature
- Increased productivity
- Reduction in flue gas
- Fuel savings
The reduction in the flue gas volume and particulate material entrainment with oxy-fuel combustion greatly reduces the cost and complexity of off-gas cleaning systems.
Aluminum Degassing
Linde argon is used to prevent oxidation of molten metals and for degassing aluminum. Aluminum degassing is done by injecting pure argon or its mixture with chlorine. By doing so, impurities are removed providing better results. Problems with impurities can arise, especially when there is excess hydrogen present in the melted aluminum. The excess hydrogen has a negative effect on the mechanical properties of your finished aluminum piece. These defects may include porosity, shrinkage, fatigue, and lower corrosion resistance.
Aluminum Dross Cooling
Aluminum dross can form on the surface of aluminum and the weight may vary from 1% to 6% or more of total aluminum production. Dross may contain between 18 to 80% of valuable aluminum. Linde can help you develop your aluminum recovery process and increase your aluminum recovery rate by applying argon to your dross cooling process. Aluminum dross cooling is a process where the dross is skimmed and cooled in an inert gas atmosphere. It is important to work quickly and efficiently to prevent the aluminum from oxidizing, which can happen if the dross is not cooled down fast enough and remains exposed to air.
Benefits of argon for dross cooling:
- Displaces oxygen quickly
- Increases aluminum recovery rates
- Prevents oxidation of the residual metal