The present invention features a vortexer apparatus including a vessel comprising an exterior surface, an interior surface containing fluid and a mouth for receiving material at an upper end portion of the interior surface. In one application the material is
metal scrap that is melted in
molten metal as the fluid. All components that contact the
molten metal are formed of
refractory material. An outlet passageway extends downwardly from the interior surface. A vessel inlet opening is located between the exterior and interior surfaces above the outlet passageway. A center line passes through a center of the interior surface and the vessel inlet opening is disposed at a location offset from the center line. A pump is adapted to pump fluid into the vessel effective to form a vortex of fluid in the vessel. The base and
impeller are configured and arranged effective to provide
molten metal leaving the base outlet with a
positive pressure. An outlet conduit extends from the base outlet to near the vessel inlet opening and can be maintained at a temperature above which molten
metal solidifies, along its entire length. Instead of the vortexer vessel, the inventive vortexer apparatus may integrate a chamber of a furnace (e.g., a charge well). The chamber may be rectangularor include arcuate portions. Corner inserts may be used to provide the chamber with an oval or generally circular shape that may facilitate the vortex. One feature of the invention is a vortex vessel that includes an offset inlet opening and lower circulation opening. Also featured is a baffle
impeller that may be vaned or
barrel type. In addition, the invention features a pump having upper and lower
impeller chambers separated by a web in the base, and impeller outlets that are isolated from fluid communication with each other.