Aluminum dross processing machine

Abstract

We provide an aluminum dross processing machine that automates the recovery of aluminum from aluminum dross. [Solution] The aluminum dross processing machine 1 includes a pot 2 that contains aluminum dross and has a hot water outlet 2B for discharging aluminum separated from the aluminum dross, a stopper 3B for opening and closing the hot water outlet 2B, a stirring blade 3 for stirring the aluminum dross contained in the pot 2, a camera 7 for photographing the aluminum flowing out from the hot water outlet 2B, and a controller 10 that determines the presence or absence of aluminum flowing out from the hot water outlet 2B from the image data of the camera 7 and opens and closes the hot water outlet 2B with the stopper 3B. Preferably, the aluminum dross processing machine 1 is equipped with a water injection nozzle 8 for spraying water onto the aluminum dross contained in the pot 2, and the controller 10 causes water to be injected into the water injection nozzle 8.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This specification discloses an aluminum dross processing machine.

Background Art

[0002] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2006-206937 discloses a metal recovery device that separates and recovers metal from metal slag. This metal recovery device agitates aluminum dross accommodated in a pot, and separates, settles, and recovers aluminum from the aluminum dross.

Prior Art Literature

Patent Literature

[0003]

Patent Literature 1

Summary of the Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The operation of such an aluminum dross processing machine is performed while an operator checks the state of the aluminum dross in the pot. Specifically, the operator agitates the aluminum dross while checking the state of the aluminum dross, and recovers the aluminum that has been separated and settled from the aluminum dross. This aluminum dross processing machine requires manual operation by an operator. Furthermore, since the operator performs operations while checking the state of the aluminum dross, skill of the operator is required.

[0005] The intent of the present applicant is to provide an aluminum dross processing machine that automates the recovery of aluminum from aluminum dross.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] The aluminum dross processing machine disclosed in this specification is: a pot that accommodates aluminum dross and has a tap outlet for discharging aluminum separated from the aluminum dross, a plug that opens and closes the tap outlet, A stirring blade for stirring the aluminum dross contained in the pot, A camera for photographing the aluminum flowing out from the aforementioned outlet. and A controller that determines the presence or absence of aluminum flowing out of the hot water outlet from the image data of the aforementioned camera and controls the valve to open and close the hot water outlet. It is equipped with. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] This aluminum dross processing machine can automate the recovery of aluminum from aluminum dross. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a front view showing an aluminum dross processing machine according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a front view showing the aluminum dross processing machine in operation as shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a front view showing another operating state of the aluminum dross processing machine shown in Figure 1. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating the aluminum recovery method using the aluminum dross processing machine shown in Figure 1. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Preferred embodiments will be described in detail below, with reference to drawings as appropriate.

[0010] Figure 1 shows the aluminum dross processing machine 1. In aluminum melting furnaces, impurities such as aluminum dross are generated during the melting process. This aluminum dross contains aluminum. The aluminum dross processing machine 1 is a device that separates and recovers aluminum from the aluminum dross.

[0011] The aluminum dross processing machine 1 comprises a pot 2 for containing aluminum dross, a stirring blade 3 for stirring the aluminum dross contained in the pot 2, and a kettle 4 located below the pot 2. The aluminum dross processing machine 1 further comprises a drive unit 5 for rotating the stirring blade 3, and a lifting unit 6 for raising and lowering the stirring blade 3 together with the drive unit 5.

[0012] The pot 2 of the aluminum dross processing machine 1 is a bottomed container with an opening at the top. The pot 2 has a hot water outlet 2B at its bottom 2A. The kettle 4 is located separately from the pot 2, with a space below it. The kettle 4 is located below the hot water outlet 2B of the pot 2. The kettle 4 has an opening 4A facing the hot water outlet 2B.

[0013] The aluminum dross processing machine 1 is equipped with a camera 7 that photographs the area between the hot water outlet 2B of the pot 2 and the opening 4A of the kettle 4. The aluminum dross processing machine 1 is equipped with a water injection nozzle 8 that sprays water into the pot. Furthermore, the aluminum dross processing machine 1 is equipped with a temperature sensor 9 that measures the temperature inside the pot 2.

[0014] The aluminum dross processing machine 1 includes a controller 10 that controls each component, including a drive unit 5, an elevator 6, a camera 7, a water injection nozzle 8, and a temperature sensor 9. The controller 10 is capable of receiving image data from the camera 7. The controller 10 is also capable of receiving temperature data from the temperature sensor 9.

[0015] This controller 10 includes a memory 10A, an arithmetic unit 10B, and an input / output unit 10C. The memory 10A stores control programs for various devices and various types of data. The arithmetic unit 10B can control the driving machine 5, the elevator 6, and the water injection nozzle 8 via the input / output unit 10C. The arithmetic unit 10B can acquire image data from the camera 7 and temperature data from the temperature sensor 9 via the input / output unit 10C. The arithmetic unit 10B can execute various kinds of calculation and determination based on the control program, the image data from the camera 7, and the temperature data from the temperature sensor 9. The controller 10 only needs to be configured to execute the disclosed functions, and a relay circuit that performs sequence control, a programmable logic controller, or the like may form all or part of the controller 10. Furthermore, a personal computer may be used as all or part of the controller 10.

[0016] Figure 2 shows the state of use of the aluminum dross processing machine 1. In Figure 2, the stirring blade 3 is located outside the pot 2. The stirring blade 3 and the driving machine 5 are located above the pot 2. The elevator 6 includes a hydraulic cylinder 6A and a hydraulic circuit that supplies and discharges hydraulic oil to and from the hydraulic cylinder 6A. In Figure 2, hydraulic oil is supplied to the hydraulic cylinder 6A, and the hydraulic cylinder 6A extends in the vertical direction compared with the state shown in Figure 1. The elevator 6 supports the stirring blade 3 and the driving machine 5 at the upper position. The elevator 6 is not limited to those provided with the hydraulic cylinder 6A, as long as it can movably support the stirring blade 3 in the vertical direction.

[0017] As shown in Figure 2, the stirring blade 3 includes a blade 3A that is attached to a rotating shaft 5A of the driving machine 5 and rotates, and a distal end portion 3B on the axis of the rotating shaft 5A. In the use state shown in Figure 2, the distal end portion 3B is located away from the tap hole 2B of the pot 2, and the tap hole 2B of the pot 2 is opened. On the other hand, in the use state shown in Figure 1, the distal end portion 3B of the stirring blade 3 is located at the tap hole 2B of the pot 2, and the tap hole 2B is closed by the distal end portion 3B.

[0018] In this aluminum dross processing machine 1, the distal end portion 3B of the stirring blade 3 serves as a plug that opens and closes the tap hole 2B functions as. It should be noted that the plug provided in the aluminum dross processor 1 only needs to be capable of opening and closing the tap hole 2B, and is not limited to the tip portion 3B. For example, the plug may be provided separately from the stirring blade 3 and attached to a separate driver. Then, the controller 10 may control the separate driver to cause the plug to open and close the tap hole 2B.

[0019] FIG. 3 shows another operating state of the aluminum dross processor 1. In the operating state shown in FIG. 3, the stirring blade 3 is positioned inside the pot 2. In the operating state of FIG. 3, the stirring blade 3 is positioned higher up the pot 2 than in the operating state of FIG. 1, and positioned lower than in the operating state of FIG. 2. In FIG. 3, hydraulic oil is supplied to the hydraulic cylinder 6A, and the elevator 6 supports the stirring blade 3 and the driver 5 at the position shown in FIG. 3. In the operating state of FIG. 3, the tip portion 3B of the stirring blade 3 is positioned away from the tap hole 2B of the pot 2, and the tap hole 2B of the pot 2 is opened.

[0020] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a method for recovering aluminum using the aluminum dross processor 1. Although not shown in the figure, the aluminum dross processor 1 includes, for example, a start switch. When the start switch is operated, the aluminum dross processor 1 executes the method for recovering aluminum. A method for recovering aluminum from aluminum dross will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4.

[0021] In the operating state shown in FIG. 1, aluminum dross is charged into the pot 2 of the aluminum dross processor 1 (STEP 1). The controller 10 drives the driver 5 to cause the stirring blade 3 to stir the aluminum dross (STEP 2). The aluminum dross processor 1 rotationally flows and stirs the aluminum dross in the pot 2 by means of the stirring blade 3. Aluminum separated from the aluminum dross by stirring with the stirring blade 3 settles in the pot 2.

[0022] The controller 10 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of stirring (STEP 3). When the predetermined time has not elapsed, the controller 10 causes the stirring blade 3 to continue stirring the aluminum dross.

[0023] When a predetermined time has elapsed, the controller 10 starts recovering the aluminum (STEP 4). The controller 10 raises the stirring blade 3, which is stirring the aluminum dross, onto the elevator 6. The aluminum dross processing machine 1 is put into operation as shown in Figure 3. The tip 3B separates from the outlet 2B of the pot 2, and the outlet 2B opens. The aluminum that has settled in the pot 2 flows out from the outlet 2B. The aluminum dross processing machine 1 recovers the aluminum separated from the aluminum dross into the boiler 4.

[0024] In step (STEP 4), the controller 10 instructs the camera 7 to photograph the spillage from the hot water outlet 2B between the outlet 2B and the opening 4A of the boiler 4 (STEP 4-1). The controller 10 acquires image data from the camera 7. The controller 10 determines the presence or absence of aluminum from the image data (STEP 4-2). When the controller 10 determines that there is spillage aluminum, it repeats steps (STEP 4-1) and (STEP 4-2).

[0025] When the controller 10 determines that there is no aluminum flowing out, it lowers the stirring blade 3, which is currently stirring, to the elevator 6. As shown in Figure 1, the tip 3B of the stirring blade 3 closes the outlet 2B of the pot 2. The controller 10 stops the aluminum recovery (STEP 5).

[0026] After this step (STEP 5), the controller 10 continues to stir the aluminum dross with the stirring blade 3 (STEP 2). The controller 10 repeatedly executes the steps from (STEP 2) to (STEP 5) described above. The controller 10 determines whether the number of repetitions of the steps from (STEP 2) to (STEP 5) has reached a predetermined number (STEP 6). If the number of repetitions has not reached the predetermined number, the controller 10 continues from the steps from (STEP 2) to (STEP 5). P5) is executed repeatedly. Here, the number of repetitions is predetermined and stored in the controller 10. This number of repetitions is not particularly limited. Alternatively, this number of repetitions may be determined each time by the controller 10 from the image data without being predetermined.

[0027] When the number of repetitions of the process from STEP 2 to STEP 5 reaches a predetermined number, the controller 10 stops stirring (STEP 7). The controller 10 raises the stirring blade 3, which is stirring the aluminum dross, to the outside of the pot 2 using the elevator 6. The controller 10 then instructs the drive unit 5 to stop the rotation of the stirring blade 3. The aluminum dross processing machine 1 is then set to the operating state shown in Figure 2.

[0028] In the aluminum recovery method shown in Figure 4, the temperature sensor 9 detects the temperature of the aluminum dross between steps (STEP 2) and (STEP 7). The controller 10 acquires the temperature data detected by the temperature sensor 9.

[0029] Although not shown in the figures, the aluminum dross processing machine 1 may be equipped with a heat-generating agent dispenser. The controller 10 may control the heat-generating agent dispenser. In the aluminum dross processing machine 1 equipped with a heat-generating agent dispenser, in step (STEP 2), when the controller 10 determines that the temperature of the aluminum dross is lower than a predetermined stirring temperature, it may have the heat-generating agent dispenser dispense a heat-generating agent mainly composed of Na, F, Cl, etc., into the aluminum dross processing machine 1. In the aluminum dross processing machine 1, the predetermined stirring temperature is stored in the memory 10A of the controller 10.

[0030] In the aluminum recovery method shown in Figure 4, from step (STEP 2) to step (STEP 4), the controller 10 sprays water into the aluminum dross in the pot 2 using the water injection nozzle 8 when it determines that the temperature of the aluminum dross is higher than a predetermined water injection temperature. The controller 10 may also spray water into the aluminum dross using the water injection nozzle 8 after the temperature of the aluminum dross has been raised above the water injection temperature. In the aluminum dross processing machine 1, the predetermined water injection temperature is stored in the memory 10A of the controller 10.

[0031] Although not shown in the diagram, the aluminum dross processing machine 1 may be equipped with a refrigerant injector. The controller 10 may control the operation of the refrigerant injector. In the aluminum dross processing machine 1 equipped with a refrigerant injector, after the above-described step (STEP 7), the controller 10 causes the refrigerant injector to inject refrigerant into the pot 2 (STEP 8). The controller 10 causes the agitator 3 to agitate the aluminum dross remaining in the pot 2 and the refrigerant (STEP 9). The controller 10 measures the temperature of the aluminum dross with a temperature sensor 9. After a predetermined time has elapsed and the temperature of the aluminum dross is below a predetermined cooling temperature, the controller 10 causes the agitator 3 to stop agitating (STEP 10). In the aluminum dross processing machine 1, the predetermined cooling temperature is stored in the memory 10A of the controller 10. The aluminum dross processing machine 1 discharges the mixture of aluminum dross and refrigerant and sends it to the next processing step (STEP 11).

[0032] The aluminum dross processing machine 1 includes a tip 3B that acts as a stopper to open and close the outlet 2B, a camera 7 that photographs the aluminum flowing out of the outlet 2B, and a controller 10 that determines the presence or absence of aluminum from the image data of the camera 7 and opens and closes the outlet 2B on the tip 3B. With this aluminum dross processing machine 1, the controller 10 determines the presence or absence of aluminum from the image data of the camera 7, so the operator does not need to check the condition of the aluminum dross while performing stirring operations on the aluminum dross and aluminum recovery operations. This aluminum dross processing machine 1 can automatically recover aluminum from the aluminum dross.

[0033] In this aluminum recovery method, in step 4-2, the controller 10 may determine the amount of aluminum flowing out and determine that aluminum is present when the amount is greater than or equal to a predetermined amount, and determine that aluminum is absent when the amount is less than the predetermined amount.

[0034] It is preferable that the controller 10 stores identification criteria such as the color and properties of aluminum in memory 10A in order to identify aluminum in the image data from camera 7. This allows the controller 10 to determine the presence or absence of aluminum and the amount of outflow with high accuracy. For example, the controller 10 may store identification criteria such as the color and properties of aluminum based on the image data from camera 7. Furthermore, the controller 10 may store identification criteria in memory 10A that combine the color and properties of aluminum with the temperature of the aluminum dross. By combining the temperature of the aluminum dross, the controller 10 can determine the presence or absence of aluminum and the amount of outflow with even higher accuracy.

[0035] In the aluminum dross processing machine 1, the controller 10 injects water into the aluminum dross via the water injection nozzle 8. Water injected into the high-temperature aluminum dross decomposes into oxygen and hydrogen gas. This gas expands and rises, pushing up the aluminum dross and promoting the separation of impurities with a lower specific gravity from aluminum with a higher specific gravity, causing the aluminum to settle at the bottom 2A of the pot 2. In addition, the stirring by the stirring blades 3 and the expansion of the gas break up the rock-like clumps of aluminum dross, further promoting the separation of impurities from aluminum. By promoting the separation of impurities from aluminum through the injection of water into the aluminum dross, the controller 10 can easily identify aluminum from the image data of the camera 7. Therefore, it is preferable that the aluminum dross processing machine 1 is equipped with a water injection nozzle 8 that injects water into the aluminum dross contained in the pot 2.

[0036] In this aluminum dross processing machine 1, the operator does not need to stir the aluminum dross while checking its condition. The operator does not need to monitor the aluminum dross around the pot 2. The aluminum dross processing machine 1 can safely inject water into the aluminum dross even when a rapid expansion of gas occurs due to water injection.

[0037] This aluminum dross processing machine 1 is equipped with a temperature sensor 9, allowing for the addition of a heating agent and water to temperature-controlled aluminum dross. By adding a heating agent and water to aluminum dross at an appropriate temperature, the separation of aluminum can be promoted. Therefore, it is preferable that this aluminum dross processing machine 1 be equipped with a temperature sensor 9.

[0038] The agitated aluminum dross exhibits significant temperature variations depending on the measurement location. These temperature variations can lead to misjudgments regarding the timing of adding heating agents, spraying water, etc. Furthermore, the combination of the aluminum's color and properties with the aluminum dross temperature reduces the accuracy of the controller 10's determination of the presence and quantity of aluminum. Therefore, it is preferable for the controller 10 of the aluminum dross processing machine 1 to calculate a smoothed value of the time-series changes in temperature data by, for example, using a moving average of the temperature data from the temperature sensor 9. It is preferable for the controller 10 to use this smoothed value for calculations and determinations.

[0039] In aluminum dross, injecting water at high temperatures causes the gas to expand rapidly, resulting in impurities. The separation of materials from aluminum is promoted. In this aluminum dross processing machine 1, the controller 10 injects water into the water injection nozzle 8 when the temperature of the aluminum dross is above the water injection temperature. This allows the controller 10 to promote the separation of impurities from aluminum. Therefore, it is preferable for the controller 10 to inject water into the water injection nozzle 8 when the temperature of the aluminum dross is above the water injection temperature.

[0040] In aluminum dross, the separation of impurities from aluminum is further promoted by injecting water into the interior. In aluminum dross stirred by the stirring blades 3, the inner surface is lower than the radially outer surface due to the action of centrifugal force. Therefore, it is preferable that the water injection nozzle 8 injects water from the center in the radial direction of the rotating shaft 5A. Furthermore, it is preferable that the water injection nozzle 8 injects water at the lowest point on the surface of the aluminum dross.

[0041] [Disclosure items] Each of the following items discloses a preferred embodiment.

[0042] [Item 1] A pot having a spout for discharging aluminum dross and aluminum separated from the aluminum dross, A stopper for opening and closing the aforementioned hot water outlet, A stirring blade for stirring the aluminum dross contained in the pot, A camera for photographing the aluminum flowing out from the aforementioned outlet. and A controller that determines the presence or absence of aluminum flowing out of the hot water outlet from the image data of the aforementioned camera and controls the valve to open and close the hot water outlet. An aluminum dross processing machine equipped with the following features.

[0043] [Item 2] The pot is equipped with a watering nozzle for spraying water onto the aluminum dross contained within it. The aluminum dross treatment machine according to item 1, wherein the controller causes the water to be injected into the water injection nozzle.

[0044] [Item 3] The aluminum dross processing machine according to item 1 or 2, further comprising a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the aluminum dross contained in the pot.

[0045] [Item 4] The pot is equipped with a watering nozzle for spraying water onto the aluminum dross contained within it. The aluminum dross treatment machine according to item 3, wherein the controller injects water into the water injection nozzle when the temperature of the aluminum dross is equal to or higher than a predetermined water injection temperature. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0046] 1. Aluminum dross processing machine 2 pots 2B... Hot water outlet 3. Stirring blades 3B...Tip (plug) 7. Camera 8. Water injection nozzle 9. Temperature sensor 10. Controller

Claims

1. A pot having a spout for discharging aluminum dross and aluminum separated from the aluminum dross, A stopper for opening and closing the aforementioned hot water outlet, A stirring blade for stirring the aluminum dross contained in the pot, A camera for photographing the aluminum flowing out from the aforementioned outlet. and A controller that determines the presence or absence of aluminum flowing out of the hot water outlet from the image data of the aforementioned camera and controls the valve to open and close the hot water outlet. An aluminum dross processing machine equipped with the following features.

2. The pot is equipped with a watering nozzle for spraying water onto the aluminum dross contained within it. The aluminum dross treatment machine according to claim 1, wherein the controller causes the water to be injected into the water injection nozzle.

3. The aluminum dross processing machine according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the aluminum dross contained in the pot.

4. The pot is equipped with a watering nozzle for spraying water onto the aluminum dross contained within it. The aluminum dross treatment machine according to claim 3, wherein the controller injects water into the water injection nozzle when the temperature of the aluminum dross is equal to or higher than a predetermined water injection temperature.

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