Aluminum dross processing machine

Abstract

To provide an aluminum dross processing machine that automates the recovery of aluminum from aluminum dross. [Solution] The aluminum dross treatment machine 1 comprises a pot 2 that contains aluminum dross and has a tap 2B through which aluminum separated from the aluminum dross flows out, a plug 3B that opens and closes the tap 2B, a stirring blade 3 that stirs the aluminum dross contained in the pot 2, a camera 7 that photographs the aluminum flowing out from the tap 2B, and a controller 10 that determines the presence or absence of aluminum flowing out from the tap 2B from image data from the camera 7 and causes the plug 3B to open and close the tap 2B. Preferably, the aluminum dross treatment machine 1 comprises a water injection nozzle 8 that sprays water onto the aluminum dross contained in the pot 2, and the controller 10 causes the water injection nozzle 8 to spray water.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present specification discloses an aluminum dross processing machine. [Background technology]

[0002] Japanese Patent Application 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 contained in a pot, and separates and recovers aluminum from the aluminum dross by allowing it to settle. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-206937 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Such an aluminum dross processing machine is operated by an operator while checking the state of the aluminum dross in the pot. Specifically, the operator stirs the aluminum dross while checking the state of the aluminum dross, and recovers the aluminum that has separated and settled from the aluminum dross. This aluminum dross processing machine requires manual operation by the operator. Furthermore, since the operator operates the machine while checking the state of the aluminum dross, the operator must be highly skilled.

[0005] The present applicant intends 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 containing aluminum dross and having a tapping port through which aluminum separated from the aluminum dross flows out; a plug for opening and closing the tap; a stirring blade for stirring the aluminum dross contained in the pot; a camera for photographing the aluminum flowing out of the tapping hole; and a controller that determines whether or not the aluminum flows out of the tap hole from the image data of the camera and controls the plug to open and close the tap hole; 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 drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view showing an aluminum dross treating machine according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the aluminum dross processing machine of FIG. 1 in use. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a front view showing another use state of the aluminum dross treating machine of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a method for recovering aluminum using the aluminum dross processing machine of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate.

[0010] Figure 1 shows an aluminum dross processing machine 1. In an aluminum melting furnace or the like, aluminum dross, an impurity, is generated during melting. 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 treating machine 1 includes a pot 2 for storing aluminum dross, a stirring blade 3 for stirring the aluminum dross stored in the pot 2, and a kettle 4 located below the pot 2. The aluminum dross treating machine 1 further includes a driver 5 for rotating the stirring blade 3, and an elevator 6 for raising and lowering the stirring blade 3 together with the driver 5.

[0012] The pot 2 of the aluminum dross treatment machine 1 is a container that is open upward and has a bottom. The pot 2 has a tapping port 2B at its bottom 2A. The kettle 4 is located below the pot 2 with a space between them. The kettle 4 is located below the tapping port 2B of the pot 2. The kettle 4 has an opening 4A that faces the tapping port 2B.

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

[0014] The aluminum dross processing machine 1 is equipped with a controller 10 that controls each device, including a driving machine 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] The controller 10 has a memory 10A, a calculation unit 10B, and an input / output unit 10C. The memory 10A stores control programs and various data for each device. The calculation unit 10B can control the drive unit 5, the elevator 6, and the water injection nozzle 8 via the input / output unit 10C. The calculation 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 calculation unit 10B can perform various calculations and judgments based on the control program, the image data from the camera 7, and the temperature data from the temperature sensor 9. The controller 10 is only required to be configured to perform the disclosed functions, and may be, in whole or in part, a relay circuit that performs sequence control, a programmable logic controller, or the like. The controller 10 may also be, in whole or in part, a personal computer.

[0016] FIG. 2 shows the aluminum dross processing machine 1 in use. In FIG. 2, the agitating blade 3 is located outside the pot 2. The agitating blade 3 and the driver 5 are located above the pot 2. The elevator 6 has a hydraulic cylinder 6A and a hydraulic circuit that supplies and discharges hydraulic oil to the hydraulic cylinder 6A. In FIG. 2, hydraulic oil is supplied to the hydraulic cylinder 6A, and the hydraulic cylinder 6A is extended vertically compared to the state in FIG. 1. The elevator 6 supports the agitating blade 3 and the driver 5 from above. Note that the elevator 6 is not limited to one equipped with a hydraulic cylinder 6A as long as it can support the agitating blade 3 so that it can move up and down.

[0017] As shown in Figure 2, the stirring blade 3 has a blade 3A that rotates attached to the rotary shaft 5A of the driver 5, and a tip 3B that is on the axis of the rotary shaft 5A. In the use state of Figure 2, the tip 3B is positioned away from the tap outlet 2B of the pot 2, and the tap outlet 2B of the pot 2 is open. On the other hand, in the use state of Figure 1, the tip 3B of the stirring blade 3 is positioned at the tap outlet 2B of the pot 2, and the tap outlet 2B is closed by the tip 3B.

[0018] In this aluminum dross processing machine 1, the tip 3B of the stirring blade 3 is a stopper for opening and closing the tapping port 2B. The plug provided in the aluminum dross treating machine 1 is not limited to the tip 3B, as long as it can open and close the tapping outlet 2B. For example, the plug may be provided separately from the stirring blade 3 and attached to a separate driver. The separate driver may then be controlled by the controller 10 to open and close the tapping outlet 2B.

[0019] Figure 3 shows another usage state of the aluminum dross processing machine 1. In the usage state of Figure 3, the agitator blade 3 is located inside the pot 2. In the usage state of Figure 3, the agitator blade 3 is located higher above the pot 2 than in the usage state of Figure 1, and lower than in the usage state of Figure 2. In Figure 3, hydraulic oil is supplied to the hydraulic cylinder 6A, and the elevator 6 supports the agitator blade 3 and driver 5 in the position shown in Figure 3. In the usage state of Figure 3, the tip 3B of the agitator blade 3 is located away from the tapping port 2B of the pot 2, and the tapping port 2B of the pot 2 is open.

[0020] Figure 4 shows a flowchart of a method for recovering aluminum using the aluminum dross treating machine 1. Although not shown, the aluminum dross treating machine 1 is equipped with, for example, a start switch. When the start switch is operated, the aluminum dross treating machine 1 performs the aluminum recovery method. The method for recovering aluminum from aluminum dross will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 4.

[0021] In the operating state of Figure 1, aluminum dross is placed in the pot 2 of the aluminum dross treatment machine 1 (STEP 1). The controller 10 drives the driver 5 to cause the agitator blade 3 to agitate the aluminum dross (STEP 2). The aluminum dross treatment machine 1 agitates the aluminum dross in the pot 2 by rotating and flowing it with the agitator blade 3. The aluminum separated from the aluminum dross by the agitation of the agitator blade 3 settles in the pot 2.

[0022] The controller 10 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of stirring (STEP 3). If the predetermined time has not elapsed, the controller 10 continues to cause the stirring blade 3 to stir the aluminum dross.

[0023] When a predetermined time has elapsed, the controller 10 starts recovering the aluminum (STEP 4). The controller 10 causes the elevator 6 to raise the stirring blade 3 that is stirring the aluminum dross. The aluminum dross treatment machine 1 is set to the use state shown in Figure 3. The tip 3B moves away from the tapping outlet 2B of the pot 2, and the tapping outlet 2B opens. The aluminum that has settled in the pot 2 flows out from the tapping outlet 2B. The aluminum dross treatment machine 1 recovers the aluminum separated from the aluminum dross in the kettle 4.

[0024] In step (STEP 4), controller 10 causes camera 7 to capture an image of the outflow from tapping outlet 2B between tapping outlet 2B and opening 4A of kettle 4 (STEP 4-1). Controller 10 acquires image data from camera 7. Controller 10 determines the presence or absence of aluminum from the image data (STEP 4-2). When controller 10 determines that there is outflowing aluminum, it repeatedly executes steps (STEP 4-1) and (STEP 4-2).

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

[0026] After this step (STEP 5), the controller 10 continues to cause the agitating blade 3 to agitate the aluminum dross (STEP 2). The controller 10 repeatedly executes the above-mentioned steps (STEP 2) to (STEP 5). The controller 10 determines whether the repetition of the steps (STEP 2) to (STEP 5) has reached a predetermined number of times (STEP 6). If the number of repetitions has not reached the predetermined number of times, the controller 10 executes the steps (STEP 2) to (STEP 5). P5) is repeatedly executed. Here, the number of repetitions is set in advance and stored in the controller 10. There is no particular limitation on the number of repetitions. Note that the number of repetitions may not be set in advance and may be determined each time by the controller 10 from the image data.

[0027] When the number of repetitions of steps (STEP 2) to (STEP 5) reaches a predetermined number, the controller 10 stops the stirring (STEP 7). The controller 10 causes the elevator 6 to raise the stirring blade 3, which is stirring the aluminum dross, to the outside of the pot 2. The controller 10 causes the driver 5 to stop the rotation of the stirring blade 3. The aluminum dross treating machine 1 is set to the use state shown in FIG. 2.

[0028] In the aluminum recovery method of Fig. 4, the temperature sensor 9 detects the temperature of the aluminum dross from step (STEP 2) to step (STEP 7). The controller 10 acquires the temperature data detected by the temperature sensor 9.

[0029] Although not shown, the aluminum dross treating machine 1 may be equipped with a heat generating agent supplying device. The controller 10 may control the heat generating agent supplying device. In the aluminum dross treating machine 1 equipped with a heat generating agent supplying device, in step (STEP 2), the controller 10 may cause the heat generating agent supplying device to supply a heat generating agent containing Na, F, Cl, etc. as a main component to the aluminum dross when it determines that the temperature of the aluminum dross is lower than a predetermined stirring temperature. In the aluminum dross treating machine 1, the predetermined stirring temperature is stored in the memory 10A of the controller 10.

[0030] In the aluminum recovery method of Figure 4, in steps (STEP 2) to (STEP 4), when the controller 10 determines that the temperature of the aluminum dross is higher than a predetermined water-injection temperature, the controller 10 injects water onto the aluminum dross in the pot 2 using the water-injection nozzle 8. When the controller 10 determines that the temperature of the aluminum dross is lower than the water-injection temperature, the controller 10 may inject a heat generating agent using the heat generating agent injector to raise the temperature of the aluminum dross to the water-injection temperature. After raising the temperature of the aluminum dross above the water-injection temperature, the controller 10 may inject water onto the aluminum dross using the water-injection nozzle 8. In the aluminum dross treatment machine 1, the predetermined water-injection temperature is stored in the memory 10A of the controller 10.

[0031] Although not shown, the aluminum dross treating machine 1 may also include a refrigerant charger. The controller 10 may control the operation of the refrigerant charger. In an aluminum dross treating machine 1 that includes a refrigerant charger, after the aforementioned step (STEP 7), the controller 10 causes the refrigerant charger to charge the refrigerant into the pot 2 (STEP 8). The controller 10 then causes the agitator blade 3 to agitate the aluminum dross and refrigerant remaining in the pot 2 (STEP 9). The controller 10 measures the temperature of the aluminum dross with the temperature sensor 9. After the temperature of the aluminum dross remains below a predetermined cooling temperature for a predetermined time, the controller 10 causes the agitator blade 3 to stop agitation (STEP 10). Note that the predetermined cooling temperature is stored in the memory 10A of the controller 10 in the aluminum dross treating machine 1. The aluminum dross treating machine 1 then discharges the mixture of aluminum dross and refrigerant and sends it to the next treatment step (STEP 11).

[0032] The aluminum dross treatment machine 1 is equipped with a tip 3B that serves as a stopper for opening and closing the tapping port 2B, a camera 7 that photographs the aluminum flowing out of the tapping port 2B, and a controller 10 that determines the presence or absence of aluminum from image data from the camera 7 and causes the tip 3B to open and close the tapping port 2B. In this aluminum dross treatment machine 1, the controller 10 determines the presence or absence of aluminum from image data from the camera 7, so that the operator does not need to perform the aluminum dross stirring operation and aluminum recovery operation while checking the state of the aluminum dross. This aluminum dross treatment machine 1 can automatically recover aluminum from the aluminum dross.

[0033] In this aluminum recovery method, in step (STEP 4-2), the controller 10 may determine the amount of aluminum that has flowed out, and determine that aluminum is present when the amount is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, and determine that aluminum is not present when the amount is less than the predetermined amount.

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

[0035] In the aluminum dross treatment machine 1, the controller 10 controls the water injection nozzle 8 to inject water onto the aluminum dross. When water is injected into the high-temperature aluminum dross, it decomposes into oxygen and hydrogen, forming gas. This gas expands and rises, pushing up the aluminum dross, promoting the separation of impurities, which have a low specific gravity, from aluminum, which has a high specific gravity, causing the aluminum to settle to the bottom 2A of the pot 2. Furthermore, the agitation of the agitator blades 3 and the expansion of the gas break down rock-like lumps of aluminum dross, promoting the separation of impurities and aluminum. Furthermore, injecting water into the aluminum dross promotes the separation of impurities and aluminum, making it easier for the controller 10 to identify aluminum from image data captured by the camera 7. Therefore, the aluminum dross treatment machine 1 preferably includes a water injection nozzle 8 that injects water onto the aluminum dross contained in the pot 2.

[0036] With this aluminum dross treatment machine 1, workers do not need to stir the aluminum dross while checking the state of the aluminum dross. Workers do not need to monitor the aluminum dross around the pot 2. The aluminum dross treatment machine 1 can safely inject water into the aluminum dross even in cases where a sudden expansion of gas occurs due to water injection.

[0037] This aluminum dross treatment machine 1 is equipped with a temperature sensor 9, so it is possible to add a heat generating agent or spray water onto the temperature-controlled aluminum dross. Adding a heat generating agent or spraying water onto aluminum dross at an appropriate temperature can promote the separation of aluminum. Therefore, it is preferable that this aluminum dross treatment machine 1 be equipped with a temperature sensor 9.

[0038] The temperature of stirred aluminum dross varies greatly depending on the measurement location. This temperature variation can lead to misjudgment of the timing of adding heat generating agents, spraying water, etc. Furthermore, it reduces the accuracy of the judgment when the controller 10 determines the presence or amount of aluminum based on a combination of the color and properties of the aluminum and the temperature of the aluminum dross. Therefore, it is preferable that the controller 10 of the aluminum dross processing machine 1 calculates a calculated value that smooths the time-series changes in the temperature data by, for example, taking a moving average of the temperature data from the temperature sensor 9. It is preferable that the controller 10 uses this smoothed calculated value for calculation and judgment.

[0039] In aluminum dross, water is injected at high temperatures, causing the rapid expansion of gas, which causes impurities to be removed. In this aluminum dross treatment machine 1, the controller 10 causes the water injection nozzle 8 to inject water when the temperature of the aluminum dross is equal to or higher than the water injection temperature. This allows the controller 10 to promote separation of the impurities and the aluminum. Therefore, it is preferable that the controller 10 causes the water injection nozzle 8 to inject water when the temperature of the aluminum dross is equal to or higher than the water injection temperature.

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

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

[0042] [Item 1] a pot containing aluminum dross and having a tapping port through which aluminum separated from the aluminum dross flows out; a plug for opening and closing the tap; a stirring blade for stirring the aluminum dross contained in the pot; a camera for photographing the aluminum flowing out of the tapping hole; and a controller that determines whether or not the aluminum flows out of the tap hole from the image data of the camera and controls the plug to open and close the tap hole; An aluminum dross processing machine comprising:

[0043] [Item 2] a water injection nozzle for injecting water onto the aluminum dross contained in the pot; Item 2. The aluminum dross processing machine according to item 1, wherein the controller causes the water injection nozzle to inject the water.

[0044] [Item 3] 3. The aluminum dross treating 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] a water injection nozzle for injecting water onto the aluminum dross contained in the pot; 4. The aluminum dross treating machine according to item 3, wherein the controller causes the water injection nozzle to inject the water 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. Pot 2B... Tap hole 3. Mixing blade 3B...Tip (plug) 7. Camera 8. Water injection nozzle 9. Temperature sensor 10. Controller

Claims

[Claim 1] a pot containing aluminum dross and having a tapping port through which aluminum separated from the aluminum dross flows out; a plug for opening and closing the tap; a stirring blade for stirring the aluminum dross contained in the pot; a camera for photographing the aluminum flowing out of the tapping hole; a controller that determines whether or not the aluminum flows out of the tap hole from the image data of the camera and controls the plug to open and close the tap hole; a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the aluminum dross contained in the pot; and a water injection nozzle for injecting water onto the aluminum dross contained in the pot; Equipped with The aluminum dross treating machine, wherein the controller causes the water injection nozzle to inject the water when the temperature of the aluminum dross is equal to or higher than a predetermined water injection temperature.

Images