A Method and Means for Developing Flow in the Reaction Zone Between Two Fluids of Different Specific Gravity, in a Container

1,199,169. Circulation mixers; liquid reactions. J. E. OSTBERG. 6 Oct., 1967 [11 Oct., 1966], No. 45856/67. Headings B1C and B1F. Two fluids of different densities, one overlying the other (e.g. molten metal and slag) are contacted by being caused to circulate in a container in such a way that their motions at the interface are substantially in the same direction. As shown metal is circulated up a rotating ceramic tube 5 and out of orifices 7, inducing an outward movement in the slag 3 at the interface. The slag is returned to the centre of the container by a centripetal pump 9 having curved blades (13, Fig. 2 not shown). The blades may be shrouded by discs 11, 12 the latter of which has an annular orifice 14. The drive shaft 8 carrying the pump 9 and tube 5 is vertically adjustable. In another embodiment (Fig. 3, not shown) the metal is ejected from upwardly angled rotating tubular arms (17) so that a depression is formed in the liquid surface. The pump 9 is dispensed with and eddying in the slag is prevented by a depending baffle (18).