Charles L Kusik

49699342, Nov 13, 1990

Aug 4, 1989

7/389471

Charles L. Kusik - Lincoln MA
Bo X. He - Newton MA

The United States of America as represented by the United States
Department of Energy - Washington DC

B01D 3700

55 1

Methods are disclosed for the removal of particulate solids from a gas stream at high separation efficiency, including the removal of submicron size particles. The apparatus includes a cyclone separator type of device which contains an axially mounted perforated cylindrical hollow rotor. The rotor is rotated at high velocity in the same direction as the flow of an input particle-laden gas stream to thereby cause enhanced separation of particulate matter from the gas stream in the cylindrical annular space between the rotor and the sidewall of the cyclone vessel. Substantially particle-free gas passes through the perforated surface of the spinning rotor and into the hollow rotor, from when it is discharged out of the top of the apparatus. Separated particulates are removed from the bottom of the vessel.

50152882, May 14, 1991

Nov 29, 1989

7/443716

Charles L. Kusik - Lincoln MA
Edward Interess - Winchester MA

Gas Research Institute - Chicago IL

C22B 2106
F27B 304

75686

A method and apparatus are provided for combusting a gaseous fuel in molten salt to generate a heated recirculating salt bath for melting aluminum. Combustion products are prevented from directly contacting aluminum. Gaseous fuel is introduced into a chamber containing the molten salt bath through a lance beneath its surface. The combusting gas heats the salt bath and causes an upward flow. At the top of the chamber, combustion products separate from the molten salt, which then flows downward into a second chamber. In one embodiment of the invention, aluminum is introduced into the downward-flowing salt bath of the second chamber. Molten aluminum settles in the less-dense downward-flowing salt bath, which recirculates from the second chamber to the first chamber for reheating. A second embodiment utilizes an additional chamber in which the heated molten salt is flowed upward to enable counter-current contact of heated molten salt with aluminum. The aluminum melts and settles downward against the upward-flowing molten salt within the additional chamber, and the molten salt recirculates through a fourth chamber to the bottom of the first chamber for reheating.