Plasma Assisted Melting Furnace for Metal Recovery from Oxide Slag and High Temperature Electrolysis

Product Overview

This industrial-grade thermal processing system is a specialized solution engineered for the high-efficiency recovery of valuable metals from complex oxide slags. By integrating a unique hybrid heating architecture, the equipment allows researchers and industrial engineers to perform advanced metallurgical separation in a controlled, high-vacuum environment. The system addresses the growing global demand for secondary metal recovery and slag valorization, providing a robust platform for converting industrial by-products into high-purity metal assets through sophisticated thermal and electrolytic mechanisms.

At the core of this system is the synergy between induction heating and reverse-polarity transferred arc plasma technology. While the induction component rapidly melts the base slag materials within a high-integrity graphite crucible, the water-cooled anode electrode generates a localized, high-temperature plasma. This dual-action approach facilitates the precise separation of noble metals from oxide matrices via electrolysis, ensuring maximum yield and purity. This equipment is designed for the most demanding R&D environments, offering the stability required for prolonged melting cycles and high-temperature material science experimentation.

Designed with an emphasis on reliability and operational consistency, the unit provides a versatile environment for complex chemical reactions. It is particularly effective for mineral processing, electronic waste recycling, and the refinement of specialty alloys. The robust construction of the vacuum chamber and the high-precision control of the power delivery systems ensure that users can achieve repeatable results even when working with heterogeneous feedstock and extreme temperature profiles.

Key Features

• Hybrid Thermal Architecture: This system combines a 15KW induction heater for bulk melting with a 7.3KW arc generator for localized plasma generation, providing unparalleled control over the thermal environment.
• High-Vacuum Processing: The stainless steel chamber is engineered for high vacuum integrity, supporting a rotary vane pump system that achieves 10e-2 torr to prevent oxidation during sensitive recovery processes.
• Reverse-Polarity Electrolysis: Equipped with a water-cooled copper anode and a graphite cathode, the furnace facilitates efficient electrolytic separation of noble metals from oxide slags at elevated temperatures.
• Dual-Station Induction Control: The benchtop induction unit features a dual-station configuration with automatic PID control, ensuring stable power delivery and precise temperature ramp rates for consistent processing.
• Heavy-Duty Vacuum Chamber: Constructed from double-walled, water-cooled stainless steel, the chamber is built to withstand continuous high-temperature operations for cycles up to three hours without structural fatigue.
• Advanced Arcing Capabilities: The integrated High-Frequency (HF) function allows for easy, non-contact arc ignition, reducing the risk of slag contamination and improving the speed of start-up procedures.
• Large Working Volumes: The system includes multiple graphite crucibles with capacities up to 1200g of iron alloy, providing flexibility for both small-scale research and pilot-scale industrial testing.
• Precise Monitoring and Safety: Featuring a 120mm quartz observation window and a built-in pressure safety relief valve, the unit allows for safe real-time visual monitoring of the melting process.
• Comprehensive Cooling System: A high-capacity, 58 L/min recirculating water chiller is integrated to manage the thermal load of the electrodes, chamber, and induction coils, extending the service life of all critical components.
• Expandable Diagnostic Ports: The chamber design includes multiple ISO-K and KF ports, allowing for the easy addition of turbopumps or advanced IR temperature sensors for processes exceeding 1800°C.

Applications

Technical Specifications

Why Choose TU-RL16

• Superior Engineering Synergy: This system is not merely a furnace but a precision instrument that bridges the gap between induction melting and plasma electrolysis, offering a unique capability for the metallurgical research community.
• Robust Build Quality: Utilizing water-cooled stainless steel and high-grade copper electrodes, the furnace is designed for the high-duty cycles required in industrial recovery experiments without compromising vacuum integrity.
• Process Versatility: The inclusion of multiple crucible sizes, dual induction coils, and the ability to operate under vacuum or controlled atmospheres makes it the most flexible unit in its class for metal recovery from oxide slags.
• Industrial Grade Components: From the anti-corrosive capacitance diaphragm gauges to the high-flow recirculating chiller, every sub-component is selected for long-term operational consistency and low maintenance overhead.
• Precision Control for R&D: The combination of PID temperature control and HF arc ignition provides the granular control necessary to isolate specific metallurgical reactions and optimize recovery rates.

For procurement inquiries or to discuss a customized thermal solution tailored to your specific metal recovery process, please contact our engineering team for a comprehensive quote and technical consultation.