VMP-1750 Plasma-Assisted Melting Furnace for Metal Recovery from Oxide Slags
The VMP-1750 is engineered to address the challenge of extracting valuable metals from oxide slags by integrating advanced plasma and induction heating technologies within a high vacuum environment. This system enables precise melting of slags and efficient separation of noble metals through electrolysis, enhancing recovery yields in metallurgical and recycling applications.
The furnace operates by melting oxide slags contained in a graphite crucible using a 15 kW induction heater. Simultaneously, a water-cooled copper anode electrode generates a high-temperature reverse-polarity transferred arc plasma that facilitates electrolysis, separating noble metals from the slag matrix. The entire process occurs inside a stainless steel vacuum chamber equipped with observation and pumping ports to maintain optimal vacuum conditions.
Key Features
- Stainless steel vacuum chamber (Ø315 mm × 315 mm H) with water cooling for extended melting duration up to 3 hours.
- Dual graphite crucibles included: small (Ø47 × 35 mm ID, ~70 ml) and large (Ø75 × 60 mm ID, ~250 ml) for varying sample sizes.
- 15 kW induction heater with dual coils and automatic PID temperature control; optional IR sensor for temperatures above 1800 °C.
- Reverse-polarity transferred arc plasma generated by a 7.3 kW arc generator with HF start for contactless arcing.
- Vacuum system includes a 156 L/min rotary vane pump achieving 10e-2 torr and capacitance diaphragm gauge for precise pressure monitoring.
- Integrated water chiller with 58 L/min flow rate and stainless steel tank to maintain stable cooling during operation.
- Multiple ports for gas inlet/outlet, observation, and pump connections, plus safety pressure relief valve at 3 psig.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Vacuum Chamber | Stainless steel, Ø315 mm ID × 315 mm height, water-cooled, quartz observation window Ø120 mm |
| Induction Heater | 15 kW, 30-80 kHz, dual station, PID temperature control, 208-240 V AC, 3-phase, 50 A input |
| Induction Coils | Coil 1: Ø72 OD × Ø62 ID × 80 mm H; Coil 2: Ø102 OD × Ø92 ID × 100 mm H |
| Graphite Crucibles | Two included; small: Ø47 OD × Ø35 ID × 88 mm H (~70 ml), large: Ø75 OD × Ø60 ID × 105 mm H (~250 ml) |
| Arc Generator | 7.3 kW, 208-240 V AC, 1-phase, DC output 315 A/22.6 V @ 60% duty, 244 A/20.0 V continuous, HF start included |
| Vacuum Pump | 156 L/min rotary vane pump achieving 10e-2 torr; capacitance diaphragm gauge included |
| Water Chiller | Recirculating, 58 L/min flow, 5-30 °C temperature range, 70 L stainless steel tank, 220 V AC, 3-phase |
| Safety & Compliance | Pressure relief valve @ 3 psig; NRTL certification available optionally |
| Power Requirements | 220 V AC ±10%, three-phase, total 30 kW |
Typical Applications
Ideal for metallurgical research and industrial processes focused on recovering precious and noble metals from oxide slags. Suitable for laboratories requiring controlled vacuum melting combined with plasma electrolysis to enhance metal separation efficiency.
Configuration & Operating Notes
The system includes two graphite crucibles and one water-cooled copper cathode electrode integrated at the crucible base. The water-cooled copper anode electrode is inserted into the vacuum chamber for plasma generation. Optional accessories include an IR temperature sensor for high-temperature monitoring and a turbopump for enhanced vacuum levels. Proper safety measures should be observed when operating under high vacuum and plasma conditions, including use of the pressure relief valve and ensuring adequate cooling.
