FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970 (39 of 1970) & THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION (See section 10, rule 13) 1. Title of the invention: DEGASSING MACHINE
2. Applicant(s)
NAME NATIONALITY ADDRESS
PYROTEK INDIA PVT. Indian Gat No. 1228 & 1229, Pune- Nagar
LTD. Road, Sanaswadi, Tal. - Shirur, Dist. -
Pune, Maharashtra 412 208, India

FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] The present subject matter generally relates to a degassing
machine, and particularly to the positioning of a flux discharge unit in a degassing machine.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Process of degassing is used in a variety of industrial
applications for removal of gases present in a liquid substance, such as a molten metal. A degassing machine, which is employed for performing the process of degassing, includes a hopper which is to store and provide a flux to an operating site, such as a degassing vessel. The flux plays a vital role in the process of degassing, as it is responsible for the separation of the molten metal from slag and thus avoids the reaction of the molten metal and improving the cleanliness of the molten metal.
BRIEF DESCRIPTIONOF DRAWINGS
[0003] The following detailed description references the drawings,
wherein:
[0004] FIG. 1 illustrates a partial perspective view of a degassing
machine, in accordance with an example implementation of the present
subject matter;
[0005] FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of a flux discharge unit and a
stand, in accordance with an example implementation of the present subject
matter;
[0006] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a flux discharge unit, in
accordance with an example implementation of the present subject matter;
[0007] FIG. 4A illustrates a schematic diagram of the degassing
machine, in accordance with an example implementation of the present
subject matter; and

[0008] FIG. 4B illustrates a schematic diagram of the degassing
machine, in accordance with another example implementation of the present subject matter.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0009] In general, a degassing machine includes a column, a flux
hopper, a base, a cantilever arm, a degassing rotor, and a degassing
vessel. Conventionally, the flux hopper is mounted on the movable
cantilever arm. The positioning of the hopper on the movable cantilever arm
of the degassing machine results in an increase in the weight of the
cantilever arm. The positioning of the hopper on the cantilever arm also
results, during operation of the degassing machine, in the generation of
vibration in the degassing machine, which, in turn, reduces the operational
stability and the performance efficiency of the degassing machine.
[0010] Another problem being associated with the conventional
placement of the hopper on the cantilever arm, is related to the difficulty in the refilling of the flux. As a result of placement of the hopper on the cantilever arm, the height of the hopper from a ground level is changed with respect to the change in the height of the cantilever arm. During operation of the degassing machine, the movement of the cantilever arm to the uppermost height limit of the movable cantilever arm results in the undesired increase in the height of the hopper. This undesired increasing of the height of the hopper introduces a challenge to an operator of the degassing machine related to the refilling of the flux in the hopper and causes inconvenience to the operator while refilling the flux hopper. Further, the increased height introduces a requirement for a structure for allowing the operator for climbing up for performing operations, such as re-filling of the flux into the hopper. The examples of the structure include a height adjustable working platform, a step platform, and a ladder. The use of the structure for filling up of the flux increases the operational cost of the degassing machine.

[0011] Furthermore, Due to the inconvenient increase in the height of
the hopper, the operator may tend to bypass the recommended filling of flux through the inlet of the hopper, and manually provide flux to the operating site including the molten metal. The manual filling of the flux to the operating site requires the operator to be in close vicinity of the operating site containing a molten metal, which increases the risks related to the operator safety involved in the degassing process.
[0012] Therefore, there is a requirement of a degassing machine
which can ensure convenient refilling of the flux into the hopper, and which furthermore, reduces generation of vibration resulting from the weight of the hopper on the cantilever arm.
[0013] The present subject matter describes a degassing machine
with a relatively reduced vibration during operation and facilitating convenient refilling of the flux.
[0014] In an example implementation of the present subject matter,
the degassing machine includes a degassing vessel, a base, a column vertically disposed at the base of the degassing machine, and a flux discharge unit. The flux discharge unit is capable of storing a flux and discharging the stored flux to the degassing vessel. The flux discharge unit is disposed at a predetermined height from the base of the degassing machine. In one example, the flux discharge unit is a hopper. The flux discharge unit includes an inlet, a storage chamber, and an outlet. The inlet is formed at a top end of the flux discharge unit for filling of the flux into the flux discharge unit. The storage chamber is for storing the flux. The outlet is formed at a bottom end of the flux discharge unit. The outlet is capable for discharging the stored flux from the flux discharge unit to the degassing vessel.
[0015] In one example, the flux discharge unit is disposed at the
column of the degassing machine at the predetermined height from the base of the degassing machine. The predetermined height is a height, which can be easily accessed by an operator of the degassing machine for filling of the

flux into the flux discharge unit. The flux discharge unit is disposed between a top end of the column of the degassing machine and the base of the degassing machine.
[0016] The disposing of the flux discharge unit on the column allows
for the reduction the weight on the cantilever arm and also prevents the generation of vibration during the operation of the degassing machine, and thus improves the operational stability and the performance efficiency of the degassing machine.
[0017] The disposing of the flux discharge unit on the column of the
degassing machine also prevents a change in the height of the flux discharge unit from the base in conjunction with the change in the height of the cantilever arm during operation of the degassing machine, which makes the height of the flux discharge unit independent of the operational states of the degassing machine. The height, independent of the operational state of the flux discharge unit, allows the operator to conveniently access the inlet for re-filling of the flux discharge unit in a non-operational state as well as in an operational state of the degassing machine.
[0018] The disposing of the flux discharge unit on the column further
eliminates the requirement of a structure for allowing the operator to climb up to an increased level of the flux discharge unit during operational state of the degassing machine for flux re-filling, which reduces the operational cost of the degassing machine.
[0019] In another example, the degassing machine includes a stand,
on which the flux discharge unit is placed, the stand being disposed on the base of the degassing machine. The inlet of the flux discharge unit is at a predetermined height from a surface on which an operator of the degassing machine stands. The predetermined height is a height, which can be easily accessed by an operator of the degassing machine for filling of the flux into the flux discharge unit. The surface may be at a ground level or at a degassing machine base level.

[0020] The placement of the flux discharge unit on the stand reduces
the weight on the cantilever arm and prevents the generation of vibration
during the operation of the degassing machine, and thus improves the
operational stability and performance efficiency of the degassing machine.
[0021] The placement of the flux discharge unit on the stand of the
degassing machine also prevents a change in the height of the flux discharge unit from the base in conjunction with the change in the height of the cantilever arm during operation of the degassing machine, which makes the height of the flux discharge unit independent of the operational states of the degassing machine. The height, independent of the operational state of the flux discharge unit, allows the operator to conveniently access the inlet for re-filling of the flux discharge unit in a non-operational state as well as in an operational state of the degassing machine.
[0022] The placement of the flux discharge unit on the stand further
eliminates the requirement of a structure for allowing the operator to climb up to an increased level of the flux discharge unit during operational state of the degassing machine for flux re-filling, which reduces the operational cost of the degassing machine.
[0023] These and other advantages of the present subject matter
would be described in a greater detail in conjunction with FIGS. 1 to 4B in the following description. It should be noted that the description merely illustrates the principles of the present subject matter. It will thus be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise various arrangements that, although not explicitly described herein, embody the principles of the present subject matter and are included within its scope. Furthermore, all examples recited herein are intended only to aid the reader in understanding the principles of the present subject matter. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects and implementations of the present subject matter, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.

[0024] FIG. 1 illustrates a partial perspective view of a degassing
machine 100, in accordance with an example implementation of the present subject matter. The degassing machine 100 has a base 110, a column 112, a cantilever arm (not shown in FIG. 1), a degassing rotor unit (not shown in FIG. 1), a degassing vessel (not shown in FIG. 1), and a flux discharge unit 102.
[0025] In an example, the base 110 is placed on the ground, and can
be fixed to the ground by means of one of the various techniques, including
but not limited to fastening, bolting, and riveting. In another example, the
base 110 is placed on a movable structure including a set of wheels. The
movable structure can be a trolley. The attachment of the base 110 on the
movable structure allows mobility of the degassing machine 100.
[0026] The column 112 is vertically attached to the base 110 by
means of one of the various techniques, which include but are not limited to fastening, bolting, riveting, and welding.
[0027] The flux discharge unit 102 is provided for storing a flux and
discharging the stored flux to the degassing vessel. The flux discharge unit 102 is disposed at a predetermined height from the base 110 of the degassing machine 100. The flux discharge unit 102 has an inlet (not shown in FIG. 1), a storage chamber 102a, and an outlet 102b. The inlet is positioned at a top end of the flux discharge unit 102 for filling of the flux into the flux discharge unit 102. The storage chamber 102a is for storing the flux. In an example, the storage chamber 102a has a first section including walls parallel to a longitudinal axis of the flux discharge unit 102, and a second section including walls which are tapered towards the longitudinal axis of the flux discharge unit 102. In an example, the first section of the storage chamber 102a is formed in a shape of a cuboid with hollow top and bottom. In another example, the first section of the storage chamber 102a is formed in a shape of a cylinder with hollow top and bottom portions.

[0028] The outlet 102b is positioned at a bottom end of the flux
discharge unit 102 for discharging the stored flux from the flux discharge unit 102.
[0029] In an example, the degassing machine 100 comprises a stand
104 for placing the flux discharge unit 102. In an example implementation, the stand 104 is disposed at the base 110. The degassing machine 100 further includes a discharge line (not shown) connected to the outlet 102b of the flux discharge unit 102. The discharge line is for transferring the flux from the flux discharge unit 102 to the degassing vessel of the degassing machine 100. The discharge line is connected to the outlet 102b of the flux discharge unit 102 through one of threaded fitting and bolt fitting. In an example, the stand 104 is fixed on the base 110 of the degassing machine 100 by a fixing unit 108. In another example, the stand 104 is fixed on the base 110 of the degassing machine 100 by welding.
[0030] In an example, the flux discharge unit 102 has a lid 102c for
covering the inlet. The lid 102c is attached to an upper end of the flux discharge unit 102 through at least one hinge 102d. In an example, the lid 102c includes at least one locking unit 102e for locking the lid 102c onto the inlet. The flux discharge unit 102 has a storage capacity in a range of 15 Kg to 30 Kg.
[0031] In an example, the flux discharge unit 102 is disposed at the
stand 104 by at least one fastening unit 106. In another example, the flux discharge unit 102 is fixed onto the stand 104 by welding.
[0032] FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of a flux discharge unit 102, in
accordance with an example implementation of the present subject matter. The flux discharge unit 102 is disposed at a predetermined height (H) from a base 110 of the degassing machine 100. In an example, the inlet is at a height in a range of 80 cm to 120 cm from the surface. The surface may be at a ground level or at a degassing machine base level.
[0033] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a flux discharge unit
102, in accordance with an example implementation of the present subject

matter. The flux discharge unit 102 has an inlet 302, which is an opening at a top end of the flux discharge unit 102, which allows filling of the flux into the storage chamber 102a of the flux discharge unit 102. In an example, the lid 102c is for covering the inlet 302 and is attached to the upper end of the flux discharge unit 102 through at least one hinge 102d. The lid 102c is to prevent the contamination of the stored flux in the storage chamber 102a from external substances.
[0034] FIG. 4A illustrates a schematic diagram of the degassing
machine 100, in accordance with an example implementation of the present subject matter. The degassing machine 100 has a base 110, a column 112, a cantilever arm 410, a degassing rotor unit 406, a degassing vessel 408, and a flux discharge unit 102.
[0035] The column 112 is vertically attached to the base 110 by
means of one of the various techniques, which include but are not limited to fastening, bolting, riveting, and welding. The cantilever arm 410 is mounted on the column 112. The cantilever arm 410 includes two ends, a first end being attached to the column 112, and a second end being placed over the degassing vessel 408. The cantilever arm 410 is mounted on the column 112, such that the cantilever arm 410 is movable in a vertical direction. The vertical displacement capability of the cantilever arm 410 allows for the adjustment of the height of the cantilever arm 410 from the ground level. The cantilever arm 410 usually, but not necessarily, includes two sections which are slidably mountable on one another. The slidable mounting of the arm sections allows for an adjustment of a length of the cantilever arm 410. The purpose of the length adjustment is to adjust the position of the second end of the cantilever arm 410 with respect to an operating site, which is the position of the degassing vessel 408. The degassing rotor unit 406 is vertically disposed on second end of the cantilever arm 410. A drive source 412 is mounted on the cantilever arm 410 and coupled to the degassing rotor unit 406, for rotating the degassing rotor unit 406 in conjunction of the rotation of the drive source 412. The drive source 412 is typically a motor

but can be any suitable drive source. The degassing vessel 408 is to contain a to-be processed molten metal. The degassing vessel 408 is made from a material which is suitable for high-temperature operations. The degassing vessel 408 is placed below the degassing rotor unit 406. The degassing rotor unit 406 is provided for dispersing a gas contained in the molten metal. In an example, the molten material is a molten metal. In an example, the molten metal is an aluminium alloy.
[0036] In an example, the degassing rotor unit 406 is vertically
suspended from the second end of the cantilever arm 410. In another example, the degassing rotor unit 406 is suspended from the second end of the cantilever arm 410 at an angle.
[0037] The flux discharge unit 102 is provided for storing a flux and
discharging the stored flux to the degassing vessel 408. According to an example implementation as shown in FIG. 4A, the degassing machine 100 comprises a stand 104 for placing the flux discharge unit 102. In an example, the stand 104 is disposed at the base 110. The degassing machine 100 further includes a flux transfer mechanism 402 and a transfer line 404. The flux transfer mechanism 402 is operably coupled to the outlet 102b for transferring the discharged flux to the degassing vessel 408 through the transfer line 404. The flux transfer mechanism 402 is coupled to the outlet 102b through one of threaded fitting and bolt fitting. In an example, the stand 104 is fixed on the base 110 of the degassing machine 100 by a fixing unit 108. In another example, the stand 104 is fixed on the base 110 of the degassing machine 100 by welding.
[0038] FIG. 4B illustrates a schematic diagram of the degassing
machine 400, in accordance with an example implementation of the present subject matter. According to another example implementation as shown in FIG. 4B, the degassing machine 400 has a base 110, a column 112, a cantilever arm 410, a degassing rotor unit 406, a degassing vessel 408, and a flux discharge unit 102.

[0039] In an example, the flux discharge unit 102 is disposed at the
column 112 of the degassing machine 400 at a predetermined height from
the base 110 of the degassing machine 400. The flux discharge unit 102 is
disposed between a top end of the column 112 of the degassing machine
and the base 110. In an example, the flux discharge unit 102 is disposed on
the column 112 of the degassing machine 400 by a mount 414.
[0040] In another example, the flux discharge unit 102 is disposed on
the column 112 of the degassing machine 400 by one of the various techniques, which include but are not limited to welding, riveting, brazing, and by means of coupling elements, such as nuts and bolts.
[0041] In an example, the inlet 302 is at a height in a range of 80 cm
to 120 cm from the surface. The surface may be at a ground level or at a degassing machine base level.
[0042] Although examples for the present disclosure have been
described in language specific to structural features and/or methods, it is to be understood that the appended claims are not limited to the specific features or methods described herein. Rather, the specific features and methods are disclosed and explained as exemplary implementations of the present disclosure.

I/We Claim:
1. A degassing machine (100, 400) comprising:
a degassing vessel (408); and
a flux discharge unit (102) to store a flux and discharging the stored flux to the degassing vessel (408), wherein the flux discharge unit (102) is disposed at a predetermined height (H) from a base (110) of the degassing machine (100, 400), wherein the flux discharge unit (102) comprises:
an inlet (302) at a top end of the flux discharge unit (102) to fill the flux into the flux discharge unit (102);
a storage chamber (102a) to store the flux; and
an outlet (102b) at a bottom end of the flux discharge unit (102) to discharge the stored flux from the flux discharge unit (102) to the degassing vessel (408).
2. The degassing machine (100, 400) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the degassing machine (100, 400) comprises a stand (104) disposed at the base (110), and wherein the stand (104) is to place the flux discharge unit (102).
3. The degassing machine (100, 400) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the flux discharge unit (102) comprises a discharge line connected to the outlet (102b) of the flux discharge unit (102) to transfer the flux from the flux discharge unit (102) to the degassing vessel (408).

4. The degassing machine (100, 400) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the discharge line is connected to the outlet (102b) of the flux discharge unit (102) through one of threaded fitting and bolt fitting.
5. The degassing machine (100, 400) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the predetermined height (H) is in a range of 80 cm to 120 cm.
6. The degassing machine (100, 400) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the stand (104) is fixed on the base (110) of the degassing machine (100, 400) by a fixing unit (108).
7. The degassing machine (100, 400) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the stand (104) is fixed on the base (110) by welding.

8. The degassing machine (100, 400) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the flux discharge unit (102) comprises a lid (102c) to cover the inlet (302).
9. The degassing machine (100, 400) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the lid (102c) is attached to an upper end of the flux discharge unit (102) through at least one hinge (102d).

10. The degassing machine (100, 400) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the flux discharge unit (102) has a storage capacity in a range of 15 Kg to 30 Kg.
11. The degassing machine (100, 400) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the flux discharge unit (102) is fixed onto the stand (104) by at least one fastening unit (106).
12. The degassing machine (100, 400) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the flux discharge unit (102) is fixed onto the stand (104) by welding.