Skimming

SKIMMING MACHINES

for gentle furnace cleaning

Leaving dross on top of the liquid bath causes more dross to generate in the next cycle, increasing operational melt losses. Quickly removing all the dross is the goal of the RIA automated skimming process. The standard automated machines are laser guided, the same as the charging machine and are programmed with the exact furnace geometry, for quick movement across the bath to remove the dross. Typical cycle times are 8 – 12 minutes. The latest generation AI skimming machines from RIA, achieve the goal to fully automate the skimming machine and improve the process at the same time. This unit, with an air-cooled camera system using digital image processing, helps to automate the skimming process. The cameras are installed to overview the bath area at all stages of the skimming process. The video images will be processed in real-time and distributed to the machines PLC. This data is compiled in movement commands to allow a full autonomous skimming process without an operator, removing the dross only where it sits on the bath and knowing the precise metal depth so that the skim tool is placed optimally into the bath reducing metal splashing and removal. Typical cycle times are shorter with autonomous skimming.

Benefits

  • 100% staff safety - protected operator cabin
  • Autonomous skimming cycle using AI camera system
  • Precise joystick control and adjustable pressure allows protection of refractory lining
  • Internally air-cooled boom design
  • Less reliance on other cast house vehicles and fork lift trucks

We provide the following types of reliable Skimming Machines for skimming, mixing the melt and for cleaning melting and holding furnaces:
  • Skimming Machine with telescopic boom 
  • Skimming Machine with solid boom and carriage


RIA skimming machines are rail guided. The robust base frame is equipped with wheel blocks for traveling. Additionally, the base frame accommodates the operator cabin which can be used when manual furnace floor or wall cleaning is required. The electric cabinet and the hydraulic unit are mounted on the electrically driven carriage. This carriage runs in profiles which guide the skim boom into the furnace. The boom is pivoted on the carriage, by a hydraulic cylinder. This simple, but solid design assures consistent and accurate performance and builds the base for the In-Furnace Dross Processing option. Multiple tools are available with quick change capabilities.

The precise machine movements and the programmed refractory contour as well as the adjustable plate pressure against the refractory eliminates collisions with and damage to the refractory lining. This in turn reduces maintenance on the refractory significantly. Using a RIA skimming machine increases the occupational safety in all modes of operation, because even in manual mode the operator is protected by an insulated operator cabin.

RIA’s next innovation in the skimming area is a game changer in the area of dross processing. The process of In-Furnace Dross Processing (IFDP) is a joint development with GPS Global Solutions.

Technical Details

  • Stroke of Boom: Up to 10 m / 33 ft
  • Cycle Time: From 8 to 12 minutes
  • Features: In-Furnace Dross Processing Upgrade, Dross Pan Manipulation, Automatic Plate Change, Alloying Box
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