Abstract: According to the invention, there is proposed a feed system for a plasma-arc furnace wherein an electrode with an axial opening is used as the low-temperature plasma generating means. The feed system comprises a gas conduit, in the form of an individual water-cooled member, a current-conducting element mounted within a shell and secured to a flange which includes a duct for the delivery of gas, a duct for feeding flux, and a duct for supplying water. The flange has secured to it the shell. A flux delivery means and a bus for power supply are also included. The herein proposed feed system makes it possible to assure stable operating conditions of a plasma-arc furnace, enhance its efficiency, reduce power losses and decrease expenses involved in the remelting of metals and alloys.

Abstract: A plasmarc furnace for remelting metals and alloys in a controlled atmosphere, which comprises a hollow consumable electrode disposed in a crystallizer and an arc plasmatron with a nonconsumable electrode disposed above the hollow consumable electrode coaxially therewith. A hollow rod is provided above and coaxial with the arc plasmation driven by a vertical travel mechanism and insulated from the arc plasmatron leads. The plasma-forming gas is delivered to the plasma discharge zone by a plasma-forming gas supply and flow rate control system via a gas conduit defined by the cavities of the hollow rod, the arc plasmatron and the hollow consumable electrode. The crystallizer and hollow rod are coupled to the opposite poles of the power source.