Abstract: A ladle (2) or other container for molten metal (5) is provided with an outlet nozzle (4) that allows a stream of molten metal to flow by heating the nozzle (4) to the melting temperature of the metal (5). The nozzle (4) is, for example, tubular and made of AI2O3 or SiO2 and is surrounded by a graphite tube (8) in thermal contact with the nozzle (4). The nozzle (4) is heated by heating the surrounding graphite tube (S) inductively. Once the temperature of the nozzle (4) exceeds the liquidus temperature of the metal (5) in the ladle (2), the metal (5) will flow out of the ladle (2) through the nozzle (4).

Abstract: A liner for an induction furnace is capable of being removed intact or rotated. Removal allows the liner to be refurbished or replaced with a different liner. Rotation allows asymmetrical wear on the liner to be evened out by periodic rotation. The liner is preferably made of a composite material of inductively transparent fibers and inductively transparent inorganic cements.

Abstract: A carbonaceous article is made by baking paste under continuously applied high pressure. The paste is extruded as it is baked to form the article, and the article may be further machined after baking. A force opposing extrusion is applied to the article to allow high pressures to be provided to the paste. The location of the baking zone both longitudinally and peripherally is carefully controlled to preclude over or under baking. Longitudinal control of the baking zone is effected by measuring the force required to extrude baked paste, and peripheral control is effected by measuring the extent of the baking at several peripheral locations and controlling the baking current at these locations. The article may be an electrode for supply to an electric arc furnace immediately after baking or to a furnace remote from the baking station.

Abstract: Supports for power transmission lines are made of inductively transparent, inorganic cement composite materials. Separate parts of the structure are provided with mating surfaces and are secured together by expanding grout. When the structure is in the form of a pole, the bottom of the pole can be attached to a base by sleeves secured to the pole.

Abstract: A furnace for the production of silicon metal or a silicon containing alloy includes a charge feed tube for supplying a silicon containing charge to a reaction zone. Silicon monoxide gas generated in the reaction zone is allowed to rise through the tube and is combined with natural gas that has been introduced into the top of the tube. The natural gas and the silicon monoxide combine to form silicon carbide which is carried back into the furnace with the charge.

Abstract: Smelting apparatus for use in making elemental silicon and alloys thereof is disclosed. The apparatus includes an electrometallurgical furnace having a body which includes a reactor external to the body which includes carbonaceous reductant.

Abstract: A smelting process for making elemental silicon and alloys thereof is disclosed. The smelting process is of the electrometallurgical type for producing elemental silicon from silicon dioxide including silicon alloyed and silicon in a substantially pure form. The process includes establishing and maintaining countercurrent contact between collected oxide and a bed of carbonaceous reductant for reducing at least part of the collected oxide to additional elemental silicon.

Abstract: An electrode comprises an outer casing and an inner casing which enclose un-baked electrode paste. A conducting mandrel is placed in the center of the electrode and is in electrical contact with the paste. Electric current passes through the conducting mandrel outwardly through the paste to provide a baked electrode. Slipping shoes engage the outer surface of the baked electrode to support the baked electrode and the unbaked paste. In one embodiment, a thin foil moves with the paste to allow the paste to move downwardly easily with respect to the casings, and in a second embodiment, the casing is oscillated with respect to the paste to prevent adhesion between the paste and the casing walls.

Abstract: A self-baking electrode includes a pressure chamber for receiving electrode paste under pressure. A centrally located conductor supplies electrical current to the paste, and the paste is baked by passage of the electrical current to form an electrode. The electrode is supported by a support band and is advanced past the support band by supplying paste under pressure to the pressure chamber. The pressure chamber is heated to maintain the paste in a softened state.