Abstract: Melting and holding furnace in which melting (1) and holding (2) chambers are separated from one another, and are connected via openings (6). The holding chamber is designed to be deeper in order to receive the melt which flows out of the melting chamber (1). The chimney (18) through which the burnt gases produced during heating of the melting chamber (1) pass is arranged in the cover (14) of the holding chamber (2), namely at the end of the holding chamber (2) opposite to the openings (6).

Abstract: A holding and/or smelting furnace for nonferrous metals is described, which is provided with an apportioning device for the automatic removal of a predetermined quantity of the nonferrous molten metal melt form an apportioning chamber. The apportioning chamber communicates via at least one inlet opening with the nonferrous molten metal melt. The nonferrous molten metal melt in the apportioning chamber is acted upon by compressed gas in order to discharge a predetermined quantity of the molten metal melt from an outlet opening. In order to attain a structurally simple design, the apportioning chamber is disposed integrally in the furnace and embodies a portion of a furnace shell. The inlet opening is closable by means of a reciprocable closure plunger through which a pressurized medium passes into the apportioning chamber. The reciprocating movement of the closure plunger and the delivery of the compressed gas are controlled as a function of time.

Abstract: A furnace for smelting nonferrous metals and/or for holding nonferrous metal melts is proposed which has a multiple-chamber trough having at least one filling chamber, at least one smelting chamber and/or one holding chamber and at least one drain chamber, and at least one lid for covering the smelting chamber and/or the holding chamber. The filling chamber communicates with the smelting or holding chamber through a passage and the smelting or holding chamber communicate with the drain chamber through another passage. All passages are located beneath the surface of the metal melt introduced into the furnace. The furnace also has a tapping-off device including a stationary molded piece located at the bottom of the drain chamber where it defines an outflow opening, and a tubular tap plug which is rotatably mounted to the stationary molded piece at one end and extends outwardly from the furnace with its other end.