Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the crystalline phase and crystalline characteristics of a sample. This invention provides a method and apparatus for unambiguously identifying and determining the crystalline phase and crystalline characteristics of a sample by using an electron beam generator, such as a scanning electron microscope, to obtain a backscattered electron Kikuchi pattern of a sample, and extracting crystallographic and composition data that is matched to database information to provide a quick and automatic method to identify crystalline phases.

Abstract: A system for controlling electrode gap in an electro-slag remelt furnace has a constant regulated voltage and an eletrode which is fed into the slag pool at a constant rate. The impedance of the circuit through the slag pool is directly proportional to the gap distance. Because of the constant voltage, the system current changes are inversely proportional to changes in gap. This negative feedback causes the gap to remain stable.

Abstract: A housing has a pair of chambers separated by a vertical wall. A hearth is on one side of the wall in the housing and is adjacent to an orifice which allows a stream of material, such as molten metal to pass from one chamber to the other. A gas is caused to flow through the orifice counter to the material flow by placing the other chamber at a higher fluid pressure than the one chamber. A blower coupled to the chambers provides the differential pressure. Molten metal is collected in a crucible in the other chamber. The gas flow moves through the orifice and forces impurities on the surface of the material to flow in reverse in the one chamber before the flow passes through the orifice.