Abstract: A method and apparatus for vacuum arc furnaces monitors the arc by spectrum analysis of the arc's light obtained with a radiation receiver. Upon the occurrence of spectrum lines indicating vaporization of the crucible material, the melting process is stopped or adjusted to extinguish the arc burning on the crucible which vaporized the crucible material for the spectrum analysis.

Abstract: An electroslag remelting arrangement for remelting consumable electrodes into ingots, in which the ingot mold power connection is mounted beneath the mold upper edge on the ingot mold or on the mold floor, and is led away downwardly. The electrode current connection has at least two stationary bus bars which extend continuously from the connection point of the ingot mold to the maximum stroke height of the electrode feed device. The bus bars, moreover, run coaxially or quasi-coaxially with respect to the ingot mold, and are electrically connected to the consumable electrode by sliding contacts and connecting leads.