Abstract: A charging device for closed arc furnaces having at least one electrode around which the charge material is concentrically fed into the furnace. Conveyor devices run in protected fashion in an annular chamber disposed above a furnace cover. A plurality of magnets are suspended from the conveyor devices into the upper vessel of the furnace. A material feeding device enters the upper vessel through a passage in the upper vessel wall. The passage is provided with a sealing device to prevent gases from the upper vessel from escaping or the material feeding device may be enclosed in a gas-tight lock. The magnets pick-up the charge material from the material feeding device and deposit it concentrically around the electrode.

Abstract: An oxy:fuel melting furnace (2) comprising a rotatable furnace body (4), a normally stationary non-rotatable furnace roof (6) for fitting on the furnace body (4), dynamic sealing means (8) for dynamically sealing the furnace roof (6) on the furnace body (4) such that the furnace body (4) can rotate with respect to the furnace roof (6), tiltable support means (10) for supporting the furnace body (4) such that tilting of the support means (10) causes tilting of the furnace body (4) for tapping and slagging, moving means for moving the furnace roof (6) up and down with respect to the furnace body (4), heating means (12) which is mounted on the furnace roof (6) and which is for providing heat for the melting of material such as scrap steel and ore, and a pre-heater means (14) for pre-heating the material prior to its introduction into the furnace body (4), and the oxy:fuel melting furnace being such that at least one of the heating means and the pre-heating means is such that it burns oxy:fuel.

Abstract: A scrap-melting electric arc furnace operating at an elevated melting power having a simple construction that also avoids thermal loads of the side wall caused by the electrodes. The electrodes are protected from damage during scrap-charging. The electric arc furnace includes a bottom for receiving a melt. An upper part rises from the bottom part and has side walls. A lid covers the upper part. A charging shaft is disposed approximately centrically relative to the upper part, and has a diameter that is substantially smaller than the diameter of the upper part. The charging shaft interior communicates with the furnace interior via an opening in the lid. Electrodes arranged approximately radially symmetrically are directed obliquely into the furnace interior and project toward the center of the electric arc furnace.

Abstract: Slag from a pool of molten slag floating on molten metal in a plasma arc treatment chamber is removed by providing a slag container located inside the chamber which has a slag intake pipe extending from a bottom of the container downwardly into the slag pool. A vacuum line is connected to the top of the container and a vacuum source. When a vacuum is applied to the inside of the container, the pressure prevailing in the chamber pushes the slag from the pool through the intake pipe into the container. When the container becomes filled with molten slag, the latter enters a section of the line communicating the top of the container with the vacuum source. As the slag enters the pipe section, it is cooled and solidified to prevent further slag flow into or gas (air) flow through the vacuum line so that the container can be lifted out of the chamber while the slag in the container is still in its molten state without causing slag spillage.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with an apparatus for supply of molten metal including a holding furnace pivotable about an axis having a metal chamber for holding molten metal, an outlet for supplying molten metal from said chamber and an inlet well communicating with said metal chamber, said inlet well being positioned on or adjacent the pivot axis of the holding furnace and displaced along the pivot axis from said outlet, a charging means for intermittently supplying a controlled flow of molten metal to the inlet well of the holding furnace, and a control means for varying the degree of pivot of the holding furnace to maintain a predetermined supply of molten metal. Also claimed as a holding furnace for the supply of molten metal, and a method for supplying molten metal using such apparatus.

Abstract: A heat processing furnace is provided with a bifurcated feeder which allows scrap steel to be introduced to the furnace from an associated preheater, and direct reduced iron, slag formers, carburizers, and other alloys to be introduced through a lower channel in the connecting car pan directly into the furnace. The feeder is arcuate which prevents collection of molten metal and slag splash and spatter in the corners. The feeder is mounted on a connecting car, which is preferably removable and interchangeable. Apparatus for accomplishing connecting car interchangeability is also disclosed.

Abstract: Charging device for supplying liquid metal to an electric furnace with a shaft 15, the device consisting of a balcony 19 extending the shaft 15 of the furnace 10 laterally and communicating with the hearth of the furnace 10.

Abstract: The invention relates to a procedure for continuous supply of heat into electrically conductive bulk goods by exploiting the electrical resistance thereof in an oven chamber with an inlet opening and a drawing-off apparatus for continuous throughput of bulk goods, wherein during the throughput of material, electrical energy in the material is conducted, and to an apparatus for continuous supply of heat into electrically conductive bulk goods by exploitation of the electrical resistance thereof, in an oven chamber (1) with an inlet opening (15) and a continuous drawing-off apparatus (9) for the bulk goods, and with at least one pair of electrodes (14, 16, 19) arranged one above the other, via which the electrical energy in the material is conducted during the continuous throughput of material.

Abstract: An electrode assembly comprising concentric tubular electrodes is provided for high temperature processing of materials. The electrode assembly is connected with a power supply that includes switching means for alternatively operating the electrode assembly in a transferred mode of operation, in a non-transferred mode of operation, or according to a controlled sequence of non-transferred and transferred modes of operation. The power supply system includes variable inductors, such as leakage-coupled reactors, for controlling the electrical power supplied to the electrodes for producing a DC arc. The electrode assembly can be incorporated into an arc furnace for processing waste material in the furnace. The electrode assembly is also suitable for use in the practice of in-situ vitrification and remediation of contaminated soil.

Abstract: The process feeds a mixture of scrap metal, chromite, flux materials, carbonaceous material and wood chips to a submerged arc furnace to make a base iron suitable for iron and steel purposes. The mixture contains about 1-60% chromite, about 1 to 20% flux materials, about 5 to 35% carbonaceous material, about 0-10% wood chips, all based on the weight of scrap in the mixture. By maintaining the charge in the furnace, good energy efficiencies are obtained.

Abstract: An arrangement for operating an arc furnace with two vessels for making steel. Enough liquid raw iron is added to account for 70% of the total starting metallurgicals. The supply of electricity to one of the vessels is discontinued but not to the other vessel. The injection of oxygen through a lance accompanied by the addition of sponge or coolant and lime, is carried out in one vessel while an electric-arc furnace phase is carried out in the other vessel, whereby additional sponge or coolant is melted with less oxygen and additional lime or coal is added. Electrodes are mounted on an arm and can be pivoted over either vessel as desired.

Abstract: A high-bandwidth continuous-flow arc furnace for stream welding applications includes a metal mass contained in a crucible having an orifice. A power source charges an electrode for generating an arc between the electrode and the mass. The arc heats the metal mass to a molten state. A pressurized gas source propels the molten metal mass through the crucible orifice in a continuous stream. As the metal is ejected, a metal feeder replenishes the molten metal bath. A control system regulates the electrode current, shielding gas pressure, and metal source to provide a continuous flow of molten metal at the crucible orifice. Independent control over the electrode current and shield gas pressure decouples the metal flow temperature and the molten metal flow rate, improving control over resultant weld characteristics.

Abstract: An aluminum can melting furnace in which a slip stream of molten material is diverted from a main molten bath in the furnace, a vortex is formed in the diverted slip stream, and thin walled aluminum can feedstock is introduced into the vortex. The feedstock is immediately drawn under the surface of the vortex in the slip stream so the feedstock melts before it has a chance to oxidize. Hydrocarbons which are introduced with the feedstock are flash vaporized in the vortex. The hydrocarbon vapors are captured and conducted to the furnace burner where they are burned to increase the efficiency of the operation and reduce the pollution generated by the process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process of recycling filter dust obtained during the production of steel in an electric arc furnace. Filter dust is injected and mixed with the smalls of carbon containing material in the slag or at the interface between the slag and the molten metal bath in the melting tank. The process of the invention also improves the degree of efficiency of the foaming of the slag while increasing the profitability of steel production.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for limiting the passage of a gas such as air through an opening, particularly an opening through which solid material passes, by providing a sealing chamber in advance of the entrance to the low pressure chamber having a large plenum with a variable speed exhaust blower in its upper portion, and a grate situated in its lower portion for access of air to the plenum. The blower speed is responsive to differential pressure measurements taken in the low pressure chamber and immediately adjacent the exterior of the low pressure chamber. Upstream of the plenum are one or more mechanical seals or flexible baffles which contact the top of the solid charge material and ride over it as the solid material passes beneath the mechanical seal.

Abstract: Installation for producing steel by melting scrap comprising an electric furnace (2') supplied with individual batches of scrap sequentially charged into the furnace after preheating in a preheating chamber (4) forming a batch container open at both ends and having a releasable bottom. The preheating chamber is mounted on a transporting device for movement between a first, preheating position, in which it is connected to a hot gas circulating circuit, and a second position in which it empties the batch of preheated scrap into the furnace. The lower portion of the side wall of the preheating chamber (4) forms a skirt (43) with a wide downwardly directed opening, and the chamber (4) is combined, in the preheating position, with a movable device (54) for sealably engaging the lower end (42) of the skirt (43) with a matching stationary base plate (3), whereby the skirt is sealed in the preheating position.

Abstract: The furnace for melting materials with a low melting point with improved casting duct comprises a furnace body which surrounds a crucible for containing the molten material and which is provided with first resistors for heating the crucible, the casting duct having an inlet arranged above the level of the free surface of the molten material in the crucible and being fed by a ladle for removing molten material, the casting duct being further provided with second resistors for heating thereof in order to prevent accidental cooling of the molten material along the duct.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing various hazardous waste materials by melting in a vessel for subsequent solidification is disclosed which includes a seal for the cover thereof. Melter includes a high-speed mixing impeller powered by a drive shaft which extends through an opening in the cover. The vessel is electrically heated by discharge of electrical energy through the melt contained in the vessel. In one embodiment the impeller and shaft are included in the electrical heating circuit. A shaft seal engages the shaft at a point spaced from the cover. An axially extensible seal seals a space bounded by the shaft seal and the opening in the cover. Purge gas is supplied to the sealed space to provide positive gas flow from the sealed space into the vessel. A cold wall transport duct for off-gas porting is disclosed. A bottom drain structure including a sleeve and plug is also disclosed. The output of the melter may be subsequently heated in a holding tank to refine the output.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for feeding iron-bearing particles into a metallurgical furnace such as an electric arc furnace, comprising a vessel for containing a bath of molten iron, having a wall extending above the bath of molten iron, a preferably screw type feeder mounted on the exterior of the vessel, a feeding port in the vessel wall shaped to permit passage of the feeder into the interior of the bath of vessel and located at such a height from the molten iron so that no molten materials will spill out from the furnace through the port during the normal operation and maneuvering of the furnace; and actuating means for extending the screw type feeder from a retracted position out of the vessel to an extended position into the vessel.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a smelting plant with shaft-like charging material preheater. In a smelting plant with an electric arc furnace (1) and a charging material preheater (2) of shaft configuration arranged laterally on the furnace, the outer walls of the charging material preheater in the lower region thereof are formed by the vessel wall (5) of the furnace while in the region thereabove they are formed by the walls of a shaft which is fixed in a holding structure (27). By a horizontal relative movement between the furnace vessel (3) and the holding structure (27) together with the vessel cover (6), without being impeded by the shaft (10) charging material can be charged from a scrap basket directly into the furnace vessel or through the displaced shaft into different regions of the furnace vessel (3). Charging material can be retained in the shaft by means of a blocking member (51) therein, and heated up during the refining phase.

Abstract: A furnace for producing a melt for mineral wool production includes a shaft for preheating and melting of the raw material. A water-cooled grate is disposed in the bottom portion of the shaft, which supports a bed of ceramic filling bodies as well as the raw material. A combustion chamber is disposed underneath the shaft, which has a bottom portion for collecting the melt dripping from the shaft and an outlet for melt tapping. At least one main burner is disposed in the combustion chamber. Auxiliary burners are disposed above the grate. The bottom surface of the combustion chamber is larger, preferably 20 to 400% larger, than the transverse cross-sectional area of the shaft.

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 tiltable arc furnace vessel is provided with a projecting, bay-like extension having a discharge opening closable from the outside only by a pivotable plate; the bay-like extension has a bottom substantially in the same level as the bottom of the remainder of the vessel. The vessel as a whole is titable by a hydraulic drive over a relatively small angle.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for charging a melting furnace having a charging opening in its sidewall, in which a closed housing contains a vibrating pan having an intergal discharge chute adapted to extend into the charging opening in the furnace sidewall; and a truck-mounted carriage for moving the charging apparatus into the charging opening of the furnace and removing the apparatus to a position remote therefrom. A method for feeding the furnace over a predefined area, and continuously feeding the furnace during all phrases of operation, including slagging and tapping, is also disclosed.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for the continuous melting of scrap in an electric D.C. furnace, in which the D.C. source (23) supplies vault electrodes (4) and hearth electrodes (8) by means of respective feed conductors (7) and return conductors (9). The scrap is fed through an orifice (12). The vault electrode or electrodes (4) are arranged on the other side of the axis of the shaft (1) in relation to the orifice (12). The hearth electrode or electrodes (8) are offset towards the orifice (12), and the return conductor or conductors (9) connected to the hearth electrode or electrodes (8) are led under the bottom (2) of the shaft (1) and as near as possible to the latter, being directed towards the opposite zone of the furnace where the vault electrodes (4) are located, as to generate magnetic fields capable of deflecting the arc or arcs towards a zone set apart from the vault electrodes (4) and located substantially below the scrap feed orifice (12 ).

Abstract: An electric melting furnace arrangement for the continuous melting of spinnable mineral fine-particle or granular materials has a refractorily lined furnace vessel, a plurality of electrodes arranged on a partial circle extending into the furnace vessel from above, conveying devices for the materials to be melted designed as dosing pipes arranged close to the partial circle formed by the electrodes and each provided between two electrodes and a tapping device penetrating a side wall of the furnace vessel. Transporting devices are provided for admitting the dosing pipes, and when the dosing pipes are completely full, the further conveying of the materials to be melted is interruptable.

Abstract: A method of operating a metallurgical furnace, and a furnace apparatus capable of using this method, in which coal is pulverized in a pulverizer vessel by interparticle collisions in at least one stream of gaseous medium, to produce ultrafine pulverized coal and feeding a mixture of the ultrafine pulverized coal and gaseous medium directly and continuously from the pulverizer vessel to the metallurgical furnace.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for charging a melting furnace having a charging opening in its sidewall, in which a closed housing contains a pivotally mounted receiving pan having a discharge chute on one side thereof, the discharge chute adapted to extend into the charging opening in the furnace sidewall; and means for moving the charging apparatus into the charging opening of the furnace and removing the apparatus to a position remote therefrom. A method for feeding the furnace over a predefined area, and continuously feeding the furnace during all phases of operation, including slagging and tapping, is also disclosed.

Abstract: Electric furnace arrangement including a furnace vessel with liftable and lowerable lid penetrated by at least one electrode. The electrode is fastened to a liftable and lowerable supporting construction by first clamping devices. For lifting the lid, a further clamping device for the electrode is provided on the lid, at least one coupling element is provided on the supporting construction and at least one counter-coupling element is arranged on the lid, which can be brought into and out of engagement with the coupling element. A connecting element can be provided between coupling element and supporting construction.

Abstract: A method for distributing, drying and heating a selected mix and weight of metals prior to melting in a furnace, including the steps of placing weights of selected metals in a feeder car according to a predetermined distribution, locating the feeder car beneath the hood of a heater, closing the hood over the car, heating the enclosed metal and transferring the preheated metal from the car to a charge bucket for a furnace. An apparatus is disclosed which includes a feeder car movable between a loading station and a heating and dumping station. A weigh hopper is used for measuring and distributing the selected weights and mix of metals which are then loaded in the feeder car. A hood is adapted to close over the feeder car and seal thereto after which a heater is provided to inject heat through the hood into the enclosed car. A vibratory conveyor is provided which moves the preheated metals from the feeder car into a charge bucket for a furnace.

Abstract: A taphole for a melting furnace includes a cylindrically shaped copper shell having a central opening through which molten material from a furnace passes and includes a reduced inner diameter portion defining an orifice. A plurality of narrow holes are formed in the shell wall adjacent the orifice but isolated therefrom and are interconnected to form a plurality of highly restrictive flow passages. Coaxially arranged about the copper shell is a coolant guide having a surface which is closely spaced from the copper thereby defining another highly restrictive flow passage which is also in communication with the plurality of passages around the orifice. A liquid coolant is supplied to the passages where the velocity of the same is made to accelerate to an ultrahigh velocity of at least 10 feet per second across nonworking surfaces of the copper shell forming parts of said passages to thereby sweep away steam generated upon the surfaces.

Abstract: A method for tapping a furnace contains a tappable melt of silicon dioxide to be reduced to silicon with carbon, which comprises providing a graphite tap pipe on the furnace, and electrically heating the tap pipe to cause liquid silicon to flow out of the pipe, and a device for carrying out the method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for the continuous firing of green ceramic articles, such as capacitors. In accordance with the invention a mixture of articles to be fired and heat resistant particulate matter in selected proportions is caused to descend a heated tube defining a furnace. Articles and particulate material such as sand are continuously introduced at the upper end of the furnace and removed at the lower end, after a predetermined dwell time within the furnace to effect firing. Removal is effected by progressively advancing a conveyor which is in partial blocking condition of the lower end of the furnace across the lower end of said furnace whereby the mixture of sand and fired ceramic articles is removed at a selected rate which is a function of the speed of the conveyor, whereby the dwell time in the furnace is closely controlled.

Abstract: Molten slag is fed from a receptacle to an atmosphere-controlled carbon-lined electric furnace through a refractory-lined siphon tube without allowing atmospheric gases to enter the furnace. Siphoning is initiated by reducing the atmospheric pressure within the furnace through the use of an auxiliary vacuum tank. Slag from the furnace is spun to form mineral wool insulation.

Abstract: Energy efficient arc furnace suitable for continuous melting of ungraded scrap iron as found in the trade, and four or more meters in length. Its inner part includes a storage zone (4) located laterally of and above the hearth (1), and arranged so that a considerable volume of scrap iron can be stored there. A pusher (11) is arranged at the bottom of the side storage zone for the purpose of pushing the base of the pile (10) of scrap iron stored in the said zone towards the hearth. The upper portion of the storage zone is equipped with an opening (8) of the trap or door for feeding in cold scrap iron (13, 131), and the storage zone is connected to a conduit (6) for exhausting fumes so that these pass through it.

Abstract: An enclosure for a metallurgical vessel has a front access door to permit movement of charging devices into the enclosure for charging the metallurgical vessel disposed therein. A gas collector is mounted in the upper end of the enclosure, a first hood mounted in the enclosure for movement between an operative position above the vessel and an inoperative position remote from the vessel. When in its operative position, the hood is disposed in coupling engagement with one side of the gas collector. A second hood is fixedly coupled to the other side of the gas collector. Dampers are disposed between each hood and the gas collector.

Abstract: To save space in furnace installations and obtain an optimum continuous charging, an arrangement is disclosed in which electric smelting furnaces are arranged in a furnace bay unilaterally, close to the adjacent ladle bay and the associated charging equipment and bins are provided sequentially in a vertical zone between the crane runways of the two bays. Bins are filled with iron material, such as iron sponge, alloying mechanisms, and fluxing substances by a conveyor traveling thereabove. The contents of bins are delivered through conveying and metering devices which are provided between crane runways to a reversible conveyor extending at a lower level and equipped with discharge mechanisms and fed through a charging tube 1 into electric furnace. A traveling metering device is provided for adding alloying into the furnace, and fluxing material for subsequent treatment in the ladle, through charging tube. A housing encloses the furnace on all sides, to prevent emissions.