Abstract: A method and apparatus is described for melting of a glass batch with electrical energy supplied by electrodes disposed in a vertically oriented melting chamber and which ameliorates the problems encountered when the raw batch blanket cannot be continuously and uniformly melted in said chamber. Specifically, improved electrode heating means are provided to generate localized hot spots in the molten glass adjacent the underside of the batch blanket and cause a flow of gas bubbles upwardly through the glass at the hot spot locations for escape through the batch blanket. The electrical energy rate supplied to said electrode means is also controlled so that a crust of only partially melted foam-type glass material is not formed within the batch blanket to impede escape of the gas bubbles. The improved system can further include cooperative means to refine the molten glass being continuously withdrawn from the bottom of the melting chamber in a separate refining chamber connected thereto.

Abstract: A DC arc furnace operation indicating system provides an indication and possibly a signal or control when during start-up the starting electrode does not make good electrical contact with a furnace charge of solid metal pieces and also thereafter when the shift is made to the melt electrode and it is not in a good electrical connection with the melt after the starting electrode is inactivated preparatory to the furnace going into normal production operation.

Abstract: This invention relates to continuous charging apparatus and in particular provides a gravity feed chute (8,9) for the particulate feedstock secured to the furnace roof (1) and which communicates with the internal furnace area. In order to prevent the furnace gases passing into the atmosphere through this chute a number of pipes (10,11) are provided which extend into the chute for injecting steam or other gases therein, so as to contain the furnace gases.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for melting metal chips characterized by a preheating zone, a pre-reducer zone, and a melting zone in conjunction with an arc heater through which a reducing or inert gas atmosphere is introduced into the communicating zones, whereby metal chips entering the preheating zone move through the preheating, pre-reducing and melting zones in counterflow to the reducing or inert gas movement.

Abstract: Ferrous pellets are melted by feeding them to a ferrous melt in the hearth of an electric arc furnace having a centrally positioned arc. The melt is inductively stirred so that the lower portion of the melt flows radially outwardly while its upper portion flows radially inwardly towards the arc so that the pellets and possibly slag are carried towards the arc.

Abstract: An arc heater method and system for producing a high energy heat source characterized by a housing forming a mixing compartment, a plurality of arc heaters radially mounted on the housing and communicating with the mixing compartment, a reactor communicating with the downstream end of the mixing compartment with a reduced opening therebetween, inlet means at the downstream end of the compartment for introducing an oxidizable metal compound into the reactor, and means within the mixing compartment for flowing superheated gases from the arc heaters at the upstream end of the compartment and into the reactor.

Abstract: An arc furnace enclosure has front, side and rear walls and a roof. A front opening in the enclosure allows a charging bucket to be moved into the enclosure and there is a roof opening for access to the furnace electrodes. A door assembly is movable into and out of a closed position to cover the front and top openings except for a gap which permits the charging bucket support hooks to extend from the enclosure so that the door assembly may be closed during charging. An air curtain seals the roof gaps and a vent withdraws gases and smoke from the enclosure.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for a primary electrode in an open-top electric furnace whereby the primary electrode is supported in a working position and for servicing so that it may be readily moved out of the melt and off to a side of the furnace for convenient access. In addition a fixedly mounted clamp firmly securing the primary electrode in its working position and for transmitting electric power to the electrode is provided.

Abstract: A woven multiconductor cable and method of making the same includes at least two longitudinal sections arranged in a side-by-side manner having a plurality of elongated conductors and a cut-line formed between the sections along which the filling strand of the woven cable may be cut along a desired length of the cable to separate the cable into individual sections which remain bound by alternate picks of the filling strand.

Abstract: A slot furnace for heating steel to forging temperatures includes a housing lined with refractory material and a refractory hearth all defining a chamber in the housing for receiving and heating forging stock. A slot is located at the front of the housing adjacent the hearth in communication with the chamber through which forging stock is inserted and withdrawn. Electrical heating elements are provided at either side of the chamber inwardly of the side walls of the chamber. The ceiling that defines the top of the chamber protrudes inwardly between the elements and above the slot. Means are provided for connecting the heating elements to an electrical power source. A temperature sensor is provided in the chamber adjacent the hearth and means connected to the sensor are provided for controlling the electrical power applied to the elements in response to the sensor.

Abstract: A multi-purpose furnace for space vehicles used for material processing experiments in an outer space environment. The furnace contains three separate cavities designed to process samples of the widest possible range of materials and thermal requirements. Each cavity contains three heating elements capable of independent function under the direction of an automatic and programmable control system. A heat removable mechanism is also provided for each cavity which operates in conjunction with the control system for establishing an isothermally heated cavity or a wide range of thermal gradients and cool down rates. A monitoring system compatible with the rocket telemetry provides furnace performance and sample growth rate data throughout the processing cycle.

Abstract: An electric resistance furnace for the production of silicon carbide from silicon dioxide and carbon has a U-shaped carbonaceous resistance core embedded in the burden of coke, quartz and other additives. The electrodes are disposed adjacent to each other and are connected to the resistance core at the ends of the legs of the U. The ratio of the length of the resistance core to the electrode spacing is at least 1.6.

Abstract: An electric resistance furnace used for melting metals and maintaining them in melted condition. The furnace is also used for production of metal alloys, particularly for production of non-ferrous metals with direct heating of baths by means of resistance heating elements. The furnace has a chamber accommodating at least one heating element having the shape of a vessel provided with a current supply in the form of an electrode, preferably of graphite. The melted material is in contact with the walls and bottom of the heating element. The latter is dipped in the metallic bath placed in the chamber of the furnace, and the electrode is located partly inside the vessel.

Abstract: This invention provides a coaxial cable of the type comprising a central electric conductor and a peripheral electrically conducting screen separated from one another by a solid dielectric, this cable further comprising optical fibres embedded in the dielectric and symmetrically distributed between the central conductor and the peripheral screen.

Abstract: An electric furnace construction comprises a furnace wall including a metallic outer shell and a liner of soft ceramic fiber insulation material on the interior wall of the shell, and a plurality of pin assemblies for holding the lining tightly against the shell and for supporting electric heating means.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for producing ferro-alloys from ore in which an ore is first mixed with a solid reducing agent, preheated and pre-reduced in a rotary kiln, and smelted in an electric furnace, in which the pre-reduced ore is heated by a burner provided in the electric furnace where it is also reoxidized. The ore is also heated in the rotary kiln by recycled gas.

Abstract: An apparatus including an insulation module attachable to a furnace wall, an elongate anchor member completely embedded within the insulation module and generally parallel to a major surface of the module, and a support element having one end cooperable with a heating element and another end attachable to the anchor member is disclosed. A method including embedding an anchor member within an insulation module, affixing the module to a wall, inserting a support member into the module and engaging the anchor member therewith, and bringing a heating element into an engagement with another end of the support member is disclosed.

Abstract: An ingot electroslag remelting apparatus is provided with two electrode hers for feeding consumable electrodes into the melting space of a mould. The electrode holders are secured to ends of booms rotatable in a vertical plane. The booms are mounted on carriages slidable in vertical guides.The proposed invention reduces the time necessary to replace a melted consumable electrode by a fresh one in the melting space of the mould.

Abstract: In a plasma reactor for reducing stable oxides, particularly alumina, oxide and carbon in particle form are allowed to descend through an upper plasma zone in which there is a precessive plasma column, into a lower collection zone, which has one or more gas outlets leading from a central region of its floor and a peripheral collection trough. The precessive plasma column imparts a rotational movement to descending particles so that solid or liquid droplets are separated from evolved carbon monoxide in the collection zone in the manner of a cyclone separator. High tension electrodes and/or liquid metal sprays may be provided to assist coalescence of fine droplets in the collection zone.

Abstract: An arc furnace electrode is suspended by means of a clamp assembly which includes contact shoes adapted to bear against the surface of the electrode. The contact shoes are pivotally mounted adjacent their upper ends and force producing means independent of the shoe support engages each contact shoe for forcing the same into high pressure engagement with the electrode.