Abstract: A method and apparatus for graining a surface having a substantial area traveling at a substantial rate of speed. The method includes directing the surface past an array of electrical arcs traveling about a plurality of loop electrodes arranged to provide overlapping arc loop paths as the surface travels past the array of arc loops. The arc loops are established between the loop electrodes and the traveling surface, and thus contact the surface to grain the same. When each arc is struck between its loop electrodes and traveling surface, it is magnetically impelled about the loop of its electrode by a magnetic field established perpendicular of the direction of arc current flow. An annular sheath of gas is provided on each side of the electrode loop and the arc struck between the electrode loop and the traveling surface.

Abstract: A plasma torch electrode has a copper outer shell on an inner portion of which is provided a more durable composition of a silver alloy by pressing or casting to achieve longer lifetime under arcing conditions in air or oxygen while minimizing the cost of materials and fabrication.

Abstract: A transferred arc torch is comprised of a first electrode surrounded by a coil. A second electrode is positioned adjacent to the first electrode so as to provide a small gap therebetween for striking an arc. The second electrode is configured to enable the arc to be transferred therefrom. The transferred arc torch may be used in conjunction with a vessel to provide a unique plasma reactor.

Abstract: A plasma feed nozzle 3 for a furnace 1 which has a tubular mixing chamber 7 open at one end to the furnace, a plasma torch 13 which provides superheated gases axially to the central portion of the mixing chamber 7, shroud gases which enter the end of the mixing chamber opposite the end open to the furnace in such a way as to swirl as it moves axially through the mixing chamber 7 to provide a temperature profile which is substantially hotter in the central portion of the mixing chamber 7 than adjacent the wall portion thereof and a particulate feed nozzle 25 disposed to direct particulate material to the central portion of the mixing chamber.

Abstract: An arc-heated plasma lance characterized by an elongated tubular housing containing arc heater ports for producing a plasmic jet at one end of the housing and service ports for providing electric power, gas, and coolant fluid to the arc heater ports, and the service means extending into the housing from the other end.

Abstract: An electric arc heater having outlet gas admission. The mounting flange of an electric arc heater has a channel extending about its circumference which is enclosed by a detachably fastened plate to form a manifold. A passageway for the material to be admitted is provided between an outer surface of the mounting flange and the manifold. A plurality of peripherally spaced passageways are provided in the plate intermediate the manifold and the flow path of the arc heated gas exiting the arc heater outlet providing for the uniform distribution of the added material into the arc heated gas. By varying the position of these passageways a broad range of admission paths ranging from substantially parallel to the flow path of the arc heated gas to substantially perpendicular can be achieved without the use of additional downstream admission collars and seals.

Abstract: A high power non-transferred electric arc heater utilizing interelectrode segments which create a stepped arc chamber intermediate two hollow, substantially cylindrical, axially spaced electrodes. Gas to be heated is admitted upstream of the arc chamber and between adjacent segments. Gas is used to form a cold boundary layer about the expanding core of arc-heater gas. Additional secondary gas inlets adjacent the electrode provide fluid dynamic means for arc positioning on the electrode segments. Gas pressures of less than or in the range of about 1 atmosphere to about 50 atmospheres are used with power levels of about 10 MW being possible. The stepped arc chamber facilitates arc transfer to the downstream electrodes and allows a larger diameter for the arc heated gas while the boundary layer of gas maintaining comparable spacing along the length of the arc-heated gas and the surface of the arc chamber reducing the rate of heat transfer from the arc heated gas to the segments of the arc heater.

Abstract: Arc heater apparatus using total alternating current characterized by a pair of axially spaced cylindrical electrodes forming a narrow gap therebetween and connected to a first alternating current power source to produce an arc in the gap, each electrode having magnetic coil means for producing a rotating magnetic field at the arcing surface of the electrodes to rotate the arc, and the magnetic coil means being connected to a second alternating current power source which has an arc current zero aligned with that of the first alternating current power source.

Abstract: Apparatus for melting metal chips comprising a preheating chamber, a prereducing chamber, and a melting chamber, the latter comprising a metallurgical vessel having a refractory wall with arc heater means mounted on the wall and extending therethrough which arc heater means provides an electric plasma arc which extends through an opening in the refractory wall, and the arc heater means comprising a downstream cylindrical electrode extending through the refractory wall for improved heating efficiency.

Abstract: A liquid reactant injector assembly especially suited for the injection of liquid reactant into a high temperature metal reductant vapor and carrier gas stream for the production of metal is disclosed. The assembly is especially adapted for the continuous production of high purity silicon by the reduction of SiCl.sub.4 with sodium. The assembly includes a refractory-lined, hollow, metal shell having a plurality, suitably ten, equally-spaced, concentric, radially directed ports provided in the shell and wall. A hydraulic, atomizing type, spray nozzle is sealingly mounted in each of the ports recessed from the inner wall surface.

Abstract: A liquid silicon casting control mechanism characterized by means for producing liquid elemental silicon and comprising a collecting vessel having a tap hole therein for periodically removing liquid silicon in a controlled manner, and comprising a tubular constricted opening.

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 heater method and system for producing a high energy 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: A high temperature arc heater and reaction chamber for liquid state material processing and collection characterized by at least one arc heater connected tangentially to a circular reaction chamber where separation of liquid and gases occurs centrifugally and in which chamber an inner wall operates at relatively high temperature to limit the thickness of material buildup such as titanium or zirconium which solidifies on the wall.

Abstract: A process for the production of magnetic spheres from grit of magnetite ore by introducing the grit into an arc heated gas jet, thus heating the grit to a temperature of at least 1600.degree. C, and allowing the melted magnetite droplets to spheroidize and cool to a solid state.

Abstract: A three-phase arc heater system characterized by two axially spaced, sustantially cylindrical electrodes forming a first intermediate gap, a third electrode forming a second intermediate gap upstream of the first gap, means for channeling gas to the first and second gap, and a three-phase delta-connected power source having a ground conductor connected to the downstream electrode.

Abstract: The arc heater of this invention is characterized by a pair of axially spaced substantially cylindrical electrodes which form a narrow gap between adjacent ends thereof. The gap communicates between a peripheral plenum chamber and the arc chamber formed by the electrodes, and the gap is included inwardly and downwardly toward the outlet end of the arc chamber in order to prevent solid particles from entering and clogging the gap as the particles travel through the arc chamber. The arc heater also includes a third cylindrical electrode disposed at the inlet end of the arc chamber.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for forming a joint in a high voltage gas insulated electrical system wherein an outer spherical joint member surrounds an inner spherical joint member which is supported from only one of the inner housing conductors. The inner housing conductor which supports the inner sphere is supported where it extends into the outer housing sphere from a circular insulating member. The circulating insulating spacer and support is rigidly connected to a flanged opening formed on the outer housing sphere. The inner sphere which is rigidly supported is provided with a plurality of sliding contact openings for engaging other inner conductors of the additional bus sections to be joined. The outer spherical housing is formed from two hemispheres each of which has an opening formed therein. The plane defined by the opening into the hemisphere is transverse to the plane defined by the free ends of the hemisphere.

Abstract: A seismic damper device is provided between the supporting plate adjacent the bottom of an upstanding piece of electrical apparatus and the lower main frame support members, supporting said upstanding electrical equipment, so that any relative motion between the upstanding column structure and the main lower-disposed frame support structure is restricted. Preferably, a liquid-filled dash-pot assembly, or energy-absorbing device, is utilized at one or more locations extending between the lower supporting plate member of each upstanding column structure and the lower-disposed main supporting framework.In one form of the invention there are provided three equally-spaced radially-extending support arms extending outwardly from the main supporting plate disposed adjacent and fixed to the lower end of each upstanding column structure.