Abstract: The crystalliser (11) cooperates externally with a box-shaped structure (13) creating cooling chambers (14), in which a cooling fluid circulates, and cooperates internally with the skin of the billets, blooms or slabs (24) being formed. The cooling chambers (14) containing intermediate walls (20) create circulation channels (21) in cooperation with the outer surfaces (12) of the sidewalls of the crystalliser (11), at least one upper zone (34) being included in cooperation at least with the vicinity of the meniscus and with the portion below the meniscus (33) of liquid metal, a lower zone (26) being also included and beginning in the vicinity of the zone of separation of the forming skin from the inner surfaces (12) of the crystalliser (11) and extending towards the outlet of the crystalliser (11). By acting on the cross-section and/or conformation of at least one longitudinal portion of at least one side of the cross-section of the circulation channels (21), e.g.

Abstract: Method for the storage and controlled supply of electric energy for discontinuous loads in steelworks and in particular for metal melting systems and rolling mills, the method comprising at least one main supply line (18) connected to a main supply source (11) of electric energy and a plurality of loads (12-13-14-114-20), whereby the level of maximum active power supplied by that main supply source (11) to the steelworks is limited by a sub-station (27) to a level "P.sub.0 " lower than the peaks of maximum absorption by those loads (12-13-14-114-20), the method comprising at least one accumulation line (16) connected in parallel to the main supply line (18) and supplying at least one storage assembly (17), which is connected to the loads (12-13-14-114-20) through a secondary supply line (19).

Abstract: Electric arc furnace with alternative sources of energy, which functions with direct current or alternating current and comprises at least one lance (12) to inject pure or combined oxygen above the bath (16) and a plurality of tuyeres (13) positioned in the hearth of the furnace (10) to inject oxygen below the bath, the tuyeres (13) being cooled by a peripheral movement of a cooling mixture consisting of at least one gas having a high cooling power (methane, butane, inert gases, etc.) and of at least one diluting gas (nitrogen, carbon dioxide), pipes (15) being included to introduce additives and powdered coal, post-combustion burners (28) possibly being comprised, the tuyeres (13) including an oxygen delivery pipe (18) having a diameter greater than 8 mm., the oxygen pressure being capable of being modulated according to the working steps, there being a constant minimum pressure of delivery.

Abstract: Method and device to control the force applied to the electrode-bearing arms of an electric arc furnace, the vertical regulation of the electrodes being achieved with an electrohydraulic or electropneumatic system consisting of an operational cylinder actuated by a fluid under pressure so as to raise and lower the electrodes, the control means of the system being adjustable by means of an electrical device, whereby the working pressure of the operational cylinder is measured by a pressure transducer (15) and is processed by a processor system (16) so as to obtain the weight of the electrodes and the condition of static pressure, the processor system (16) governing a quick-response servovalve (18) and being governed by an interface (19) of the system that adjusts the electrical current fed to the electrodes (11).

Abstract: Method to feed a three-phase direct-arc electric furnace with controlled current and also a three-phase electric furnace thus fed for the smelting of metals, e.g.

Abstract: This invention concerns a procedure for controlling the type of arc in an electrical furnace (F), which comprises the monitoring (R) of the short circuit power of the network line (L) during a period of inactivity of the arc, whereby the value thus monitored is processed (B) to determine a primary voltage (V) to be maintained at a transformer (T2) supplying the electrodes of the furnace (F), and whereby the processing (E) combines fixed parameters (P) and at least variable parameters relating to:pre-set conditions of the arc (S),conditions of a substation tap changer (VAR),and line parameters (C) including at least the state of connection of banks of capacitors (C1-C2).The invention also concerns an arc furnace (F) which employs a procedure for controlling the type of arc according to the methods described herein.