Abstract: A base of a metallurgical vessel having a direct-current arc device whose cathode projects into the vessel and in whose fire-resistant lining on the base at least one anode is arranged, one end of which, passing through the vessel wall, touches metallic melt located in the vessel, and the other end of which can be connected to cooling fluid supply sources and is attached in an electrically insulated manner to the vessel wall via holding elements. A sleeve is provided which does not conduct electric current, sheaths that part of the anode which projects into the metallurgical vessel and, in the process of forming an outlet channel, is arranged at a distance sufficiently far away from the anode that low-melting-point metals, mainly lead, can flow out of the vessel without being impeded.

Abstract: A feeding device for low shaft furnaces, in particular for arc furnaces for melting scrap, it being possible for the furnaces to be closed by a cover connected to a gas-extracting device, and it being possible for a charging apparatus to be set down on the furnaces once the cover has been removed from the furnace shaft. The charging apparatus has a top part and a bottom part. The top part is configured as a charging container which has a gas-permeable base which can be opened, and, in the region of its mouth, the bottom part is configured such that it corresponds with the top border of the upper furnace vessel. Provided outside the low shaft furnace is a bearing on which the charging apparatus can be set down and of which the level is considerably lower than that of the top border of the upper furnace vessel. The bearing has a connection by which it can be connected to the gas-extracting device.

Abstract: A pH sensitive microsensor which comprises a substrate on which a sensor membrane is formed by laser ablation of a target and depositing the target material on the substrate.

Abstract: A bottom electrode for a metallurgical vessel operated with direct current, consisting of an outer part made of a first material arrangeable substantially outside a bottom of the vessel so as to face the vessel, and an inner part made of a second material and connected to the outer part so as to face an interior of the vessel. The inner part is configured to wear when in contact with molten metal in the vessel, and includes a metallic first structural part that consists substantially of a material comparable to the molten metal. The first structural part has an end adjacent the outer part with a cross-section adapted to that of the outer part. The first structural part is configured to prevent a flow of melted electrode material as well as the molten metal. The inner part further includes a high temperature resistant second structural part configured to compliment the first structural part, the first and second structural parts being coaxial to one another.

Abstract: An electrode support arm for arc furnaces which is constructed as a hollow section with a wall formed at least partially from current-carrying material of high conductivity. The wall of the hollow section has a coolant guiding system including ducts arranged in the wall so as to be parallel to one another and concentric to the center axis of the support arm. The quantity and dimensions of these ducts enable sufficient cooling without a reduction in the strength of the support arm.