Abstract: A fiberizing spinner for converting a stream of molten material into a plurality of fibers includes a substantially cylindrically shaped copper shell. A complementary shaped coolant guide is disposed within the shell and is closely spaced from the inner surface thereof so as to define a highly restrictive narrow flow passage. A liquid coolant is supplied to the passage where the velocity of the same is made to accelerate to an ultrahigh velocity of at least 10 feet per second across the inner surface of the shell to thereby sweep away steam generated upon the surface.

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 fiberizing spinner for converting a stream of molten material into a plurality of fibers includes a substantially cylindrically shaped copper shell. A complementary shaped coolant guide is disposed within the shell and is closely spaced from the inner surface thereof so as to define a highly restrictive narrow flow passage. A liquid coolant is supplied to the passage where the velocity of the same is made to accelerate to an ultrahigh velocity of at least 10 feet per second across the inner surface of the shell to thereby sweep away steam generated upon the surface.

Abstract: A trough for delivering molten material flowing from a furnace includes an elongated copper member along which the material flows. A coolant guide is located beneath the copper member and is closely spaced therefrom so as to define a highly restrictive narrow coolant flow passage. A liquid coolant is supplied to the passage where the velocity of the same is made to accelerate to an ultrahigh velocity of at least 10 feet per second across the undersurface of the copper member to thereby sweep away steam generated upon the surface.

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: A substantially spherically-shaped electric melting furnace includes a carbon-lined crucible. The interior of said crucible is sealed from the atmosphere outside the crucible and a vacuum pump and venturi device control the atmosphere within the crucible by removing oxygen therefrom. A feeder lock allows material to be fed into the crucible without interfering with the atmospheric control of the crucible and a tap hole adjacent the lower portion of the crucible allows molten material to be removed. When used in the manufacture of mineral wool insulation, slag is fed into the crucible to be melted and the molten slag from the tap hole is delivered to a fiberizing device.

Abstract: An electrically conductive refractory lined crucible is covered by a refractory lined roof. At least one electrode supported by the roof extends downwardly into the crucible for melting the flux within the crucible. The crucible lining itself functions as the second electrode. The roof and the crucible are air-tight thereby preventing air from entering the crucible. An exhaust port located in the upper portion of the roof is connected to a vacuum device for exhausting fumes from the crucible and for controlling the atmosphere within the crucible.

Abstract: A graphite lined crucible includes an upper horizontally extending flange having a seal ring around its periphery. The crucible may be raised by a hydraulic cylinder so as to bring the seal ring into engagement with the inside of a refractory lined roof. Electrodes supported by the roof extend downwardly into the crucible for melting the flux within the crucible. The roof and the crucible are air-tight thereby preventing air from entering the crucible. An exhaust port located in the upper portion of the roof is connected to a vacuum device for exhausting fumes from the crucible and for controlling the atmosphere within the crucible.

Abstract: An air tight sleeve is adapted to be moved between an inoperative position and an operative position wherein it extends between the top of a crucible of an electroslag melting furnace and the bottom of the furnace head. A seal is formed between the top of the crucible and the bottom of the sleeve and between the top of the sleeve and the bottom of the furnace head so that the atmosphere within the space between the furance head and the crucible can be controlled. Additionally, the sleeve is electrically connected to the bottom of the furnace head and to an electrically conductive water guide within the crucible wall so that the sleeve also functions as the return conductor.

Abstract: An air tight sleeve is adapted to be moved between an inoperative position to an operative position wherein it extends between the top of a crucible of an electro-slag melting furnace and the bottom of a furnace head. A seat is formed between the top of the crucible and the bottom of the sleeve and the top of the sleeve and the bottom of the furnace head so that the space between the furnace head and the crucible is air tight. A vacuum pump or similar device controls the atmosphere within the space surrounded by the sleeve.

Abstract: An elongated tubular member extends downwardly into the annular space between a consumable electrode and the crucible of an electroslag furnace. The tubular member guides pre-melted starting flux downwardly through the annular space to the bottom of the crucible while preventing the flux from contacting the inside walls of the crucible or the electrode.

Abstract: Load cells continuously measure the weight of a consumable electrode as it is being melted in an electroslag melting furnace. This information is compared to similar information obtained from load cells measuring the weight of a supply of granular slag and/or alloy additions intended to be added to the molten slag in the furnace. The addition of the granular slag and/or alloy is controlled based on the results of this comparison.

Abstract: A consumable electrode furnace crucible is disclosed which utilizes a coaxially disposed crucible body, intermediate water guide, and outer crucible jacket disposed upon a base. The bottom portion of the water guide is electrically interconnected to the bottom portion of the crucible body and is otherwise electrically insulated from the crucible jacket and crucible body to provide a coaxial return current path providing substantial magnetic field cancellation. The inner surface of the intermediate water guide is spaced close to the outer surface of the crucible body to define a narrow passage which forces the cooling water to pass across the surface of the crucible body at an ultrahigh velocity to sweep away steam.