Abstract: A direct current electric furnace for melting metal raw material, especially scrap iron, comprises two consumable electrodes separated from one another and both offset laterally on the side of the median plane P1 of the vessel turned towards the current source. At least four fixed electrodes are distributed on either side of the median plane and arranged substantially at the vertices of a regular polygon symmetrical with respect to the median plane and placed between the vertical projections of the consumable electrodes, the conductors of the electrodes placed towards the source being orientated directly towards the latter, parallel to the conductors of the consumable electrodes and the conductors of the electrodes placed on the side opposite to the source each comprising a first branch passing around the vertical projection of the corresponding consumable electrode and a second branch orientated towards the source parallel to the conductors connected to the consumable electrodes.

Abstract: An electric direct-current metal-melting furnace, comprising a vessel (1) having a bottom (11), at least one consumable electrode (2) and at least one fixed electrode (3) which are fed by respective conductors (22; 5). A magnetic screen is interposed between the batch and a part of the conductors connected to the current source (4), so as to master the deflection effects on the arcs attributable to the magnetic fields generated by the conductors. The magnetic screen is arranged along the bottom (11) of the vessel (1), so as to cover at least that part of the bottom which surrounds each connection of a hearth electrode (3) and at least part of the corresponding return conductor (5).

Abstract: A set of conductors comprising at least two return conductors (5) connected to a hearth electrode (3) is arranged along the outer face (11) of the furnace vessel in direct proximity thereto, and the profile and orientation of at least two conductors of the set are determined, in order, as a result of the passage of a direct current of controlled intensity, to generate magnetic fields of which the mutual deflection effects on the arcs, taking into account all the magnetic influences exerted by the other conductors and the various parts of the installation during operation, are such that the arcs are directed towards a specific zone of the molten-metal bath.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for the continuous melting of scrap in an electric D.C. furnace, in which the D.C. source (23) supplies vault electrodes (4) and hearth electrodes (8) by means of respective feed conductors (7) and return conductors (9). The scrap is fed through an orifice (12). The vault electrode or electrodes (4) are arranged on the other side of the axis of the shaft (1) in relation to the orifice (12). The hearth electrode or electrodes (8) are offset towards the orifice (12), and the return conductor or conductors (9) connected to the hearth electrode or electrodes (8) are led under the bottom (2) of the shaft (1) and as near as possible to the latter, being directed towards the opposite zone of the furnace where the vault electrodes (4) are located, as to generate magnetic fields capable of deflecting the arc or arcs towards a zone set apart from the vault electrodes (4) and located substantially below the scrap feed orifice (12 ).