Abstract: Process and furnace for the continuous production of a molten pool from particulate meltable batch materials such as glass-forming raw materials. The raw materials, in particulate form, are injected into and suspended in combustion gases within a combustor section to form a particle-laden gas flow. The gas flow is accelerated vertically downwardly into a refractory chamber to impact the surface of a molten pool, producing inertial separation of the molten particles into the pool and strong shear forces by the exiting combustion gases, resulting in pool circulation and improved fining and homogeneity.

Abstract: A particle suspension furnace having an upper injector section, an intermediate combustion section and a lower separation section. The injector section comprises a central fuel conduit for supplying a rich fuel/air mixture to a burner at the base of the injector section, and a concentric annular mixing chamber for supplying a mixture of reactive or meltable batch particles and oxygen to the burner. The fuel-rich burner flame diffuses radially-outwardly to consume the peripherally-supplied oxygen and form an oxygen/fuel combustion mixture having a predetermined selected stoichiometry which is variable above and below 1:1 stoichiometry depending upon whether a reducing or oxidizing atmosphere is desired. The suspended particles absorb heat to quench the burner temperature and reduce the NO.sub.x pollutant formation.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for the rapid efficient melting of solid ferrous metal scrap without direct exposure to water vapor, carbon dioxide, oxygen or oxygen-containing gases, using natural gas and/or other caloric gaseous fuels. The apparatus includes a furnace having a refractory base, means for introducing ferrous metal such as solid steel scrap to the well area, means for providing a slag layer over the solid steel scrap, and gas burner means for emitting one or more forced gas flames for superheating the slag layer to a liquid which covers the scrap and for agitating and circulating the molten slag to form a highly-efficient heat-transfer medium for melting and refining the steel scrap while it is insulated against contact with gases, particularly water vapor, carbon dioxide, oxygen or oxygen-containing gases. The process may operate continuously and can recover heat for scrap preheating, turbine power and other efficient uses.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for the rapid efficient melting of solid ferrous metal scrap without direct exposure to water vapor, carbon dioxide, oxygen or oxygen-containing gases, using natural gas and/or other caloric gaseous fuels. The apparatus includes a furnace having a refractory base, means for introducing ferrous metal such as solid steel scrap to the wall area, means for providing a slag layer over the solid steel scrap, and gas burner means for emitting one or more forced gas flames for superheating the slag layer to a liquid which covers the scrap and for agitating and circulating the molten slag to form a highly-efficient heat-transfer medium for melting and refining the steel scrap while it is insulated against contact with gases, particularly water vapor, carbon dioxide, oxygen or oxygen-containing gases. The process may operate continuously and can recover heat for scrap preheating, turbine power and other efficient uses.