Abstract: Filter medium in the form of a stable body made of ceramic material and employed for filtering molten metals. The filter medium is made up of at least two effective filter layers such that a relatively thick layer of large pore diameter lies on a relatively thin layer of small pore diameter. This arrangement aims at attaining the maximum possible wetting of the interior of the filter medium.

Abstract: The invention describes a process for the production of coarse crystalline alumina from aluminum hydroxide, which after preparation by known methods is advantageously useful for abrasives, lapping and polishing purposes or for refractory materials. The process is characterized by aluminum hydroxide, either directly or after previous partial dehydration in the range 200.degree.-550.degree. C., being added with a mineralizer of compound type x(BF.sub.4).sub.n, wherein x stands for NH.sub.4 and metallic elements and n is for the formal valence of x, and subsequently is subjected to an elevated temperature treatment between 750.degree. C. and a value higher than the phase change temperature to .alpha.-Al.sub.2 O.sub.3.

Abstract: A high temperature reactor is fitted with a plasma gun at an anode chamber and is provided with a graphite cathode. The reactor is cooled by means of pipes in the refractory lining of the reactor, and rests on essentially horizontal bearings. The charge to be melted e.g. oxides or oxide mixtures is fed from above at an angle .alpha. at most 90.degree. to the main axis of the reactor in the direction of the plasma stream, and the molten product is tapped off at an exit port which is also close to the entry port of the plasma stream so that the plasma stream covers and therefore heats the area around the exit port.

Abstract: A high temperature reactor is fitted with a plasma gun at an anode chamber and is provided with a graphite cathode. The reactor is cooled by means of pipes in the refractory lining of the reactor, and rests on essentially horizontal bearings. The charge to be melted e.g. oxides or oxide mixtures is fed from above at an angle .alpha. at most 90.degree. to the main axis of the reactor in the direction of the plasma stream, and the molten product is tapped off at an exit port which is also close to the entry port of the plasma stream so that the plasma stream covers and therefore heats the area around the exit port.