Abstract: Method for melting or melt reducing chemical mixtures at temperatures which exceed the melting temperatures of highly-refractory linings. The method requires the steps of pressing the chemical mixture into bars and arranging the bars to form a cavern having a defined geometry. The cavern surrounds a centrally located high energy density radiation source. The portion of the bar facing the radiation source melts at a certain melting rate. The cavern geometry is maintained by radially advancing the bars toward the radiation source at the same rate as the melting rate.

Abstract: The method serves to handle a bag which is open at one end and has at least one closed edge and is disposed at the top of a stack of bags. A suction device is operated to descend and engage said bag at a closed edge thereof and then to ascend so as to raise said bag adjacent to said closed edge, whereby a gap is formed between said suction device and said stack. A bag support having a leading edge is moved through said gap relative to said closed edge and transversely thereto. Said bag is held in a raised position as said support is thus moved until said bag has been entirely drawn over said leading edge. Said bag is subsequently released and fed to a delivery table disposed adjacent to said bagging pipe. A plurality of suction heads are disposed adjacent to said delivery table to engage said bag on said table on the outside of said bag adjacent to said open end, then to move apart to open said bag at said open end. Said open end is then fitted onto said bagging pipe.