Abstract: A gasifier for producing synthesis gas from a widely varying feedstock of waste and natural fuels, the gasifier including an induction furnace, a molten bed and slag reaction chamber mounted on top of the induction furnace, an opening fluidly connecting the molten metal and slag with the interior of the induction furnace and the inside bottom of the reaction chamber, the reaction chamber further containing a froth and off-take reaction zones above the molten metal and slag, and a lid at the top of the reaction chamber for enclosing the reaction chamber and collecting the heat and fuel gas produced therein.

Abstract: A method for producing a synthesis gas from a widely varying feedstock of waste and natural fuels including providing a reaction chamber having a bottom coupled to an induction furnace, introducing a carbonaceous fuel into a molten metal contained within the reaction chamber, continuously or intermittently supplying heat and molten metal to the reaction chamber from the induction furnace and collecting a fuel gas generated within the reaction chamber.

Abstract: A pouring ladle (12) includes a horizontal chamber (22) having an inlet (24) at one end thereof for admitting molten metal into the chamber (22) and a bottom-poured nozzle (28) at an opposite end for discharging the metal into an underlying mold (30). A coreless induction heater (56) surrounds the chamber (22) for heating metal as it flows from the inlet (24) to the outlet nozzle (28). The induction heater (56) may be operated simultaneously with the pouring of metal and be used to pour treated ductile iron without plugging the inductor (56).

Abstract: A bushing cap used to close a gap in a liquid cooled bushing which surrounds a coil contained in a channel induction furnace. The coil, bushing and bushing cap is further surrounded by a thin refractory layer which is further surrounded by a molten metal loop. The bushing cap and bushing are liquid cooled to maintain a substantial uniform thermal gradient about the thin refractory layer surrounding the bushing and bushing cap. Preferably, this is accomplished by way of a bushing cap having a cooling member attached to a cover and mounted within the bushing gap. A cooling fluid is passed through both the cooling member of the bushing cap and cooling channels within the bushing to maintain a substantial uniform thermal gradient about the thin refractory layer.

Abstract: A housing including an open-cage type framework for a coreless induction furnace. The framework includes upper and lower horizontally disposed ring members. Each ring member is constructed of a non-magnetic metal except for an insulating fastener in each ring which closes the ring mechanically but prevents a continuous electrical path or loop in each ring. The upper and lower rings are joined by a plurality of vertical columns which are similarly electrically insulated from the rings. The framework thus provides a rigid structure for supporting the internal furnace components while at the same time insuring that deleterious current paths or loops in the framework are not created during operation.