Abstract: The invention relates to a not as yet considered kind of corrosion of products made of silicon carbide working in elevated temperatures and discloses a method of preventing this kind of corrosion which begins already at the moderate temperature of about 550.degree. C. and is caused by the formation of carbon monoxide in the pores of the interior of the silicon carbide products in conditions of limited penetration of oxygen into these pores.

Abstract: An electric resistance furnace used for melting metals and maintaining them in melted condition. The furnace is also used for production of metal alloys, particularly for production of non-ferrous metals with direct heating of baths by means of resistance heating elements. The furnace has a chamber accommodating at least one heating element having the shape of a vessel provided with a current supply in the form of an electrode, preferably of graphite. The melted material is in contact with the walls and bottom of the heating element. The latter is dipped in the metallic bath placed in the chamber of the furnace, and the electrode is located partly inside the vessel.