Abstract: Molten metal, slag and fumes created during the operation of a plasma-arc torch are discharged downwardly into a duct whose lower end is immersed in a tank of water. A stream of water is directed down the entire inner periphery of the duct and serves to cool and wash the duct. Fumes passing downwardly within the duct are directed into the tank and are quenched and cooled before bubbling upwardly into and being sucked from a housing which surrounds the lower end portion of the duct.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for separating metallurgical products such as ingots, slabs or plate-shaped workpieces using a cutting torch disposed on one side of the product which follows a prescribed cutting line and which forms a front cutting edge on the surface of the product facing the torch and a rear cutting edge on the opposite side of the product and a cutting joint therebetween. At least one gaseous jet is directed at the rear cutting edge of the product to blow molten metal and liquid slag formed during cutting away from the rear cutting edge, thereby preventing the formation of flame burrs at the edges of the cutting joint.

Abstract: A trimming apparatus comprises a trimming mechanism including a carriage movable along the path of travel of a sheet segment which has been cut from a continuous metal sheet by melting a localized area thereof, a slag being formed on an end of the sheet segment. An engaging member is mounted on the carriage and engageable with the sheet segment. A burner is mounted on the carriage and movable along the end of the sheet segment to remove the slag therefrom. There is also disclosed a method of cutting a continuous metal sheet by melting a localized area thereof, and trimming the end of the cut sheet.

Abstract: A method of forming and collecting slag products in connection with gas planing, at which method the melt is moved in an ambient atmosphere through such a distance, that the substances in the melt are oxidized and/or cooled so much prior to their collecting, that there is no risk that the products at their collecting are sintered together.

Abstract: An in-line material handling system for transporting work from one processing station to another, particularly to a station where the work is processed by burning, includes a pair of conveyor means aligned end-to-end. The first conveyor means comprises a loading conveyor for moving the work to the burning station and the second conveyor means comprises a supporting and off-loading conveyor for supporting the work during burning and for discharging it from the burning station. The second or supporting conveyor means may be integrally incorporated in a water table at the burning station to collect dross and swarf from the burning operation.

Abstract: A cutting torch for through cutting workpieces includes a torch stem having its cutting tip directed toward the workpiece with a shielding arrangement attached to the stem for enveloping the cutting area with a mixture of water and compressed air; separate water and air supply lines are each connected to circular canals within the shielding arrangement and nozzles are provided on the underside thereof connected via a through bore to the canals.

Abstract: A water table suitable for use with a burning machine includes a water-holding tank, means for changing the water level in the tank and means for collecting swarf or waste material from the burning operation. A burning table is provided by one or more frames carrying burning bars, positioned in the tank above the water level changing means. The waste collection means may also be positioned in the tank below the frames.

Abstract: A flame cutting machine for subdividing continuously prepared poured casting strands or the like includes an essentially closed suction head in the cutting zone which is mounted movable together with the flame cutting machine for removal of smoke gases, slag and the like produced during the cutting process.

Abstract: A flame cutting layout comprising at least two parallel processing lines each having longitudinally guided support frames for moving workpieces from loading to burning to unloading stations. A stationary bridge spanning both lines guides and supports at least one cutting torch over the burning station in either processing line. A controller, such as a numerical tape controller, simultaneously controls the longitudinal movement of the support frames and transverse movement of the torch to enable a workpiece to be cut in a desired pattern at the burning station in either processing line.

Abstract: A thermochemical scarfing process and apparatus capable of reducing the amount of smoke discharged to the atmosphere and/or of preventing the formation of "secondary" fins when spot scarfing, comprising:(a) scarfing oxygen is directed against a reaction zone of molten metal on the surface of the workpiece to produce a scarfing reaction, and(b) relative movement is provided between the oxygen stream and the workpiece, said reaction forming a molten puddle in front of the reaction zone that grows larger as the cut progresses, wherein the improvement comprises:(c) directing at least one stream of non-reactive fluid to form a fluid, sheet-like curtain that provides a cover over the reaction zone and at least the rear portion of the molten puddle in such manner that said curtain forms a pocket with the surface of the workpiece.

Abstract: A method and a device for gas planing with at least one gas planing device, at which the gas flowing out of the device is shielded off in lateral direction, and gas streams are directed substantially perpendicular from both sides to the gas flowing out of the planing device for applying a retaining effect on the melt being formed, and simultaneously gas streams are directed to the forward portion of the melt for applying a lifting and removing effect thereon.

Abstract: A method of gas planing for removing surface defects on a workpiece, where the working gas is supplied to the workpiece via a planing device, and air or another non-oxidizing gas mixture under pressure is supplied to the melt at the completion of the planing operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing slag during torch cutting of a metal work plate by an oxyacetylene torch which is remotely programmed to cut a predetermined pattern in a metal plate. The molten metal slag particles fall through an upper and lower section of a conveyor belt and onto the floor of a tank filled with water. The lower section of a continuous moving conveyor belt transports the slag along the floor of the tank to a disposal area. The workpiece which is cut from the metal plate drops into the tank but is prevented from falling to the floor of the tank by the top section of the conveyor belt. The top section of the conveyor belt transports the workpiece to a finishing area. Movable and adjustable members are provided for supporting the work plate during the cutting operation.