Abstract: An apparatus for metallurgically heat treating a plurality of discrete individually movable aluminum alloy parts includes a plurality of successive stations for heat treating the parts. The plurality of stations are arranged in a line of travel. Infrared radiation lamps are provided at each station. A conveyor mechanism places and holds a part in a station for heat treatment. The conveyor moves the part to a subsequent station for further heat treatment. The conveyor mechanism holds the part stationary relative to the line of travel while the part is in a station being heat treated.

Abstract: For heating sponge iron to temperatures of about 850.degree. C. without substantial oxidation losses, there are provided at least two separate preheating stages at different temperatures, to which the sponge iron is successively fed and in which the temperature and the gas atmosphere are respectively individually controlled in such a way that a chemically neutral gas atmosphere is set in the first preheating stage at the lowest temperature and a reducing gas atmosphere is set in the last preheating stage at the highest temperature. The hot gas for the preheater is obtained at least in part from the waste gas from the melting furnace, to which the preheated sponge iron is fed.

Abstract: A mobile system for the remediation of a mixture of lead-contaminated soil and waste lead-acid battery casings includes a plasma arc furnace unit having a plasma arc torch which operates at a sufficiently elevated temperature to (i) convert the battery casings in the mixture into a combustible gas, (ii) volatilize lead contaminants which are present in the mixture and entrain the volatilized lead contaminants as a vapor in the combustible gas, and (iii) vitrify the soil, whereby lead contaminants that were present in the mixture are substantially removed therefrom. An internal combustion engine-driven generator supplies the plasma arc furnace with electrical power. In this regard, the internal combustion engine-driven generator receives the combustible gas from the plasma arc furnace as a fuel source in order to drive the generator.

Abstract: A process and device for recovering cadmium and nickel metals from Ni-Cd battery and processing scrap material containing nickel, cadmium, iron and other substances are disclosed. The process includes depositing the scrap material in a furnace and adding an effective amount of an oxygen getter in the furnace to prevent oxide formation. Argon or nitrogen gas is introduced and maintained in the atmosphere of the furnace. The furnace is then heated for an effective period of time to evaporate free water. The temperature of the furnace is then increased and maintained to approximately 500.degree.-800.degree. C. for an effective period of time to volatilize molecular water and non-metallic substances. The temperature of the furnace is then further raised to greater than approximately 900.degree. C. for an effective period of time to vaporize cadmium from the scrap material.

Abstract: The present invention refers to an apparatus and a capsule for carrying out processes of directed crystallization, especially in cosmic space conditions. The apparatus comprises a first compartment forming a multizone furnace having an inner surface divided into heating zones for heating up material pieces to be processed, and a second compartment for receiving capsule holders bearing capsules for receiving the material pieces, the first and second compartments being connected with one another through a cooled neck part and determining together a common closed space, the second compartment includes an upper and a lower annular rims prepared with cutouts for capsule holders, the capsule holders and the rims forming together a magazine of capsules, and revolving manipulating means.

Abstract: A steel bar and billet heating system located upstream of shears for further processing comprises a conventional fuel operated heating furnace up to a material temperature of 780.degree.-1000.degree. C., followed by at least two subsequent individual induction heating stations up to the shearing or hot-pressing temperature of 1150.degree.-1300.degree. C. The system further comprises induction furnace monitoring and thermal control means, product forwarding means within the combustion furnace and from the latter to the shears through the induction furnaces, adapted as well to move the bars and billets backwards, in the opposite direction, there being provided a waiting area inside the furnace, a loader for the slugs coming back from the shears, and means for traversing the latter so that they do not interfere with the path of the pieces.

Abstract: This invention provides a method and appratus whereby steel of various compositions may be produced from iron ore and coal through a series of stages without the intermediate production of liquid iron. A reforming reactor receives top gases from the steel making reactors, and converts them to high reduction potential gases which are returned to the steel making reactors. The iron ore and reductants, such as coal, are charged to a controlled atmosphere reactor which may be an inclined rotary cylindrical shaft. From the controlled atmosphere reactor the charge is moved to a potential shift reactor which is inclined or vertical and encounters increasing heat and rising gases for converting the carbonised sponge into a semi-molten state. The charge then passes to a high temperature reactor where it encounters the reducing gases from the reforming reactor and preheated oxygen to create temperature in which steel is made.

Abstract: A control arrangement is disclosed for a conventional, atmosphere heat treating furnace which is operated at high temperature and fitted with a vacuum pump to draw rough or soft vacuum levels when heating the work to heat treat temperatures. The control arrangement utilizes a hydrogen--inert gas furnace atmosphere continuously metered into the furnace to produce a reducing gas mixture to prevent oxidation of the work. If oxidation conditions are sensed, the mass flow is automatically increased while vacuum levels are maintained constant. A unique oxygen probe mounting arrangement is disclosed which enables a conventional oxygen probe to give fairly accurate and consistent readings for fast, automatic process control.

Abstract: The spray unit lies downstream, in-line with an extrusion press and serves to cool metallic sections in particular sections of aluminum or an aluminum alloy from all sides. The cooling medium emerges from spray nozzles program-controlled in the direction of the section. The distance, the cross-section distribution and the direction of the spray nozzles are adapted specific to the geometrical shape and distribution of mass in the section. The optimum parameters are determined and stored in the unit processor. The spray nozzles are arranged in nozzle beams running in the direction of the extruded section. The nozzle beams comprise at least one longitudinal water channel and two longitudinal air channels, whereby cross-intersecting channels branch off from the water channels to the spray nozzles and the air channels terminate in air gaps which are directed towards the nozzle outlets.

Abstract: Lead-contaminated soil and battery casings are remediated using a plasma arc furnace which pyrolyzes the soil and waste battery casings so as to form a vitrified slag and a combustible gas, respectively. The combustible gas along with volatilized lead (and other heavy metals which may be present) are transferred to, and used as a primary fuel by, a conventional smelting furnace. The volatilized lead that is entrained in the combustible gas is thus transferred to the recovery and environmental protection/control equipment associated with the smelting furnace. The soil, on the other hand, is convened into a non-toxic (i.e., according to the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure) vitrified slag by the plasma arc which may be crushed and used as a commercial material (e.g., roadway aggregate, asphalt filler material and the like) or simply transferred to a landfill where it poses no environmental threat.

Abstract: A method for producing a cast aluminum vehicle wheel uses a high intensity electric infrared heating system to heat treat the wheel. The infrared heating system is an indexing-type system which includes a plurality of individual heating stations. A first group of heating stations effects solution heat treating of the wheel, while a second group effects artificial aging. The infrared system enables the solution heat treating and aging to be completed in less than 15 minutes.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for heat treating a product. The apparatus includes an infrared lamp assembly having an infrared lamp disposed within the interior of a quartz conduit. Air is admitted to the interior of the conduit at a controlled rate to cool the conduit while minimizing adverse impact on the efficiency of the infrared lamp.

Abstract: A method for producing a cast aluminum vehicle wheel uses a high intensity electric infrared heating system to heat treat the wheel. The infrared heating system is an indexing-type system which includes a plurality of individual heating stations. A first group of heating stations effects solution heat treating of the wheel, while a second group effects artificial aging. The infrared system enables the solution heat treating and aging to be completed in less than 15 minutes.

Abstract: Fuel and combustion gas are supplied to the blast pipes and tuyeres of a blast furnace through injection lances which have an inner tube and an outer tube. The inner tube is generally used to carry the fuel, while the space formed between the inner and outer tubes is used to carry the combustion gas. Such a lance can have a heat resistant tip which has a bore for forming an extension of the inner fuel supply tube, and which also has a number of helical channels disposed about the bore for forming an extension of the space between the tubes. It is advantageous to have more than one such lance in each blast pipe and to have the lances extend obliquely into the hot blast channel that is formed by the blast pipe and the tuyere.

Abstract: The top-submergable injection lance has an elongate conduit which extends between upper and discharge ends and defines a bore, for the supply of reactants, through the conduit and an annular, alloy steel tip at the discharge end. The conduit comprises an inner pipe defining the bore, an outer pipe, and a third pipe which divides an annular volume between the inner and an outer pipes for circulation of coolant fluid. The tip is defined by inner and outer peripheral surfaces merging at a sharp lower edge and a top surface extending between the peripheral surfaces. The top surface of the tip joins the inner and outer pipes so as to be contactable by the coolant fluid. The frusto-conical inner peripheral surface provides a continuation of the bore which increases in cross-section to an opening at the lower edge.

Abstract: Apparatus and process are disclosed for providing, and continuously monitoring and controlling, a tapered temperature profile in solid metal first heated to a specified initial temperature. Temperatures are monitored at a plurality of locations along the length of the metal and are adjusted by successively withdrawing and returning a portion to a heating source through physical movementIn one aspect, apparatus and process continuously monitor and control a tapered temperature profile in a billet of aluminum alloy through a first step of rapid heating in a single-zone electric induction furnace to a temperature sufficient to bring the billet to its cold end set point while not exceeding its maximum skin temperature. The temperatures of the billet are monitored at its die end and its ram end and are adjusted by successively withdrawing and returning the billet to the induction furnace to reduce the heat in the ram end relative to the die end.

Abstract: A method for heat treating an aluminum part is provided. The method includes heat treating the aluminum alloy part with direct radiation from a source of infrared energy until the part attains a desired state of heat treatment. The method and apparatus further include monitoring of the part and controlling the intensity of the radiation source through proportional control in response to the measured temperature.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for heat treating a product. The apparatus includes a retort having a predetermined volume for receiving a bed of fluidizing particles at having a predetermined elevation within the volume and a plurality of electrically powered infrared radiation lamps. The lamps are submerged within the bed of fluidizing particles.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for producing a spray of atomized metal droplets includes providing an apparatus that forms a spray of molten metal droplets, the apparatus including a metal source and a metal stream atomizer, producing a stream of liquid metal from the metal source, and atomizing the stream of liquid metal with the metal stream atomizer to form the spray of molten metal droplets. A controlled spray of atomized metal droplets is achieved by selectively varying the temperature of the droplets in the spray of molten metal droplets, the step of selectively varying including the step of varying the flow rate of metal produced by the metal source, responsive to a command signal, and sensing the operation of the apparatus and generating the command signal indicative of the operation of the apparatus. The step of atomizing may be accomplished by directing a flow of an atomizing gas at the stream of liquid metal, and then selectively controlling the flow rate of the atomizing gas.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing a metal powder includes a cooled hearth structure in which a metallic alloy is melted and a heat source above the hearth positioned to heat the melt in the hearth. The cooling of the hearth causes a protective hearth skull to form between the melt and the hearth itself. The hearth is placed within an environmental control chamber. A supply structure provides a continuous supply of the metallic alloy to the hearth structure from the exterior of the chamber. A metal powder producer is positioned to receive molten metal from the hearth, and a continuous stream of the molten alloy from the hearth is transferred to the metal powder producer. The transfer is accomplished by tipping the hearth or by teeming through an opening in the bottom of the hearth. The hearth structure can utilize two individual hearths, controllably arranged so that molten metal is drawn from one hearth while the other is recharged.

Abstract: A reverberatory aluminum melting/holding furnace is formed of an enclosure for containing a molten metal bath in which a workload to be processed is immersed, a plurality of gas-fired burners for heating the metal bath, and a control system for measuring heat absorbed by the furnace refractory so as to rapidly bring the furnace to a pre-set metal bath temperature without any significant overshoot. The enclosure has a wall layer of insulating refractory material disposed on its interior. The control system includes a first thermocouple element disposed adjacent the "hot face" of the wall layer, and a second thermocouple disposed adjacent the "cold face" of the wall layer. The plurality of gas-fired burners are switched from a "high fire" to a "low fire"/off condition in response to the temperatures sensed by the first and second thermocouple elements prior to reaching of the pre-set metal bath temperature.

Abstract: In a vacuum heat treating oven operating with hydrogen under pressure as the cooling medium, especially for the quenching of greatly heated metal workpieces (5), a method is provided for the automatic control of the progress of the process and for monitoring safety of operation. The housing (4) of the heat treating oven is for this purpose connected to gas inlet lines (9 and 10), one for the admission of the cooling gas and one for the admission of the flushing gas (H.sub.2 and N.sub.

Abstract: This method of preheating scrap iron mixed with plastic, rubber and resinous, i.e. organic, materials and intended for electric furnaces, in particular electric arc furnaces, is characterized by transforming the plastic, rubbery or resinous and like materials or organic nature present in the scrap iron, to advantageously eliminate them by a path able to produce thermal energy usable for preheating the scrap to be melted, said path consisting of pyrolysis in an environment fed both with the the scrap to be melted and with said organic materials, the whole being previously shredded.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously cooling a metal strip, which comprises: at least one cooling roll, which is freely rotatable and in contact with a metal strip continuously travelling in the longitudinal direction thereof, for continuously cooling the metal strip, a cooling liquid flowing through the interior of the cooling roll to continuously cool same, a contact area between the surface of the cooling roll and the surface of the metal strip being controllable; and a gas cooler, arranged on the exist side of the at least one cooling roll, for continuously cooling the metal strip by blowing a cooling gas onto the surface of the metal strip so as to achieve a uniform temperature distribution in the width direction of the metal strip after the final cooling thereof, the gas cooler comprising a plurality of mutually independent nozzle headers for blowing the cooling gas onto the surface of the metal strip, and the plurality of nozzle headers controlling at least one of a flow rate and a flow velocity of the coolin

Abstract: An apparatus for the continuous high temperature measurement of materials in vessels lined with rammed or cast refractory materials. A refractory housing member is integral with the refractory lining of the vessel and contains a plurality of high temperature sensing means, such as thermocouples. A face of the housing is flush with the refractory lining and contacts the high temperature material contained in the vessel. Continuous temperature measurement is achieved by a means which is coupled to the thermocouples for indicating the temperature.

Abstract: It is a problem of pyrometric temperature measuring of melts in a vacuum that the material of the melt will be deposited on mirrors, windows and other optical devices so that the radiation will be screened more and more effectively, the closer it comes to the pyrometer. In order to avoid vapor deposition in the path of radiation, a grating arrangement is provided between the melt and the pyrometer, which focusses the incoming radiation and concentrates it onto the pyrometer. The grating arrangement is partly permeable to the molecules of the melt material. The direct path between the melt and the pyrometer is blocked by a screen. In this way, vapor deposition on the window prefixed to the pyrometer are avoided, while the radiation can reach the pyrometer.

Abstract: Apparatus for separating molten salt by-product phase from molten uranium or molten uranium alloy product phase using a barrier which passes molten salt but retains molten uranium or molten uranium alloy. The operation of the barrier relies on the differences in the physical behavior of said molten salt from the behavior of said molten uranium or molten uranium alloy as they interact with each other and with said barrier.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method, equipment and a regulating means for use in recovering metal-carbide scrap by alloying. This is carried out by treating the scrap with a low melting point metal which brings the metal-carbide matrix into solution at temperature above the melting point of the alloy formed. The treatment is carried out in a container in the presence of inert gas, the pressure of which is gradually reduced following completion of the alloying process, the resultant metal vapor being condensed.To solve the problem of producing, in the resultant residue, a proportion of low melting point metal of less than 100 ppm and of preventing condensation of the metal vapors on the container, it is proposed in the invention that the metal-carbide scrap and the low melting point metal should be alloyed with each other in an inner chamber arranged within the container.

Abstract: Disclosed is a protective thermocouple sheath of a magnesia graphite refractory material for use in continuous temperature measurements of molten metal in a metallurgical ladle and having a basic slag layer thereon. The sheath includes an elongated torpedo-shaped sheath body formed of a refractory composition and having an interior borehole extending axially therethrough and adapted to receive a thermocouple. The sheath body includes a lower end which is closed about the borehole and forms a narrow, tapered tip. The sheath body also includes a first body portion integral with the tapered tip and having a relatively constant cross section and providing a thin wall around the borehole. The sheath body also includes a second body portion having a relatively constant cross section larger than the cross section of the first body portion and providing a thicker wall around the borehole. The borehole terminates in an open end at the second body portion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the correct temperature of a heated coil of sheet material and for using said measurement to control a heat treating furnace. The method includes providing a spot of heat resistant material having a known and constant emissivity that is substantially unity on an uneven edge of the coil, the material of the spot remaining on peaks of the uneven edge. The constant emissivity of the spot is independent of that of the edge, the emissivity of which changes and indicates a temperature is substantially different from the true temperature of the edge. The coil is heated and the spot emits infrared energy in an amount that is substantially representative of the correct temperature of the coil and edge. This infrared energy is sensed by an infrared detector aimed at the spot, the output of the energy being indicative of the true temperature of the edge and of the coil mass after it attains the temperature of the edge.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for controlling the temperatures of a plurality of zones of a casting hearth or vessel. The invention also relates to a method for controlling the thickness of the solidified skull of castable material in the casting hearth or vessel. By the present invention, the efficiency of the skull casting process can be significantly improved by reducing the thickness of the skull and thereby increasing the amount of castable material which can remain molten and pourable.

Abstract: A system for annealing a vessel (14) in situ by heating the vessel (14) to a defined temperature, composed of: an electrically operated heater assembly (10) insertable into the vessel (14) for heating the vessel (14) to the defined temperature; temperature monitoring components positioned relative to the heater assembly (10) for monitoring the temperature of the vessel (14); a controllable electric power supply unit (32-60) for supplying electric power required by the heater assembly (10); a control unit (80-86) for controlling the power supplied by the power supply unit (32-60); a first vehicle (2) containing the power supply unit (32-60); a second vehicle (4) containing the control unit (80-86); power conductors (18,22) connectable between the power supply unit (32-60) and the heater unit (10) for delivering the power supplied by the power supply unit (32-60) to the heater assembly (10); signal conductors (20,24) connectable between the temperature monitoring components and the control unit (80-86) for deli

Abstract: A shutter for sealing a flow-off orifice of charging lock for charging a shaft furnace is disclosed. The shutter includes a soft peripheral gasket and is movable between a closed position, in which the gasket is laid against an annular seal surrounding a passage orifice, and an open position in which the gasket is set apart from the passage orifice. In order to reduce the thermal stresses on the gasket, the seat has an internal channel connected to a circuit of a temperature regulating fluid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for preparing binder-free hot briquettes for smelting purposes consisting of iron-containing pyrophorous finely divided solids. Before briquetting, the finely divided solids are blown-through by means of a rising oxidating heated gas flow and held in a fluidized bed. The gas flow is controlled in such a way that by oxidation of at least part of the metallic iron the temperature of the finely divided solids is increased to about 450.degree. to 65020 C. Subsequently, the solids are briquetted in hot condition. Characteristic for the invention is that there is added to the fluidized bed sensible heat from the outside until oxidation of part of the metallic iron starts, and that the fluidized bed is submitted to the effect of vibrations favoring the the conveying of the solids over the fluidized bed.

Abstract: A tuyere for a metallurgical vessel comprising a solid metal tuyere body with a central gas feed bore. The gas feed bore contains at least one gas feed pipe. The tuyere body also has at least one water-cooled bore between the outer wall of the tuyere body and the gas feed bore. A water-cooled bore has a water passage for circulating water therethrough. A water cooling header with separated water inlet and outlet is attached to the tuyere body external to the metallurgical vessel. A water passage is provided for a flow of water from the water inlet through the water passage in the water-cooled bore to the water outlet. The cooling capacity of the tuyere is sufficient to cause the formation of a protective encrustation on the end of the tuyere, and to effectively reduce erosion and chemical reaction of the tuyere material and the vessel wall.

Abstract: An annealing operation is performed with controlling tension force to be exerted on a metal strip depending upon thermal crown of hearth rolls. The thermal crown magnitude is assumed based on various factors influencing for the magnitude of the effective crown.

Abstract: A semiconductor wafer processing furnace includes an elongated processing chamber enclosing a first zone and a second zone extending along a first reference axis, and a wafer support assembly having a support member and associated translation elements for selectively translating the support member between the zones, along the first reference axis, in response to an applied position signal. Temperature elements control the first and second zones to have selected first and second temperatures, respectively. A controller applies the position signal to the translation elements, in response to an applied control signal representative of a desired temperature of the region surrounding the support member. Responsive to the position signal, the translation elements position the support member along the reference axis such that the temperature of the region surrounding the support member substantially matches the desired temperature.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the bulk temperature of a workpiece in a quenching apparatus. The temperature is calculated by monitoring the change in size of the bore in the workpiece.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improvement of final cooling of the steel strip by immersing in cooling water, which strip has been cooled through a cooling zone in a continuous heat treating line. The improvement is achieved by injecting cooling water to the surface of the immersed strip to rapidly cool the strip to a predetermined temperature until the strip reaches the first sink-roll and resulted in that any dirt adhesion on the surface of the strip caused by contacting with the first sink-roll is prevented without increment of cooling cost.

Abstract: The apparatus for filtering scraps of light metal for regeneration thereof comprises an upper vessel having heating means for maintaining the scraps, charged therein for the filtration thereof, at a predetermined temperature so as to melt the same or for maintaining molten metal, supplied therein after having been molten, at the predetermined temperature, a lower vessel having heating means, filtering means interposed between the upper and lower vessels, temperature controlling means for both the heating means, pressurizing means connected to the upper vessel and/or depressurizing means connected to the lower vessel, and a lifting/lowering device for the upper vessel and/or a transporting device for the lower vessel. The apparatus may further comprise an inner vessel for receiving molten metal having been passed through the filter means, which is freely removably arranged in the lower vessel.

Abstract: The process controls the cooling of a metal sheet so as to impart thereto a predetermined crystalline structure. The sheet to be cooled is passed through a case containing a mass of regularly renewed cooling fluid. The flow of the cooling fluid is controlled as a function of the inlet temperature of this fluid, in accordance with the thickness of the sheet to be cooled and the desired cooling rate.

Abstract: A process and an arrangement for the production of molten pig iron or steel pre-products from particulate ferrous material as well as for the production of reducing gas in a meltdown gasifier. A fluidized bed of coke particles is formed by the addition of coal and the injection of oxygen-containing gas. In order to ensure a satisfactory mode of operation of the meltdown gasifier even if coal of inferior quality with a high moisture content and a high portion of volatile matter is used, additional heat is supplied to the meltdown gasifier above the feed lines for the fluidized-bed-forming oxygen-containing gas by burning and/or degassing coal particles separated from the reducing gas.

Abstract: A steel strip which has been cooled through a cooling zone in a continuous heat treating line is finally cooled by immersing in cooling water in a cooling tank under the controlling in accordance with the following formula:- ##EQU1## With such controlling of cooling, any dirt adhesion on the surface of the strip caused by contacting with a sink-roll is prevented.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring and regulating the variable pressure furnace gas chemistry is described. The apparatus uses a mass spectrometer for measurements, in the preferred form of the invention, in which gas species percent composition is obtained quantitatively independent of total furnace pressure variation. Using such a real time measurement capability, active control of batch process furnace operations is possible by intrinsic measurement of the part outgassing rather than by assumption of batch part status as a function of extrinsic parameters such as temperature and total pressure. Thus, by a combination of batch process temperature ramp control and variable admittance of suitable gas into the furnace, uniform batch processing is possible by closed loop control, due to renormalization of furnace residual gas chemistry from day to day drift and from batch part chemistry variation.

Abstract: A gas washing device for supplying gas through a metallurgical vessel to molten metal therein includes a gas permeable sink positioned to extend through a wall of the metallurgical vessel. The sink has an inner end to be exposed to the molten metal and subject to wear thereby and an outer end. A gas inlet supplies an operational flow of gas from a gas supply to the outer end of the sink. A device is operatively mounted with respect to the sink and is responsive to a temperature rise indicative of a predetermined extent of wear of the inner end of the sink by the molten metal, to reduce the flow of the gas to a reduced flow less than the operational flow upon the inner end of the sink being worn or eroded to the predetermined extent. A detector detects or measures the reduced flow of gas.

Abstract: A continuous carburizing furnace system is disclosed having at least two series-connected rotary furnaces. The rotary carburizing furnace, a rotary equalizing furnace, and a rotary diffusion furnace which may be included between the carburizing and equalizing furnaces, allow trays of parts to be discharged from any position at any time by suitable rotation of their hearths, thus allowing parts with different cycle times to be run simultaneously in each rotary furnace. Each donut-shaped rotary furnace includes one or more captive chain type pusher mechanisms mounted in vertical fashion within a central area or hole, and the rotary carburizing furnace is multi-zoned and includes wall-mounted fans for uniform circumferential control of the gaseous atmosphere within its annular chambers.

Abstract: A fluidized bed for treating of product at high temperatures (1100.degree. C. to 1300.degree. C.) is possible, while overcoming problems such as slow start up times and contamination due to combustion gas. The fluidized bed uses an inert gas introduced to the bed to cause fluidization of refractory particles. Exposed surfaces or boundary layers of the bed are heated by infrared radiation produced exterior to the bed and absorbed by exposed particles of the bed. The thermal characteristics of the bed insure rapid dissipation of the absorbed energy. Electrically powered lamps produce the radiation and preferably are high intensity shortwave infrared radiation lamps. The lamps remain out of direct contact with the bed preferrably separated by a quartz wall or screen.

Abstract: Manipulator for guiding of devices for treatment of heats in furnaces, ladles and the like, e.g. lances for injection of oxygen through a door (3) of an electromelting furnace, consisting of a feed table (19), on which one or several devices (24,29) are arranged displaceable mechanically guided in its length direction by means of one or several feed devices, at which the feed table (19) is movable mechanically guided between an advanced position at a work point (14), where the feed table (19) is immediately in front of the furnace door (3) or the like, at which the devices (24,29) can be inserted into the furnace (2) and possibly lowered down into the heat, and a retracted position, where the feed table (19) is removed from the furnace door (3).

Abstract: A method of controlling independently of each other the stirring strength of a jet of oxygen gas and the flow rate of the oxygen gas to be blown onto a molten metal bath in a top-blowing oxygen furnace is disclosed. The method comprises providing an oxygen supplying conduit with a means of detecting the temperature of the supplied oxygen gas, a means of detecting the pressure thereof, and a means of heat-exchanging with the supplied oxygen gas, controlling the temperature and pressure of the oxygen supplied so that the stirring strength of the jet of oxygen gas and/or the flow rate of the oxygen gas are controlled independently of each other with the top-blowing lance being kept at a predetermined position.

Abstract: A heat treatment apparatus for metals or metal articles has a fluidized-bed furnace for heating the metals and a cooling chamber disposed above the furnace so as to communicate with a heating chamber of the furnace through a partition capable of being opened and closed, so that the metals can be cooled immediately after heated. The apparatus further includes a circulating circuit arrangement with a heat-resisting fan for circulating together or separately heated furnace gas and cooling fluid. Flow rate of the circulating furnace gas and/or cooling fluid is controlled by a flow rate control device provided in the circulating circuit.