Abstract: A diffusion treatment device includes: a treatment container including a cylindrical main body and first and second lids, the cylindrical main body having a treatment space which is capable of receiving sintered magnet pieces and RH diffusion sources, the first and second lids being capable of hermetically sealing first and second openings, respectively, at opposite ends of the cylindrical main body; a conveyor for conveying the treatment container by a predetermined distance in an x-axis direction while a longitudinal direction of the treatment container is located in a y-axis direction in a rectangular coordinate system xyz; a heating unit including a lower heating section provided under the treatment container and an upper heating section provided above the treatment container, and a first rotating unit for rotating the treatment container around a y-axis while the longitudinal direction of the treatment container is located in the y-axis direction.

Abstract: A crucible heating apparatus includes a crucible, a metal barrel around the crucible, a heating wire wound between the metal barrel and the crucible, a measuring unit for measuring the position of the liquid level of a material in the crucible and a controller, and the apparatus is characterized in that the heating wire includes at least two subsections arranged along the longitudinal direction, and the controller controls the heating power of each subsection respectively, thus dividing the crucible into at least two corresponding temperature control zones. In such a manner, by disposing a plurality of subsections of the heating wire and the corresponding temperature control zones of the crucible, the temperature of each position of the crucible is accurately controlled. A crucible heating method is also provided.

Abstract: The invention refers to an installation for treating fuels to increase their caloric power. The installation, according to the claimed invention has a housing (15) and a coupon (10) between which there are place some excitation units (A), each of these as are attached to each of two wires (11 and 12) which follow a spiral path through the coupon (10).

Abstract: The invention relates to a dental firing or press furnace (10) that enables the production of at least one dental restoration part (62). The dental firing or press furnace is provided with a firing space (12) that is heatable with the aid of a heating device (22), preferably, a resistance heating device. A heat-conducting element (50) having a specific thermal conductivity of at least 100 W/mK is arranged on the floor of the firing space (12).

Abstract: An electrically powered industrial furnace uses a number of distributed, highly compact power supplies physically located generally immediately adjacent to each of the furnace electrical terminals, so that cabling and bus-bars can essentially be eliminated. In addition, each heating element has its own dedicated and independently controllable power supply which can automatically adjust for varying resistances in the single connected heating element and/or short cabling, to achieve a precisely uniform temperature within the furnace.

Abstract: In an embodiment, an electrode holder assembly (100) includes a current delivery base (105) having an interface (204) sufficiently designed to distribute an electrical current; a buss plate (200) sufficiently designed to provide the electrical current to the current delivery base (105); a shoe-ring assembly comprising: a plurality of electrical shoes (120), wherein the electrical current from the current delivery base (105) is distributed to the plurality of electrical shoes (120) for distribution to an electrode (400); a plurality of dual stroke cylinders (190); and a mounting ring (220); and a hydraulic assembly (300) comprising a grip ring (310) having an opening sufficiently designed to engage an outer surface of the electrode (400); a pressurizing cylinder (320) sufficiently designed to constrict and relax the grip ring (310); and at least one dual stroke cylinder (330) sufficiently designed to control horizontal movement of the grip ring (310) and the electrode (400).

Abstract: A method and a furnace for electrical calcination enables utilization of volatile matters of petroleum coke or anthracite during electrical calcination, i.e. conventional calcination or semi-graphitization. The furnace includes an anode, a cathode, and a furnace body. The furnace body includes an annular inner wall, an annular fume duct disposed circumferentially outside of the annular inner wall, an annular outer wall for heat preservation disposed circumferentially outside of the annular fume duct, and an air passage disposed in the annular outer wall. The air passage is in communication with the fume duct and outer atmosphere, respectively. An outlet opening for the volatile matters, in communication with a hearth of the furnace body, is disposed in the fume duct. The combustible volatile matters of the petroleum coke, anthracite, or other raw material are sufficiently utilized during electrical calcination, therefore the energy is saved and the environmental pollution is reduced.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for mounting electric heating elements in a furnace in which objects are intended to be heated, wherein the furnace wall includes a furnace insulation (4) comprised of high grade brick, and wherein the heating zones (6) of respective electric heating elements (2) are placed vertically and parallel with the inner surface of the furnace wall in operation.

Abstract: A crenellated resistor made from a carbonaceous material and having the shape of a hollow cylinder for use in furnaces working at high temperature. The resistor is characterized by the thickness of the cylinder walls which follows a profile determined so as to produce an even temperature on the surface of the resistor when it is working. Thus, the wall has a radial thickness which decreases in a transition section from the peripheral edge to the internal edge. The resistor configuration allows elimination of hot spots which may appear when electricity flows through the resistor.

Abstract: An electric resistance high temperature vacuum furnace having radiant heating units evenly spaced around the sides and ends of the furnace hot zone. Pairs of units are automatically regulated both radially and longitudinally according to the temperature required by the workload in the hot zone. The units each comprise parallel aligned elements electrically connected in series at their one ends. Each element has lengthwise surfaces angularly disposed from each other to form a beam structure of high section modulus for stiffness and resistance to sagging. Also, the angles of the element surfaces facing a heat-reflective assembly substantially enable all of the energy radiated toward the assembly to be reflected into the hot zone in addition to the direct radiation from the surfaces facing the hot zone. The furnace includes a re-circulating cooling system for rapid cooling of the furnace and workload.

Abstract: In the inventive controlled atmosphere furnace, an article 11 conveyed through a preheating chamber 1 prior to being brazed is quickly heated with combustion gas circulating in a closed-loop flow path through the preheating chamber to approximately 450° C. within the approximately five minutes determined in view of the deterioration degree of flux in the atmosphere and the growth of an oxide layer on the article. A gas burner 71 and a circulation fan 6 are provided in the closed-loop flow path, and the combustion rate of the gas burner and the circulation rate of the combustion gas due to the circulation fan are controlled based on the chamber temperature detected by a temperature sensor 9 in the preheating chamber.

Abstract: The invention provides an electric resistance furnace comprising an axially vertical, hollow center heating element, a center furnace body that comprises a heat-insulating member and is provided for supporting the center heating element, and a preheating means that is provided at a gap from the surface of the center furnace body and comprises a preheating element provided on the inner wall surface of a cylindrical heat-insulating member. A heat-insulating member is located at an upper surface and a lower surface of an outer heat-insulating member located around the preheating member and only on a center axis side of the furnace with respect to the area of projection of the preheating means.

Abstract: The furnace comprises a tubular inner chamber for the treatment of the raw material, mounted inside the enveloping body of the furnace which is insulated from the exterior and is provided with internal resistor systems for heating the chamber of the furnace by radiation, comprising means for feeding raw material at one end and means for controlling the output of completed product at the other end of the treatment chamber of the furnace, inside which a worm screw, driven in rotation from the exterior, is mounted rotatably, respective percussion devices being incorporated in the ends of the screw to prevent compaction of the mass on the screw.

Abstract: An electric resistance high temperature vacuum furnace having radiant heating units evenly spaced around the sides and ends of the furnace hot zone. Pairs of units are automatically regulated both radially and longitudinally according to the temperature required by the workload in the hot zone. The units each comprise parallel aligned elements electrically connected in series at their one ends. Each element has lengthwise surfaces angularly disposed from each other to form a beam structure of high section modulus for stiffness and resistance to sagging. Also, the angles of the element surfaces facing a heat-reflective assembly substantially enable all of the energy radiated toward the assembly to be reflected into the hot zone in addition to the direct radiation from the surfaces facing the hot zone. The furnace includes a re-circulating cooling system for rapid cooling of the furnace and workload.

Abstract: A crucible melting furnace has a feature it has a high thermal efficiency and that differences in temperature does not substantially occur in a molten metal within a crucible and can provide products of uniform quality. Moreover, the crucible melting furnace has a feature it does not substantially damage the crucible, and can prolong the life (serviceable life) of the crucible. The furnace has the crucible 1, and the thermal flow guide 10, defined around the crucible 1, which guides the thermal flow heating the crucible 1. The thermal flow guide 10 has the guide (protruded streak) 3 which guides the thermal flow along the spiral path around the crucible 1.

Abstract: An electric resistance high temperature vacuum furnace having radiant heating units evenly spaced around the sides and ends of the furnace hot zone. Pairs of units are automatically regulated both radially and longitudinally according to the temperature required by the workload in the hot zone. The units each comprise parallel aligned elements electrically connected in series at their one ends. Each element has lengthwise surfaces angularly disposed from each other to form a beam structure of high section modulus for stiffness and resistance to sagging. Also, the angles of the element surfaces facing a heat-reflective assembly substantially enable all of the energy radiated toward the assembly to be reflected into the hot zone in addition to the direct radiation from the surfaces facing the hot zone. The furnace includes a re-circulating cooling system for rapid cooling of the furnace and workload.

Abstract: An apparatus for growing a silicon ingot including a graphite crucible in which a quartz crucible is placed, a driving axis connected to a lower part of the graphite crucible to revolve and move the graphite crucible up and down so as to support the graphite crucible, a heating element to heat the graphite crucible, and an insulating wall to protect and thermally isolate the graphite crucible, heating means, and driving axis in part from the external environment. The driving axis includes a hollow axis part having a hollow inside, an insulating axis part attached to the bottom of the hollow axis part to inhibit heat transfer, and a cylindrical axis part attached to the bottom of the insulating axis part. The construction of the driving axis reduces a temperature gradient in the molten silicon, improving uniform heat distribution for increased silicon ingot quality.

Abstract: An electric resistance high temperature vacuum furnace having radiant heating units evenly spaced around the sides and ends of the furnace hot zone. Pairs of units are automatically regulated both radially and longitudinally according to the temperature required by the workload in the hot zone. The units each comprise parallel aligned elements electrically connected in series at their one ends. Each element has lengthwise surfaces angularly disposed from each other to form a beam structure of high section modulus for stiffness and resistance to sagging. Also, the angles of the element surfaces facing a heat-reflective assembly substantially enable all of the energy radiated toward the assembly to be reflected into the hot zone in addition to the direct radiation from the surfaces facing the hot zone.

Abstract: A heating element for a vacuum heat treating furnace, a hot zone for a vacuum heat treating furnace, and a vacuum furnace are disclosed. The heating element includes a first heating element portion formed of a thin form of conductive, refractory metal or alloy, and an expansion loop formed in or attached to the first heating element portion, to absorb expansive and contractive forces on the element due to thermal cycling. The heating elements are disposed around the interior surface of the hot zone, which includes a sidewall formed of thermally insulating material. The vacuum heat treating furnace includes a pressure vessel and a hot zone disposed within the pressure vessel.

Abstract: A heating or preheating furnace for lining cylinders made of refractory material, where those cylinders are particularly designed to act as molds for the lost wax casting of precious metals, semiprecious metals, base metals or titanium or alloys thereof in order to obtain small items, dental prostheses, jewelry and costume jewelry items in general by precision casting. The furnace includes a bed, a hearth portion or base supporting the bed, an upper dome-shaped portion arranged to rest on the hearth portion to delimit a heating or firing chamber therewith, first driving means suitable for producing a relative motion between the dome-shaped portion and the hearth portion between a closed position, in which the dome-shaped portion rests on the hearth portion, and an open position, in which the dome-shaped portion is raised above the hearth portion, heating means carried by the dome-shaped portion, and a program control unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to the electric melting technique, in which the melting energy is dissipated in the bath of melted glass as a result of the Joule effect by means of electrodes which dip through the surface of the bath. According to the invention, the electrodes dip into a bath of melted glass which has a height h below 800 mm and a surface S such that the ratio h/S is lower than 0.5 m/m.sup.2. According to another aspect, the exchange surface between the electrodes and the bath is above 0.075 m.sup.2 /m.sup.3 of glass.The invention is used in the manufacture of glass-based products, such as insulating materials based on glass fiber.

Abstract: An improved process and apparatus for the production and reactivation of activated carbon comprising the passing of a substrate through one or more zones defined by electrodes. Electrical energy passing through the bed of substrate creates heat that supports the devolatilization and activation of the substrate. Steam, carbon dioxide, or an alternative gas can be used to support the activation process, while other zones can be filled with inert gas such as nitrogen to promote pyrolysis reactions. Preferably, these gases pass through the bed in a co-current downward flow with the carbon to prevent fluidization and arcing within the bed.

Abstract: A kiln, useful for sintering basemetal capacitors comprises an inner zone having vertically oriented gas dispersion conduits for the inlet and radial dispersion of gas and vertically oriented electrical heating elements. Each gas dispersion conduit comprises a porous or perforated inner tube for a porous or perforated outer tube concentrically positioned around the inner tube. The annular space between is filled with a porous refractory medium, such as a bulk ceramic fiber. The temperature of the inner zone is controlled by the electrical heating elements. The gas is evenly heated as it passes radially from the inner tube through the porous refractory medium and then through the outer tube. Surrounding the inner zone is a multiplicity of stacks of substantially horizontally-oriented trays on which the material or articles to be sintered or otherwise treated are placed. The circle of stacks of trays is surrounded by an outer heating zone comprising an outer ring of electrical heating elements.

Abstract: An electrically heated furnace includes an inner furnace chamber provided with heating elements of stabilized zirconium dioxide, and an outer furnace chamber in which further heating elements that can work at temperatures above 1800.degree. C. in an oxygen-containing atmosphere are provided. The outer heating elements are conveniently of a molybdenum silicide type, for instance elements marketed under the designation KANTHAL Super. Those walls that define the inner furnace chamber are made of zirconium dioxide material or some other suitable material that has a low specific thermal conductivity and that is capable of withstanding the high working temperature and the occurrent temperature swings. The outer furnace chamber, which completely surrounds the inner furnace chamber, is separated from the surroundings by conventional walls insulated, e.g., with ceramic fibres and/or high-temperature durable brick.

Abstract: An improved process and apparatus for the production and reactivation of activated carbon comprising the passing of a substrate through one or more zones defined by electrodes. Electrical energy passing through the bed of substrate creates heat that supports the devolatilization and activation of the substrate. Steam, carbon dioxide, or an alternative gas can be used to support the activation process, while other zones can be filled with inert gas such as nitrogen to promote pyrolysis reactions. Preferably, these gases pass through the bed in a co-current downward flow with the carbon to prevent fluidization and arcing within the bed.

Abstract: An inner chamber is arranged inside an outer chamber and stores quartz crystal powder. A space is defined between the inner chamber and the outer chamber, and an oxygen gas is introduced into that space. The quartz crystal powder is supplied from the inner chamber into a burner section, together with the oxygen gas. The burner section is also supplied with a flammable gas from a gas control device. The flammable gas contains an NH.sub.3 gas. The heat produced by the combustion of the flammable and oxygen gases fuses the quartz crystal powder supplied from the inner chamber into the burner section. As a result, quartz containing nitrogen is produced. The nitrogen is contained in the fused quartz in an amount which is expressed as 1 to 10% by molar ratio.

Abstract: Dual electric/gas heating in a crucible melting furnace with segmental lining, and lining and segments of linings for same, are disclosed.

Abstract: A calcination furnace capable of variably setting calcination conditions such as a size of a calcination chamber, a temperature, a temperature distribution and flowing of gas in the calcination chamber; and the like depending on calcined intermediate products. A furnace body in which a furnace chamber is defined includes two movable sections, which are moved in predetermined directions, to thereby vary an internal volume of the furnace chamber as desired.

Abstract: Equipment for bringing ingots of thixotropic metal alloy to the semisolid or semiliquid state including a heat chamber for holding the solid ingots introduced at ambient temperature, and a source generating air currents within the chamber to heat the ingots principally by convection, and a unit for controlling the temperature of the ingots. The ingots are supported and conveyed through a circular path internally of the heat chamber by a set of radial platforms revolving between an infeed zone and an outfeed zone.

Abstract: A furnace comprises a furnace shell rotatable about a rotational axis. The furnace shell provides a furnace chamber for holding a solid particulate reagent as the furnace shell rotates. At least two electrodes are exposed to the chamber and are mounted in electrically insulated fashion therein. The electrodes are spaced apart so that solid particulate reagent in the furnace chamber can be heated up by direct resistance heating thereof, utilizing the electrodes.

Abstract: A calcination furnace capable of variably setting calcination conditions such as a size of a calcination chamber, a temperature, a temperature distribution and flowing of gas in the calcination chamber; and the like depending on calcined intermediate products. A furnace body in which a furnace chamber is defined includes two movable sections, which are moved in predetermined directions, to thereby vary an internal volume of the furnace chamber as desired.

Abstract: Performance of a high temperature diffusion furnace is enhanced by an improved multi-furnace module design. The furnace is constructed of materials suitable for clean room environments with an adjustable leveling frame assembly. A slide out assembly and heating element alignment mechanism of individual furnace tube modules with a heating element hoist mechanism allows for enhanced maintainability. Heat treatment performance is improved by a sealed heating element with individual furnace module cooling system. Improved thermocouple positioning and composition has also enhanced heat treatment process control and heating element maintainability.

Abstract: A heat treating furnace has a hot zone enclosure with a substantially rectangular cross section. The floor of the hot zone enclosure is formed such that it is removable independently of the remainder of the hot zone enclosure. The heat treating furnace has a heating element with a novel support element that is readily mounted on and removed from the hot zone enclosure and which adjusts to accommodate a wide range of heating element thicknesses and insulation shield thicknesses. The electrically insulating components of the support element are formed to resist electrical shorting resulting from metallization and to resist cracking from thermally induced stress. The heat treating furnace further includes a cooling gas injection nozzle formed to reduce turbulence in the injected gas stream and to be readily attached to or removed from the hot zone enclosure.

Abstract: In a hydrocarbon release rate controlling method, a first chamber is provided capable of receiving successive batches of feed materials for thermal processing having widely varying energy content, heating is produced in the first chamber to cause pyrolyzing of the feed materials into fluid materials, a second chamber is provided communicating with the first chamber and capable of receiving the fluid materials from the first chamber and communicating the fluid materials to a discharge location, heating is produced in the second chamber to cause oxidizing of the fluid materials into discharge gases reaching the discharge location, a jacketed vessel is provided defining a channel surrounding the first and second chambers containing a flow of coolant fluid through the channel, separate variable flows of primary and secondary air are respectively produced into and through the first and second chambers, the temperatures in the first and second chambers are sensed, the temperature of the coolant in the channel of th

Abstract: A kiln method and apparatus wherein a kiln chamber is formed of appropriate material, preferably having an oval cross-section with grooves in the narrower sides of the oval and oval shaped shelves which can be inserted into the oval chamber and turned so as to be supported within said grooves, and heat producing apparatus exterior of said chamber surrounded in turn by appropriate insulating material, resulting in a kiln having the mechanical structure of an endo skeleton supporting heating elements, shelves, lid, insulation, temperature control apparatus, and the like.

Abstract: An electric furnace (containing an immersed electrode) and a process for the recovery of lead, arising especially from solid residues. Fines, which are a product of physically crushing spent batteries, are melted under not very reducing conditions in the presence of a small amount of carbon. This melting allows separating the crude lead and the lead-rich slag so as to remove sulphur in the form of sulphur dioxide and to optionally recover the crude lead. The lead-rich slag is then reduced with a suitable amount of carbon so as to separate the lead-free slag and the crude lead, which again can recovered.

Abstract: A high temperature furnace for heat treatment of various products, and for sintering. One of the uses is for preparing dental products such as dental crowns, bridges, implants and the like. The main component of the furnace is a cup-shaped quartz vessel, with a curved roof section, and which has a wide flange at its open end. There is provided a heating coil, applied to the vessel, and heat insulating means and heat measuring means indicating the temperature inside the vessel. There is provided a tube leading to the outside which can be used for establishing a vacuum in the vessel or for providing in the vessel or for providing in the vessel an atmosphere of any desired gas or gas mixture. There is provided a base through which there can be raised and lowered a worktable. The flange of the vessel rests on O-rings which provide a hermetic seal, and which are not subjected to an excessive temperature due to the width to the width of the flange of the vessel.

Abstract: A material processing apparatus includes a casing including an outer wall having a substantially figure eight configuration, a plurality of upper inner walls disposed inside of the outer wall and being spaced apart and having substantially concentric cylindrical configurations, and a lower inner wall disposed inside of the outer wall and disposed below the upper inner walls. The upper inner walls define an upper airtight vessel, while the lower inner wall defines a lower airtight vessel containing a material processing chamber. The outer wall and upper and lower inner walls also define a channel therebetween surrounding the upper and lower vessels for containing a flow of coolant fluid. Also, a heat exchanger is defined by the upper airtight vessel and the portion of the channel defined by the outer wall and upper inner concentrical walls. The heat exchanger is disposed above and connected in flow communication with the material processing chamber in the lower vessel.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for the activation or reactivation of carbon in a tubular reactor that consists of two or more sequential sections, each section containing a descending column of carbon, with inlets to introduce steam into any one or more of the sections, and wherein the electric current is fed into the column of carbon of each such section via a graphite block serving as an electrode and positioned at the center of the top of the column by attachment to a steel plate that includes a flat or a V-shaped shelf and that is provided with openings to allow the released gases and vapors to escape.

Abstract: A device for carrying a charge in a reheating furnaces comprising at least one skid pipe through which a cooling fluid flows, the skid pipe having at least one rider provided with at least one surface to support said charge running off center in the longitudinal direction of the skid pipe. According to the invention neighboring surfaces are laterally spaced relative to each other and run at least partially to the side of the skid pipe. Charge exposure to the relatively low temperature around the skid pipe is kept at a very low level and charge temperature is therefore very uniform.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlled processing of materials includes a coolant jacketed vessel defining a first pyrolysis chamber and a second oxidation chamber, first heating elements mounted in the vessel to pyrolyze materials in the first chamber, second heating elements mounted in the vessel to oxidize materials in the second chamber, an induction fan, airflow inlet valves and an air intake proportioning valve connected to the vessel for producing separate variable flows of primary and secondary air into and through the first and second chambers, first sensors mounted on the vessel for sensing the temperatures in the first and second chambers and in the coolant, a second sensor mounted on the vessel for sensing the proportion of a predetermined gas in the discharge gases, and a control system responsive to the temperatures sensed in the first and second chambers and the coolant and to the proportion of the predetermined gas sensed in the discharge gases for controlling the induction fan and air intake proportioni

Abstract: In a equipment for manufacturing polycrystal silicon by depositing it on filament cores electrically heated, by means of thermal decomposition of monosilane gas, a bridge for connecting said filament cores is constituted by tantalum, molybdenum, tungsten or zirconium. Preferably the sectional shape of the connection bridge may be of upturned triangle, tear droplet or rectangle.

Abstract: A direct resistance heating electrical furnace of the type in which a bed of electrically conductive elements are located between two spaced electrodes in the furnace, and a method of controlling the operation of same, are provided. The furnace is of the type having a generally tubular heating chamber with a pair of spaced electrodes associated therewith and conveniently located one at each end of the tubular heating chamber. The furnace has feed or discharge control means and the rate of feed or discharge is controlled according to the electrical resistance or current flow between the electrodes. No temperature measurement is required to control the furnace operation.

Abstract: A material processing apparatus includes a casing having outer and inner spaced walls forming an airtight vessel inside of the inner walls and a channel between the outer and inner walls surrounding the vessel for containing a flow of coolant fluid. The vessel contains a first chamber having an inlet and a second chamber connected in communication with the first chamber and having an outlet. The first chamber receives materials through its inlet. The materials are pyrolyzed in the first chamber. The second chamber receives the pyrolyzed materials from the first chamber. The pyrolyzed materials are oxidized in the second chamber and then discharged therefrom. The vessel defined by the casing is separated into first and second units. The first chamber of the vessel for pyrolyzing materials is disposed in the first unit. The second chamber of the vessel has primary and secondary sections for oxidizing materials in two successive stages.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing an active carbon using a carbon-containing material inclusive of an used active carbon as a raw material wherein the carbon-containing raw material is carbonized in a carbonizing unit to produce a carbonized material having electric conductivity and the carbonized material is then activated in an activating treatment unit installed downstream of the carbonizing unit in an atmosphere of steam with a power of electricity induced by electric discharge as well as a function of self-heating of the carbonized material with its own electric resistance are disclosed. The carbonizing unit is constructed in the form of a thermal radiation type batch furnace including an outer wall and a vessel mounted on a firing lattice in the outer wall while a heating chamber is formed therebetween.

Abstract: Carbon bodies to be graphitized are clamped together in a horizontal train, n which adjacent end faces of said bodies adjoin each other, and are heated by a flow of electric current in a graphitizing zone and subsequently cooled in a cooling zone. Individual carbon bodies are added to the train at the entrance of the graphitizing furnace and individual carbon bodies which have been graphitized are removed from the train at the exit of the furnace. To ensure that the train will desirably be held to be self-supporting, adjacent carbon bodies are interconnected at adjoining end faces by axial plugs.

Abstract: An electrically heated vacuum furnace has a plurality of heating elements (13) distributed in an array extending within the furnace. This allows accurate control of the application of radiant heat energy from the elements (13) of the array to articles (10) within the furnace. The elements (13) are preferably disposed spaced apart across the width of the furnace.

Abstract: A thermal decomposition cell for producing a molecular beam from a material gas, includes: a crucible maintained at a given temperature necessary for thermal decomposition of the material gas which is effused in the crucible in a given direction; and a thermal decomposition baffle provided in the crucible and heated to a given temperature necessary for thermal decomposition of the material gas for producing the molecular beam by thermal-decomposing of the material gas such that the material gas is baffled in substantially all directions, the thermal decomposition baffle being made of a given metal to cause the thermal decomposition of the material gas. The thermal decomposition baffle may comprise a fiber or a cloth made of the metal loaded in the crucible.

Abstract: A furnace for cracking of hydrocarbons, comprising one or several tubes through which the hydrocarbons flow during intensive heating and subsequent cracking. The starting material for the process can be e.g. naphtha or propane, mixed with a small amount of steam. When gases flow through the tube or tubes in the furnace, its temperature is increased up to about 850.degree. C. In order to achieve this, the temperature in the furnace compartment is 1100.degree.-1200.degree. C., and the temperature of the gases in the tubes in the furnace can then exceed 1100.degree. C. The tubes are made from an alloy comprising 15-30 weight % chromium, 3-10 weight % aluminum, the remainder of the composition being mainly iron. This alloy allows significant extension of the possible duration of operation without exchange of the tubes. A further improvement can be achieved by the formation on the inner walls of the tubes of a layer of aluminum oxide, obtained by oxidation of the tubes before the furnace is first used.

Abstract: A double cylinder comprises an inside cylinder around which a heater wire is wound and a cylinder disposed outside thereof, and a furnace body filled an adiabatic material. Since cool air from a liquid vaporization type cooling device is passed through a gap between the outside and inside cylinders while cooling the outside of the inner cylinder around which the heater wire is wound, and is then ejected, no air current is produced inside the inner cylinder and, consequently, there is no temperature fluctuation at the thermocouple portion in the vicinity of the sample. As a result, linearity of a line indicative of a temperature rise is improved when the temperature is raised from low temperature.