Abstract: An improved electric resistance heating element made of a carbon material, provided around its surface with a layer essentially comprising carbon fiber, and an improved electric resistance heating furnace using the heating element.

Abstract: An integral heat pipe-electrode for molten metal baths having a vapor deposition coating on an inner surface of a hole forming the heat pipe to protect the copper of the electrode from the heat pipe fluid.

Abstract: An electric installation for heating molten metals and/or salts, as well as for heating solutions with direct heating of the baths by means of resistance heating elements partly dipped in the bath being heated.The heat necessary for heating the charge is generated in a heating element partly immersed in the bath being heated, in contact materials being in contact with the heating elements as well as in the bath being heated. Electric potential difference is applied by the electrodes and current supply means to the contact materials in contact with a first surface of the heating element and to the bath being heated which is in contact with a second surface of the heating element, the contact materials being included in the electric circuit of the heating element.

Abstract: Electrical heating furnaces for the treatment, e.g., of steel are provided with MoSi.sub.2 -based resistance elements without an outer protective layer, even in the presence of a non-oxidating protective gas, for operation at about 800.degree. to 1400.degree. C.