Abstract: An electrically boosted refractory melting vessel including a back wall, a first side wall, a second side wall, a front wall and a bottom wall, the melting vessel comprising a longitudinal center line extending from the back wall to the front wall and an overall width orthogonal to the longitudinal center line extending between an inside surface of the first side wall and an inside surface of the second side wall. The melting vessel also includes a length L between the back wall and the front wall, and a width W between the first side wall and the second side wall orthogonal to the center line. A plurality of electrodes extend into an interior of the melting vessel through a bottom wall of the melting vessel, and L/W is in a range from about 2.0 to about 2.4.

Abstract: A vacuum melting furnace for infrared glass, includes an upper furnace body and a lower furnace body that can be connected with each other or isolated from each other. Vacuum melting of the infrared glass is achieved in the upper furnace body wherein the influence of water in the environment is eliminated. The vacuum negative pressure environments can promote separation of hydroxyl in the structure, which achieves removing of hydroxyl in the glass, and then discharging of the molten infrared glass is conducted at atmospheric pressure in the lower furnace body. By using the vacuum melting furnace for infrared glass, infrared glass with good spectrum transmission performance can be obtained with improved property stability and optical homogeneity, which facilitates the preparation and molding of large sized and special-shaped infrared glass products.

Abstract: The present invention provides a shaft high temperature continuous graphitizing furnace comprising a furnace body comprising a feeding inlet and a discharging outlet, an electrode pair, a cooling system and a discharging device; the furnace body is designed to be a shaft cylindrical structure; the electrode pair is provided within the furnace body and comprise an upper electrode and a lower electrode, the upper electrode is located below the feeding inlet, and an umbrella or cone table shape electric field having a lower cross section area greater than its upper cross section area arises between the upper electrode and eh lower electrode; and the cooling system is located between the lower electrode and the discharging outlet.

Abstract: In various embodiments, an electrode has a shaft extending from an electrode head and a cooling passage extending from an open end disposed at an attachment end of the shaft to a closed end disposed within the electrode head.

Abstract: An arc discharge method includes the steps of heating and melting a non-conductive object by arc discharge using a plurality of carbon electrodes in a output range of 300 to 12,000 kVA; and setting a ratio of the distance between a contact position at which the carbon electrodes come in contact with each other and a front end to the diameter of the carbon electrode during the start of the arc discharge to be in the range of 0.001 and 0.9.

Abstract: An electrode comprises a shaft extending from an electrode head. A cooling passage extends from an open end disposed at an attachment end of the shaft to a closed end, which is disposed within the electrode head. The electrode head is formed to have approximately a teardrop shape, which may be formed according to a radial profile rotated about a centerline of the shaft, where the radial profile has a center disposed within the electrode head and on the centerline. The radial profile may exhibit a single maximum within a middle portion of the radial profile. Alternatively, or in addition, the middle portion of the radial profile may be negatively curved.

Abstract: A hollow tubular body for molten glass by which local-overheating in the electrode for conduction heating is prevented. A hollow tubular body for molten glass by which local-overheating in the electrode for conduction heating is prevented. A hollow tubular body having a platinum or platinum alloy hollow tube, used for conduction heating is characterized in that a ring electrode is joined to the outer circumference of the hollow tube, at least one lead-out electrode is joined to an outer edge of the ring electrode, and the ring electrode comprises a core portion of electrode of platinum or platinum alloy and a thick portion of platinum or platinum alloy or of a metallic material other than platinum or platinum alloy, provided at an outer side of the core portion of electrode.

Abstract: There is provided a method for electrically energizing and heating a platinum or platinum-alloy composite tube structure having a structure including a first main tube, a second main tube, and a branch tube connecting the first main tube and the second main tube, which prevents a local part of the branch tube from being electrically energized and heated in an excessive or insufficient manner.

Abstract: A hollow tubular body for molten glass in which local-overheating is reduced at the time of conduction heating. The hollow tubular body has a platinum or platinum alloy hollow tube, used for conduction heating, wherein a platinum or platinum alloy ring electrode is joined to the outer circumference of the hollow tube, a lead-out electrode is joined to an outer edge of the ring electrode, and a thick portion is provided in at least the joint portion closest to the lead-out electrode, of the ring electrode and in the vicinity thereof.

Abstract: An electric glass hot shop system is described herein that has at least one electrically powered heating unit (e.g., electric furnace, electric glory hole, electric pipe warmer, electric color box, electric annealer, electric crucible kiln) used in the processing of glass.

Abstract: A tin oxide-based electrode formed from a composition comprising a major component SnO2 is disclosed. The composition includes additives including aCuO, bZnO, and cSb2O3, wherein a, b, and c represent weight percentages of respective components, and 0.2?(a+b)/c<1.0.

Abstract: An arc discharge method of the present invention includes the steps of: heating and melting a non-conductive object by arc discharge using a plurality of carbon electrodes in an output range of 300 to 12,000 kVA; and setting a ratio of the distance between a contact position at which the carbon electrodes come in contact with each other and a front end to the diameter of the carbon electrode during the start of the arc discharge to be in the range of 0.001 to 0.9.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an LED package for a backlight unit. The LED package includes a plurality of LEDs, a die bonding part, a wire bonding part and a body. The die bonding part, on which the plurality of LEDs is arranged, allows the first electrodes of the LEDs to be electrically connected to an external circuit. The wire bonding part is spaced apart from the die bonding part by a predetermined distance to be insulated from the die bonding part and allows the second electrodes of the LEDs to be electrically connected to the external circuit so that the LEDs are operated. The body has a molding cup which is used to fill a space above the LEDs with transparent resin and a base on which the die bonding part and the wire bonding part are arranged.

Abstract: A waste vitrification apparatus (10) having rotatable mixer impeller (16) functioning as a shaft electrode (60) and metallic vessel (14) functioning as a vessel electrode (62). A stream (12) of waste material and vitrifiable material are mixed and melted in the vessel (14) for vitrification. The waste vitrification method converts a feed stream (12) by mixing the feed stream into a glass melt (13) and melting glass batch of the feed stream (12) to form a foamy mass. The stream is dispersed by the impeller (16) to form a foam which is then densified in a settling zone (22), recovered through a spout (24) and solidified in storage containers. Means are provided to adjust the location of the mixing impeller (16) in the vessel (14) to change the depth of the settling zone (22). The impeller (16) is mounted on a drive shaft (18) having a recirculating coolant flow.

Abstract: A waste vitrification apparatus (10) having rotatable mixer impeller (16) functioning as a shaft electrode (60) and metallic vessel (14) functioning as a vessel electrode (62). A stream (12) of waste material and vitrifiable material are mixed and melted in the vessel (14) for vitrification. The waste vitrification method converts a feed stream (12) by mixing the feed stream into a glass melt (13) and melting glass batch of the feed stream (12) to form a foamy mass. The stream is dispersed by the impeller (16) to form a foam which is then densified in a settling zone (22), recovered through a spout (24) and solidified in storage containers. Means are provided to adjust the location of the mixing impeller (16) in the vessel (14) to change the depth of the settling zone (22). The impeller (16) is mounted on a drive shaft (18) having a recirculating coolant flow.

Abstract: The use of blocks (1, 2, 3, 4) based on sintered tin oxide for producing the throat of a glass furnace.

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: A system for melting and delivering glass to a work area such as spinners for making fiberglass includes a melter with heaters so arranged that the "hot spot" in the molten glass is located away from the walls and corrosion sensitive parts so that the various elements of the melter wear out at substantially the same time. The system is further provided with a dual exhaust arrangement when the melter, conditioner and forehearth are located on the same floor of the plant, the first exhaust being at the juncture of the melter and conditioner, and the second being an alternating replacement for one of the heating/cooling orifices and mechanisms in the conditioner, so as to effectively limit the amount of corrosive volatiles reaching the forehearth.

Abstract: A heater mechanism for a crystal pulling apparatus is disclosed. Electrodes made of copper or the like and disposed under a heater are connected to the heater via graphite members. A cover member is attached to each graphite member, so that the downwardly extending portion of the cover member surrounds the outer surface of the graphite member. Accordingly, a leak or splash of a melt is prevented from contacting the electrodes. The length of each graphite member is equal to or greater than the distance between the bottom surface of the heater and the top surface of a melt spill tray which distance is measured when the heater mechanism is raised The cover member is vertically slidable along the outer surface of each graphite member. Thus, even when a material melt leaks out from a crucible, the electrodes of the heater mechanism can be protected from a fusion damage or the like which would be otherwise caused by the leak of the melt.

Abstract: A certain group of electrically conductive refractory materials presently known for use in high temperature applications as throat constructions, melter sidewalls, forehearth, stacks, port sills, hot face lining for slagging coal gasifiers, slag runners, and linings for nuclear waste encapsulation furnaces may be used as electrodes permitting joule heating at temperatures in excess of 1200 C. in excess of about 4400 hours even in the presence of transition group element(s). More specifically, the invention is an electrode for melting earthen materials, wherein the electrode is made from an electrically conductive refractory material, specifically at least one metal oxide wherein the metal is selected from the group consisting of chrome, ruthenium, rhodium, tin and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A glass vessel edge chamfering method and apparatus wherein heat energy can be controlled readily and chamfering of a glass vessel having a deformed profile, local chamfering and simultaneous processing of the opposite inner and outer sides of a lip of a vessel can be performed readily and besides the efficiency in consumption of energy necessary for chamfering for one glass vessel is improved so that a glass vessel can be processed efficiently in a short time. A pair of positive and negative electrodes are opposed in a predetermined spaced relationship to an edge of a glass vessel, and flame is blown from a pair of burners into gaps between the edge of the glass vessel and the electrodes while a high voltage is applied between the electrodes. Thereupon, electric current flows between the electrodes and the glass vessel by way of the flame and heats the glass vessel by Joule heat when the electric current flows through the glass vessel.

Abstract: A wall electrode includes a metal bar adapted to extend through the wall of the furnace, a water-cooled sleeve composed of a material which is a good conductor of heat and electricity, an end member composed of a material which is a good conductor of heat and electricity, and an annular member such as a ring composed of a metal which is heavy and has a low melting point surrounding the bar so that the heavy metal in the liquid state spreads in the space between the bar and the sleeve when the annular member is made to melt during use of the electrode.

Abstract: An electrode assembly for a glass melting furnace has an electrode body supported by two elongated steel tubes. Current is supplied to the electrode body by a current supply tube disposed between the two support arms. A holding fixture joins the two support arms to the electrode body. The tube extends through the holding fixture to connect with the electrode body, thus to provide a firm electrical connection with the tube and good mechanical connection with the support arms.

Abstract: A furnace has side walls and a bottom wall with a refractory lining. To permit mounting of ancillary equipment such as electrode refractory blocks are fitted to the bottom wall of the furnace. To mount each refractory block a hole is bored through the bottom wall from the exterior of the furnace with a large diameter in the outer part of the wall and a smaller diameter in the lining. The refractory block has a stepped construction to fit closely inside the bored holes. A central passageway through the refractory block has a removable plug at its inner end which may be displaced by insertion of an ancillary device such as an electrode.

Abstract: The metallurgical vessel, such as a direct-current arc furnace, comprises a metal housing (1) lined on its inside with refractory material (2), at least one electrode (3) passing through the bottom of the vessel and connected to a terminal of an electrical power supply, the electrode being fastened to the metal housing by a mechanical fastening arrangement and insulated electrically from the housing. A leaktight wall (20) surrounding the fastening zone of the electrode prevents a liquid flowing over the inner surface of the housing from coming into contact with the electrode fastening arrangement, and orifices (26) are provided for discharging the liquid collected out of the housing. The invention is particularly applicable to direct-current arc furnaces and prevents the molten lead originating from the scrap metal of the charge and infiltrating through the refractory from damaging the electrical insulation of the fastening of the electrode.

Abstract: Electrode blocks and multiple-piece assemblies are provided for electric, glass-melting furnaces to reduce the occurrence and extent of cracking which occurs in monolithic electrode blocks from thermal stresses induced by a high temperature gradient between such blocks or the block assembly and a fluid-cooled electrode and from thermal shock encountered in repositioning the electrode. An insert block of a high thermal stress and glass corrosion/erosion resistant refractory material is configured to receive an electrode assembly. A holder block, which may be of the same material or another material, including a material having less thermal stress strength or less glass corrosion/erosion resistance than the insert block material, has a passageway therethrough to receive at least part of the insert block with electrode assembly therethrough.

Abstract: The service life of a bottom electrode for a direct current arc furnace for producing steel is prolonged by using ZrB.sub.2 type sintered bodies for a contacting pins which constitutes a major part of the bottom electrode wherein the ZrB.sub.2 type sintered bodies have a corrosion-resistance to molten steel and slag. Further, the number of contacting pins to be used is reduced by forming each of the pins into a form of pillar with a through hole at the axis, or by assembling a plurality of longitudinally divided pin portions to form a contacting pin, whereby the diameter of the contacting pin can be made large. Then the space between contacting pins is made broad, and brick having good corrosion-resistance are filled in the space so that the service life of the bottom electrode is brought closer to that of the refractory lining of the direct current arc furnace.

Abstract: A sealed connection for a sleeve and jacket for protecting a molybdenum electrode mounted through the wall of an electric glass furnace. Around the electrode in the wall is a stainless steel sleeve coated on the inside with a fused alumina and having an outwardly extending flange at its outer end which engages the outer wall or shoulder in the aperture in the wall through which the electrode extends. The flange has an axially outwardly extending rib of V-shaped radial cross-section which seats and centers in an annular V-shaped groove around the inner end of a water jacket that surrounds the electrode outside the furnace. Refractory sealing gaskets are placed between the flange and the wall of the furnace and in the cooperating grooves and ribs of the sleeve and water jacket. The sealed cylindrical annular space around the electrode between it and the sleeve and the jacket is filled with nitrogen to prevent oxidation of the molybdenum electrode.

Abstract: The electric connection device comprises an electrode (5), a sleeve (19) mounted around a projecting end part (8) of the electrode (5), and an arrangement for cooling the sleeve (19) with a cooling fluid comprising at least one system (20, 20') of nozzles (21) spraying cooling fluid onto the outer surface of the sleeve (19).

Abstract: A bottom outlet device is provided for a glass melting furnace, with heating of a glass melt being effected to within the temperature range of the electrical conductivity of the melt by way of electrodes disposed in the interior of the furnace and projecting into the melt. An inductively heatable and metallic outlet unit projects from the bottom of the furnace and includes an outlet opening and an interior outlet channel communicating with the outlet opening. An outlet block comprised of ceramic bricks is disposed above the outlet unit and includes a throughgoing channel which opens toward the interior of the furnace and which is flush with the interior outlet channel of the outlet unit. A bottom electrode comprised of metal is disposed at a lowermost portion of the interior of the furnace. The bottom electrode is penetrated by a further channel which is flush with the throughgoing channel in the outlet block and is thereby in communication with the outlet opening of the outlet unit.

Abstract: An electric melting furnace for vitrifying waste, having a melting tank having walls of refractory bricks, the melting tank being provided at the upper portion thereof with a supply port for a glass additive and waste and at the bottom portion thereof with a discharge port for molten glass containing the waste; at least a pair of side electrodes horizontally provided on opposite side walls of the melting tank; and at least one central electrode having a polarity opposite to that of the side electrodes, the central electrode being horizontally positioned in the interior of the melting tank at substantially the middle portion between the side electrodes. By such melting furnace construction, as described above, the heating current selectively flows through between the side electrodes and the central electrode, and does not flow electrically conductive substances deposited on the furnace bottom.

Abstract: Electrode for a glass melting furnace which avoids the disadvantages of known electrodes which are either expensive and difficult to manufacture, or have operational disadvantages, especially in regard to the delivery of electric power into the molten glass and/or in regard to trouble-free useful life. The new electrode is less costly to make and has better operational properties. The electrode shaft 2 is a coaxial tube 20 with an inner tube 21 of a metal constituting a good electrical conductor, preferably copper, and with the outer tube 22 of a mechanically strong, heat-resistant metal, preferably steel. Moreover, the electrode body 3 can be made thicker in areas of intense corrosion. The new electrode is suitable for all glass melting furnaces which are partially or entirely heated with electricity.

Abstract: An advanceable refractory ceramic electrode is provided for use in the electrical heating of a molten mass in a furnace. The electrode has a tubular ceramic body having a terminal region that in use is immersed in the molten mass and a basal region that in use fits sealingly into the lining. A core is a close fit into the electrode body and projects from one end thereof. At least the outer surface of the core is of a metal that is non-reactive with the material of the refractory ceramic electrode at the temperature of the molten mass and that is itself molten at said temperature so that in use of the electrode the metal in the terminal region melts and establishes an intimate contact between the core and the electrode body. A connector comprises a socket in which core projecting from the electrode body fits to establish a current path to the electrode and a sleeve surrounding the socket and defining an abutment for the electrode body.

Abstract: A method for thermal decomposition treatment of a radioactive waste uses an apparatus comprising a container for holding molten matter of a radioactive waste containing a sodium compound, a pair of electrodes contacting the molten matter, and a power source for applying voltage between the electrodes while changing the polarity thereof every several tens of seconds. In this apparatus, the molten matter can be heated in the container by Joule heat, which is evolved by electric current directly flowed through the molten matter, so that the sodium compound contained in the radioactive waste can be decomposed, vaporized and removed to recover a stabilized radioactive solid as a residue in the container.

Abstract: An electric furnace for melting batch material and mixing the molten material. Electrodes are used to create what is believed to be electromagnetically stirred active melting areas within the molten material. The molten material is stirred by moving the electrodes and furnace shell with respect to each other while the electrodes are positioned in a corona discharge relationship to the melt. This can be implemented by rotating the electrodes or the shell or by a compound movement caused by moving the electrode support arms toward and away from the center of the vessel in timed relationship to pivotal movement of electrode support arms so as to cause the electrode tips to traverse an arcuate path concentric with the center of the vessel. In a shallow immersion, simple pivoting of the electrode support arms is beneficial. To further decrease the dead area within a furnace vessel utilizing electrodes which are shallowly immersed, the vessel can be made polygonal as opposed to circular in lateral cross section.

Abstract: A refractory metal substrate suitable for use in contact with an oxygen- or nitrogen-containing environment at a temperature greater than the oxidation or mitridation acceleration temperature of the substrate is disclosed. The refractory metal substrate comprises a refractory metal comprised of molybdenum and having a coating comprised of chromium metal. In an alternative embodiment the refractory metal can be an alloy comprised of in weight percent: from about 10 to about 20 chromium, from about 0 to about 5 alumina (Al.sub.2 O.sub.3), from about 0 to about 1 yttria (Y.sub.2 O.sub.3), from about 0 to about 0.5 titanium, from about 0 to about 0.1 zirconium, the balance being essentially molybdenum to make 100% of the composition; and, optionally having a coating of chromium metal.

Abstract: An electrical melting technique for glass, more specifically, a technique wherein the conductivity of the molten glass is used to develop the energy necessary to melt the raw materials. Energy is dissipated by a Joule effect into the molten mass from vertical plunging electrodes, with the composition to be melted being spread in a uniform layer on the surface of the bath. The electrodes are arranged at a distance from the refractory walls of the tank, with the distance separating the electrode from the closest lateral wall being at least half that separating two adjacent electrodes and the position of the level of the maximum temperature being regulated by the depth of immersion of the electrodes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a melting furnace for vitrifying highly radioactive waste, comprising a melting tank of refractory material and a furnace upper section enclosed by insulation and a steel container. The furnace contains electrodes of ceramic block material for direct heating which comprise part of the wall of the melting tank. Electrical conductors project from the electrodes through the top of the furnace. In order to avoid the danger of the melt flowing into the gaps between the electrodes and the surrounding tank wall and shorting the electrodes, the melt level is maintained below the top surface of the electrodes. In one form of the invention, the electrodes are recessed along the upper edge of the front side facing the melting tank, which recess accommodates a refractory block which is highly resistant to the corrosive effect of the waste at the melt level. The electrodes require no cooling, and are insulated on their back sides which avoids temperature differentials within the electrodes.

Abstract: Electrical connecting device to be placed in contact with a molten metallic mass, comprising an elongated metallic body (5) introduced through the wall of a container, to be placed in contact with the metallic bath by one of its ends, the other end constituting a terminal portion (8) projecting to the outside of the container wall, a sleeve (9) made of good thermal and electrical conductive material surrounding and contacting the terminal portion, the sleeve being connected to a charged electrical source and cooled by circulation of a cooling fluid. The device is used when contact between an electrode and a molten mass is required, and eliminates the risk of tapping from excessive melting of the electrode.

Abstract: An assemblage of electrode blocks peripherally supported on the bottom wall of an electric glass-melting furnace, having apertures for positioning electrodes therethrough and having horizontal grooves cut between adjacent vertical sides with a key positioned in the groove to secure the blocks, and on another of the vertical sides, having a ledge parallel and located between the top and bottom of the electrode blocks, such that a plurality of paving blocks can be positioned to retain the electrode blocks against the bottom wall of the furnace.

Abstract: This invention relates to electrical connection means. In particular, the invention is concerned with means for effecting electrical connection between two or more bodies in such a way that any small relative movement between the bodies when so connected will result in only small to negligible mechanical stresses being imposed on one or more of the bodies and/or on one or more component parts of the electrical connection means. Further, electrical connection means according to the invention are such that, in service, they do not suffer from at least one of the disadvantages associated with known, substantially stress-free, electrical connection means. In more detail an electrical connection means comprises an electrically conductive member or lug dipping into and making electrical contact with liquid conductive material contained in an electrically conductive reservoir, and means for at least reducing any tendency towards expulsion of the liquid conductive material from the electrically conductive reservoir.

Abstract: The invention relates to electrodes, particularly for glass furnaces and is concerned with means for forming good electrical contact between the electrode body and a source of electrical supply, which avoid the problems with known electrodes.

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 electrode assembly for melting glass includes a hollow casing having a holder connected to one end thereof. A water cooled conductor in said casing is connected to an electrode which is also connected to said holder. A limit stop is provided on a casing and adapted to contact refractory of a furnace to limit the extent to which the electrode assembly may enter the furnace in a downward direction while permitting the electrode to be elevated for inspection.

Abstract: A low porosity coating comprised of at least two layers of material or composites capable of protecting a metal substrate from the corrosive effects of a chlorine-metal chloride environment at temperature values ranging up to 650.degree. C. The first of the two layers has a coefficient of thermal expansion that lies between the metal of the substrate and that of a metal oxide(s) layer disposed upon the first layer. A layer of metal oxide is disposed on the first layer, the metal oxide having a coefficient of expansion somewhat less than the first layer and a minimum solubility in the chlorine-chloride environment. The material or composite of the first layer and the metal oxide of the oxide layer are applied by a technique which sprays particles of the material or composite and metal oxide(s) against a surface at relatively high velocities and temperatures.

Abstract: An electrode block for use in the bottom wall of an electric glass-melting furnace comprising a body of refractory material having an aperture therein which is suitably sized to mate with an electrode, the body having a top and bottom and at least one side that is slanted such that the area of the bottom is greater than the area of the top.