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: A metallurgical furnace, which includes a furnace shell, an exhaust system, and a gas cleaning system, further includes a plurality of improved pipes and fume ducts throughout to increase operational life and productivity. The pipes and fumes ducts are comprised of an aluminum-bronze alloy which provides enhanced properties over prior art materials including thermal conductivity, modulous of elasticity and hardness. The use of the alloy also minimizes maintenance requirements of the pipes and fume ducts, thereby extending their operational life. In operation, gases formed from smelting or refining are evacuated from the furnace shell through the exhaust system into the gas cleaning system. The gases, as well as the system, are water cooled by way of the plurality of pipes displaced throughout.

Abstract: A method and system for synthesizing nanocrystalline material. A system includes a chamber, a nonconsumable cathode shielded against chemical reaction by a working gas not including an oxidizing gas, but including an inert gas, a consumable anode vaporizable by an arc formed between the cathode and the anode, and a nozzle for injecting at least one of a quench and reaction gas in the boundaries of the arc.

Abstract: The invention relates to improved apparatuses and methods for remelting metal alloys in furnaces, particularly consumable electrode vacuum arc furnaces. Excited reactive gas is injected into a stationary furnace arc zone, thus accelerating the reduction reactions which purify the metal being melted. Additionally, a cooled condensation surface is disposed within the furnace to reduce the partial pressure of water in the furnace, which also fosters the reduction reactions which result in a purer produced ingot. Methods and means are provided for maintaining the stationary arc zone, thereby reducing the opportunity for contaminants evaporated from the arc zone to be reintroduced into the produced ingot.

Abstract: A process for casting an ingot of pre-alloyed metal from a consumable electrode. It includes the steps of: providing a consumable electrode corresponding to the desired metallurgical composition of the to-be-cast ingot; providing a second electrode; striking an arc between the consumable electrode and the second electrode to melt the consumable electrode and thereby form a molten pool; maintaining the arc between the consumable electrode and the molten pool; rotating or oscillating the consumable electrode about its axis during melting; providing a controlled atmosphere for the melting of the consumable electrode; delivering molten metal into a fluid cooled mold; and withdrawing the ingot from the mold.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for controlling the atmosphere above the bath of an electroslag remelting furnace, including sealing the atmosphere of the furnace directly above the crucible by employing a shell secured to the crucible and a shroud secured between the shell and the movable furnace ram to encapsulate the atmosphere, and analyzing the oxygen content of the atmosphere and controlling the amount of oxygen therein by introducing an inert gas in the atmosphere.

Abstract: A closed remelting furnace 1 includes a vertical furnace axis A-A, an electrode supporting rod 15 for a consumable electrode 23, a furnace body 29 which has a driving mechanism for the electrode supporting rod and several furnace lower portions 6, 7 each of which has an ingot mold 9 including an ingot mold axis K-K. A furnace upper portion 11 and the furnace lower portions can individually, if desired, be aligned by means of a lateral relative movement. Through a sealed passage the electrode supporting rod is passed through a top limiting wall 16 of the furnace upper portion 11. In order to reduce the total height and labor and cost involved in design and construction the furnace upper portion 11 is subdivided in two partial segments 13, 19 along a horizontal separating groove.

Abstract: A metallurgical vessel having an energy source and in which molten metal is contained for processing. A tuyere system is provided below the level of molten metal to permit the injection of gases, fluxes, ores, alloying additions and other materials to convert the molten metal to steel.