Abstract: Provided is a Ti—Nb alloy sputtering target containing 0.1 to 30 at % of Nb, the remainder of Ti and unavoidable impurities; and the Ti—Nb alloy sputtering target is characterized by having an oxygen content of 400 wtppm or less. Since the target in the present disclosure has a favorable surface texture with a low oxygen content and is readily processable due to the low hardness of the target, the Ti—Nb alloy sputtering target yields a superior effect of being able to suppress the generation of particles during sputtering.

Abstract: Method of combining industrial processes having inherent carbon capture and conversion capabilities offering maximum flexibility, efficiency, and economics while enabling environmentally and sustainably sound practices. Maximum chemical energy is retained throughout feedstock processing. A hybrid thermochemical cycle couples staged reforming with hydrogen production and chlorination. Hydrogen generated is used to upgrade feedstocks including bitumen, shale, coal, and biomass. Residues of upgrading are chlorinated, metals of interest are removed, and the remainder is reacted with ammonia solution and carbon dioxide to form carbonate minerals. The combination provides emissions free production of synthetic crude oil and derivatives, as well as various metals and fertilizers. Sand and carbonate minerals are potentially the only waste streams. Through this novel processing, major carbon dioxide reduction is afforded byminimizing direct oxidation.

Abstract: Silicon eutectic alloy compositions and methods for making the same are disclosed. In one approach, a method may include using a glass carbon container to restrict contamination of the eutectic alloy melt. In an alternative approach, a method may include using a container having aluminum. The aluminum in the container may provide aluminum that is incorporated into the silicon eutectic alloy. Silicon eutectic bodies made by such methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for producing a high purity high carbon molten chrome product from chrome and carbon bearing material, said method comprising the steps of: (a) continuously introducing chrome compacts directly into an electric melter; (b) heating and melting the chrome compacts in the electric melter at a temperature of between about 1300° C. to about 1700° C. to form high carbon molten chrome; (c) preventing oxidation of the high carbon molten chrome via minimization of the ingress of oxygen containing gas in said heating step; (d) carburizing the high carbon molten chrome to form high carbon molten metallized chrome; (e) purifying the high carbon molten metallized chrome by reducing silicon oxides to silicon and desulfurizing the high carbon molten metallized chrome to produce the high purity high carbon molten chrome product; and (f) discharging the high purity high carbon molten chrome product from the electric melter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of concentrating and recovering precious metals from waste mobile phone PCBs and spent automotive catalysts using waste nonferrous slag, in which precious metals such as gold, silver, platinum, palladium or rhodium can be concentrated and recovered by simultaneously treating different industrial wastes, including waste nonferrous slag, waste mobile phone PCBs and spent automotive catalysts, and industrial waste can be recycled as resources. According to the present invention, it is possible to maximize the utilization ratio of precious metal resources that totally depend on the import in terms of the domestic situation of a poor-natural resources country. In addition, the industrial waste can widely be utilized for the recovery of precious metals in the fields of household appliance recycling and electronic part manufacture, and the recycling of industrial by-products discharged in the field of non-ferrous refinery.

Abstract: The Present invention provides an arc melting furnace apparatus and a method of controlling arc discharge, in which a melt material having been melted can be stirred efficiently, avoiding labor intensive work. The furnace is provided with a mold 3 having a recess 3a and provided in a melting chamber 2, a non-consumable discharge electrode 5 for heating and melting a melt material accommodated in the recess 3a, a power source unit 10 for supplying electric power to the non-consumable discharge electrode 5, and a control device 11 which controls the power source unit to control output intensity of the arc discharge from the non-consumable discharge electrode. The control device 11 controls output current from the power source unit 10 and its current frequency to vary the output intensity of the arc discharge from the non-consumable discharge electrode 5 and stir a molten metal resulting from heating and melting the melt material.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a smelting operation or the like, by which molten metal is produced from a metal oxide after metal oxide agglomerates are directly reduced and melted with a carbonaceous material in an electric heating and melting furnace. More specifically, the present invention relates to an electric furnace for producing molten metal that has material recycling capability, especially in-process material recycling capability.

Abstract: A method and device for controlling a melting and refining process in an electric arc furnace for melting a metal, wherein the electric arc furnace includes molten and solid metal and a slag layer on the surface of the molten metal, wherein an electromagnetic stirrer is arranged for stirring the molten metal. The method includes calculating/determining masses of the molten and solid metal at a point of time, wherein the calculation is based on initial values of the molten and solid metal, an arc power supplied to the electric arc furnace, and temperatures of the molten and solid metal, determining a stirring power based on the calculated/determined masses, and supplying the determined stirring power to the electromagnetic stirrer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for melting aluminum uses a dense metal salt of Rubidium, Cesium, or Strontium. The salt is melted by a stinger and then superheated by AC applied to electrodes immersed in the salt. Aluminum in contact with the salt melts and floats on the salt. In continuous scrap melting, inflows and outflows of aluminum are comparable and may be shielded by inert gas. The superheated salt may be purified and may be heated in a separate reservoir and pumped to and from another reservoir containing salt and/or metal. The salt may be used to supplement the heating of an existing furnace.

Abstract: A method for the production of a ?-TiAl base alloy by vacuum arc remelting, which ?-TiAl base alloy solidifies via the ?-phase (?-?-TiAl base alloy), includes the following method steps of forming a basic melting electrode by melting, in at least one vacuum arc remelting step, of a conventional ?-TiAl primary alloy containing a lack of titanium and/or of at least one ?-stabilizing element compared to the ?-?-TiAl base alloy to be produced; allocating an amount of titanium and/or ?-stabilizing element to the basic melting electrode, which amount corresponds to the reduced amount of titanium and/or ?-stabilizing element, in an even distribution across the length and periphery of the basic melting electrode; and adding the allocated amount of titanium and/or ?-stabilizing element to the basic melting electrode so as to form the homogeneous ?-?-TiAl base alloy in a final vacuum arc remelting step.

Abstract: The present invention relates to tailored materials, particularly metals and alloys, and methods of making such materials. The new compositions of matter exhibit long-range ordering and unique electronic character.

Abstract: A method of using scrap rubber and other scrap materials, such as tires or parts or pieces of tires, to manufacture or melt steel and other metals in a furnace is disclosed. The scrap rubber may be used as a carbon source for the manufacture of steel and other metals, and may be used as an energy source to melt the scrap metal used to make the steel and other metals. The net benefit of this method includes reducing the amount of scrap rubber, such as tires, to be sent to a waste disposal facility or landfill, thereby improving the environment. In addition, by increasing the use of scrap rubber as a source of energy for steel or metal production, less energy is required from other sources.

Abstract: An energy efficient metal melter is disclosed, said melter having a portion of melting energy supplied to it by a combustion process for heating a melter charge to a temperature where the melter charge can no longer maintain its shape. A portion of melting energy is also supplied to that melter by an electrical process for adding remaining transformational and sensible heat. Preferably, the combustion process uses a hydrocarbon fuel energy source selected from a distillate compound, gas compound or both and the electrical energy comes from a source selected from an external power grid, a generator and combinations thereof. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: An elevated refractory alloy with ambient-temperature and low-temperature ductility and the method thereof is disclosed, that is, at least four high-melting point metal elements are composed with at least four carbides of the high-melting point metal elements through a high-temperature alloy process, the carbides is dissolved in the high-melting point metal elements, therefore the high-melting point metal elements are wet and composed with the carbides, consequently the crystallographic structure composed by the high-melting point metal elements and the carbides is changed from a body-centered cubic structure to a face-centered cubic structure. Therefore, at least four high-melting point metal elements are composed with corresponding carbides of the four high-melting point metal elements and an alloy material is made through high-temperature, wherein the crystallographic structure of the alloy material is a face-centered cubic structure so as to let that the alloy material is convenient machined.

Abstract: This invention relates to a waste treatment furnace and method comprising: Generating a molten metal bed, which moves in a forward direction, such as to define a closed circuit in a cyclical and continuous manner, the surface of said bed comprising at least one essentially-slag-free segment. Loading waste onto the aforementioned essentially-slag-free segment, the waste being dragged by the molten metal bed such that it floats in the mentioned forward direction. Retaining the waste on the surface of the molten metal bed as it moves in the mentioned forward direction. Treating the waste under the effect of the constant and continuous heat exchange generated by the movement of the molten metal bed beneath the waste retained thereon.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a smelting operation or the like, by which molten metal is produced from a metal oxide after metal oxide agglomerates are directly reduced and melted with a carbonaceous material in an electric heating and melting furnace. More specifically, the present invention relates to an electric furnace for producing molten metal that has material recycling capability, especially in-process material recycling capability.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing a metal melt containing at least one base metal and at least one further alloy constituent, wherein the production takes place in a melting vessel with slag covering the melt. In accordance with the invention, for increasing the content of the alloy constituent of the melt, an additive is fed to the melt which contains said alloy constituent at a content of ?5-10 percent by weight of the alloy constituent, ?5-10 percent by weight of melting metallurgically harmless volatile matter, ?5 percent by weight of sulfur and possibly fractions of further alloy constituents and/or slag formers. The additive is obtainable by ore leaching and by precipitation in the form of hydroxides and/or carbonates. The invention also relates to such an additive.

Abstract: A method for the production of a ?-TiAl base alloy by vacuum arc remelting, which ?-TiAl base alloy solidifies via the (?-phase (?-?-TiAl base alloy), comprises the following method steps: forming a basic melting electrode by melting, in at least one vacuum arc remelting step, of a conventional ?-TiAl primary alloy containing a lack of titanium and/or of at least one (?-stabilising element compared to the (?-?-TiAl base alloy to be produced; allocating an amount of titanium and/or (?-stabilising element to the basic melting electrode, which amount corresponds to the reduced amount of titanium and/or (?-stabilising element, in an even distribution across the length and periphery of the basic melting electrode; adding the allocated amount of titanium and/or (?-stabilising element to the basic melting electrode so as to form the homogeneous (?-?-TiAl base alloy in a final vacuum arc remelting step.

Abstract: A process is provided for producing an aluminium-titanium-boron grain refining master alloy containing titanium boride and titanium aluminide particles, the process comprising melting aluminium in a silicon carbide crucible in a medium frequency induction or an electric resistance furnace, adding to the melt at a temperature between 750 degrees Celsius and 900 degrees Celsius, KBF4 and K2TiF6 salts, pre-mixed in proportions to obtain a Ti/B ratio of 5 in the melt, gently mixing the salt mixture with the melt without introducing any stirring, transferring the molten alloy to an electric resistance furnace maintained at 800 degrees Celsius, decanting the K—Al—F salt, the by-product of the salt reaction, thoroughly stirring the molten alloy in the SiC crucible with graphite rods before finally casting the molten alloy into cylindrical molds in the form of billets and finally extruding the billet into 9.5 mm rods.

Abstract: A tantalum or tantalum alloy which contains pure or substantially pure tantalum and at least one metal element selected from the group consisting of Ru, Rh, Pd, Os, Ir, Pt, Mo, W and Re to form a tantalum alloy that is resistant to aqueous corrosion. The invention also relates to the process of preparing the tantalum alloy.

Abstract: A niobium or niobium alloy which contains pure or substantially pure niobium and at least one metal element selected from the group consisting of Ru, Rh, Pd, Os, Ir, Pt, Mo, W and Re to form a niobium alloy that is resistant to aqueous corrosion. The invention also relates to the process of preparing the niobium alloy.

Abstract: A method for producing an intermetallic compound, the method comprising: (1) providing components A, B and X; and forming by solid state reaction of components A, B and X an intermetallic compound having a filled skutterudite structure and formula of AaBbXc; (2) melting the intermetallic compound having a filled skutterudite structure produced in step (1) in the presence of additional X; and (3) annealing the intermetallic compound of step (2) in the presence of additional X at a temperature equal to, or greater than the phase formation temperature of the intermetallic compound.

Abstract: A niobium or niobium alloy which contains pure or substantially pure niobium and at least one metal element selected from the group consisting of Ru, Rh, Pd, Os, Ir, Pt, Mo, W and Re to form a niobium alloy that is resistant to aqueous corrosion. The invention also relates to the process of preparing the niobium alloy.

Abstract: A graphite electrode for an electrothermic reduction furnace is formed from anode grade coke and graphitized at a graphitization temperature below 2700° C. The resulting electrode is particularly suited for carbothermal reduction of alumina. It has an iron content of about 0.05% by weight, a specific electrical resistivity of above 5 ?Ohm·m, and a thermal conductivity of less than 150 W/m·K. The graphite electrode is manufactured by first mixing calcined anode coke with a coal-tar pitch binder, and a green electrode is formed from the mixture at a temperature close to the softening point of the pitch binder. The green electrode is then baked to carbonize the pitch binder to solid coke. The resultant carbonized electrode, after further optional processing is then graphitized at a temperature below 2700° C. for a time sufficient to cause the carbon atoms in the carbonized electrode to organize into the crystalline structure of graphite.

Abstract: A method of operating a channel induction furnace to process a feed material and obtain therefrom at least one of a molten metal product, a vapor phase metal product and a slag product. The method includes avoiding the formation of islands of materials that are fed into the channel induction furnace. The method also involves breaking up islands of materials that are formed within the channel induction furnace. The method further involves adding a heat-conducting metal material into the channel induction furnace together with the feed material.

Abstract: A method of operating a channel induction furnace to process a feed material and obtain therefrom at least one of a molten metal product, a vapor phase metal product and a slag product. The method involves the use a variety of feed materials that contribute to the molten metal product and/or the vapor phase metal product and/or the slag product and/or function as a binder for briquetting or pelletizing the feed material.

Abstract: A method of operating a channel induction furnace to process a feed material and obtain therefrom at least one of a molten metal product, a vapor phase metal product and a slag product. The method includes applying a controlled vacuum on the headspace of the channel induction furnace to controlling the amount of ambient air that enters the furnace or adding oxygen into the channel induction furnace. The method also includes controlling the carbon concentration in the molten bath in the channel induction furnace to control the fluidity of the bath.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for producing a carbon fiber-pitch binder composition, the method comprising combining surface-modified carbon fibers with a molten pitch binder such that the surface-modified carbon fibers are substantially homogeneously dispersed throughout said molten pitch binder, wherein said surface-modified carbon fibers possess a surface that has been modified in a manner that increases the dispersability of the carbon fibers into said molten pitch binder. The invention is also directed to a method for producing a toughened graphite electrode and a method for processing metal in an electric arc furnace. The invention is also directed to carbon fiber-pitch binder compositions prepared by the inventive method in which carbon fibers are substantially homogeneously dispersed in the composition.

Abstract: A method of operating a channel induction furnace to process a feed material and obtain therefrom at least one of a molten metal product, a vapor phase metal product and a slag product. A molten metal bath is maintained in the channel induction furnace and the method includes adding a reductant such as carbon or a carbon containing material directly into the molten metal bath independently of the feed material.

Abstract: A method of operating a channel induction furnace to process a feed material and obtain therefrom at least one of a molten metal product, a vapor phase metal product and a slag product. The method involves maintaining a slag layer on the molten bath that has a thickness that is sufficient to support the feed material while minimizing heat transfer through the slag layer and minimizing the resistance of vapor phase components from transferring through the slag layer. The fluidity of the slag layer is controlled by heating the slag layer and adjusting the chemistry of the slag layer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for optimizing melting of titanium for processing into ingots or end products. The apparatus provides a main hearth, a plurality of optional refining hearths, and a plurality of casting molds or direct molds whereby direct arc electrodes melt the titanium in the main hearth while plasma torches melt the titanium in the refining chambers and/or adjacent the molds. Each of the direct arc electrodes and plasma torches is extendable and retractable into the melting environment and moveable in a circular pivoting or side to side linear motion.

Abstract: Efficient coordination of processing (by desulphurising) and moving hot metal from a direct smelter, producing hot metal on a continuous basis, to an electric arc furnace DIRECT or furnaces, operating on a batch basis, is disclosed. The invention includes the use of hot metal storage devices, such as ladles, that are large enough to supply hot metal for a small number, preferably two or three, of electric arc furnace batch operations.

Abstract: Implantable medical devices made from a single beta phase Tantalum alloy utilizing Titanium as an alloying agent that are biocompatible, radiopaque and visible under x-ray and fluoroscopy, the alloy having mechanical properties that allow it to be machined by conventional, machining methods for forming the devices, and a method for making the alloy. The alloy is between approximately 10 percent and 25 percent Ti by weight and preferably has a density of 12 g/cm3 or greater.

Abstract: An enclosure for mounting burners and particle injection equipment in an electric arc furnace (EAF) is described. The enclosures are mounted on the sidewalls of an EAF and include passages in which burners or injectors are mounted so that the discharge ends of the burners and injectors are located closer the melt than sidewall mounted burners and injectors. Burners and injectors mounted in the enclosures heat material in the furnace and deliver particulates to the melt more efficiently than conventionally mounted burners and injectors. The enclosures are liquid-cooled, typically by water, and constructed of high conductivity materials such as copper and/or cast iron and can be constructed in one or more pieces. Therefore, the enclosures protect the burners and injectors from the excessive heat and mechanical impact to which they would normally be subjected when mounted so close to the melt.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for optimizing melting of titanium for processing into ingots or end products. The apparatus provides a main hearth, a plurality of optional refining hearths, and a plurality of casting molds or direct molds whereby direct arc electrodes melt the titanium in the main hearth while plasma torches melt the titanium in the refining chambers and/or adjacent the molds. Each of the direct arc electrodes and plasma torches is extendable and retractable into the melting environment and moveable in a circular pivoting or side to side linear motion.

Abstract: Titanium-aluminum alloy is prepared as a master alloy, and the aluminum master alloy and a pure titanium material are melted by an electron beam to yield titanium alloy.

Abstract: An electron beam melting method for a metallic material which is melted by an electron beam in a melting furnace is disclosed. The method comprises: locating an actual melting material and a pre-melting material in the melting furnace; forming a melted surface on the pre-melting material by an electron beam under a reduced pressure; and melting the actual melting material by the electron beam while maintaining the reduced pressure in the melting furnace.

Abstract: A container for molten metal which uses heat of solidification for heating the molten metal and method of heating body of molten aluminum.

Abstract: An electron beam melting method for a metallic material which is melted by an electron beam in a melting furnace is disclosed. The method comprises: locating an actual melting material and a pre-melting material in the melting furnace; forming a melted surface on the pre-melting material by an electron beam under a reduced pressure; and melting the actual melting material by the electron beam while maintaining the reduced pressure in the melting furnace.

Abstract: A metal purification method and a metal refinement method in which metals of high purity can be easily refined and recovered without increasing the size of the purification and refining devices or complicating the operation. To this end, metals containing impurities are molten in a plasma arc containing active hydrogen to remove the impurities. If the metals contain ceramics inclusions, the metals are molten in a plasma arc containing active hydrogen and the ceramics inclusions are caused to float over the molten metal by exploiting the difference of density between the molten metal and the ceramics inclusions. The floating ceramics inclusions are decomposed and removed. For application to refining, the metal oxides are molten in a plasma arc containing active hydrogen so as to be reduced to metals.

Abstract: A method for combining a first metal with a second metal where the melting point of the second metal is higher than the melting point of the first metal. The first and second metals are melted in separate crucibles. The second molten metal is introduced onto or into the first molten metal. Also described is a two-zone furnace for carrying out the method.