Patent · US Expired

Metals purification by improved vacuum arc remelting

US5373529A · kind A · utility

13Cited by
9References
18Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateFeb 27, 1992
Grant dateDec 13, 1994
Priority date
Expiry dateFeb 27, 2012

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
  • CPC primaryF27D2099/0028
  • WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

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.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.