Systems and methods for maintaining effective insulation between copper segments during electroslag refining process
US5992503A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 23, 1997 |
| Grant date | Nov 30, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 23, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB22F2998/00
- WIPO fieldMaterials, metallurgy
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Systems and methods of electroslag refining of metal include the introduction of unrefined metal into an electroslag refining process in which the unrefined metal is first melted at the upper surface of the refining slag. The molten metal is refined as it passes through the molten slag. The refined metal is collected in a cold hearth apparatus having a skull of refined metal formed on the surface of the cold hearth for protecting the cold hearth from the leaching action of the refined molten metal. A cold finger bottom pour spout is formed at the bottom of the cold hearth to permit dispensing of molten refined metal from the cold hearth. The cold finger bottom pour spout comprises a plurality of copper segments having gaps. The gap between the segments is established and maintained by insulation structure and sealing structure positioned in each gap.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.