Induction furnace with improved efficiency coil system
US6542535B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 8, 2002 |
| Grant date | Apr 1, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 16, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P10/25
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An induction furnace system has an active induction coil surrounding a crucible. A passive induction coil also surrounds the crucible. The passive induction coil is connected in parallel with a capacitor to form an L-C tank circuit. A source of ac current is provided to the active induction coil to produce a magnetic field that inductively heats and melts an electrically conductive material in the crucible. The magnetic field also magnetically couples with the passive induction coil to induce a current in the passive induction coil. This induced current generates a magnetic field that inductively heats and melts the material. The resistance of the L-C tank circuit is reflected back into the circuit of the active induction coil to improve the overall efficiency of the induction furnace system. The crucible may be open-ended to allow the passage of the electrically conductive material through the crucible during the heating process.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.