High-bandwidth continuous-flow arc furnace

Patent · Mon Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1996

OSTI ID:870548

Hardt, David E ^[1]; Lee, Steven G ^[2]

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1. Concord, MA
2. Ann Arbor, MI

A high-bandwidth continuous-flow arc furnace for stream welding applications includes a metal mass contained in a crucible having an orifice. A power source charges an electrode for generating an arc between the electrode and the mass. The arc heats the metal mass to a molten state. A pressurized gas source propels the molten metal mass through the crucible orifice in a continuous stream. As the metal is ejected, a metal feeder replenishes the molten metal bath. A control system regulates the electrode current, shielding gas pressure, and metal source to provide a continuous flow of molten metal at the crucible orifice. Independent control over the electrode current and shield gas pressure decouples the metal flow temperature and the molten metal flow rate, improving control over resultant weld characteristics.

• Research Organization: Massachusetts Inst. of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: FG02-85ER13331
• Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Cambridge, MA)
• Patent Number(s): US 5544195
• OSTI ID: 870548
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

high-bandwidth
continuous-flow
furnace
stream
welding
applications
metal
mass
contained
crucible
orifice
power
source
charges
electrode
generating
heats
molten
pressurized
gas
propels
continuous
ejected
feeder
replenishes
bath
control
regulates
current
shielding
pressure
provide
flow
independent
shield
decouples
temperature
rate
improving
resultant
weld
characteristics
continuous stream
metal flow
electrode current
continuous flow
power source
molten metal
flow rate
gas pressure
pressurized gas
gas source
metal source
shielding gas
independent control
flow temperature
metal feed
high-bandwidth continuous-flow
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