Non-carbon induction furnace

Patent · Fri Jan 06 04:00:00 EST 1984

OSTI ID:6115203

Holcombe, C E; Masters, D R; Pfeiler, W A

The present invention is directed to an induction furnace for melting and casting highly pure metals and alloys such as uranium and uranium alloys in such a manner as to minimize contamination of the melt by carbon derived from the materials and the environment within the furnace. The subject furnace is constructed of non-carbon materials and is housed within a conventional vacuum chamber. The furnace comprises a ceramic oxide crucible for holding the charge of metal or alloys. The heating of the crucible is achieved by a plasma-sprayed tungsten susceptor surrounding the crucible which, in turn, is heated by an rf induction coil separated from the susceptor by a cylinder of inorganic insulation. The furnace of the present invention is capable of being rapidly cycled from ambient temperatures to about 1650/sup 0/C for effectively melting uranium and uranium alloys without the attendant carbon contamination problems previously encountered when using carbon-bearing furnace materials.

• DOE Contract Number: AC05-84OR21400
• Assignee: Dept. of Energy
• Patent Number(s): None
• Application Number: ON: TI85006513
• OSTI ID: 6115203
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

42 ENGINEERING
421000* -- Engineering-- Combustion Systems
ACTINIDES
CASTING
DESIGN
ELECTRIC FURNACES
ELEMENTS
FABRICATION
FURNACES
INDUCTION FURNACES
METALS
URANIUM
VACUUM SYSTEMS