Metals purification by improved vacuum arc remelting

Patent · Tue Dec 13 00:00:00 EST 1994

OSTI ID:869652

Zanner, Frank J ^[1]; Williamson, Rodney L ^[2]; Smith, Mark F ^[2]

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1. Sandia Park, NM
2. Albuquerque, NM

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.

• Research Organization: Sandia National Laboratories (SNL), Albuquerque, NM, and Livermore, CA (United States)
• Assignee: Sandia Corporation (Albuquerque, NM)
• Patent Number(s): US 5373529
• Application Number: 07/843,871
• OSTI ID: 869652
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

metals
purification
improved
vacuum
remelting
relates
apparatuses
methods
metal
alloys
furnaces
particularly
consumable
electrode
excited
reactive
gas
injected
stationary
furnace
zone
accelerating
reduction
reactions
purify
melted
additionally
cooled
condensation
surface
disposed
reduce
partial
pressure
water
fosters
result
purer
produced
ingot
means
provided
maintaining
reducing
opportunity
contaminants
evaporated
reintroduced
reduction reactions
reactive gas
metal alloy
partial pressure
metal alloys
improved apparatus
consumable electrode
reduction reaction
improved vacuum
melting metal
/373/