Abstract:
Magnetic field generating means sets up a field within a mold having at least partially electrically conductive material therein to form a melt, the field lines extending through at least a portion of the mold. A rotating electrode has at least the portion thereof which forms the arcing surface rotating in a predetermined plane with respect to the surface of the melt, and an arc takes place between electrode and melt. Where the mold is composed of electrically conductive material, the magnetic field stirs the melt by interaction with current filaments extending from the instant point of arc attachment on the melt to the wall of the mold. The magnetic field focuses the arc between electrode and melt, renders the arc uninfluenced by stray magnetic fields and spurious discharges, assists in preventing glow discharges at reduced pressures, and by creating a magnetic field barrier between the arcing surface of the electrode and the wall of the mold inhibits the arc from striking to the mold. Embodiments include magnetic field generating means mounted adjacent the wall of the mold, or adjacent the wall of a larger furnace enclosure, or on the electrode. A still further embodiment employs a rotating electrode with magnetic field generating means within the electrode.
Abstract:
An electrode has a detachable tip secured to a supporting column. The column includes fluid-channeling and electrically conducting tubes, electrically insulated from each other, extending at least a portion of the way therethrough toward the tip. Within the removable tip is a detachable magnetic field coil assembly including conduit extensions which, when the coil assembly is inserted in the electrode, are aligned with the tubes respectively. Male fittings engage contact finger assemblies and make good electrical connection. The fittings may be on the tubes and the contact finger assemblies may be on the conduit extensions, or the fittings may be on the conduit extensions and the contact finger assemblies may be secured to the ends of the tubes. Means carried by the column, or the conduit extensions including fittings or finger assemblies thereon, or both, provide fluidtight seals for the cooling fluid flow circuit through the magnetic field coil.