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AssigneeGeneral Electric Company
InventorsMark Gilbert Benz, William Thomas Carter JR., Robert John Zabala, Bruce Alan Knudsen
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An electroslag refining apparatus includes upper and lower integral crucibles, with the lower crucible having a drain. In situ hot start is effected by depositing in the lower crucible a pre-refined starter. The starter is melted in the lower crucible to form a starter pool, and slag is deposited atop the starter pool for being melted thereby to develop a slag pool thereatop. An ingot electrode is lowered through the upper crucible to immerse a tip thereof into the slag pool. The electrode is powered to effect resistance heating of the slag pool to melt the electrode tip. The slag and starter pools are increased in volume into the upper crucible, with the drain then being opened to effect steady state operation.
A method for starting an electroslag refining apparatus including upper and lower integral crucibles, with said lower crucible having a drain, said method comprising:
A method according to claim S wherein said induction heating at said drain and at said lower crucible are independent.
An electroslag refining apparatus comprising:
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.