Method and electric furnace for melting vitreous materials

A method for melting vitrifiable materials, in particular for the production of vitreous mosaic materials and ceramic frits as well as for the vitrification of waste, where the primary material must be frequently changed, comprising the following steps:

• providing a melting tank having a floor and side walls made of refractory material for containing a molten bath, with a predetermined head and at least one channel for discharging the molten materials;
• introducing a primary batch of vitrifiable materials into said tank via an entry mouth thereof;
• providing, inside said tank, a plurality of electrodes having a predetermined shape and length, said electrodes having a substantially constant cross-section over their entire length and being so positioned as to melt completely said vitrifiable materials by means of diffused electric currents;
• depositing a covering layer of vitrifiable materials in the solid state onto the upper surface of said molten batch so as to contain the dispersion of heat from the bath and screen the crown of the furnace;
• wherein said electrodes are positioned so as to rest at the same level on said floor over their entire length to reduce to a minimum the head of the molten bath, with a consequent reduction in the time required to change the primary batch and the power consumption.