Induction Furnace with Improved Circulation of Molten Metal

An induction furnace with an angled inductor assembly for improved circulation of the molten metal, the induction furnace comprising:

• a body that is lined with a refractory material and which houses a molten metal bath, the body including an upper extent with a cover and a pour spout and a lower extent;
• a lower case secured to the lower extent of the body, the lower case including a refractory lining defining an arcuate flow path, the flow path including an inlet and an outlet for allowing for the passage of the molten metal to and from the molten metal bath;
• a laminated magnetic core assembly, the core including a C-section with first and second legs, the core including a butt end that is secured between the first and second legs of the C-section to define a bounded window area, the core further defined by first and second extents that are angled at approximately 90° with respect to each other;
• a power coil and bushing wrapped around the first leg of the core and positioned within the lower case adjacent the arcuate flow path, the core assembly being orientated such that the first extent is positioned at approximately a 45° angle relative to the horizontal and such that the first extent is oriented toward the outlet;
• a voltage source for generating a current within the power coil, the current generating a magnetic field that induces electrical current flow and that heats the molten metal within the arcuate flow path, the current generating Lorenz forces that are 90 degrees from the electrical current flow, with the Lorenz forces being concentrated along the first extent of the core;
• whereby the circulation of the molten metal is improved by concentrated Lorenz forces facilitating movement of the molten metal through the outlet.