Molten metal sampler for electroslag refining process

A liquid metal vacuum sampler for sampling metal produced by the electroslag refining remelting process during the process while voltage is applied to the consumable electrode and to the mold whereby the sampler draws metal through the slag between the electrode and mold, the dampler comprising a first conduit which is insulated, a three-way valve, a second conduit interconnecting one end of said first conduit and said three-way valve, third and fourth conduits connected to said three-way valve, a source of inert gas under pressure higher than the ambient atmospheric pressure, said source having a fluid passageway to said three-way valve via said third conduit which is connected to said inert gas source, a vacuum source connected to said fourth conduit whereby fluid entering said fourth conduit and said three-way valve is drawn to said vacuum source through said fourth conduit, a hollow body for receiving a sample connected to the other end of said first conduit, said body being relatively enlarged and provided with sufficient insulation to preclude accidental short circuiting of said electrode and said mold, said body including a removable plate means for removing the sample metal therefrom a tube composed entirely of a material having a high dielectric constant connected to said body, said tube being of sufficient length to extend through the slag of an electroslag remelting process and into the liquid metal, whereby when said second conduit is connected by said three-way valve to said inert gas source, an inert gas flows from said inert gas source via said first, second and third conduits into said body and is discharged through said tube and when said three-way valve conects said second conduit to said vacuum source and said tube extends into said liquid metal, a sample of said metal is drawn into said body by said vacuum via said first, second and fourth conduit through said tube.