METHOD FOR MELTING-DOWN OF SCRAP IN CLOSED-TOP PIT-TYPE DC HEATING FURNACE AND CLOSED-TOP PIT-TYPE ELECTRIC-ARC HEATING FURNACE FOR EMBODIMENT OF THE METHOD Russian patent published in 1998 - IPC

FIELD: metallurgy. SUBSTANCE: method includes charging of scrap through top pf furnace shaft over circular surface in plane of cross-section square to medium axis if furnace well. Column of scrap is lowered into shaft in the form of sleeve with reduction of internal space of sleeve free of scrap prior to reaching the zone of melting. Hot gases rising toward lowered scrap are sucked from cylindrical outer surface of scrap column surface below the zone of its charge by means of device for suction in the form of gas conduit enclosing shaft upper part and connected to shaft. Scrap is melted by electric arc firing between cathode and anode in the sleeve internal space. Electric holder of cathode is made in the form of tube in which cathode is accommodated. Tube has conical narrowing towards free end of cathode and is located concentrically to medium axis of furnace well and resting with its base on shaft by means of cantilevers. EFFECT: provision of continuous operation in considerable degree with the help of simple design means; rational consumption of energy required for melting and use of cathode need no special care irrespective of furnace weight. 11 cl, 2 dwg