FIELD: nonferrous metallurgy. SUBSTANCE: protective atmosphere from oxidation of metals is created in device containing serially connected air blower, gas generator and gas purifier from which gas is admitted into furnace for annealing or smelting preferably copper of alloys thereof. Protective gas is made to circulate by feeding gas from furnace into cooling device connected with air flower through water gate. Gate is made airtight, has inlet and outlet valves and is connected with airtight container. Recirculation of protective gas in the claimed device improves its quality, reduces consumption of gas generator filler and decreases outburst of toxic gases into atmosphere is decreased. EFFECT: improved quality of the device. 3 cl, 1 dwg, 1 tbl
