GB496041A - Improvements in and relating to the production and refining of metals or alloys - Google Patents

Abstract

496,041. Alloys; atomizing metals. FURNACE HOLDINGS, Ltd. (Buffalo Electric Furnace Corporation) Feb. 19, 1937, No. 5072. [Classes 82 (i) and 82 (ii)] An alloy containing iron is produced and simultaneously refined by forming a molten bath of metal containing an oxidizable impurity such as carbon, forming an oxidizing slag thereon and causing a finely divided metal which is to form a constituent of the alloy to impinge on the slag and pass in a dispersed and molten condition therethrough so dissolving or taking up an oxidizing reagent from the slag and transferring it to the metal bath to oxidize the impurity therein. An alloying metal 17, Fig. 1, fed through hollow electrodes 11, which may be rotated by means of gears 12, is formed into drops 18 or vapour by the arc and passes into an oxidizing slag 16 on a metal bath 15. Correctives 19 for adjusting the viscosity or permeability of the slag may be added thereto. In another form, Fig. 2, the alloying metal is more finely divided by passing a stream 26 of molten material through the bore 21 of a fitting 20 to which high pressure gas, e.g. steam, is fed, the gas issuing through the annular nozzle 24. In another form, a single vertical or inclined hollow electrode is employed, mounted above the slag layer. The metal rod or wire fed thereto may be coated with inert materials or with non-oxidizing materials required for the slag. As a further alternative, comminuted metal may be added mechanically, e.g. by shovelling. Comminuted carbon, silicon or silicides may be added with the alloying metal. The process may be employed for the decarburization of iron-chromium or iron-nickel alloys or ferro-manganese. Silicon and manganese may be removed, when necessary, by a preliminary deslagging. The process may be carried out in an atmosphere of carbon monoxide. Specification 472,038 is referred to.