60/165,304 filed onnovember 12,1999, and regular U. S. Application No. 09/550,305 filed on April 14,2000.

Field of the Invention The present invention relates to induction melting systems that use magnetic induction to heat a crucible in which metal can be melted and held in the molten state by heat transfer from the crucible.

Background of the Invention Induction melting systems gain popularity as the most environmentally clean and reasonably efficient method of melting metal. In the induction melting furnace 1 shown in FIG. 1, the electromagnetic field produced by AC current in coil 2 surrounding a crucible 3 couples with conductive materials 4 inside the crucible and induces eddy currents 5, which in turn heat the metal. As indicated in FIG. 1, the arrows associated with coil 2 generally represent the direction of current flow in the coil, whereas the arrows associated with eddy currents 5 generally indicate the opposing direction of induced current flow in the conductive materials. Variable high frequency AC (typically 100 to 10,000 Hz) current is generated in a power supply or in a power converter 6 and supplied to coil 2. The converter 6, typically but not

capacitors 9, which, together with the induction coil, form a resonance loop. Other forms of power supplies, including motors-generators, pulse-width modulated (PWM) inverters, etc., can be used.

As shown in FIG. 2, the magnetic field causes load current 10 to flow on the outside cylindrical surface of the conductive material, and coil current 11 to flow on the inner surface of the coil conductor as shown in FIG. 2. The crucible 3 in a typical furnace is made from ceramic material and usually is not electrically conductive. The efficiency of the furnace is computed by the formula: Equation (1) where T) = furnace efficiency D, coil inner diameter D2 = load outer diameter Pl = resistivity of coil winding material (copper) P2 = resistivity of load (melt) A, current depth of penetration in copper winding; and A2 current depth of penetration in load (melt).

The depth of current penetration (A) is a function of a material's properties as determined by the formula: Equation (2) where: p resistivity in ohmmeters ;

f = frequency in Hertz; magnetic permeability (dimensionless relative value); A = depth of penetration in meters.

The constant, 503, in Equation (2) is dimensionless.

Because current does not penetrate deep into the low resistivity copper material of the coil, the typical coil efficiency is about 80 percent when the molten material is iron. Furnaces melting low resistivity materials such as aluminum, (with a typical resistivity value of 2.6 x 1 o-8 ohmmeters), magnesium or copper alloys have an even lower efficiency of about 65 percent. Because of significant heating due to electrical losses, the induction coil is water-cooled-that is, the coil is made of copper tubes 12 and a water-based coolant is passed through these tubes. The presence of water represents an additional danger when melting aluminum and magnesium and their alloys. In case of crucible rupture, water may get into molten aluminum and a violent chemical reaction may take place in which the aluminum combines with oxygen in the water (H20), releasing free hydrogen which may cause an explosion.

Contact between water and magnesium may similarly result in an explosion and fire.

Extreme caution is taken when aluminum or magnesium is melted in conventional water-cooled furnaces.

Often, aluminum scrap is melted in gas-fired furnaces of a sort that are referred to as"stack furnaces."As shown in FIG. 3, a stack furnace 19 consists of two chambers, a dry chamber 20 and a wet chamber 21. The scrap 18 is loaded using a charge transfer bucket 22 that dumps the scrap into the dry chamber 20 as indicated by the arrows in FIG. 3. The scrap is melted by the flame from a gas burner 23. Molten metal runs from a bottom spout 24 of the dry chamber 20 into a bath 25 in the wet chamber 21 where additional heating is provided by a second gas burner 26.

An object of the present invention is to improve the efficiency of an induction furnace by increasing the resistance of the load by using as the load a

crucible made of a high temperature electrically conductive material or a high temperature material with high magnetic permeability. It is another object of the present invention to improve the efficiency of an induction furnace by reducing the resistance of the induction coil by using as the coil a cable wound of multiple copper conductors that are isolated from each other. It is still another object of the invention to properly select operating frequencies to yield optimum efficiency of an induction furnace.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a high efficiency induction melting system with a furnace and power supply that do not use water- cooling and can be efficiently air-cooled. A further objective of the present invention is to use the high efficiency induction melting system of the present invention to melt metal from scrap, cast molds, and provide a continuous source of molten metal for processing, in a manner that is integrated with the induction melting system.

Summary of the Invention In its broad aspects, the present invention is an induction furnace that is used for melting a metal charge. The furnace has a crucible formed substantially from a material having a high electrical resistivity or high magnetic permeability, preferably a silicon carbide or a high permeability steel. At least one induction coil surrounds the crucible. The coil consists of a cable wound of a plurality of conductors isolated one from the other. An isolation sleeve electrically and thermally insulates the crucible from the at least one induction coil. Preferably, the isolation sleeve is a composite ceramic material, such as an air-bubbled ceramic between two layers of ceramic.

Copper is especially preferred for the conductors, because of its combination of reasonably high electrical conductivity and reasonably high melting point. An especially preferred form of the cable is Litz wire or litzendraht, in which the individual isolated conductors are woven together in such a way that each

conductor successively takes all possible positions in the cross section of the cable, so as to minimize skin effect and high-frequency resistance and distribute the electrical power evenly among the conductors.

In another aspect, the present invention is an induction melting system that is used for melting a metal charge. The system has at least one power supply. The crucible that holds the metal charge is formed substantially from a material having a high electrical resistivity or high magnetic permeability, preferably a silicon carbide or a high permeability steel. At least one induction coil surrounds the crucible. The coil consists of a cable wound of a large number of copper conductors isolated one from the other. An isolation sleeve electrically and thermally insulates the crucible from the at least one induction coil. Preferably, the isolation sleeve is a composite ceramic material, such as an air-bubbled ceramic between two layers of ceramic.

Preferably, the induction melting system is air-cooled from a single source of air that sequentially cools components of the power supply and the coil. The metal charge is placed in the crucible. Current is supplied from the at least one power supply to the at least one coil to heat the crucible inductively. Heat is transferred by conduction and/or radiation from the crucible to the metal charge, and melts the charge.

In another aspect, the present invention is an induction melting system for separating metal from scrap metal that contains heavy metal inclusions. The system includes at least one power supply. A dry chamber induction furnace receives and heats the scrap metal. The dry chamber induction furnace includes a crucible for holding the scrap metal. The crucible is formed substantially from a material having a high electrical resistivity or high magnetic permeability, preferably a silicon carbide or a high permeability steel. At least one induction coil surrounds the crucible. The coil consists of a cable wound of multiple conductors, preferably of a magnitude of copper conductors, isolated one from the other. An isolation sleeve electrically and thermally insulates the crucible from the at least one induction coil. Preferably, the isolation sleeve is a composite ceramic material, such as an air-bubbled ceramic

between two layers of ceramic. The dry chamber induction furnace includes a means for run out of the molten metal from the furnace, preferably by a trough in the bottom of the furnace. A wet chamber induction furnace receives molten metal by a means for run out from the dry chamber furnace. The wet chamber furnace has a crucible similarly formed from a material of high electrical resistivity or high permeability as the crucible for the dry chamber furnace, at least one induction coil similarly formed as the coil for the dry chamber furnace, and an isolation sleeve similarly situated and formed as for the dry chamber furnace's sleeve. The induction melting system also includes a means for removal of the heavy metal inclusions from the dry furnace induction chamber, preferably by a hinged bottom that can be opened to eject the inclusions. The lid of the dry chamber furnace can include a duct for exhausting fumes created by melting metal in the dry chamber furnace's crucible. A vibratory conveyor can be used to place the scrap metal into the dry furnace's conveyor. Additional wet chamber induction furnaces can be provided with transfer means, preferably a launder system, to selectively transfer the molten metal from the dry chamber furnace to any one of the wet chamber furnaces. Preferably, either the dry chamber or wet chamber furnace is, or both furnaces are, air-cooled from a single source of air that sequentially cools components of the at least one power supply and the at least one induction coil associated with either the dry chamber or wet chamber furnace, or both furnaces.

Metal scrap is placed in the dry chamber crucible of the dry chamber induction furnace.

Current is supplied from the at least one power supply to the at least one induction coil surrounding the dry chamber crucible to inductively heat the crucible. Heat is transferred from the crucible to the metal scrap, which produces a molten metal that runs out of the dry chamber crucible and selectively into one of the wet chamber crucibles of the wet chamber induction furnaces. Current is supplied from the at least one power supply to the at least one induction coil surrounding appropriate ones of the wet chamber crucibles to inductively heat the crucibles. Heat is transferred from the

crucibles to the molten metal in the crucibles. One or more of the wet chamber crucibles can be removed from their associated wet chamber induction furnaces.

In another aspect, the present invention is an induction furnace for casting a mold from a molten metal. The system has at least one power supply. A sealed crucible holds and heats the molten metal. The crucible is formed substantially from a material having a high electrical resistivity or high magnetic permeability, preferably a silicon carbide or a high permeability steel. At least one induction coil surrounds the crucible. The coil consists of a cable wound of a magnitude of copper conductors isolated one from the other. An isolation sleeve electrically and thermally insulates the crucible from the at least one induction coil. Preferably, the isolation sleeve is a composite ceramic material, such as an air-bubbled ceramic between two layers of ceramic. A suitable but not limiting selection for the ceramic compositions is an alumina or silica based ceramic. A tube, preferably with a flanged end external to the crucible, penetrates the seal of the crucible and is partially immersed in the molten metal bath. A mold is aligned on top of the flanged end of the tube so that its gate is coincident with the opening in the tube. A port is provided in the sealed crucible for the connection of a supply of controlled pressurized gas to the interior of the crucible. Preferably, the induction furnace is air-cooled from a single source of air that sequentially cools components of the power supply and the coil. Molten metal is placed inside the crucible and the crucible is sealed. Current is supplied from the at least one power supply to the at least one coil to inductively heat the crucible. Heat is transferred from the crucible to the molten metal to keep the metal molten. Pressurized gas is injected into the sealed chamber via the gas port to pressurize the interior of the crucible and force molten metal through the tube and into the mold cavities. When the mold is filled with molten metal, the interior of the crucible is depressurized and the mold is removed from the flanged end of the tube.

In still another aspect, the present invention is an induction melting system for providing a continuous supply of molten metal. The system has at least one

power supply. A sealed crucible holds and heats the molten metal. The crucible is formed substantially from a material having a high electrical resistivity or high magnetic permeability, preferably a silicon carbide or a high permeability steel. At least one induction coil surrounds the crucible. The coil consists of a cable wound of a magnitude of copper conductors isolated one from the other. An isolation sleeve electrically and thermally insulates the crucible from the at least one induction coil.

Preferably, the isolation sleeve is a composite ceramic material, such as an air-bubbled ceramic between two layers of ceramic. An inlet conduit has a receiver end external to the sealed crucible and an opposing end internal to the sealed crucible. The opposing end is immersed in the molten metal bath. An outlet conduit protrudes through the sealed crucible and has one end immersed in the molten metal bath and an opposing exit end that is external to the crucible. A port is provided in the sealed crucible for the connection of a supply of controlled pressurized gas to the interior of the crucible. Preferably, the induction furnace is air-cooled from a single source of air that sequentially cools components of the power supply and the coil. Furnace feed material is continuously supplied to the crucible at the receiver end of the inlet conduit.

Feed material is continuously heated by heat transfer from the crucible, which is inductively heated by the at least one induction coil surrounding the crucible.

Pressurized gas is injected into the sealed chamber via the port to pressurize the interior of the crucible and continuously force molten metal through the outlet conduit to its exit end. The outlet conduit may be a siphon, which can maintain a continuous flow of molten metal from the crucible without the requirement for maintaining a continuous positive pressure in the interior of the crucible. A gas port may be provided in the siphonal outlet conduit for the injection of a gas into the outlet conduit to break the continuous flow of molten metal.

These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from the following description and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings a form which is presently preferred; it being understood, however, that this invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic representation of an induction melting system that includes a furnace and power supply converter.

FIG. 2 is a cross sectional elevation view of an induction coil of copper tubes around a crucible that has a conductive material inside of the crucible.

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional elevation view of a stack furnace showing dry and wet chambers, and the charge transfer bucket used to dump scrap into the dry chamber.

FIG. 4 is a cross sectional elevation view showing the distribution of current in an electrically conductive high resistance crucible used in the induction furnace of the present invention.

FIG. 5 (a) is a perspective view of a wound cable composed of twisted multiple copper conductors that is used in the induction furnace of the present invention.

FIG. 5 (b) is a cross sectional view of the wound cable shown in FIG.

5 (a).

FIG. 5 (c) is a cross sectional view of one of the insulated copper conductors that make up the wound cable.

FIG. 6 (a) is a cross sectional elevation view of an induction furnace of the present invention with a high electrical resistance crucible and an induction coil of the wound cable shown in FIG. 5 (a).

FIG. 6 (b) is a cross sectional detail of one embodiment of the isolation sleeve shown in FIG. 6 (a).

FIG. 6 (c) illustrates the airflow through the power supply and induction coil for the induction melting system of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an electrical schematic of the power circuit for one embodiment of the induction melting system of the present invention.

FIG. 8 (a) is a cross sectional elevation of an induction melting system of the present invention for separating metal from scrap metal.

FIG. 8 (b) is a perspective view of one embodiment of the bottom of the dry chamber furnace used with the induction melting system of the present invention.

FIG. 8 (c) is a cross sectional perspective view of the bottom of the dry chamber furnace as indicated by section line A-A in FIG. 8 (b) FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an induction melting system of the present invention for separating metal from scrap metal wherein two wet furnace chambers are provided to store the molten metal and the crucibles in the wet furnace chambers are portable.

FIG. 10 is a cross sectional elevation view of an induction melting system of the present invention for casting molds.

FIG. 11 is a cross sectional elevation view of an induction melting system of the present invention for providing a continuous supply of molten metal.

FIG. 12 is a cross sectional elevation view of an induction melting furnace of the present invention for providing a continuous supply of molten metal wherein the molten metal is siphoned from the crucible.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an induction tunnel heating system of the present invention for heating a continuous workpiece.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an induction heating system of the present invention for heating a discrete workpiece.

Detailed Description of the Invention The efficiency of an induction furnace as expressed by Equation (1) and Equation (2) can be improved if the resistance of the load can be increased. The load resistance in furnaces melting high conducting metals such as aluminum, magnesium or copper alloys may be increased by coupling the electromagnetic field to the crucible instead of to the metal itself. The ceramic crucible may be replaced by a high temperature, electrically conductive material with high resistivity factor. Silicon carbide (SiC) is one of the materials that has these properties, namely a resistivity generally in the range of 10 to 104 ohm-meters. Silicon carbide compositions with resistivity in the approximate range of 3,000 to 4,000 ohmmeters are particularly applicable to the present invention. Alternatively, the crucible may be made from steel. For example, there are high permeability ferromagnetic steels with permeabilities in the range of 5,000. In this case, rather than relying on high resistivity, the high permeability will result in low depth of current penetration. FIG.

4 shows the distribution of current 28 in the crucible 27 that will produce the effect of high total resistance. The best effect is achieved when the wall thickness of the crucible is about 1.3 to 1.5 times larger than the depth of current penetration into the crucible. In this case, the shunting effect of highly conductive molten metal 29 is minimized.

An additional improvement in the efficiency of an induction furnace can be achieved by reducing the resistance of the coil. High conductivity copper is widely used as the material for a coil winding. However, because of the high conductivity (low resistivity) of the copper, the current is concentrated in a thin layer of coil current 11 on the surface of the coil facing the load, as shown in FIG. 2. The depth of current penetration is given by Equation (2). Because the layer is so thin, especially at elevated frequencies, the effective coil resistance may be considerably higher than would be expected from the resistivity of copper and the total cross-sectional area of the copper coil. That will significantly affect the efficiency of the furnace. Instead of

using a solid tubular conductor, one embodiment of the present invention uses a cable 17 wound of a large number of copper conductors isolated one from another, as shown in FIGS. 5 (a), 5 (b) and 5 (c). One of the insulated copper conductors 14 is shown in FIG. 5 (c) with the insulation 16 that isolates the copper conductor 15 from surrounding conductors. The cable 17 is of the sort known in the electronic industry as Litz wire or litzendraht. It assures equal current distribution through the copper cross section when the diameter of each individual copper wire strand is significantly smaller than the depth of current penetration A, as given by Equation (2). For the present application, a suitable but not limiting number of strands in approximately between 1,000 and 2,000. Other variations in the configuration of the Litz wire will perform satisfactory without deviating from the present invention.

The proper selection of operating frequencies yields optimum efficiency of an induction furnace. The criteria for frequency selection are based on depth of current penetration in the high resistance crucible and copper coil. The two criteria are: A, » dl ; and 2~ = 1. 2d2 where: d, = diameter of a strand of Litz wire; and d2 = wall thickness of the crucible.

For example, when the copper strand diameter is d, = 0.01 inch and the silicon carbide wall is d2= 2.0 inches, the optimal frequency is 3,000 Hz. With this selection, the relative electrical losses in the coil may be reduced to about 2.2%, which is more than 15 times better than a standard induction furnace.

Acceptable, but not limiting, parameters for a furnace in accordance with the present invention is selecting d, in the range of 0.2 to 2.0 meters, d2 in the range of 0.15 to 1.8 meters, and frequency in the range of 1,000 to 5,000 Hertz.

Such an increase in efficiency or reduction in coil losses, and thus reduction in heating of the coil, eliminates the need for a water-based cooling system.

Instead, a reasonable airflow through the induction coil is sufficient to remove the heat generated by the coil. The furnace crucible should be well insulated from the coil to minimize thermal losses and heating of the copper winding due to thermal conduction.

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like numerals indicate like elements, there is shown in FIG. 6 (a) an embodiment of a high-efficiency induction melting system 33 in accordance with the present invention. The induction melting system 33 includes a high electrical resistance or high magnetic permeance crucible 30 containing metal charge 31. The high resistance or high permeance is achieved by using a crucible made from a high resistivity material (p>2500 pQ-cm) like silicon carbide or from a high permeability steel (p>20), respectively. The selection of crucible material depends on the properties of the metals to be melted. For aluminum or copper alloys, silicon carbide is a better crucible material, while for magnesium or magnesium alloys, steel may be a better choice for the crucible material. The crucible 30 is heated by the magnetic field generated by current in the coil 32, which is made with Litz wire. The hot crucible is insulated from the coil electrically and thermally by an isolation sleeve 34. The isolation sleeve is constructed from a high strength composite ceramic material containing one or more inner layers 35 and outer layers 36 filled with air-bubbled ceramic 37 with good thermal insulation properties. The honeycomb structure of the isolation sleeve provides necessary strength and thermal isolation. The electrically insulating nature of the isolation sleeve, together with its low magnetic permeability, ensures that no appreciable inductive heating takes place in the isolation sleeve itself. That concentrates the heating in the crucible 30, inside the thermal insulation of the isolation sleeve 34, which both improves the efficiency of the induction melting system 33 and reduces heating of the coil 32.

One embodiment of the invention includes a power converter 39 that converts a three-phase standard line voltage such as 220,280 or 600 volts into a single phase voltage with a frequency in the range of 1,000 to 3,000 Hz. The power converter may include power semiconductor diodes 41, silicon controlled rectifiers (SCR) 40,

capacitors 42, inductors 43 and 46, and control electronics. The schematic diagram of one implementation of the power converter is shown in FIG. 7. All of the semiconductor components of the power converter are air-cooled via heat exchangers 44. Other inverter circuits and even electromechanical systems can be used.

In one embodiment of the invention, the power converter 39 is mounted adjacent to the induction coil 32. As shown in FIG. 6 (a) and FIG. 6 (c), an airflow 47 (as illustrated by arrows from an external blower 45) is fed to the power converter where the cold air first cools the semiconductors'heat exchangers 44, and then the capacitors, inductors and other passive components. The converter cabinet is positively pressurized to prevent foundry dust from entering the electronics compartments. The airflow exits through a slot 48 in the back wall of the power supply 39 and enters and flows through the coil chamber 38 to remove heat from the coil. In FIG. 6 (c), for clarity in illustrating the airflow 47 through the induction melting system, the induction melting system 33 is outlined in phantom.

To melt contaminated scrap 79, another embodiment of the invention comprises an induction scrap furnace 78 that combines two inductively heated crucible furnaces, one forming a dry chamber 50 and one forming a wet chamber 60, as shown in FIG. 8 (a). Selected components of the dry chamber furnace are similar to those for the melting induction system shown in FIG. 6 (a). For example, the dry chamber consists of high resistance electrically conductive walls 51 that are inductively heated by current in an external low resistance Litz wire coil 52. The walls of the chamber are thermally and electrically isolated from the coil by a ceramic sleeve 53. Unlike the melting induction system shown in FIG. 6 (a), the bottom 54 of the dry chamber contains a trough 55 (most clearly seen in FIG. 8 (b) and FIG. 8 (c)) through which molten metal can run out from the dry chamber into the wet chamber 60.

Aluminum scrap, which may have heavy metal inclusions such as iron or steel (typical when remelting aluminum engine blocks with steel sleeve inserts), is charged with the help of a vibratory conveyor 49 into the open hearth of the dry

chamber. An inclined lid 56 of the furnace is provided with an exhaust duct 57. Since the induction stack furnace 78 does not burn fuel, the only contaminants are those that were in the scrap. Therefore, fumes may be easily removed by an exhaust system (not shown in the drawings) connected to the exhaust duct 57 in the furnace lid 56.

The aluminum scrap 79 is heated via radiation from the dry chamber walls 51. The metal scrap 79 moves toward the bottom as the charge loaded previously overheats and melts. The molten metal runs via a trough 55 in the bottom into the wet chamber 60. The unmelted remnant of steel inclusions and nonmetallic dross stays on the dry chamber bottom 54.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, the bottom 54 of the dry chamber is hinged around a hinge 58. A cylinder 59 supporting the dry chamber can tilt the bottom for removal of the dross and heavy steel remnants into a slag bin 77.

The slag bin 77 and cylinder 59 are shown in phantom in FIG. 8 (a) to indicate their positions when the bottom 54 is open. The wet chamber 60 is similar to the inductively heated crucible furnace previously described.

FIG. 9 shows another embodiment of the invention, in which one dry chamber furnace 70 of an induction stack furnace can be connected to two wet chamber furnaces 71 and 72. A tiltable launder 73 directs the flow of metal out of the dry chamber into either of the wet chambers. The chambers are constructed in such a way that a crucible 74 with molten metal may be removed from a wet-chamber induction furnace by dropping the crucible or lifting the furnace coil. The crucibles with molten metal may be delivered to casting stations around the plant or even tracked by road to other plants. Therefore, a continuous supply of molten metal may be provided through the dry chamber furnace 70, while the metal is distributed in crucibles.

FIG. 10 shows another embodiment of an induction melting system of the present invention. In this embodiment the furnace is covered with a tight lid 80, through which a high temperature tube 81 protrudes into the molten bath. At the other end, the tube 81 is flanged to a mold 82, which may be a permanent mold or a sand

mold, with feeder gates 83 inside the mold connecting to the tube. Pressurized gas is injected by a port 85 into the furnace between the lid 80 and bath surface 87. Excess pressure forces the molten metal 31 up the casting tube 81 and injects molten metal into the cavities 84 of the mold. A narrow gate 86 between the mold and the casting tube freezes before the mold can be removed from the flange. The furnace depressurizes and excess metal in the tube is returned into the molten bath. To refill the furnace with molten metal the lid 80 can be lifted.

The induction melting system of the present invention can be used to provide a supply of continuous molten metal from the induction furnace. As shown in FIG. 11, furnace feed material is placed in a receiver 96 of a high temperature inlet conduit 91. The exit end 97 of the inlet conduit 91 (opposite the receiver 96) is situated below the surface of the molten metal bath 87, and is preferably adjacent to a wall of the crucible 30 to achieve a high heat transfer rate from the crucible wall to the input conduit. Feed material, depending upon the particular furnace design and operating conditions, can range from impure solid metal to a metal slurry or molten metal at lower temperatures. Furnace feed material will travel through the inlet conduit 91 to its exit end 97 and into the crucible 30 where it is further melted and mixed with the existing molten metal 31.

A high temperature outlet conduit 92 provides a continuous means of drawing molten metal from the crucible 30. As shown in FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, a portion of the outlet conduit comprises the crucible's inner wall. A conduit totally separate from the inner wall can also be used. Controlled pressurized gas from a suitable source (not shown in the drawings) is injected into the enclosed volume defined by the crucible and lid components and the surface of the molten metal bath via a port 85. The gas maintains a positive pressure on the bath to force molten metal out of the crucible through the outlet conduit 92.

In an alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 12, an outlet conduit 93 forms a siphon that will enable the induction melting system to provide a continuous

flow of molten metal from the crucible 30 through the exit 94 of the outlet conduit without the necessity of continuous gas pressurization via the port 85. The exit 94 of the outlet conduit 93 can be aligned with an indexing mold line, transport crucibles, or other such vessels to receive the molten metal as it exits from the outlet conduit. A port 95 can be provided for the injection of a sufficient volume of gas at a pressure into the outlet conduit 93 to create a gas break in the continuous flow of molten metal. A valve 98 can be used to control the flow of gas into the outlet conduit. One of the two discontinuous terminated streams of molten metal will drain back into the crucible while the other drains out of exit port 94. When a continuous flow of molten metal flows from the outlet conduit a small positive pressure can be maintained at the inlet of port 95 into the outlet conduit 93. A particular advantage to the siphon and gas break to stop the flow in this application is that it avoids the use of in-line mechanical pumps and valves, which would be subject to rapid failures due to the freezing of the molten metal during pumping and flow interruption.

In an alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 13, a high-efficiency induction heating system 33a in accordance with the present invention is in the form of a tunnel furnace through which a continuous workpiece 90, such as a metal strip, wire or other continuous object to be heated, can be run through the furnace by a mechanical conveying system (not shown in the drawing) in the direction indicated by the arrows. In this embodiment, the furnace tunnel crucible 30a, is surrounded by isolation sleeve 34a. Coil 32a is coiled around the exterior of isolation sleeve 34a and connected to a suitable power converter (not shown in FIG. 13). Generally, the disclosure above for crucible 30, coil 32, power converter 39, and isolation sleeve 34 are applicable to crucible 30a, coil 32a, the power converter not shown in FIG. 13, and isolation sleeve 34a, respectively. In other embodiments, a longitudinal portion of the tunnel furnace consisting of a longitudinal piece of crucible 30a and isolation sleeve 34a, and segments of coil 32a are selectively removable from the remainder of the tunnel furnace so that the tunnel furnace can be removed from around the workpiece

90 by moving it in a direction generally perpendicular to the movement of workpiece 90 through the tunnel furnace. Selective electrical continuity is achieved in the removable coil segments by an arrangement of hinged and/or interlocking (such as finger contacts) electrical contact elements known in the art.

In a modified version of the tunnel furnace system shown in FIG. 13, a closed high-efficiency induction heating system 33b in a accordance with the present invention may be formed by closing first end 92 of a tunnel furnace as shown in FIG 14, inserting a discrete workpiece 94 to be heated on a workpiece conveyance system 96 diagrammatically show in FIG. 14, and closing second end 98 of the furnace.

Closing ends 92 and 98 of the furnace are formed from an isolation material similar in composition to that of the isolation sleeve 34a. Alternatively if closing ends 92 and 98 are not used and the workpiece conveyance system 96 is a continuous conveyor system that moves multiple and assorted discrete workpieces 94 situated on the conveyor a high-efficiency induction heating system is achieved for a continuous supply of discrete workpieces.

The foregoing embodiments do not limit the scope of the disclosed invention. The scope of the disclosed invention is covered in the appended claims.