Multiple level refractory hearth for vertical shaft metal melting furnaces

摘要

Disclosed herein is a method and an apparatus for improving the efficiency of conventional vertical shaft metal melting and refining furnaces by novel refractory arrangements to form a multiple level hearth which will support pieces of metal that have reached the hearth without being melted. With this invention there is even and complete distribution and diffusion of heat around and through these unmelted pieces of metal to effect their rapid melting. Thus unmelted pieces of metal cannot block burners or clog tapping outlets of vertical shaft furnaces, and undue restriction to the flow of molten metal in and from these furnaces is substantially avoided.