Verfahren und Vorrichtung zur kontinuierlichen Verfluessigung kieselsaeure- oder siliciumhaltigen Materials

摘要

An apparatus and method for the continuous liquefaction of finely divided raw material capable of forming a highly viscous material when heated to molten condition, the apparatus including a hollow vessel, means for constricting the bottom opening of the vessel, means for adding the finely divided material into the vessel at the same time the viscous material is removed through the bottom opening of the vessel, a pair of horizontally disposed electrodes in the vessel for producing an electrical arc to generate sufficient heat to form a molten viscous melt from the raw material, and means for removing the molten viscous melt from the vessel at substantially the same rate as the melt is formed for maintaining a stable condition within the vessel. The disclosed method continuously forms a viscous extrusion melt from finely divided raw material which is charged into the vessel, the melt being withdrawn by gravity or by rollers and broken or severed periodically. The conversion of silica i.e. sand into fused silica is disclosed.