A control scheme for a furnace can use real-time and historical data to model performance and determine relationships between different data and performance parameters for use in correcting suboptimal performance of the furnace in real-time. Operational parameters can be logged throughout the cycle for all cycles for a period of time in order to establish a baseline. This data can then be used to calculate the performance of the process. A regression analysis can be carried out in order to determine which parameters affect different aspects of performance. These relationships can then be used to predict performance during a single cycle in real-time and provide closed or open loop feedback to control furnace operation to result in enhanced performance.

Sensors measure magnetic field components, and the measured fields are used to calculate and estimated transverse position of a longitudinal electric current flowing as an electric discharge across a discharge gap. Based on the estimated position, and according to a selected transverse trajectory or distribution of the estimated discharge position, magnetic fields are applied transversely across the discharge gap so as to control or alter the estimated discharge position. Inventive apparatus and methods can be employed, inter alia, during operation of a vacuum arc furnace.

Sensors measure magnetic field components, and the measured fields are used to calculate and estimated transverse position of a longitudinal electric current flowing as an electric discharge across a discharge gap. Based on the estimated position, and according to a selected transverse trajectory or distribution of the estimated discharge position, magnetic fields are applied transversely across the discharge gap so as to control or alter the estimated discharge position. Inventive apparatus and methods can be employed, inter alia, during operation of a vacuum arc furnace.

An inspection apparatus for melting furnaces that can be used in the steel industry, includes an inspection head and a positioning support, said inspection head including a rotating table. Said inspection head includes one or more image detection devices attached on said rotating table and which rotate in a manner integral with it. Said positioning support is suitable for the insertion of the inspection head into said melting furnace through an inlet aperture of the melting furnace. Also disclosed is an inspection method for melting furnaces that can be used in the steel industry, by means of an inspection apparatus.

An inspection apparatus for melting furnaces that can be used in the steel industry, includes an inspection head and a positioning support, said inspection head including a rotating table. Said inspection head includes one or more image detection devices attached on said rotating table and which rotate in a manner integral with it. Said positioning support is suitable for the insertion of the inspection head into said melting furnace through an inlet aperture of the melting furnace. Also disclosed is an inspection method for melting furnaces that can be used in the steel industry, by means of an inspection apparatus.

An electric power method for an electric arc furnace includes regulating the electric power frequency of a power voltage and a power current of the electrodes, independently from the mains frequency.

An electric power method for an electric arc furnace includes regulating the electric power frequency of a power voltage and a power current of the electrodes, independently from the mains frequency.

A system used in monitoring one or more operating parameters of a coolant-fluid cooled industrial installation includes one or more an acoustic sensors positioned to receive and sense one or more acoustic signals in an installation coolant-fluid flow. The acoustic sensor assembly operates to emit and sense acoustic signals at frequency ranges above and/or below the background noise frequency ranges which are associated with the normal industrial installation operation. Output data signals representative of sensed acoustic signals are compared to target frequency profiles predetermined as representing an acoustic frequency associated with a predetermined installation operating parameter or event.

An ultrasound system for processing of liquid metal and their alloys, comprising at least one ultrasound transducer (301, 401, 501, 601, 701, 701a, 801a, 801b, 801c, 801d, 801e, 901, 1001) and at least one composite waveguide (302, 402, 502, 602, 702, 802, 902, 1002a-c) made of a composite material comprising a reinforcement and a matrix. The ultrasound transducer (301, 401, 501, 601, 701, 701a, 801a, 801b, 801c, 801d, 801e, 901, 1001) is coupled with the composite waveguide (302, 402, 502, 602, 702, 802, 902, 1002a-c)so that during operation it excites a standing wave of mechanical vibrations in the composite waveguide (302, 402, 502, 602, 702, 802, 902, 1002a-c). According to the invention, the matrix comprises a metallic and/or ceramic material whereas the reinforcement comprises fibers of metallic and/or ceramic material. Mechanical vibrations are transverse to the fibers of the reinforcement material. A method of processing of materials, in which material is melted and the melted material is subjected to the operating of a vibrating waveguide in the ultrasound system, characterized in that the ultrasound system according to the invention is used.

A control scheme for a furnace can use real-time and historical data to model performance and determine relationships between different data and performance parameters for use in correcting suboptimal performance of the furnace in real-time. Operational parameters can be logged throughout the cycle for all cycles for a period of time in order to establish a baseline. This data can then be used to calculate the performance of the process. A regression analysis can be carried out in order to determine which parameters affect different aspects of performance. These relationships can then be used to predict performance during a single cycle in real-time and provide closed or open loop feedback to control furnace operation to result in enhanced performance.