Industrial Electron-Beam Installation L-4 for Melting and Vacuum Refining of Metals and Alloys

Abstract

Electron beam melting is the most effective method of refining and degassing metals in vacuum. Associated equipment is produced in Germany, USA, Ukraine, and other countries. The paper discusses the design features and process capabilities of an industrial electron-beam installation of new generation for melting and vacuum refining of metals and alloys with an intermediate vessel or a direct crystallizer developed at the Research and Production Enterprise ELTECHMASH (Vinnitsa, Ukraine). A distinctive feature of the installation is the ability to remelt highly reactive and refractory metals and materials with a high gas content through the use of high-voltage glow discharge guns that operate steadily in relatively low vacuum.