Patent ID: 6436271
Filing Date: 2002-08-20
Classification: C03B,Y02P

Abstract:
A process for preparing a molten mineral matrix by a direct cold crucible induction melting method from solid constituent elements of said mineral matrix, said solid constituent elements of said mineral matrix not being electrically conductive before melting, said process comprising the steps of:(a) preparing a bath of a conductive liquid in an inductive cold crucible wherein said liquid is a molten salt or a mixture of molten salts, said conductive liquid being both a liquid and an electric conductor between a temperature &thgr; of less than 600Â° C. and and a temperature &thgr;2 of at least equal to the temperature at which said solid constituent elements of said mineral matrix melt to generate a molten mineral matrix; (b) inductively heating said conductive liquid to a temperature at least equal to &thgr;2; and (c) introducing solid constituent elements of said mineral matrix to said bath to generate a conductive molten mineral matrix from said solid constituent elements.