Process of semi-continuous smelting of ceramic materials by induction furnaces with skull melting crucible, a furnace therefor and apparatus for periodical tapping

A method is disclosed for the semi-continuous melting of ceramic material by means of inductive melting in high-frequency and medium-frequency induction melting furnaces whose melting coil surrounds a sintering crust crucible and contains a run-out channel. In tile method, melt is periodically run out and material to be melted is supplied to the crucible so as to replace the material removed preferably so as to maintain a constant level. An intensively cooled channel is used as a run-out device. For the melt broaching, the melt nose is grasped from below by way of an automatically controllable broaching lance of a broaching device and raised. The broaching lance is then advanced between the bottom of the channel and the solidified melt until the sintering crust is pierced. The method permits a reliable and economic management of the process and the maintenance of the quality of the melted products. A device for periodic melt broaching as well as an induction melting furnace equipped with an intensively coolable run-out channel provides apparatus for carrying out the above method.