METAL PROCESSING FURNACE AND VAPOR NUCLEATION METHOD

A metal processing furnace of the indirect arc type employing opposed electrodes projected into an ionizable atmosphere is provided with novel filter-like, vapor nucleation means which enables the furnace to be utilized for numerous different metal melting/smelting operations in a manner which precludes the presence of metals and metal oxides in their vapor or particle forms in process effluent gases delivered from the furnace. The furnace achieves substantial operating advantages in the manufacture of ferroalloys, silicon and beryllium-copper metals, and comparable products including carbides such as silicon carbide.