Feed trough, feed trough manufacturing method, and feeder and system including feed trough

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a feed slot for an electric arc furnace, comprising first and second curved plates, each curved plate having opposing first and second end edges and opposing first and second side edges. The first end edge and the second end edge comprise an arcuate profile, and the first end edge and the second end edge of the first arcuate plate and the second arcuate plate are attached, and the first side edge and the second side edge of the first arcuate plate and the second arcuate plate are attached. A channel is disposed between the first and second end edges, the first and second side edges, and the inner surface of the first and second curved plates. The channel includes at least one serpentine flow path and at least one peripheral flow path, the at least one serpentine flow path being disposed toward a median line of the feed slot, and the at least one peripheral flow path being disposed outside the at least one serpentine flow path.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This patent relates to a feed chute, such as a feed chute used in combination with a feeder for a furnace (such as an electric arc furnace), and to a method of manufacturing a feed chute. This patent also relates to a feeder attached with a feed chute, a furnace system including a feed chute and a furnace, and a loading system including a feeder attached with a feed chute and a furnace (such as an electric arc furnace). This patent also relates to methods of manufacturing and operating such feeders, furnace systems, and loading systems.

[0002] Furnaces (such as electric arc furnaces) need to introduce raw materials into the furnace from time to time or even continuously. For this purpose, a feeder or feeding device can be provided at the inlet of the furnace, and the raw materials are introduced into the furnace through the feeder or feeding device. For example, scrap can be fed into an electric arc furnace via a feeder through an opening in the top or side of the furnace.

[0003] To prevent the entire feeder from being exposed to the high temperature at the opening of the furnace, the feeder can have a feed chute located at the outlet of the feeder, and the material is introduced into the inlet of the furnace via the feed chute. The raw material moves across the upper surface of the chute and into the furnace. The feed chute can include a jacket, and fluid passes through the jacket to cool the chute. In particular, the water jacket can include a first plate (i.e., the plate having the upper surface across which the raw material moves) and a second plate, and the second plate is attached to the first plate below the first plate to provide a passage therebetween.

[0004] Figure 1 A conventionally manufactured feed chute is shown. The chute includes a first upper plate having an upper surface across which the raw material moves. The chute also includes a second lower plate, and the second lower plate is attached to the first upper plate at corresponding side edges and end edges to define a passage therebetween. Although the cross-sections of both the upper plate and the lower plate are curved, the components attaching the upper plate and the lower plate are planar (or flat). Therefore, the junctions between the upper plate and the lower plate and the attaching components define sharp corners, which in many cases are close to a 90-degree angle.

[0005] These sharp corners result in low or limited heat transfer efficiency with the fluid flowing through the jacket (i.e., in the passage between the upper plate and the lower plate). In particular, the sharp corners can create local regions where the heat transfer between the plates and the fluid is insufficient or less sufficient. These local regions can exhibit an increase in heat-related fatigue relative to the rest of the feed chute, and ultimately create a need for repair or replacement of the feed chute. Although the feed chute will of course likely need to be replaced over time due to adverse environmental conditions, the additional heat-related fatigue negatively impacts the rate at which repair or replacement of the feed chute is required.

[0006] Repair or replacement of the feed chute incurs costs for the furnace operator in terms of labor and parts. Additionally, whether repair or replacement is required, the time taken to perform the repair or replacement of the feed chute affects the operation of the furnace because the furnace cannot operate if raw materials cannot be supplied to it. This imposes additional costs on the furnace operator, over and above the labor and parts costs required to perform the repair or replacement.

[0007] It would be advantageous to overcome or substantially improve one or more drawbacks of the existing feed chute or at least provide a useful alternative or improvement. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] According to one aspect of the disclosure, a feed chute for an electric arc furnace includes a first arcuate plate and a second arcuate plate, each arcuate plate having opposite first and second end edges and opposite first and second side edges. The first and second end edges include an arcuate profile, and the junctions between the first end edge and each of the first and second side edges include an arcuate profile. The chute further includes at least one first spacer attached to the first end edges of the first and second plates, the first spacer having an arcuate cross-section and an arcuate profile. Additionally, the chute includes: at least one second spacer attached to the junctions between the first side edge and the first end edge of the first plate and the first side edge and the first end edge of the second plate; and at least one third spacer attached to the junctions between the second side edge and the first end edge of the first plate and the second side edge and the first end edge of the second plate. The second and third spacers each have an arcuate cross-section and an arcuate profile. Further, the chute includes: at least one fourth spacer attached to the first side edges of the first and second plates; and at least one fifth spacer attached to the second side edges of the first and second plates. The fourth and fifth spacers have an arcuate cross-section.

[0009] According to another aspect of the disclosure, a feed chute for an electric arc furnace includes a first arcuate plate and a second arcuate plate, each arcuate plate having opposite first and second end edges and opposite first and second side edges. The first and second end edges include an arcuate profile, and the first and second end edges of the first arcuate plate and the second arcuate plate are attached, and the first and second side edges of the first arcuate plate and the second arcuate plate are attached. A passage is disposed between the first and second end edges, the first and second side edges, and the inner surfaces of the first arcuate plate and the second arcuate plate. The passage includes at least one serpentine flow path and at least one peripheral flow path, the at least one serpentine flow path being disposed toward the midline of the feed chute, and the at least one peripheral flow path being disposed outside the at least one serpentine flow path.

[0010] According to yet another aspect of the disclosure, a vibrating feeder assembly includes: a vibrating feeder having a first end and a second end; and a feed chute according to any one of the above aspects of the disclosure attached to the second end of the vibrating feeder.

[0011] According to another aspect of the disclosure, a furnace system includes: an electric arc furnace having a charging inlet; and a feed chute according to any one of the above aspects of the disclosure disposed at the charging inlet, wherein the first end edge of the first plate is adjacent to the charging inlet.

[0012] According to yet another aspect of the disclosure, a furnace charging system includes: an electric arc furnace having a charging inlet; a vibrating device having an outlet disposed adjacent to the charging inlet of the electric arc furnace; and a feed chute according to any one of the above aspects of the disclosure attached to the outlet of the vibrating device and disposed between the outlet of the vibrating device and the charging inlet of the electric arc furnace. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] It is believed that the disclosure will be more fully understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. For the purpose of more clearly showing other elements, some of the drawings may be simplified by omitting selected elements. In any exemplary embodiment, such omission of an element in some of the drawings does not necessarily indicate the presence or absence of a particular element, except as may be explicitly depicted in the corresponding written description. None of the drawings are necessarily to scale.

[0014] Figure 1 is a partial perspective view of a conventional feed chute;

[0015] Figure 2 is a partial side view of an embodiment of a system incorporating a vibrating device and a feed chute according to the disclosure;

[0016] Figure 3Is a perspective view of a feed trough according to an embodiment of the disclosure text;

[0017] Figure 4 Is a partially enlarged perspective view of an embodiment of a feed trough;

[0018] Figure 5 Is an end view of an embodiment of a feed trough;

[0019] Figure 6 Is along Figure 5 A partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a feed trough taken along line 6-6 in;

[0020] Figure 7 Is a plan view of an embodiment of a feed trough having a series of baffles defining at least one serpentine fluid flow path shown in dashed lines;

[0021] Figure 8 Is a side view of an embodiment of a feed trough;

[0022] Figure 9 Is a flow chart of an embodiment showing a method of manufacturing an embodiment of a feed trough;

[0023] Figure 10 Is a perspective view of a first section of a feed trough according to another embodiment of the disclosure text, the feed trough having: a series of baffles defining at least one serpentine fluid flow path and at least one peripheral fluid flow path; and an upper plate removed to better visualize the flow paths;

[0024] Figure 11 Is according to Figure 10 A perspective view of a second mating section of a feed trough of an embodiment, wherein the upper plate is also removed to better visualize the flow paths;

[0025] Figure 12 Is a perspective view of a first section of a feed trough according to another embodiment of the disclosure text, the feed trough having: a series of baffles defining at least one serpentine fluid flow path and at least one peripheral fluid flow path; and an upper plate removed to better visualize the flow paths;

[0026] Figure 13 Is according to Figure 12 A perspective view of a second mating section of a feed trough of an embodiment, wherein the upper plate is also removed to better visualize the flow paths. Detailed Description

[0027] Figure 2Partially shows an embodiment of system 100, which includes a furnace (shown as an electric arc furnace) and a loading system for supplying raw materials (e.g., scrap steel) to the furnace. The loading system includes a conveyor system 102 having an outlet end 104. The illustration is intended to provide context for an embodiment of a feed chute that is part of the loading system, and the feed chute is manufactured using an embodiment of the improved method disclosed herein. The illustration is not intended to limit the disclosure to only such system 100.

[0028] System 100, a portion of which is shown in Figure 2 can itself be a subsystem of an extended or expanded system for recycling scrap into cast metal billets. According to such an extended system, scrap (e.g., scrap steel) is converted into cast metal billets (e.g., steel billets) by using an electric arc furnace.

[0029] Such an extended or expanded system can include a scrap source, such as in the form of one or more railcars loaded with scrap (such as scrap steel) or piles of scrap metal. The system can also include a transfer system (e.g., in the form of one or more overhead magnets or cranes and loaders) for moving the scrap from the source to Figure 2 the conveyor system 102 partially shown in. On the other hand, the system can include one or more casting stations associated with the furnace. These stations can include cars (similar to railcars) that move along a track, and these cars transport the molten metal from the furnace to a casting machine configured to mold the liquid metal into billets. These stations can also include equipment for removing the formed billets from the molds and for transporting the billets from the casting stations.

[0030] Against this background, the conveyor system 102 shown in Figure 2 can now be discussed. The conveyor system 102 includes at least one vibration device. As shown, the conveyor system 102 includes at least two vibration devices 106, 108, where the second vibration device is also referred to as a feeder 108. The conveyor system 102 can and may include additional conveyors upstream of the first (or left) conveyor 106 to move materials to Figure 2 the portion of system 102 shown in.

[0031] The devices 106, 108 of the shown conveyor system 102 are substantially similar in structure. Each of the devices 106, 108 includes: decks 110, 112 having a longitudinal axis from a first end 114, 116 to a second opposite end 118, 120; and an actuator assembly, and an actuator assembly 122 is shown for the feeder 108. The actuator assembly 122 includes at least one eccentric mass 126, 128 and at least one motor 130, 132 coupled to the at least one eccentric mass 126, 128. The actuator assembly 122 is coupled to the deck 112 and is configured to move material along the deck 112. As shown, the vibrating devices 106, 108 are each characterized by a dual-mass system including two motors, and the aforementioned eccentric masses are attached to the motor shafts.

[0032] It should be appreciated that not all devices are required to have the same or similar characteristics, and thus according to other embodiments, the devices can differ from each other. Nor is it required that either of the devices 106, 108 be characterized by a dual-mass system, or by a dual-mass system in which the eccentric masses are attached to the motor shafts in the case where the motors are mounted on the actuator assembly (as opposed to an arrangement in which the motors are disposed at the sides of the devices 106, 108 and are coupled to the eccentric masses mounted on the vibrator assembly).

[0033] The conveyor 106 is disposed at a higher height than the feeder 108 such that material entering the conveyor 106 moves along the conveyor 106 and exits the second end 118 and enters the first end 116 of the feeder 108. The material moving from the first end 116 of the feeder 108 to the second end 120 exits the feeder 108 and enters the furnace 140 to load the furnace 140.

[0034] As shown, the conveyor system 102 loads the furnace 140. The furnace 140 can be an electric arc furnace. The furnace 140 can include a housing 142 and a top 144 that can be displaceable (e.g., translatable) relative to the housing 142. The furnace 140 can have an opening 146 to receive material from the feeder 108, and the feeder 108 can be mounted on a movable frame 148 to allow the feeder 108 to move toward and away from the furnace 140. The furnace 140 can also include one or more openings 150 to allow one or more electrodes 152 to be disposed through the top 144 of the furnace 140.

[0035] A feed chute (which can also be referred to as a loading tray) 200 is disposed at the second end 120 of the feeder 108. More specifically, the feed chute 200 is disposed at and can be attached to the second end 120 of the feeder 108 and discharges the raw material directly into the opening 146 of the furnace 140. The structure of the feed chute 200 is shown in Figures 3 to 6 and is described in Figure 9Implementations of the manufacturing method shown in

[0036] As Figures 3 to 6 As seen in , the feed groove 200 includes a first arcuate plate 202 and a second arcuate plate 204. Each arcuate plate 202, 204 has opposite first and second end edges 206, 208, 210, 212 (see Figure 3 and Figure 8 , and these reference numerals may also be used to refer to the ends), and opposite first and second side edges 214, 216, 218, 220 (see Figure 3 and Figure 5 , and these reference numerals may also be used to refer to the sides). The first and second end edges 206, 208, 210, 212 have an arcuate profile. The first and second side edges 214, 216, 218, 220 have a linear profile. The junctions 222, 224, 226, 228 between the first end edges 206, 210 and each of the side edges of the first and second side edges 214, 216, 218, 220 also include an arcuate profile (compare Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 ).

[0037] The first end edge 206 of the first plate 202 is attached to the first end edge 210 of the second plate 204 by at least one first spacer 230. As shown, the first end edge 206 of the first plate 202 is attached to the first end edge 210 of the second plate 204 by a plurality of first spacers 230. Specifically, the first end edge 206 and the first end edge 210 are attached by three spacers 230, as shown. Each first spacer 230 can be cast to have an arcuate cross-section and an arcuate profile (compare Figure 5 and Figure 6 ). Alternatively, the spacer can be manufactured by cutting a cylindrical tube of rolled steel into two half-tubes, or a half-tube can be made of rolled steel and then bent to match the arcuate profile of the plates 202, 204. As Figure 5 shown, the central spacer 230 can have an arcuate profile of approximately 90 degrees, with the spacers 230 arranged on either side having an arcuate profile of approximately 36.5 degrees.

[0038] The joint 222 between the first end edge 206 and the first side edge 214 of the first plate 202 is attached to the joint 226 between the first end edge 210 and the first side edge 218 of the second plate 204 by at least one second spacer 232. In a similar manner, the joint 224 between the first end edge 206 and the second side edge 216 of the first plate 202 is attached to the joint 228 between the first end edge 210 and the second side edge 220 of the second plate 204 by at least one third spacer 234. The second spacer 232 and the third spacer 234 can each be cast to have an arcuate cross-section and an arcuate profile. Alternatively, the spacers 232, 234 can be made of half-tubes bent into an arcuate profile (such as explained above). These spacers 232, 234 can also be referred to as elbows.

[0039] The first side edge 214 of the first plate 202 is attached to the first side edge 218 of the second plate 204 by at least one fourth spacer 238. Additionally, the second side edge 216 of the first plate 202 is attached to the second side edge 220 of the second plate 204 by at least one fifth spacer 240. The fourth spacer 238 and the fifth spacer 240 can be cast to have an arcuate cross-section (see Figure 5 and Figure 6 ). As an alternative embodiment, the fourth spacer and the fifth spacer 238, 240 can be made of half-tubes (such as explained above).

[0040] Figure 9 An embodiment of a method 250 for manufacturing the feed groove 200 is shown, the method 250 including providing the spacers 230, 232, 234, 238, 240 at block 252. The method 250 further includes providing the first arcuate plate 202 and the second arcuate plate 204 at block 254.

[0041] The spacers 230, 232, 234, 238, 240 can be cast into shape, or alternatively, the spacers 230, 232, 234, 238, 240 can be manufactured by cutting a cylindrical tube into two half-tube structures or rolling half-tubes and subsequently bending as required, as explained above. It is currently believed that casting can provide spacers with optimal performance characteristics.

[0042] That is, after cutting a cylindrical tube to form a half-tube structure, or after forming a half-tube structure from rolled steel, at least the first spacer 230, the second spacer 232, and the third spacer 234 must be bent to conform their profiles to the profiles of the bent first plate 202 and second plate 204 and the joints 222, 224, 226, 228 in order to attach to the edges of the first plate and the second plate 202, 204. Unfortunately, such bending may create stresses in the material, and these stresses may cause the material to fail. Another problem is that these bending stresses may be unpredictable within the material. As a result, the structure resulting from the use of bent rolled steel may have areas of unpredictable stress increase where material failure is exacerbated relative to the rest of the structure, and thus the use of cast metal (steel) spacers can provide improved performance.

[0043] Method 250 continues at block 256, where the first end edge 206 of the first plate 202 is attached to the first end edge 210 of the second plate 204 by at least the first spacer 230. Method 250 continues at blocks 258 and 260, where the joint 222 between the first end 206 and the first side edge 214 of the first plate 202 is attached to the joint 226 between the first end edge 210 and the first side edge 218 of the second plate 204 by at least the second spacer 232, and the joint 224 between the first end edge 206 and the second side edge 216 of the first plate 202 is attached to the joint 228 between the first end edge 210 and the second side edge 220 of the second plate 204 by at least the third spacer 234. Method 250 further continues at block 262, where the first side edge 214 of the first plate 202 is attached to the first side edge 218 of the second plate 204 by at least the fourth spacer 238, and continues at block 258, where the second side edge 216 of the first plate 202 is attached to the second side edge 220 of the second plate 204 by at least the fifth spacer 240.

[0044] Depending on the materials used for the plates and spacers (e.g., steel), joining operations such as welding can be used to perform the attachment steps of blocks 256 to 264. In such cases, attaching each of the first spacer, the second spacer, the third spacer, the fourth spacer, and the fifth spacer 230, 232, 234, 238, 240 to the first plate and the second plate 202, 204 may include welding each of the first spacer, the second spacer, the third spacer, the fourth spacer, and the fifth spacer 230, 232, 234, 238, 240 to the first plate and the second plate 202, 204.

[0045] It should be recognized that, according to other embodiments, the attachment steps of blocks 256 to 264 can be performed in a different order. Currently, it is believed that the preferred order will be to start with the action of block 256 first, then the actions of blocks 258 and 260 (in either order), and finally the actions of blocks 262 and 264 (again, in either order). Alternatively, it can start at the opposite end and proceed towards the outlet end of the feed chute 200 (i.e., first perform the actions at blocks 262 and 264 (in either order), then perform the actions at blocks 258 and 260 (in either order), and finally perform the action at block 256). As another alternative, it can start at one side and proceed to the other side (i.e., the actions will be performed in the order of blocks 262, 258, 256, 260, 264). Thus, neither blocks 256 to 264 nor the claims should be limited to a particular order of steps, unless it is explicitly stated that the actions should be first, second, third, etc. Similarly, therefore, the reference to first, second, third, etc. spacers does not require a particular attachment order.

[0046] It is believed that the feed chute 200 and the method 250 provide advantages over conventional feed chutes and methods for manufacturing such feed chutes. In particular, it is believed that using spacers with an arcuate cross-section will allow for a smooth transition in the area where the spacers are joined to the arcuate plate and avoid the sharp corners present in conventional feed chutes. It is believed that the smooth transition will reduce or even eliminate local "hot spots" that may be caused by reduced heat transfer between the structure of the feed chute and the fluid flowing in the channel. Additionally, in the case where the manufacturing method utilizes casting during the manufacture of the spacers, it is believed that the stresses that might otherwise be caused by bending the spacers into the desired arcuate profile will be avoided. Since such bending will cause these stresses not only in the material of the spacers but also at unpredictable locations, using cast spacers can have multiple advantages.

[0047] In addition to the feed chute 200 and its manufacturing method, it should be understood that the furnace system can include the feed chute 200 and the furnace 140. For example, the furnace system can include an electric arc furnace 140 having a loading inlet 146 and a feed chute 200 disposed at the loading inlet 146, where the first end edge 206 of the first plate 202 is close to the loading inlet 146. A method of manufacturing such a system (including disposing the feed chute 200 at the loading inlet 146) and a method of operating such a system (including moving material across the feed chute 200 into the loading inlet 146) can also be provided.

[0048] In addition, the loading system may include a feeder 108 attached with a feed chute 200, or a combination of a feeder 108 attached with a feed chute 200 and a furnace 140. For example, the loading system may include a vibrating device 108 having ends 116, 120 and a feed chute 200 attached to the end 120 of the device 108. Alternatively, the furnace loading system may include: an electric arc furnace 140 having a loading inlet 146; a vibrating device 108 having an outlet 120 disposed close to the loading inlet 146 of the electric arc furnace 140; and a feed chute 200 attached to the outlet 120 of the vibrating device 108 and disposed between the outlet 120 of the vibrating device 108 and the loading inlet 146 of the electric arc furnace 140. A method of manufacturing such a loading system or a furnace loading system (including disposing the feed chute 200 at the loading inlet 146) and a method of operating such a system (including moving a loading material (e.g., scrap metal) across the feed chute 200 into the loading inlet 146) may also be provided.

[0049] It should be appreciated that, in addition to what is shown primarily in Figures 3 to 6 and Figure 9 , the structure of the feed chute and its manufacture may include additional variations. For example, Figure 7 and Figure 8 show one such additional variation, where a channel defined between plates 202, 204 by plates 202, 204 and spacers 230, 232, 234, 238, 240 may include one or more baffles therein. These baffles may be used to move fluid passing through the channel along one or more paths between at least one inlet and at least one outlet; although Figure 7 and Figure 8 show a serpentine path, according to other embodiments, as an alternative or supplement to such a serpentine path, the fluid may follow other paths. It is believed that moving the fluid through such a serpentine path may further improve heat transfer and thus improve the cooling of the feed chute.

[0050] As Figure 7 and Figure 8 shown, the chute 200 includes at least one inlet 270, 272 for fluid to enter the channel formed between the plates 202, 204. As shown, the chute 200 includes two inlets 270, 272, and only one of the inlets (270) is visible in Figure 8 . Additional equipment may be coupled to the inlets 270, 272 to introduce fluid into the inlets 270, 272 and through the inlets 270, 272 into the channel. For example, one or more pumps may be attached between the inlets 270, 272 and a fluid source (e.g., a fluid tank), and filters may also be attached to ensure that the fluid passing through the one or more pumps and the channel does not include contaminants.

[0051] Similarly, asFigure 7 and Figure 8 As shown in Figure 8 , the slot 200 includes at least one outlet 274, 276 for fluid to leave the channel formed between the plates 202, 204. As shown, the slot 200 also includes two outlets 274, 276, and only one of the outlets (274) is visible in Figure 8 Figure 8 . Attachment means can be coupled to the outlets 274, 276 to receive the fluid passing through the channel. For example, one or more tanks can be arranged downstream of the outlets 274, 276 to receive and hold the fluid from the outlets 274, 276, and one or more tanks can include a fluid source or can be coupled to a fluid source to allow recirculation of the fluid. Also, filters and other means can be included to reduce or limit contaminants in the fluid.

[0052] A plurality of baffles are arranged between the inlets 270, 272 and the outlets 274, 276, and these baffles, together with the plates 202, 204 and the spacers 230, 232, 234, 238, 240, define the path between the inlets 270, 272 and the outlets 274, 276. Embodiments can include at least one baffle, or can include a plurality of baffles, but the exact number of baffles arranged between the plates 202, 204 can be less than, equal to, or greater than Figure 7 the number of baffles shown in Figure 7 . The baffles can be in the form of one or more straight wall members as shown, or in other embodiments, can be in other forms (e.g., a corrugated or serrated pattern). In the case where the slot 200 is made of steel, the baffles can also be made of steel.

[0053] The baffles can have a height comparable to the spacing between the plates 202, 204. For example, the baffles can have a height approximately the same as the distance between the inner surfaces of the plates 202, 204. The baffles can be attached to one or both of the plates 202, 204; for example, the baffles can be joined (e.g., by welding) to at least one of the plates 202, 204.

[0054] As Figure 7As shown, the baffle can have a length in the longitudinal direction that is less than the distance from one end (e.g., end 208) of the plate (e.g., plate 202) to the other end (e.g., end 206). In fact, as shown, the baffle can have two different lengths: the first baffle 278 has a first length and the second baffle 280 has a second length. The first baffle 278 can extend or substantially extend from one end (e.g., end 206 or end 208) of the ends of the plates 202, 204 to an end 282 that is spaced apart from the other end (e.g., end 208 or end 206 respectively) of the ends of the plates 202, 204. The second baffle 280 can have ends 284, 286 that are spaced apart from each of the ends (i.e., ends 206, 208) of the plates 202, 204.

[0055] The exact distance (or spacing) of the ends 282, 284, 286 of the baffles 278, 280 from the ends 206, 208, 210, 212 of the plates 202, 204 (and thus from the spacers 230 and / or the metal plates joined (e.g., by welding) at the ends 208, 212 of the plates 202, 204) can vary between the baffles 278, 280 or can be substantially the same for all the baffles 278, 280. As shown, the length of the baffle 278 can be the same for all the baffles 278 and can be about 90% to 95% of the distance between the ends of the plates 202, 204. Similarly, as shown, the length of the baffle 280 can be the same for all the baffles 280 and can be about 80% to 85% of the distance between the ends of the plates 202, 204.

[0056] As shown, the baffles 278, 280 are arranged to define two serpentine flow paths: a first path between the inlet 270 and the outlet 274 and a second path between the inlet 272 and the outlet 276. To this end, two baffles 278 are arranged outside the inlets 270, 272 while three baffles 280 are arranged between the baffles 278, thus defining four straight path segments from one end of the slot 200 to the other end. A second pair of baffles 278 is arranged outside the first pair of baffles 278, while the first pair extends from the ends 208, 212 of the plates 202, 204 for example, and the second pair extends from the ends 206, 210 of the plates 202, 204. Baffles 280 are arranged between one baffle in the first pair of baffles 278 and the corresponding baffle in the second pair of baffles 278 to define two straight path segments in a direction opposite to the first four straight path segments with respect to the longitudinal axis of the slot 200. The first four straight path segments are in fluid communication with these two straight path segments on both sides through hairpin turns. Then, this pattern is repeated using a third pair of baffles 278 arranged outside the second pair of baffles 278, and so on until the paths are connected to the outlets 274, 276.

[0057] In Figure 10 and Figure 11 another embodiment of the slot is shown, in which a passage defined between plates (which may be referred to as an inner plate and an outer plate) and spacers includes one or more baffles therein. For ease of illustration, the feed slot is shown as two parts separated along the midline of the slot, but this does not necessarily imply a manufacturing method.

[0058] Also, the baffles may be arranged at least partially to cause fluid passing through the passage to move along one or more paths between at least one inlet and at least one outlet. According to this embodiment, at least one fluid flow path is a serpentine path, similar to Figure 7 and Figure 8 the path shown therein, in which there is a flow passing back and forth between the ends of the slot. As shown, there are two separate serpentine flow paths between the inlet and the outlet, and the inlet and the outlet are connected to these serpentine flow paths. Additionally, at least one fluid flow path is a peripheral path as it extends along the edge of the slot, typically adjacent to the spacers. It is believed that the movement of fluid through such serpentine and peripheral paths can further improve fluid flow, and thus improve heat transfer and cooling of the feed slot; thus, the paths may represent an improvement separate from the spacers, which may be used with slots such as Figure 1 shown to improve such slots.

[0059] Although Figure 10 and Figure 11 the slots of Figure 10 and Figure 11 have baffles arranged in the passage to define at least one serpentine path and at least one peripheral path, it should be recognized that Figures 2 to 8 the remaining features of the slots of Figures 2 to 8 and Figure 9 are similar to the features of the slots shown in Figure 10 and Figure 11 Therefore, further, Figure 10 and Figure 11 structures similar to those shown in Figures 2 to 8 have been similarly numbered, except that an apostrophe is included in Figure 10 and Figure 11

[0060] Turning first to Figure 11 ​, the slot 200’ includes at least one inlet 290, 292 for fluid to enter the channel formed between two (inner and outer) plates, where only the plate 202’ is shown for better visualization of the flow path. Additional equipment can be coupled to the inlets 290, 292 to introduce fluid into the inlets 290, 292 and through the inlets 290, 292 into the channel. For example, one or more pumps can be connected between the inlets 290, 292 and a fluid source (e.g., a fluid tank); filters can also be used to reduce or limit contaminants in the fluid flowing through the channel.

[0061] As Figure 10 shown, the slot 200’ also includes at least one outlet 294, 296 for fluid to leave the channel formed between the plates (again, only the plate 202’ is shown). Here, additional equipment can also be coupled to the outlets 294, 296 to receive the fluid passing through the channel. For example, one or more tanks can be arranged downstream of the outlets 294, 296 to receive and hold the fluid from the outlets 294, 296, and one or more tanks can include the fluid source mentioned above or can be coupled to the fluid source to allow for recirculation of the fluid. Similarly, filters and other equipment can be included to reduce or limit contaminants in the fluid.

[0062] A plurality of baffles are arranged between the inlets 290, 292 and the outlets 294, 296, and these baffles, together with the plates (e.g., 202’) and the spacers 230’, 232’, 234’, 238’, 240’, define the path between the inlets 290, 292 and the outlets 294, 296. Embodiments can include at least one baffle, or can include a plurality of baffles, but the exact number of baffles arranged between the plates can be less than, equal to, or greater than Figure 10 and Figure 11 the number of baffles shown in

[0063] The baffles can have a height comparable to the spacing between the plates. For example, the baffles can have a height approximately the same as the distance between the inner surfaces of the plates. The baffles can be attached to one or both of the plates; for example, the baffles can be joined (e.g., by welding) to at least one of the plates (e.g., the plate 202’).

[0064] As described above, the baffles are arranged to define at least one serpentine flow path 298 and at least one peripheral flow path 300. As Figure 10 and Figure 11As shown, the serpentine flow path 298 is arranged towards the center of the slot 200' (i.e., closer to the midline of the slot 200'). The peripheral flow path 300 is arranged outside the serpentine path 298 and is generally adjacent to the spacers 230', 232', 234', 238', 240'.

[0065] In particular, the peripheral flow path 300 includes a first branch 302 adjacent to the spacer 238', a second branch 304 adjacent to the spacers 230', 232', 234', and a third branch 306 adjacent to the spacer 240'. The first and third branches 302, 306 include two parallel passages 308, 310 and 312, 314, while the second branch 206 includes a single passage. According to other embodiments, all three branches 302, 304, 306 may alternatively have a single passage or multiple passages. Fluid enters the peripheral flow path 300 via the inlet 292, flows along the passages 308, 310 of the first branch 302, along the second branch 304, and along the passages 312, 314 of the third branch 306, and exits via the outlet 296.

[0066] The baffles 316, 318, 320 partially define the branches 302, 304, 306 of the peripheral flow path 300. The baffles 322, 324 separate the passages 308, 310, 312, 314 of the first and third branches 302, 306. Additionally, gate walls (i.e., walls with openings therein) may be provided at the transitions between the first and third branches 302, 306 and the second branch 304 and adjacent to the inlet 292 and the outlet 296 to provide additional structural support.

[0067] It should be appreciated that the baffles 316, 318, 320 not only partially define the branches 302, 304, 306 of the peripheral flow path 300, but they also separate the serpentine flow path 298 from the peripheral flow path 300. Additionally, the baffles 316, 318, 320 partially define the serpentine flow path 298. However, the illustrated embodiment is merely an example of the disclosed subject matter.

[0068] For the serpentine flow path 298, it should be appreciated that the path 298 is generally grouped into pairs of passages. In each case, the fluid in adjacent passages within each pair of passages flows in a common direction, either towards the first end (i.e., the discharge end of the slot 200') or towards the second end (i.e., the inlet end of the slot 200'). Additionally, the fluid in adjacent pairs of passages flows in opposite directions.

[0069] Then, from Figure 11Starting from the inlet 290 therein, the first pair of passages 332 extend from the inlet 290 in the direction of the first end of the groove 200'. The passages 332 are in fluid communication with the second pair of passages 334 and the fluid flows into the second pair of passages after the first turn. In a similar manner, the second pair of passages 334 is followed by the third, fourth, and fifth pairs of passages 336, 338, 340, where each pair of passages is in fluid communication with the previous and the subsequent pairs of passages. The fifth pair of passages 340 is in fluid communication with the sixth pair of passages 342, and the sixth pair of passages is in fluid communication with the outlet 294, and the fluid leaves the groove 200' through the outlet.

[0070] As described above, the baffles 316, 318, 320 not only define the branches (or segments) of the peripheral flow path 300, but also define certain pairs (e.g., 332, 342) of the serpentine flow path 298. Additionally, a plurality of longitudinal baffles are arranged between and parallel to the baffles 316, 320 to partially define the back-and-forth movement of the fluid flow path between the first end and the second end of the groove 200'. Since each pair of passages 332, 334, 336, 338, 340, 342 flows in opposite directions, a plurality of lateral baffles are arranged adjacent to the first end or the second end of the longitudinal baffles and together with the lateral baffle 318 form the turns in the serpentine flow path 298.

[0071] As Figure 10 and Figure 11 shown, the plurality of longitudinal baffles can have different lengths in the longitudinal direction. The first subset of longitudinal baffles 344 extends from a position adjacent to one end (e.g., end 208') of the adjacent plate (e.g., plate 202') to the lateral baffle 318 arranged at the other end (e.g., end 206'). Similarly, as shown, the remaining baffles can also have a plurality of different lengths: the second subset of longitudinal baffles 346 has a length shorter than that of the first subset, and the third subset of longitudinal baffles 348 has a length shorter than that of the second subset. The second subset of longitudinal baffles 346 can extend to the end 350 spaced apart from the baffle 318 to allow the fluid to flow between the first subset of lateral baffles 352 arranged at and adjacent to the end 350 and the baffle 318. Each of the third plurality of longitudinal baffles 348 can have an end 354 spaced apart from one of the lateral baffles 352 of the first subset of lateral baffles to allow the fluid to flow between the lateral baffle 352 and the end 354 of the longitudinal baffle 348.

[0072] The lateral baffles 356 of the second subset are disposed at the ends 358, 360 of the first and second subsets 344, 346 to define a turn between adjacent passages in each pair of passages. In particular, the baffle 356 can be disposed at and adjacent to the end 360 of the baffle of the second subset 346, and the end 358 of the first subset 344 can be arranged such that fluid can flow between the end 358 and the baffle 356. Additionally, other walls and / or baffles can be disposed at the second end 208' of the plate 202' to cooperate with the baffle 356 to define a turn between adjacent passages in the paired passages. Further, one or more gate walls with openings can be disposed at the ends to provide structural reinforcement while allowing fluid flow.

[0073] In operation, fluid circulates through the serpentine flow path 298, and fluid circulates through the peripheral flow path 300. One type of fluid (e.g., water) can be used for both flow paths, or different types of fluids can be used in paths 298, 300. In a similar manner, the same equipment can be used to move fluid through both paths 298, 300, or, conversely to path 300, different equipment (e.g., pumps, filters, tanks, etc.) can be used for path 298. Separate equipment can allow, for example, a variation in the flow rate between path 298 and path 300.

[0074] In Figure 12 and Figure 13 Another embodiment of the slot is shown, where the channels defined between the plates by the (inner and outer) plates and spacers include one or more baffles therein. Similar to the embodiments of Figure 10 and Figure 11 , for ease of illustration, the slot is shown as two parts separated along the midline of the slot, but this does not necessarily imply the manufacturing method.

[0075] Similar to the embodiments of the slots in Figure 10 and Figure 11 , Figure 12 and Figure 13 the slots have multiple fluid flow paths, including at least one serpentine fluid flow path and at least one peripheral fluid flow path. At least one serpentine fluid flow path is disposed between at least a first inlet and at least a first outlet. At least one peripheral fluid flow path extends along the edge of the slot, generally adjacent to the spacer, and is disposed between at least a second inlet and at least a second outlet. As described above, it is believed that the movement of fluid through such serpentine and peripheral paths can further improve fluid flow, and thus improve heat transfer and cooling in the feed slot, and even improve slots such as Figure 1 shown. Additionally, it is believed that Figure 12 and Figure 13 the serpentine fluid flow paths can have advantages over Figure 10 andFigure 11 Additional advantages of the serpentine fluid flow path.

[0076] Although Figure 12 and Figure 13 the grooves of Figure 10 and Figure 11 have baffles disposed in the channels to define at least one serpentine path and at least one peripheral path, it should be appreciated that the remaining features of the grooves are similar to those of the grooves shown in other figures (in particular Figures 2 to 8 and Figure 10 and Figure 11 ). Accordingly, the above discussion of the embodiments of the grooves of Figure 9 and Figure 12 and Figure 13 the methods of Figure 12 and Figure 13 shown in Figures 2 to 8 or Figure 10 and Figure 11 generally applies to the embodiments of Figure 12 and Figure 13 . Accordingly, structures similar to those shown in

[0077] First turning to Figure 13 , the groove 200' includes at least one inlet 290', 292' for fluid to enter the channel formed between two (inner and outer) plates, where only the plate 202' is shown therein for better visualization of the flow path. Additional equipment may be coupled to the inlets 290', 292' to introduce fluid into the inlets 290', 292' and through the inlets 290', 292' into the channel. For example, one or more pumps may be connected between the inlets 290', 292' and a fluid source (e.g., a fluid tank); filters may also be used to reduce or limit contaminants in the fluid flowing through the channel.

[0078] As Figure 12 shown, the groove 200' also includes at least one outlet 294', 296' for fluid to leave the channel formed between the plates (again, only the plate 202' is shown therein). Here, additional equipment may also be coupled to the outlets 294', 296' to receive the fluid passing through the channel. For example, one or more tanks may be disposed downstream of the outlets 294', 296' to receive and hold the fluid from the outlets 294', 296', and one or more tanks may include the fluid source mentioned above or may be coupled to the fluid source to allow for recirculation of the fluid. Similarly, filters and other equipment may be included to reduce or limit contaminants in the fluid.

[0079] A plurality of baffles are arranged between the inlets 290', 292' and the outlets 294', 296', and these baffles, together with the inner and outer plates (e.g., 202') and the spacers 230', 232', 234', 238', 240', define the path between the inlets 290', 292' and the outlets 294', 296'. Embodiments may include at least one baffle, or may include a plurality of baffles, but the exact number of baffles arranged between the plates may be less than, equal to, or greater than Figure 12 and Figure 13 the number of baffles shown in. The baffles may be in the form of one or more straight wall members or curved wall members as shown, or in other embodiments, may be in other forms (e.g., a corrugated or serrated pattern). In the case where the trough 200' is made of steel, the baffles may also be made of steel.

[0080] The baffles may have a height comparable to the spacing between the plates. For example, the baffles may have a height approximately the same as the distance between the inner surfaces of the plates. The baffles may be attached to one or both of the plates; for example, the baffles may be joined (e.g., by welding) to at least one of the plates (e.g., plate 202').

[0081] As described above, the baffles are arranged to define at least one serpentine flow path 298' and at least one peripheral flow path 300'. As Figure 12 and Figure 13 shown, the serpentine flow path 298' is arranged towards the center of the trough 200' (i.e., closer to the midline of the trough 200'). The peripheral flow path 300' is arranged outside the serpentine path 298 and is generally adjacent to the spacers 230', 232', 234', 238', 240'.

[0082] Specifically, the peripheral flow path 300' includes a first branch 402 adjacent to the spacer 238', a second branch 404 adjacent to the spacers 230', 232', 234', and a third branch 406 adjacent to the spacer 240'. All three branches 402, 404, 406 include two parallel passages 408, 410, 412, 414, 416, 418. According to other embodiments, the branches 402, 404, 406 may have a different number of passages, or even each branch may have a single passage. Fluid enters the peripheral flow path 300' via the inlet 292', flows along the passages 408, 410 of the first branch 402, along the passages 412, 414 of the second branch 404, and along the passages 416, 418 of the third branch 406, and exits via the outlet 296'.

[0083] In particular, passageway 408 can be in fluid communication with passageway 412, which in turn is in fluid communication with passageway 416. In a similar manner, passageway 410 is in fluid communication with passageway 414, which is in fluid communication with passageway 418. Thus, passageways 408, 412, 416 and 410, 414, 418 can be described as defining two peripheral fluid flow paths, an outer peripheral fluid flow path (directly adjacent to spacers 230’, 232’, 234’, 238’, 240’) and an inner peripheral fluid flow path (directly adjacent to the outer peripheral fluid flow path). As shown, these peripheral fluid flow paths can be separated from each other except in the vicinity of inlet 292’ and outlet 296’.

[0084] Baffles 420, 422, 424 partially define branches 302, 304, 306 of peripheral flow path 300. Baffles 426, 428, 430 separate passageways 408, 410, 412, 414, 416, 418 of branches 402, 404, 406 and thus separate the inner peripheral fluid flow path and the outer peripheral fluid flow path. As shown, baffles 420, 422, 424 can be formed or joined as a single unit with a curved or rounded transition between baffles 420, 422 and 422, 424. In a similar manner, baffles 426, 428, 430 can be formed or joined as a single unit with a curved or rounded transition between baffles 426, 428 and 428, 430. Additionally, gate walls (i.e., walls with openings therein) can be provided adjacent to inlet 292’ and outlet 296’ to provide additional structural support.

[0085] It should be appreciated that baffles 420, 422, 424 not only partially define branches 402, 404, 406 of peripheral flow path 300’, but they also separate serpentine flow path 298’ from peripheral flow path 300’. Additionally, baffles 420, 422, 424 partially define serpentine flow path 298’. However, the illustrated embodiments are merely an example of the disclosed subject matter.

[0086] Regarding serpentine flow path 298’, it should be appreciated that path 298’ is generally grouped into pairs of U-shaped passageways or loops. In each case, the fluid in adjacent passageways of each pair of passageways flows longitudinally in a common first direction along a first branch, either towards a first end (i.e., the discharge end of slot 200’) or towards a second end (i.e., the inlet end of slot 200’), flows transversely in a common second direction along a second branch, and then flows in a common third direction along a third branch. The direction of fluid flow in the third branch is opposite to the direction of fluid flow in the first branch. This is in line with Figure 10 and Figure 11The paired passages shown are different, and in these figures, the fluid flow direction is generally towards the first end or the second end.

[0087] Similarly, different from Figure 10 and Figure 11 the serpentine fluid flow path 298 of the embodiment shown in, Figure 12 and Figure 13 the serpentine fluid flow path 298’ of the embodiment shown in is arranged in a series of concentric or nested loops, arranged from the outermost loop in fluid communication with the inlet 290’ to the innermost loop in fluid communication with the outlet 294’. As shown, there are three nested loops, but according to other embodiments, the number of loops can be greater than or less than Figure 12 and Figure 13 the number shown in. In contrast, Figure 10 and Figure 11 the serpentine fluid flow path 298 of the embodiment shown in is arranged as a series of continuous paired passages, which can also be referred to as a back-and-forth pattern.

[0088] Then, starting from the inlet 290’ in Figure 13 , the first (outermost) pair of U-shaped loops 432 is nested adjacent to (or within) the peripheral flow path 300’ and is separated from the peripheral flow path 300’ by baffles 420, 422, 424. The loop 432 is in fluid communication with the inlet 290’ at the first end and is in fluid communication with the second (inner) pair of U-shaped loops 434 at the second end at the junction 436. See Figure 12 . The loop 434 is in fluid communication with the loop 432 at the first end and is in fluid communication with the third (innermost) pair of U-shaped loops 438 at the second end at the junction 440. See Figure 13 . The loop 438 is in fluid communication with the loop 434 at the first end and is in fluid communication with the outlet 294’ at the second end. See Figure 12 .

[0089] As described above, the baffles 420, 422, 424 not only define the branches (or segments) of the peripheral flow path 300’, but also define certain loops (e.g., 432) of the serpentine flow path 298’. Similarly, as described above, the baffles 420, 422, 424 are formed or joined into a single U-shaped unit. Arranged inside the baffles 420, 422, 424 are a plurality of U-shaped baffles 442, 444, 446, 448, 450, each of which may include three baffle segments that are formed or joined into a single unit, similar to the baffles 420, 422, 424. The plurality of U-shaped baffles 442, 444, 446, 448, 450 and the single baffle 452 arranged inside the innermost U-shaped baffle 450 partially define the paired loops 432, 434, 438.

[0090] A plurality of lateral baffles 454, 456 are disposed at the junctions 436, 440 to define the connections between adjacent pairs of circuits 432, 434, 438. In particular, baffle 454 may be disposed at and adjacent to the ends of baffles 442, 444, 446, and baffle 456 may be disposed at and adjacent to the ends of baffles 446, 448, 450. Additionally, other walls and / or baffles may be disposed at the second end 208' of the plate 202' to cooperate with baffles 354, 356 to define a turn between adjacent passages in the pair of passages. Further, one or more gated walls with openings may be disposed at the ends to provide structural reinforcement while allowing fluid flow.

[0091] It is believed Figure 12 and Figure 13 the serpentine path 298' of the embodiments of Figure 10 and Figure 11 may have certain advantages even relative to Figure 10 and Figure 11 the embodiments of Figure 12 and Figure 13 In the embodiments of Figure 12 and Figure 13 the pair of passages in the embodiments of Figure 10 and Figure 11 are joined to an adjacent pair or pairs of passages by relatively sharp 180-degree turns defined by a subset of the lateral baffles at the first or second end of the slot 200'. It is believed that these turns may cause regions where the fluid flow is non-uniform (e.g., interrupted fluid flow, local low fluid flow, and / or perhaps even recirculation), resulting in non-uniform or reduced heat transfer. In contrast,

[0092] In operation, fluid circulates through the serpentine flow path 298' and fluid circulates through the peripheral flow path 300'. One type of fluid (e.g., water) can be used for both flow paths, or different types of fluids can be used in paths 298', 300'. In a similar manner, the same equipment can be used to move fluid through both paths 298', 300', or, conversely to path 300', different equipment (e.g., pumps, filters, tanks, etc.) can be used for path 298'. Separate equipment can allow, for example, variation in the flow rate between path 298' and path 300'.

[0093] Although the channels 200, 200' shown herein include baffles, the disclosure does not require that baffles be included in all embodiments of channels 200, 200'. Instead, it is believed that the flow paths defined by the baffles can further improve the fluid flow and heat transfer characteristics of channels 200, 200', but certain advantages are obtained by the structure and manufacturing method of channels 200, 200' discussed above, separate from and in addition to this additional improvement.

[0094] Further, it is believed that even when the described and shown spacers are not as in the embodiments of Figures 2 to 8 (and Figure 10 and Figure 11 ), using a peripheral flow path in the channels between the plates can also have advantages. That is, it is believed that including at least one peripheral flow path and at least one serpentine flow path can have advantages when used with the channels shown in Figure 1 where planar or flat walls engage arcuate plates. Moreover, by including two flow paths between the plates, it is believed that the overall structural integrity of channel 200' can be maintained. At the same time, as described above, flow paths 298, 300 can be operated separately from each other, allowing the flow in the periphery to be optimized for local heat loads along the edges of the channel, and at the same time, the flow in the center to be optimized for heat transfer over a larger surface area by the serpentine path for heat loads transferred there.

[0095] Although the foregoing text sets forth a detailed description of different embodiments of the present invention, it should be understood that the legal scope of the present invention is defined by the words of the claims appended to this patent. This detailed description should be construed as merely exemplary and does not describe every possible embodiment of the present invention, because it is impracticable to describe every possible embodiment even though it might be achievable. Numerous alternative embodiments can be implemented using current technology or technology developed after the filing date of this patent, and these alternative embodiments will still fall within the scope of the claims that define the present invention.

[0096] It should also be understood that unless a term is expressly defined in this patent by a sentence such as "As used herein, the term '____' is hereby defined to mean..." or a similar sentence, the meaning of the term is not intended to be limited, expressly or implicitly, beyond its ordinary or general meaning, and such terms should not be construed as being limited to the scope of any statement made in any part of this patent (other than the language of the claims). To the extent that any term recited in the claims appended to this patent is recited in this patent in a manner consistent with a singular meaning, this is done merely for clarity to avoid confusing the reader, and is not intended to implicitly or otherwise limit such claim terms to that singular meaning. Finally, without reciting any structure, the scope of any claim element is not intended to be construed based on 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) unless the claim element is defined by reciting the words "means" and a function.

Claims

1. A feed chute for an electric arc furnace, comprising: a first arcuate plate and a second arcuate plate, each arcuate plate having opposite first and second end edges and opposite first and second side edges, the first and second end edges including an arcuate profile, and the junctions between the first end edge and each of the first and second side edges including an arcuate profile; at least one first spacer attached to the first end edges of the first plate and the second plate, the first spacer having an arcuate cross-section and an arcuate profile; at least one second spacer attached to the junctions between the first side edge and the first end edge of the first plate and the first side edge and the first end edge of the second plate, and at least one third spacer attached to the junctions between the second side edge and the first end edge of the first plate and the second side edge and the first end edge of the second plate, the second and third spacers each having an arcuate cross-section and an arcuate profile; and at least one fourth spacer attached to the first side edges of the first plate and the second plate, and at least one fifth spacer attached to the second side edges of the first plate and the second plate, the fourth and fifth spacers having an arcuate cross-section, wherein the first and second arcuate plates have a channel disposed between the inner surfaces of the first and second arcuate plates, and further comprising at least one serpentine flow path and at least one peripheral flow path, the at least one serpentine flow path being disposed towards the midline of the chute, and the at least one peripheral flow path being disposed outside the at least one serpentine flow path.

2. The feed chute according to claim 1, wherein the at least one peripheral flow path is disposed generally adjacent to the spacer.

3. The feed chute according to claim 2, wherein the at least one peripheral flow path includes a first branch adjacent to the fourth spacer, a second branch adjacent to the first, second and third spacers, and a third branch adjacent to the fifth spacer, each of the branches having at least one passage.

4. The feed chute according to claim 2, wherein the at least one peripheral flow path includes a first branch adjacent to the fourth spacer, a second branch adjacent to the first, second and third spacers, and a third branch adjacent to the fifth spacer, each of the branches having two parallel passages.

5. The feed chute according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the at least one serpentine flow path comprises a plurality of concentric or nested U-shaped passages or loops, wherein the outermost loop is in fluid communication with the inlet, and the innermost loop is in fluid communication with the outlet, and the outermost loop is adjacent to the at least one peripheral flow path.

6. The feed chute according to claim 5, wherein the plurality of nested loops are arranged in pairs of loops, each pair of loops being in fluid communication with the next pair of loops.

7. The feed chute according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the at least one serpentine flow path comprises a series of continuous passages arranged in a back-and-forth pattern between the inlet and the outlet.

8. The feed chute according to claim 7, wherein the series of continuous passages are arranged in pairs of passages, each pair of passages being in fluid communication with the next pair of passages, and the fluid in each pair of passages flows in a direction opposite to that of the next pair of passages.

9. The feed chute according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein each of the at least one first spacer, the at least one second spacer, the at least one third spacer, the at least one fourth spacer, and the at least one fifth spacer is cast.

10. The feed chute according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein each of the at least one first spacer, the at least one second spacer, the at least one third spacer, the at least one fourth spacer, and the at least one fifth spacer is welded to the first arcuate plate and the second arcuate plate.

11. A feed chute for an electric arc furnace, comprising: a first arcuate plate and a second arcuate plate, each arcuate plate having opposite first and second end edges and opposite first and second side edges, the first and second end edges comprising an arcuate profile, and the first and second end edges of the first arcuate plate and the second arcuate plate being attached to each other, and the first and second side edges of the first arcuate plate and the second arcuate plate being attached to each other, a channel disposed between the first and second end edges, the first and second side edges, and the inner surfaces of the first arcuate plate and the second arcuate plate, the channel comprising at least one serpentine flow path and at least one peripheral flow path, the at least one serpentine flow path being arranged towards the midline of the feed chute, and the at least one peripheral flow path being arranged outside the at least one serpentine flow path.

12. The feed chute according to claim 11, wherein the at least one peripheral flow path is arranged generally adjacent to at least one of the first and second end edges and adjacent to the first and second side edges.

13. The feed chute according to claim 12, wherein the at least one peripheral flow path includes a first branch adjacent to the first side edge, a second branch adjacent to at least one of the first end edge and the second end edge, and a third branch adjacent to the second side edge, and each of the branches has at least one passageway.

14. The feed chute according to claim 12, wherein the at least one peripheral flow path includes a first branch adjacent to the first side edge, a second branch adjacent to at least one of the first end edge and the second end edge, and a third branch adjacent to the second side edge, and each of the branches has two parallel passageways.

15. The feed chute according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the at least one serpentine flow path includes a plurality of concentric or nested U-shaped passageways or loops, wherein the outermost loop is in fluid communication with the inlet, and the innermost loop is in fluid communication with the outlet, and the outermost loop is adjacent to the at least one peripheral flow path.

16. The feed chute according to claim 15, wherein the plurality of nested loops are arranged in pairs of loops, and each pair of loops is in fluid communication with the next pair of loops.

17. The feed chute according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the at least one serpentine flow path includes a series of continuous passageways arranged in a back-and-forth pattern between the inlet and the outlet.

18. The feed chute according to claim 17, wherein the series of continuous passageways are arranged in pairs of passageways, each pair of passageways is in fluid communication with the next pair of passageways, and the fluid in each pair of passageways flows in a direction opposite to that of the next pair of passageways.

19. A vibratory feeder assembly, comprising: a vibratory feeder having a first end and a second end, and the feed chute according to any one of claims 1 to 18, attached to the second end of the vibratory feeder.

20. A furnace system, comprising: an electric arc furnace having a charging inlet; and the feed chute according to any one of claims 1 to 18, arranged at the charging inlet, wherein the first end edge of the first plate is close to the charging inlet.

21. A furnace charging system, comprising: an electric arc furnace having a charging inlet; a vibrating device having an outlet arranged close to the charging inlet of the electric arc furnace; and the feed chute according to any one of claims 1 to 18, attached to the outlet of the vibrating device and arranged between the outlet of the vibrating device and the charging inlet of the electric arc furnace.

22. A feed chute for an electric arc furnace, comprising: a first arcuate plate and a second arcuate plate, each arcuate plate having opposite first and second end edges and opposite first and second side edges, the first and second end edges including an arcuate profile, and the junction between the first end edge and each of the first and second side edges including an arcuate profile; At least one first spacer attached to the first end edge of the first plate and the first end edge of the second plate, The first spacer has an arcuate cross-section and an arcuate profile; At least one second spacer attached to the joint between the first side edge and the first end edge of the first plate and the joint between the first side edge and the first end edge of the second plate, and At least one third spacer attached to the joint between the second side edge and the first end edge of the first plate and the joint between the second side edge and the first end edge of the second plate, The second spacer and the third spacer each have an arcuate cross-section and an arcuate profile; And At least one fourth spacer attached to the first side edge of the first plate and the first side edge of the second plate, and At least one fifth spacer attached to the second side edge of the first plate and the second side edge of the second plate, The fourth spacer and the fifth spacer have an arcuate cross-section.

23. The feed chute according to claim 22, wherein each of the at least one first spacer, the at least one second spacer, the at least one third spacer, the at least one fourth spacer, and the at least one fifth spacer is cast.

24. The feed chute according to claim 22 or 23, wherein each of the at least one first spacer, the at least one second spacer, the at least one third spacer, the at least one fourth spacer, and the at least one fifth spacer is welded to the first arcuate plate and the second arcuate plate.

25. The feed chute according to any one of claims 22 to 24, wherein the first arcuate plate and the second arcuate plate have a channel disposed between the inner surfaces of the first arcuate plate and the second arcuate plate, and further include at least one baffle disposed in the channel.

26. The feed chute according to claim 25, wherein the at least one baffle includes a plurality of baffles disposed in the channel, and the plurality of baffles define at least one serpentine flow path.

27. A vibratory feeder assembly comprising: A vibratory feeder having a first end and a second end, and The feed chute according to any one of claims 22 to 26, attached to the second end of the vibratory feeder.

28. A furnace system comprising: An electric arc furnace having a charging inlet; And The feed chute according to any one of claims 22 to 26, disposed at the charging inlet, wherein the first end edge of the first plate is close to the charging inlet.

29. A furnace charging system comprising: An electric arc furnace having a charging inlet; A vibrating device having an outlet disposed close to the charging inlet of the electric arc furnace; And The feed chute according to any one of claims 22 to 26, which is attached to the outlet of the vibration device and arranged between the outlet of the vibration device and the loading inlet of the electric arc furnace.

30. A method of manufacturing a feed chute for an electric arc furnace, the method comprising the steps of: Providing a first arcuate plate and a second arcuate plate, each arcuate plate having opposite first and second end edges and opposite first and second side edges, the first and second end edges including an arcuate profile, and the junction between the first end edge and each of the first and second side edges including an arcuate profile; Attaching the first end edge of the first plate to the first end edge of the second plate by at least one first spacer, The first spacer having an arcuate cross-section and an arcuate profile; Attaching the junction between the first side edge and the first end edge of the first plate to the junction between the first side edge and the first end edge of the second plate by at least one second spacer, and attaching the junction between the second side edge and the first end edge of the first plate to the junction between the second side edge and the first end edge of the second plate by at least one third spacer, The second spacer and the third spacer each having an arcuate cross-section and an arcuate profile; And Attaching the first side edge of the first plate to the first side edge of the second plate by at least one fourth spacer, and attaching the second side edge of the first plate to the second side edge of the second plate by at least one fifth spacer, The fourth spacer and the fifth spacer each having an arcuate cross-section.

31. The method according to claim 30, further comprising casting each of the at least one first spacer, the at least one second spacer, the at least one third spacer, the at least one fourth spacer, and the at least one fifth spacer.

32. The method according to claim 30 or 31, wherein attaching each of the first spacer, the second spacer, the third spacer, the fourth spacer, and the fifth spacer to the first plate and the second plate comprises welding each of the first spacer, the second spacer, the third spacer, the fourth spacer, and the fifth spacer to the first plate and the second plate.

33. The method according to any one of claims 30 to 32, the method further comprising: Attaching a plurality of baffles between the inner surfaces of the first and second plates to at least one of the first and second plates, the plurality of baffles defining at least one serpentine flow path between the inner surfaces of the first and second plates between at least one inlet and at least one outlet.

34. A method of manufacturing a furnace system, comprising: Providing an electric arc furnace having a loading inlet, Manufacturing a feed chute by the method according to any one of claims 30 to 33, and Arrange the feed chute at the loading inlet of the electric arc furnace.

35. A method for loading a furnace system, comprising: providing a feed chute manufactured by the method according to any one of claims 30 to 33, and moving the loading material from the second end edge across the first plate of the feed chute to the first end edge, near which an electric arc furnace is arranged at the first end edge of the feed chute.

36. The method according to claim 35, further comprising passing a cooling fluid through a channel arranged between the inner surfaces of the first arcuate plate and the second arcuate plate.

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