Induction Melting: Stirring Molten Metal Bath in 1000lb Furnace

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Stirring a molten metal bath in a 1000lb induction furnace does not result in electric shock because the stirrer only makes a single connection to the circuit, lacking a return path through the body. The induction furnace generates heat through eddy currents circulating within the conductive melt, with the skin effect causing these currents to flow primarily at the surface. Using two metal stirrers would create a voltage difference, but this would be minimal due to the high conductivity of the melt. Stirring helps mix the hot surface with the cooler center, enhancing melting efficiency and reducing heat loss. Understanding these principles is crucial for safe operation and effective melting processes.
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Why am I not shocked when I stir the molten metal bath of a 1000lb induction furnace? Alumina crucible used.
 
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What is the potential difference (Voltage) between your stirrer and ground?
 
Not sure. I am physically using a metal stick to stir.
 
Bladestein said:
Why am I not shocked when I stir the molten metal bath of a 1000lb induction furnace? Alumina crucible used.
An induction furnace heats the conductive melt by inducing eddy currents. Those eddy currents circulate within the melt. When you stir the melt you are only making one connection to the fully contained circuit. There is no return path through you. If you used two metal stirrers, one in each hand, you would be subjected to a voltage difference. That voltage would only be a couple of volts because the melt is highly conductive.
Skin effect at the induction oscillator frequency will result in the eddy currents only flowing in the surfaces of the melt. The central part will only be heated by the hot surface. You stir it to get the hot surface inside and the cold centre outside which speeds up the melting while reducing heat loss.
 

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