Cupola Furnace

Filling of a crucible of red-hot molten metal from the tapping hole of the metal spout of a Cupola furnace whilst the molten cast iron metal of another crucible is being poured into a mould to form a casting. During the 18th and 19th centuries, cupola furnaces were widely used for the melting of iron The cupola is a vertical cylindrical furnace of sheet metal lined with refractory fireclay bricks. It is employed for melting scrap metal or pig iron etc. for the forging of various cast irons. Towards the top of the furnace is the charging platform where the alternate constituents are loaded into the furnace body to be melted. There were no precautions for safety then, no face shields or safety goggles. Hazards such as flying particles or heavy metal fumes and carbon monoxide had to be avoided., by SHEILA TERRY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY