A method and apparatus for alternating pouring into molds, casts or refining
hearths
from a common hearth in a furnace. The apparatus provides a main hearth, a plurality
of optional refining hearths, and a plurality of casting molds or direct molds
whereby the refining hearths and molds define at least two separate ingot making
lines. The main hearth alternatively pours into a first ingot making line while
the other line is prepared, and vice versa allowing for continuous melting.
