Partial-melting was studied as an alternative to the melt-cast process for the production of Bi-2212 blocks designed for the construction of fault-current limiters. Peritectic melting and solidification of Bi-2212:Ag precursor powder were investigated in situ by XRD in a synchrotron radiation facility. The result of this experiment allowed a design of heat treatment conditions for Bi-2212 block processing, including maximum processing temperature, holding time, cooling rate and annealing time. After each processing stage, microstructural and phase evolution were monitored by SEWEDS and XRD. Also the release and uptake of oxygen during peritectic melting and solidification of Bi-2212 in the bulk form were monitored in oxygen atmosphere by thermo-gravimetric balance. Based on these results several Bi-.2212 blocks were prepared with different processing conditions. Critical temperatures were measured by magnetic susceptibility and dc critical current (I-c) were determined in self-field at the temperature of 77 K. Two modes of peritectic melting of Bi-2212 phase in the temperature range 865-900 degrees C have been observed. This resulted in different microstructural and superconducting properties for the Bi-2212 blocks melted in the temperature ranges 870-890 and 890-900 degrees C. (c) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.