Abstract: A DC arc furnace for steelmaking in which horizontal steel anodes without internal water cooling are used. The front portion of the anodes enters through holes in the walls into the furnace space and the lower level of the anodes reaches the furnace space in a level which is lower than the door threshold. The rear portion of the anodes is disposed in horizontal ducts outside the furnace hood, these ducts being lined with refractory material. The horizontal components of the anodes are connected to vertical steel components for current supply. The cooling of the horizontal and the vertical components is effected outside the furnace hood by means of components for indirect water cooling, these components being arranged in levels higher than the door threshold.

Abstract: A graphite electrode with protective coating, consisting of a single- or multilayer metallic or metal-oxide coating, and a graphite layer containing graphite, vinyl-acetate as binder and methyl cellulose as thickener, this surface layer being compacted by means of a pressure roller or a vibration tool.

Abstract: A sealing device which comprises a refractory portion consisting of high-alumina material with an Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 content higher than 80%. The internal portion of the sealing device is made up of refractory cement with an Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 content higher than 80% which is cast and vibrated in a mould formed by a cylinder-shaped metallic part of the device and an internal fixed template. After the setting of the refractory cement, the internal templet is drawn out and the device, comprising a metallic and a refractory portion, is subjected to drying. This is effected at 150.degree. C.