Abstract: Electrode vibration detection modules (EVDM) and methods of detecting vibration of an electrode of an electric arc furnace (EAF) using an EVDM are provided, in which the EVDM receives and/or ascertains waveform signals corresponding to voltage values and current values associated with an electrode voltage measured between the electrode and the bottom of the EAF shell (electrode voltage) and the electrical current passing through the electrode and is configured to identify conditions for electrode vibration based, at least in part, on the waveform signals and to trigger an alarm and/or modify the operation of the EAF by adjusting the location of the electrode in the EAF.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring consumption of graphite electrodes during the operation of an electric arc furnace (EAF) uses machine vision cameras operatively communicating with a computer processor. The system can determine, track, manage, and optimize the consumption of the graphite electrodes in real time. Electrode consumption is determined for each EAF heat by measuring the length and tip diameter of the electrode. The length and tip diameter are used to determine the electrode consumption amount using a consumption model. Measured hydraulic pressure within the EAF correlating with a known electrode weight can also be used to determine electrode consumption and correlated with the model calculation. Butt loss can also be determined based on the machine vision measured lengths of the electrode and/or based on the hydraulic pressure. The calculated electrode consumption amounts are also stored in a database and correlated to other measured EAF parameters for multiple EAFs.

Abstract: According to a preferred embodiment, an improved method and apparatus for manufacturing tube and fin heat exchangers that includes a step for reducing the outer diameter of stock tubing to a value well below nominal prior to bending the tubing into hairpins. The reduced diameter increases the stiffness of the resultant hairpins and allows for efficient lacing of the heat exchanger fins and end plates. The method uses pre-size rollers that are adjustable for reducing the diameter of the tubing.

Abstract: An improved hairpin expander machine equipped with a closed-loop-controlled hydraulically positioned bolster plate and a heat exchanger-holding fixture characterized by a full-length, continuous front plate, back plate, and side rails. The hairpin expander includes a novel heat exchanger bottom end plate clamping mechanism as part of the fixture. These features enable the hairpin expander to provide larger expansion ratios and exert greater forces with tighter control, which is required for producing heat exchangers with reduced diameter hairpin tubes according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

Abstract: According to a preferred embodiment, an improved method and apparatus for manufacturing tube and fin heat exchangers that includes a step for reducing the outer diameter of stock tubing to a value well below nominal prior to bending the tubing into hairpins. The reduced diameter increases the stiffness of the resultant hairpins and allows for efficient lacing of the heat exchanger fins and end plates. The method uses pre-size rollers that are adjustable for reducing the diameter of the tubing. The invention also includes a hairpin and heat exchanger manufactured according to the method.

Abstract: According to a preferred embodiment, an improved method and apparatus for manufacturing tube and fin heat exchangers that includes a step for reducing the outer diameter of stock tubing to a value well below nominal prior to bending the tubing into hairpins. The reduced diameter increases the stiffness of the resultant hairpins and allows for efficient lacing of the heat exchanger fins and end plates. The method uses pre-size rollers that are adjustable for reducing the diameter of the tubing. The invention also includes a hairpin and heat exchanger manufactured according to the method.

Abstract: An improved hairpin expander machine equipped with a closed-loop-controlled hydraulically positioned bolster plate and a heat exchanger-holding fixture characterized by a full-length, continuous front plate, back plate, and side rails. The hairpin expander includes a novel heat exchanger bottom end plate clamping mechanism as part of the fixture. These features enable the hairpin expander to provide larger expansion ratios and exert greater forces with tighter control, which is required for producing heat exchangers with reduced diameter hairpin tubes according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

Abstract: A system for providing print functions via a camera interface. The system enables selecting print options via a cameral interface by interacting with an image preference file. In an embodiment, a user initially places a memory card in the printer's card slot. If the card does not have an image preference file, then the printer creates one. The image preference file is specific to the printer and contains a list of options offered by the printer. Next, the user transfers the image preference file to the camera. The user can then use a menu presented on the camera interface via the image preference file to select various options for each image to be printed. The memory card is then inserted into the printer again where the printer accesses the image preference file. The images are then printed according to the options selected by the user. Next, a printer display presents a message asking the user if they would like to reset the file. If the user ignores the message the file is left as is.