Abstract: A composite heat spreader includes a first flexible graphite layer, a second flexible graphite layer, and a gas evolving layer positioned between the first flexible graphite layer and the second flexible graphite layer. The gas evolving layer is temperature sensitive and when a threshold temperature is reached, the thermal conductivity of the gas evolving layer is reduced by at least factor of five.

Abstract: A heat exchanger assembly includes a fluid transfer layer and a first external layer. The fluid transfer layer is made from an elastomeric material and the first external layer includes flexible graphite. The fluid transfer layer includes at least one channel and is configured to form a passage for receiving a thermal transfer fluid between the channel and a portion of the first external layer.

Abstract: A method and system automatically determines when an electrode add event occurs in an electric arc furnace having a plurality of electrode columns, each carried by an electrode positioning system. Data is received correlating to the harmonic distortion of the electrical current output to the plurality of electrode columns. Data is also received correlating to control pressures in the electrode positioning systems. Steady state control pressure data is captured when the harmonic distortion data indicates a steady state condition. An electrode add event is thereafter determined when a pressure spike is identified in the steady state control pressure data.

Abstract: A graphite crucible for processing silicon includes a bottom wall including a bottom wall interior facing surface. A plurality of side walls extend upwardly from the bottom wall, each side wall including a side wall interior facing surface. A contact point is provided on the side wall to prevent upward movement of the crucible during ingot removal. The side walls have a coefficient of thermal expansion perpendicular to the solidification direction that is less than 95% of the coefficient of thermal expansion of the silicon processed therein. Also, the side walls and the bottom wall have a thru-plane thermal conductivity from about 90 to about 160 W/m·K at room temperature.

Abstract: A floor heating system includes a flooring substrate having a heating or cooling element in heat transfer relationship therewith. A heat spreader is in heat transfer relationship with the flooring substrate. The heat spreader includes a layer of flexible graphite material. A floor covering overlies the layer of flexible graphite material. Temperature variations across an exposed surface of the floor covering are reduced by the presence of the flexible graphite heat spreader, thus providing an improved and more uniform heating to the floor and to the room with which the floor is associated.