Abstract: In various embodiments, refractory-metal glass melt electrodes are single-crystalline, at least within an outer layer thereof.

Abstract: An electrode slipping device comprises an upper holder and a lower holder, both holders containing one or more clamping shoes and one or more clamping cylinders in co-operation with the clamping shoes. The clamping shoes are operable between a position where the electrode is clamped and a position where the electrode is unclamped. The clamping cylinder is connected to the electrode holder by first fastening means and to the clamping shoe by second fastening means such that the clamping cylinder can be released from engagement with the holder by unlocking both sets of fastening means.

Abstract: Provided is a pressure ring assembly for contact shoes in an electrode system of an electric arc furnace provided with at least one electrode column assembly. The electrode column assembly comprises a contact shoe ring formed of a plurality of contact shoe elements, a pressure ring formed of a plurality of pressure blocks, and a heat shield formed of a plurality of heat shield segments. An elongated groove is formed on both substantially vertical side edges of each pressure block, and an elongated lock bar is placed in the grooves of two adjacent pressure blocks to join said pressure blocks with each other. The form of the lock bar essentially matches to the form of the grooves of said two adjacent pressure blocks. Each lock bar is locked in place in the grooves by fastening bolts through holes in the pressure blocks.

Abstract: Provided is an arrangement for cooling channels in an electrode column assembly of an electric arc furnace, wherein the lower part of the electrode column assembly is provided with a contact shoe ring formed of a plurality of contact shoe elements, a pressure ring formed of a plurality of pressure blocks, and a heat shield located above the pressure ring and formed of a plurality of heat shield segments. The contact shoe elements and/or the pressure blocks are provided with channels for a cooling liquid to flow therein. The channels made in the material of the contact shoe elements and/or the pressure blocks extend obliquely downwards from the upper ends of said contact shoe elements and/or the pressure blocks near to the lower ends of the same. At least two of said oblique channels join together at their lower ends to form a continuous channel.

Abstract: A device for moving electrode columns of electric arc melting furnaces, characterised by consisting essentially of a lever the central fulcrum of which is connected to the hook of the overhead crane by an articulated ring, on one side a coupling mechanism being inserted into a tube and intended for coupling to the electrode column, while on the other side a counterweight of predetermined weight balances the device during its movement.

Abstract: A sealing device is arranged around a rod electrode extending vertically through an aperture made in the ceiling of an arc furnace and being vertically movable inside the furnace to prevent the access of gases from the furnace through the aperture to the atmosphere, and on the other hand to prevent air from flowing from the atmosphere into the furnace. The sealing device comprises a gas distribution chamber provided with an inlet channel for feeding essentially passive gas, such as nitrogen or air, into the gas distribution chamber. The sealing device also includes a slit nozzle encasing the electrode, through which nozzle a gas jet is arranged to be discharged from the gas distribution chamber towards the electrode in a direction that is at an angle with respect to the horizontal plane and has a slightly upwards inclined orientation, and that is, with respect to the furnace interior, pointed outwardly, so that the sealing is carried out owing to the effect of the created stagnation pressure.

Abstract: A device (10) for adjusting the locking point of the electrode of a smelting furnace includes a vice (120) for supporting said electrode and supplying it with power. A structure (13) is coupled with the vice (120), supports the electrode and moves the electrode vertically.

Abstract: In an embodiment, an electrode holder assembly (100) includes a current delivery base (105) having an interface (204) sufficiently designed to distribute an electrical current; a buss plate (200) sufficiently designed to provide the electrical current to the current delivery base (105); a shoe-ring assembly having: a plurality of electrical shoes (120), wherein the electrical current from the current delivery base (105) is distributed to the plurality of electrical shoes (120) for distribution to an electrode (400); a plurality of dual stroke cylinders (190); and a mounting ring (220); and a hydraulic assembly (300) including a grip ring (310) having an opening sufficiently designed to engage an outer surface of the electrode (400); a pressurizing cylinder (320) sufficiently designed to constrict and relax the grip ring (310); and at least one dual stroke cylinder (330) sufficiently designed to control horizontal movement of the grip ring (310) and the electrode (400).

Abstract: An electrode column and a method of determining the length of the electrode in it in an active furnace. The column is a Söderberg column including a mantel in which the electrode is movable in an axial direction by lower and upper slipping clamps which are movable relatively to each other by slipping cylinders. The method includes the steps of moving, with the slip clamps, the electrode in a downslip relatively to the mantel with the slipping cylinders and gravity and measuring the force required to move the electrode with only the upper slipping clamp against predetermined reaction forces acting against movement of the electrode and computing these parameters to determine the mass and so the length of the electrode relatively to the theoretical mass of the undamaged electrode at the time of movement.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for lowering (“slipping”) and/or raising (“back slipping”) electrodes relative to an electrode column. The system includes an electrode column having at least one slipping sleeve and a power clamp, each of which apply a radial clamping force to the electrode. The magnitudes of the clamping forces are selected such that application of a downwardly directed axial force on the one or more slipping sleeves, in combination with the weight of the electrode, are sufficient to overcome the resistive force of the power clamp, resulting in downward movement of the electrode without release of the clamping forces. Electrode columns having two movable slipping sleeves are also capable of raising the electrode relative to the furnace without release of the clamping forces.

Abstract: An electrode seal for an electric arc furnace comprises an annular support ring having an internal diameter substantially greater than the diameter of the electrode, and which is secured to the furnace roof by a plurality of mounting feet. The annular support ring has an upper annular sealing surface on which is supported an annular sealing ring having an internal diameter which is approximately the same as the diameter of the electrode to form a substantial seal therewith. The sealing ring has a lower annular sealing surface which engages the upper sealing surface of the support ring, while allowing limited sliding movement of the sealing ring along its lower annular sealing surface.

Abstract: A current-conducting arm for conducting a current from at least one cable supports to an electrode in an electric arc furnace comprising an arm housing having a U-shaped base channel member and a U-shaped top channel member. Both channel members have a first and second wall, with the top channel member being inverted such that the first wall of the top channel member can be joined with the first wall of the base channel member, and the second wall of the top channel member can be joined with the second wall of the base channel member. The arm housing therefore has four annular corners to improve the conduction of current through the arm housing to the electrode. The invention further includes a spring assembly used to provide to aid an electrode holder in clamping the electrode. Moreover, a laser pointer is included for guiding the positioning of the arm housing in the electric arc furnace.

Abstract: A locking assembly and a process for electrode or ingot formation that include a stub, a locking member, and a support member. The locking member removably extends through the support member and at least a portion of the stub. Molten material is introduced over the support member and the stub to form the electrode. The electrode and integrated stub may be incorporated into an electrode assembly, including a yoke, a fastening member, a shoe, and a conducting tube.

Abstract: An apparatus for joining a threaded free electrode section with a threaded fixed electrode section for use in electric arc furnaces. The apparatus comprises a driver and a coupler with a plurality of pawls to grip the free electrode section and turn it in one direction. After the driver and coupler pass through a range of motion causing the free electrode to turn in the same direction, they reverse direction, with the pawls releasing the free electrode so that the free electrode does not reverse direction, and the driver and coupler return to the original position in a ratchet-like action.

Abstract: An apparatus for feeding electrodes into a process chamber is disclosed. The apparatus is designed to maintain the atmosphere within the process chamber as separate from the atmosphere surrounding the process chamber. The apparatus has an air-tight tube having at least two internal sealing mechanisms, an outer sealing mechanism and an inner sealing mechanism, sealing mechanisms separated by an expandable section of the tube; penetration in the tube for the introduction of a purge gas in between the inner and outer sealing mechanisms; and an electrical contact for transmitting electrical power to the electrode.

Abstract: System for connection of pneumatic and/or hydraulic hoses (11) on composite electrodes (12) for arc furnaces, the electrodes (12) comprising, at least one hollow adapter (13) associated at their lower part with a replaceable graphite element (14), the electrode (12) cooperating with an electrode-holder arm (15) and being displaceable axially in relation to that electrode-holder arm (15), the hoses (11) being associated at one end with a first connection assembly (18a) associated with a support (17), the adapter (13) including a solidly attached second connection assembly (18b) mating functionally with the first connection assembly (18a), the first (18a) and second (18b) connection assemblies comprising mating connecting elements (19a, 19b) equipped with elements to interrupt the flow of the fluid which can be temporally actuated, the a support (17) associated with the first connection assembly (18a) having a first inactive position temporally solid with the electrode-holder arm (15) and a second working posit

Abstract: A scrap-melting electric arc furnace operating at an elevated melting power having a simple construction that also avoids thermal loads of the side wall caused by the electrodes. The electrodes are protected from damage during scrap-charging. The electric arc furnace includes a bottom for receiving a melt. An upper part rises from the bottom part and has side walls. A lid covers the upper part. A charging shaft is disposed approximately centrically relative to the upper part, and has a diameter that is substantially smaller than the diameter of the upper part. The charging shaft interior communicates with the furnace interior via an opening in the lid. Electrodes arranged approximately radially symmetrically are directed obliquely into the furnace interior and project toward the center of the electric arc furnace.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for continuous production of a self-baking carbon electrode in direct connection with the smelting furnace wherein the electrode is consumed. Blocks of a first unbaked carbonaceous electrode paste are supplied to a curing chamber arranged at the upper end of the electrode, which curing chamber is open at its top and at its bottom and has an inner cross section corresponding to the cross section of the electrode which is to be produced, blocks of the first unbaked carbonaceous paste having a smaller diameter than the inner diameter of the curing chamber, supplying a second particulate unbaked carbonaceous electrode paste to the annulus between the curing chamber and the blocks of the first unbaked carbonaceous electrode paste, second electrode paste comprising a binder which cures at a lower temperature than the first carbonaceous paste by heating means arranged on the curing chamber.

Abstract: A new electrode is joined to a consumed electrode of the electric furnace according to a method comprising the steps of lifting and transporting the new electrode suspended from a joining apparatus by a crane, aligning both electrodes by throwing a laser beam from a projector disposed to the crane on a positioning marker disposed on a deck plate provided in the vicinity of the electric furnace, screwing a screw thread of the new electrode into a threaded hole of the consumed electrode by actuating an electric motor disposed in the joining apparatus, and tightening both electrodes at desired tightening torque by operating the motor in a stalled state with a small electric current of low frequency.

Abstract: A new electrode is joined to a consumed electrode of the electric furnace according to a method comprising the steps of lifting and transporting the new electrode suspended from a joining apparatus by a crane, aligning both electrodes by throwing a laser beam from a projector disposed to the crane on a positioning marker disposed on a deck plate provided in the vicinity of the electric furnace, screwing a screw thread of the new electrode into a threaded hole of the consumed electrode by actuating an electric motor disposed in the joining apparatus, and tightening both electrodes at desired tightening torque by operating the motor in a stalled state with a small electric current of low frequency.

Abstract: An electrode assembly for glass tank furnaces comprises a rod electrode inserted in a cylindrical electrode holder, through which it can be advanced. Along at least part of its length the said electrode holder is fitted with a device for forced cooling and is installed in an electrode block in the furnace. In order to dispense with and in order to operate the electrode holder at a constant temperature the holder is inserted with the bottom face below a filling level determined by the design of the furnace, and provided with a seal between it and the electrode above the filling level. Preferably the electrode holder has an outer tube and an inner tube, which create an annular gap between them for a cooling medium, whereby the inner tube protrudes out of the upper end of the outer tube and a sealing unit is provided between the inner tube and the electrode.

Abstract: A remelting furnace has a crucible and a raisable pot placed thereon. An electrode rod leads into the pot through a passage sealed by means of a seal carried by a lower platform. The lower platform is connected to the pot by a hitch having free play, and can be raised together with the electrode rod by a lift means supported on a weighing platform. In this manner weighing of the electrode rod uninfluenced by the friction forces of the seal is possible. Also, it is possible to lift the pot without increasing the structural height of the structure accommodating the remelting furnace.

Abstract: A remelting furnace has a crucible (2) and a raisable pot (3) placed thereon. An electrode rod (6) leads into the pot (3) through a stuffing box (8) borne by a lower platform (9). The lower platform (9) is carried by rods (12, 13) which are fastened each at its upper end to a weighing platform (14). The connection of the lower platform (9) to the particular rod (12, 13) is performed in each case through a releasable clutch (10,11 ). Consequently, a lifter (17) can lift the pot (3) such that it shifts upwardly with the bottom platform (9) relative to the rods (12, 13).

Abstract: An electrode carrier arm for an electric arc furnace consists of an arm part (10) and of a electrode-clamping device and is produced so as to be current carrying from a material of high conductivity. Between the arm part and the electrode-clamping device there is a flanged connection consisting of flanged plates (11, 12) which limit a cooling-liquid cavity (20, 29) on both sides and which themselves contain passage orifices (21) for the cooling liquid from one cooling-liquid cavity to the other. This allows an effective cooling of the flanged plates and consequently a direct supply of current via the flanged connection when the carrier arm is produced from light metal.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a smelting plant with shaft-like charging material preheater. In a smelting plant with an electric arc furnace (1) and a charging material preheater (2) of shaft configuration arranged laterally on the furnace, the outer walls of the charging material preheater in the lower region thereof are formed by the vessel wall (5) of the furnace while in the region thereabove they are formed by the walls of a shaft which is fixed in a holding structure (27). By a horizontal relative movement between the furnace vessel (3) and the holding structure (27) together with the vessel cover (6), without being impeded by the shaft (10) charging material can be charged from a scrap basket directly into the furnace vessel or through the displaced shaft into different regions of the furnace vessel (3). Charging material can be retained in the shaft by means of a blocking member (51) therein, and heated up during the refining phase.

Abstract: An adjusting device for an electrode in a metal smelter. The device has a pressure mechanism comprising a, preferably, one-piece, ring-shaped flexible tube filled with a pressure medium. The pressure mechanism is positioned between clamp elements and radially positioned around the electrode and a frame. To ensure the secure retention of the electrode and increase the service life of the material of the pressurization tube, through a simple structural means, the present invention provides that the clamp elements have retaining brackets and guide brackets that are positioned to slide horizontally on the frame and support elements that are partially in contact with the tube that is filled with the pressure medium. The support elements are provided on the clamp elements.

Abstract: A crucible furnace including a furnace vessel in which a graphite electrode and a metal contact electrode are vertically and horizontally movable.

Abstract: An apparatus for adjustably supporting a vertical electrode for an arc-type furnace. The apparatus includes an upper stationary electrode clamping structure and a lower adjustable electrode clamping structure suspended from the upper structure by adjustment screws. The two clamping structures are mounted on a carriage movable linearly into and out of registry with the furnace to accommodate maintenance and repair. Each clamping structure comprises an arcuate electrical contact and wedge-type slips engaging the periphery of the electrode in opposition to the electrical contact, the slips being spring-biased into electrode engagement and cam actuated from electrode engagement. The cams are actuated by a common shaft extending between the two clamping structures, so that the electrode is released from one clamping structure when engaged by the other clamping structure.

Abstract: An electrode support mechanism and method for use in electric arc melting or smelting furnaces wherein a pair of horizontal, superimposed arms are each provided with clamping devices at their outer end for supporting and supplying electric power to a vertically disposed electrode depending into an arc furnace. The arms are each supported on a vertical support post; the upper arm is fixed to the post and the lower arm which normally carries the electrode is movable relative to the post to adjust the electrode to maintain a constant arc at the furnace. The movable arm is moved vertically by a jack screw carried by the upper arm and depending into contact with the lower arm. The clamping devices at the ends of the arms are spring-biased toward contact with the electrode, and a linking mechanism is provided to alternately release the arm clamping mechanisms from the electrode under the control of an actuating system utilizing fluid pressure actuated cylinders.

Abstract: An electrode support mechanism for use in electric arc melting or smelting furnaces wherein a pair of horizontal, superimposed arms are each provided with clamping devices at their outer end for supporting a vertically disposed electrode depending into an arc furnace. The arms are each supported on a vertical support post; the upper arm is fixed to the post and the lower arm which normally carries the electrode is movable relative to the post to adjust the electrode to maintain a constant arc at the furnace. The movable arm is moved vertically by a jack screw carried by the upper arm and depending into contact with the lower arm. The clamping devices at the ends of the arms are spring-biased toward contact with the electrode, and a linking mechanism is provided to alternately release the arm clamping mechanisms from the electrode under the control of a cam-operated actuating system.