Self-baking (i.e., Soderberg) Patents (Class 373/89)
  • Patent number: 10401090
    Abstract: A method and an arrangement measures electrode paste in an electrode column of an electric arc furnace. The electrode column has a steel casing, is provided with a contact shoe ring, and is filled with electrode paste introduced from above and evolving from raw paste in the upper part of the steel casing to melted paste and to baked paste in the lower part of the electrode column. The level of the raw paste is determined with a laser beam transmitted by a first laser device. The level of the molten paste is determined with a laser beam transmitted by a second laser device. The data received from the laser devices is used for calculation of the distances of the levels of the raw paste and molten paste from the contact shoe ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: OUTOTEC (FINLAND) OY
    Inventor: Janne Ollila
  • Publication number: 20150043608
    Abstract: An electrode case used to make a self-baking electrode that is consumed in a reducing arc furnace and the electrode made therefrom is described. The electrode case comprises an outer sleeve and a plurality of fins. The outer sleeve is divided into multiple sleeve sections made from a first metal, such that each sleeve section has an outer and inner surface, the multiple sleeve sections capable of being stacked together to form the outer sleeve. The plurality of fins is divided into multiple fin sections made from a second metal, such that each fin section is mechanically coupled to the inner surface of one sleeve section along its length and project radially therefrom along its width. Each fin section has an upper interface region, a central support region, and a lower interface region; the upper, central, and lower support regions having a lattice structure with at least 10% open area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: Dow Corning Corporation
    Inventors: Roger Bartlett, Agustin Fernandez, Christopher Kozenski, Danny Ward
  • Patent number: 7966715
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a carbon electrode for melting an object to be melted by arc discharge, includes: a rubbing step of rubbing the surface of the carbon electrode before power is supplied with a rubbing material of the same type as the object to be melted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Japan Super Quartz Corporation
    Inventors: Takeshi Fujita, Masaki Morikawa
  • Patent number: 7835419
    Abstract: A pin for use in connecting graphite electrodes into a joint, where the pin has at least one male tang having a tang factor, defined as the ratio of male tang length to diameter of the electrode into which hit is to be threaded, of at least about 0.60.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: GrafTech International Holdings Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Smith, Lionel D. Burton Batty, Philip D. Coleman
  • Publication number: 20080262258
    Abstract: A container for forming an electrode that can be used in electric reduction furnaces. The container comprises a cylindrical casing. Within the cylindrical casing is a plurality of ribs attached along the inner surface of the casing lengthwise of the cylindrical casing. At least one of the ribs in the container is made of a material comprising copper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2005
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Applicant: DOW CORNING CORPORATION
    Inventor: Atila Benito Pimenta Rodrigues
  • Patent number: 7301982
    Abstract: A graphite electrode joint, where the male tang has a tang factor, defined as the ratio of male tang length to electrode diameter, of at least about 0.60.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: GrafTech International Holdings Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Smith
  • Patent number: 7103083
    Abstract: A pin for use in connecting graphite electrodes into a joint, where the pin has at least one male tang having a tang factor, defined as the ratio of male tang length to diameter of the electrode into which hit is to be threaded, of at least about 0.60.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: UCAR Carbon Company Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Smith, Lionel D. Burton Batty, Philip D. Coleman
  • Patent number: 7016394
    Abstract: A graphite electrode joint, where the male tang has a tang factor, defined as the ratio of male tang length to electrode diameter, of at least about 0.60.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Ucar Carbon Company Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Smith
  • Patent number: 6934039
    Abstract: A method of measuring the instantaneous parameters of a consumable electrode by: (a) providing a laser measuring device and positioning the laser measuring device in the vicinity of the electrode to be measured; (b) activating the laser measuring device to obtain data relating to the instantaneous parameters of the consumable electrode; and (c) transferring the data obtained from the laser measuring device to a computer data processing and storage device to determine the instantaneous parameters of the electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: QNI Technology PTY LTD
    Inventors: Hernan Rincon, Jorge Reyes
  • Patent number: 6625196
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a self-baking electrode for use in low electric reduction furnaces, and refers particularly to a container (1) for the formation of self-baking electrodes to be used in low electric reduction furnaces, allowing the manufacture of silicon alloys with iron content as low as 0.25%, The container comprising an aluminum cylindrical casing (11) split in two parts containing therein a plurality of stainless steel ribs (12) uniformly attached perpendicularly along the inner surface of the casing (11) lengthwise along the cylindrical casing (11), wherein the cylindrical casing (11) is made of aluminum plates and the ribs (12) are made of stainless steel plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Companhia Brasileira Carbureto de Calcio
    Inventor: Hélio Cavalcante Lopes de Albuquerque
  • Patent number: 6590926
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a self-baking electrode for use in low electric reduction furnaces, and refers particularly to a container (1) for the formation of self-baking electrodes to be used in low electric reduction furnaces, allowing the manufacture of silicon alloys with iron content as low as 0.35%, the container comprising a cylindrical casing (11) split in two parts containing therein a plurality of ribs (12) uniformly attached perpendicularly along the inner surface of the casing (11) lengthwise along the cylindrical casing wherein the cylindrical casing (11) and ribs (12) are made of stainless steel plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Companhia Brasileira Carbureto de Calcio
    Inventor: Hélio Cavalcante Lopes de Albuquerque
  • Patent number: 6452956
    Abstract: An electrode for a smelting furnace comprises an elongate casing including a plurality of spaced, inwardly projecting ribs extending radially from an inner surface of the casing towards the center of the casing. A central core of a pre-baked electrode, typically a solid or hollow pre-baked graphite electrode, is disposed within the casing free of the projecting ribs and defines a space between the core and the inner surface of the casing. A heating zone is located intermediate the ends of the casing so that a carbonaceous electrode paste received or receivable within the space between the core and the inner surface of the casing is calcined into a baked, hard form upon entering the heating zone. The projecting ribs assist in baking the electrode paste and in anchoring or supporting the electrode to reduce the risk of nipple or joint fracture of adjacent pre-baked electrodes. The electrodes are particularly useful in the smelting of ferrochromium and in the reduction of ores such as ilmenite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Inventor: Marcel Sciarone
  • Publication number: 20020126728
    Abstract: A self-baking extruded electrode for a submerged arc electric furnace includes [comprising: -] a metal outer casing (1), cylindrical in shape, on which electric contact plates (5) are applied for the electrical supply. The electrode includes [-] an inner part [comprising] with electrolytic paste (3, 7, 8) anchored to an anchoring core (2) disposed axially inside the casing (1)[, -] an extrusion device (10) is connected to [said] the anchoring core (2) to control axial sliding of [said] the inner part of the electrode with respect to [said] the casing (1)[, downward].
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2001
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Applicant: Industria Elettrica "INDEL" S.p.A., Italy
    Inventor: Pio Paolo Benvegnu
  • Patent number: 6377603
    Abstract: A system is disclosed for assembling a composite, self-baking electrode for electric arc furnaces. The electrode includes an outer metal ferrule, a central column of prebaked carbon or graphite sections assembled by nipples. New sections are added to the column from carbon paste placed between the ferrule and the central column. The assembling system principally includes a support that is vertically mobile over a length greater than the length of each of the sections. The support suspends the central column. A device is provided for temporarily blocking the column and a clamping device applies a preset torque to a newly added section while the blocking device temporarily blocks the column from movement thereby screwing the newly added section to an adjacently positioned section of the column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Invensil
    Inventor: Raymond Delorme
  • Patent number: 6363098
    Abstract: The invention is to offer such a carbon electrode of less consumption and a long useful life and a method of fabricating the same which prevents particles from falling from carbon electrodes into a melting quartz glass, checks occurrence of bubbles in the quartz glass, and avoids lowering of single crystallizing yield by bubbles existing in a transparent layer formed in the vicinity of an inside surface of a quartz glass crucible when lifting silicon single crystal by using the quartz glass crucible made by using the carbon electrodes. The carbon electrode to be used for melting quartz glass by an arc discharge, is characterized in that an electrode material is composed of carbon of bulk density being 1.80 g/cm3 or higher and a three-point bending strength being 35 MPa or higher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: Toshiba Ceramics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hirotaka Hagihara, Takakazu Mori, Atsuro Miyao, Kiyoaki Misu, Shinya Wagatsuma, Shunichi Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20020021737
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a self-baking electrode for use in low electric reduction furnaces, and refers particularly to a container (1) for the formation of self-baking electrodes to be used in low electric reduction furnaces, allowing the manufacture of silicon alloys with iron content as low as 0.25%, The container comprising an aluminum cylindrical casing (11) split in two parts containing therein a plurality of stainless steel ribs (12) uniformly attached perpendicularly along the inner surface of the casing (11) lengthwise along the cylindrical casing (11), wherein the cylindrical casing (11) is made of aluminum plates and the ribs (12) are made of stainless steel plates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2001
    Publication date: February 21, 2002
    Inventor: Helio Cavalcante Lopes de Albuquerque
  • Publication number: 20020021738
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a self-baking electrode for use in low electric reduction furnaces, and refers particularly to a container (1) for the formation of self-baking electrodes to be used in low electric reduction furnaces, allowing the manufacture of silicon alloys with iron content as low as 0.35%, the container comprising a cylindrical casing (11) split in two parts containing therein a plurality of ribs (12) uniformly attached perpendicularly along the inner surface of the casing (11) lengthwise along the cylindrical casing wherein the cylindrical casing (11) and ribs (12) are made of stainless steel plates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2001
    Publication date: February 21, 2002
    Inventor: Helio Calvalcante Lopes de Albuquerque
  • Patent number: 5978410
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for production of carbon electrodes where a first unbaked carbonaceous electrode paste containing a binder which cures at a temperature below 500.degree. C. is supplied to an annulus between a curing chamber having an inner cross section corresponding to the cross section of the electrode which is to be produced and an inner mould material, curing of the first electrode paste by means of supplying heat to the curing chamber, removing of elongated sections of the cured first electrode paste from the curing chamber. The lengths of the cured first electrode paste are mounted on the top of the electrode column in an electric smelting furnace, a second electrode paste is optionally supplied to the central opening of the cured body of the first electrode paste, whereby the cured body of the first electrode paste and the second electrode paste are baked into a solid carbon electrode in the area of supplying electric operating current to the electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Elkem ASA
    Inventors: Johan Arnold Johansen, Reidar Ugland
  • Patent number: 5854807
    Abstract: The self-baking electrode suitable for use in an electric arc furnace comprises an elongated open ended electrically conductive casing for extending generally vertically within the furnace. A central core made of a heat conductive material is disposed within and spaced from the casing. A framework within is securing the central core to an inner surface of the casing for holding centrally the central core within the casing and for preventing an extrusion of the central core downward. The central core is surrounded by a carbonaceous electrode paste devised to cure into a solid electrode upon heating and to bond to the central core. This self-baking electrode allows the production of silicon metal in a Soderberg-type furnace without any modification to the usual slipping system or addition of another slipping system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Assignee: SKW Canada Inc.
    Inventors: Rene Boisvert, Jacques Dostaler, Jacques Dubois, Dieter W. Ksinsik
  • Patent number: 5822358
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Elkem ASA
    Inventor: Johan Arnold Johansen
  • Patent number: 5778021
    Abstract: The invention relates to a self-baking carbon electrode produced in direct connection with the furnace wherein it is consumed. The electrode comprises an outer casing made from an electrical conducting material, and having inner radial, vertical ribs. Carbonaceous unbaked paste is supplied to the casing, which paste is being baked to a solid electrode by means of electric current supplied to the electrode. The inner radial, vertical ribs consist of solid carbon sheets being affixed to the inside of the casing, said carbon sheets having a ratio between radial length and thickness of above 5:1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Assignee: Elkem ASA
    Inventor: Reidar Innv.ae butted.r
  • Patent number: 5693211
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for closing and cooling of the top of a Soderberganode for use in connection with electrolytic production of aluminum, which anode is equipped with an anode casing and vertical contact bolts for holding and for conducting operating current to the anode and where the top of the anode casing is equipped with at least one cover having openings for the contact bolts and at least one off-gas opening. The amount of gas removed from the top of the anode through the off-gas opening is regulated in such a way that a sufficient diminished pressure is provided on the top of the anode that surrounding air will flow through air gaps arranged between the cover and each of the contact bolts in such an amount that gas from the top of the anode does not escape through the air gaps and to keep the temperature of the top of the anode casing below a preset temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Assignee: Elkem Aluminium ANS
    Inventor: Arnt Tellef Olsen
  • Patent number: 5577065
    Abstract: A device for mounting a self-baking composite electrode for an electric arc furnace, which includes a hollow metallic shell, a central column of graphite or pre-baked carbon comprising a plurality of elements fitted together by means of nipples. A carbonaceous paste is disposed between the shell and the column. The column is suspended from a support which is movable in a vertical direction with respect to the shell, along a length which is greater than the length of each of the elements. The invention is particularly relevant to furnaces for the production of silicon by carbothermic means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Assignee: Pechiney Electrometallurgie
    Inventor: Maurice Sales
  • Patent number: 5535236
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electrically operated preheater for dry material for the manufacture of green carbon-containing masses. The invention includes a preheater having a silo housing, a core, a top and a bottom electrode, a concentric feed pipe, an eccentric feed pipe, and a rotating feeding tool. The silo housing has a core located substantially within the silo housing extending substantially along its longitudinal axis. The top electrode is provided between the wall of the silo housing and the core, located proximate the top end of the silo housing, and the bottom electrode is provided between the wall of the silo housing and the core, located proximate the bottom end of the silo housing. The electrodes are connected to a power source. The rotating removal tool is located in the core proximate the eccentric feed pipe. The rotating feeding tool conveys the material for manufacture from the core into the eccentric feed pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1996
    Assignee: Maschinenfabrik Gustav Eirich
    Inventor: Werner Fischer
  • Patent number: 5507933
    Abstract: A cell component for use in particular as anodes, cathodes and cell linings of cells for the electrolysis of alumina for the production of aluminum, comprising a solidified carbon containing paste consisting essentially of a compact mixture of one or more particulate carbonaceous material(s) with a non-carbonaceous binder and optionally with one or more fillers to form a fluid paste, the binder being a suspension of one or more colloids or being derived from one or more colloid precursors or colloid reagents optionally with chelating agents. A method of producing the cell component is also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1996
    Inventors: Vittorio de Nora, Jainagesh A. Sekhar
  • Patent number: 5351266
    Abstract: An improved process for the continuous manufacture of impurity and iron-free electrodes for electric arc furnaces including a mechanism allowing the replacement of an amorphous coal electrode by a graphite core electrode without extensive furnace shutdown. A dual sliding system is provided which allows an electrode to be continuously baked and provided to the furnace with or without a metal casing and which includes a special contact plate for transmitting electric current which decreases substantially the contact surface of the plate. The process is especially useful for obtaining impurity free elemental silicon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1994
    Assignee: Ferroatlantica, S.L.
    Inventors: Francisco J. Bullon Camarasa, Juan J. Ropero Beltran, Juan A. Benedit del Burgo
  • Patent number: 5146469
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a means for continuous production of elongated carbon bodies having a constant or substantially constant cross-section where a casing filled with unbaked paste consisting of carbon and a carbon containing binder is continuously baked to a solid carbon body by heating by means of direct electric current. The first terminal of the direct current source is being slidably connected to the casing through a plurality of vertical ribs extending radially outwards from the casing, said ribs being made from a current conducting material, and the second terminal of the direct current source being connected to the baked part of the carbon body or to a bottom contact in a smelting furnace in which the carbon body is consumed. The casing containing the carbon containing paste is continuously or substantially continuously moved in axial direction by means of slipping- and holding means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1992
    Assignee: Elkem Technology a/s
    Inventor: Erik Svana
  • Patent number: 5128012
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an arrangement for closing the top of a Soderberganode used in an electrolytic cell for production of aluminum. The anode comprises an anode casing and vertical contact bolts for holding and for conducting electric current to the anode. The top of the anode is closed by means of at least one central cover having openings for the contact bolts and at least one side cover which can be opened in order to charge anode paste to the anode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1992
    Assignee: Elkem Aluminium ANS
    Inventor: Arnt T. Olsen
  • Patent number: 5110427
    Abstract: Known processes for the preparation by crushing of scrap comprising metal parts provided with a surface coating have the disadvantage that they are very complex and/or only allow the reuse of one component of the scrap.These disadvantages can be avoided if the crushed parts are fed to a carbon-containing mass used in the electrochemical industry, in particular a Soderberg mass of a carbon-containing mass for the production of cathode or anode blocks for the generation of aluminum by the Hall-Heroult process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1992
    Assignee: Alusuisse-Longz Services, Ltd.
    Inventor: Klaus Meyer
  • Patent number: 4897170
    Abstract: The invention is a novel Soderberg electrode paste composition. The composition is a mixture comprising carbonaceous aggregate, novolac resin binder, plasticizer and optionally hexamethylenetetramine. The novolac resin of the binder has a melting point of at least 100.degree. C. and a free phenol content of not more than 4% by weight based on the weight of novolac resin solids. The residual coking value of the composition of the invention is at least as great as the minimum preferred coking value of traditional Soderberg pastes which are based on coal tar pitch binder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1990
    Assignee: Borden, Inc.
    Inventor: Pitchaiya Chandramouli
  • Patent number: 4885073
    Abstract: This invention relates to a lithum-containing carbon anode employed in the process of producing aluminum metal where the lithium compounds in an amount of 0.1 to 1.5 percent by weight were added into the carbon mass made of pitch and calcined coke to produce a Soderberg anode and carbon mass of prebaked anode. Compared with the ordinary carbon anode used in the production of aluminum, the anode overvoltage will be reduced about 100 to about 200 mV. Therefore, the energy consumption will be decreased by about 300 to about 600 Kwh. In addition, the current efficiency will be increased by 1 to 2 percent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1989
    Assignees: Northeast University of Technology, Shandong Aluminum Works
    Inventors: Yao Guangchun, Qiu Zhuxian, Nu Z. Wu
  • Patent number: 4784733
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for recycling spent potliner carbon from an aluminum reduction cell. The spent potliner is treated so as to avoid the cracking problem normally seen when the potliner is used in substantial amounts in Soderberg anodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1988
    Assignee: Reynolds Metals Company
    Inventors: Euel R. Cutshall, Luther O. Daley
  • Patent number: 4770826
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of regulating the tar content of precooked anodes intended for the production of aluminum by electrolysis, to an optimum level Bm corresponding to the maximum dry density of the anodes, which utilizes measurements on crude anodes emerging from compaction and without awaiting the results of the cooking process. The method comprises the following repeatedly carrying out of the following sequence of steps:(a) forming a carbonaceous paste containing, by weight, an initial tar content Bo %;(b) forming a number n of anodes from the initial carbonaceous paste, and determining mean dry density by measuring their height H and weight P when they emerge from compaction;(c) forming a further carbonaceous paste containing tar content, .gamma.(Bo+x.sub.o) % where x.sub.o is greater or less than zero;(d) forming a number m of anodes from the second carbonaceous paste and determining the mean dry density .gamma.(Bo+x.sub.o) of the m anodes when they emerge from compaction;(e) comparing .
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1988
    Assignee: Aluminum Pechiney
    Inventor: Claude Vanvoren
  • Patent number: 4756814
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the individual marking of precooked anodes used in the production of aluminum by electrolysis in the Hall-Heroult process, and to the anodes produced thereby. These anodes are produced by hot compaction of a carbonaceous paste, and according to the invention, during or immediately after such compaction, a plurality of impressions is formed in the upper part of each anode. The impressions are depressions and/or relief portions, constitute a digital coding for the identification number of each anode, and remain legible until withdrawal of the components of the butt of the worn anode from the electrolysis tank. The marking can be carried out using a binary or ternary code, where the reference plane of the zone of the anode which carries the marking corresponds to a first digit, with other digits corresponding to depressions of a particular depth, depressions of a greater depth, or relief portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1988
    Assignee: Aluminum Pechiney
    Inventors: Claude Van Voren, Christian Jonville
  • Patent number: 4756813
    Abstract: An electrode comprises an outer casing and an inner casing which enclose un-baked electrode paste. A conducting mandrel is placed in the center of the electrode and is in electrical contact with the paste. Electric current passes through the conducting mandrel outwardly through the paste to provide a baked electrode. Slipping shoes engage the outer surface of the baked electrode to support the baked electrode and the unbaked paste. In one embodiment, a thin foil moves with the paste to allow the paste to move downwardly easily with respect to the casings, and in a second embodiment, the casing is oscillated with respect to the paste to prevent adhesion between the paste and the casing walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1988
    Inventor: Earl K. Stanley
  • Patent number: 4756004
    Abstract: A self-baking electrode includes a pressure chamber for receiving electrode paste under pressure. A centrally located conductor supplies electrical current to the paste, and the paste is baked by passage of the electrical current to form an electrode. The electrode is supported by a support band and is advanced past the support band by supplying paste under pressure to the pressure chamber. The pressure chamber is heated to maintain the paste in a softened state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1988
    Inventors: Earl K. Stanley, James M. Black
  • Patent number: 4737247
    Abstract: This invention includes apparatus and method for providing a support mechanism for electrode assemblies including positioning spacer of electrically nonconductive material having an inside surface forming an internal cavity and a heat pipe for passing a heat transfer fluid through the cavity along the inside surface. The heat pipe transfers heat away from the positioning spacer to form a protective layer of frozen bath around the positioning spacer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1988
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventors: Noel Jarrett, Melvin H. Brown
  • Patent number: 4726892
    Abstract: A prebaked carbon or Soderberg anode for the recovery of aluminum metal from its ores by the process of electrolysis wherein the anode contains comminuted aluminum in an amount of from 0.1 to 2.0 parts by weight per 100 parts by anode material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1984
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1988
    Assignee: Applied Industrial Materials Corporation
    Inventor: Philip B. Foulkes
  • Patent number: 4722684
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an arrangement for suspension of a baking furnace (19) for continuous production of carbon electrodes in direct connection with the smelting furnace (2) wherein the electrodes are consumed. The baking furnace is suspended from a baking furnace frame (15) by means of at least three rails (16), said rails (16) being connected to the baking furnace frame (15) at their upper ends by means of first universal joints (17) and the baking furnace (19) being connected to the rails (16) by means of second universal joints (25) and wherein the baking furnace at its upper ends are equipped with means (21) for guiding the electrode into the baking furnace (19). The rails (16) are preferably threaded spindles and the baking furnace being connected to the spindles by means of nuts (20) having spherical bearings (25). At the lower end of the baking furnace there are preferably arranged at least three guide wheels (23) which via brackets (24) are affixed to the baking furnace (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1988
    Assignee: Elkem a/s
    Inventor: Henrik M. Kvivik
  • Patent number: 4696014
    Abstract: In the production of an electrode for an arc furnace from a hardenable electrode paste and in which the arc current is fed to the electrode via a current supply unit, an electrode heater is arranged, in the direction of feeding down of the electrode into the furnace upstream of the current supply unit, said electrode heater supplying thermal energy to the electrode paste for the purpose of baking the latter, the formation of the electrode from the paste taking place in a casing which is not consumed in the arcing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1987
    Assignee: ASEA Aktiebolag
    Inventor: Bengt Orrling
  • Patent number: 4692929
    Abstract: Self-baking electrode for electric arc furnaces, particularly suited to the production of metal silicon, ferro-alloys and the like, including a containing metal casing (1), an electrodic carbonaceous mass (4,7) and a supporting structure (8) for said electrodic mass, said supporting structure being manufactured from carbon fibres and/or composite materials based on carbon fibres, which permits to obtain products, in particular metal silicon, having a high titer and a low impurity content. Said electrode is also endowed with improved mechanical characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1987
    Assignee: Kinglor-LTD
    Inventors: Mario Cavigli, Lorenzo Ferrari
  • Patent number: 4659442
    Abstract: Carbon losses are reduced in that an operative carbon anode is glued beneath a carbon core in an inert anode top. The operative anode carbon is almost completely consumed. The anode top is then cleaned and a new operative carbon is glued to its underside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1987
    Assignee: .ANG.rdal og Sunndal Verk AS
    Inventors: Tormod Naterstad, Knut Bergli, Jan Hurlen
  • Patent number: 4612151
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for continuous production of elongated carbon bodies having substantial uniform cross-section where a casing filled with unbaked carbonaceous electrode paste is slowly and substantially continuously lowered down through a baking furnace having an external energy supply. The casing is perforated in order to allow baking gases to flow from the electrode paste and into the baking furnace. Air for combustion of the baking gases is supplied to the baking furnace in an amount necessary for combustion of the baking gases which flow into the baking furnace. The external energy supplied to the baking furnace is controlled in such a way that the total amount of external energy supplied to the baking furnace and the energy generated by combustion of the baking gases inside the baking furnace is sufficient to maintain a temperature inside the baking furnace of 700.degree.-1300.degree. C., preferably 900.degree.-1100.degree. C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1984
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1986
    Assignee: Elkem a/s
    Inventors: William V. H. Bruff, Leif Olsen
  • Patent number: 4575856
    Abstract: An iron free self baking electrode comprises an outer metallic shell, a center core formed of a graphite or prebaked carbon material spaced from the shell and a quantity of a carbonaceous paste which cures into a solid electrode and bonds to the graphite or prebaked carbon core as the core and paste passes downwardly through the casing. The graphite or prebaked carbon core conducts heat to the paste material to promote more rapid curing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1986
    Assignee: Pennsylvania Engineering Corporation
    Inventor: John A. Persson
  • Patent number: 4527329
    Abstract: A process of forming a continuous carbon electrode for use in a smelting furnace in situ is disclosed. The process consists of at least two annular members, the first annular member provides the heat for softening, and baking the electrode paste to form a solid carbon electrode and the second annular member provides the electric current for the furnace. The second annular member receives energy independent of the first annular member. The weight of the electrode is supported either by the first annular member or by a third annular member which is added between the first two annular members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1982
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1985
    Assignees: Carboindustrial S.A., Elkem a/s
    Inventors: William Bruff, Geraldo S. de Santana, David G. de Oliveira