Abstract: A sealing system for isolating the environment inside a vitrification container from the outside environment comprises a vitrification container with a lid. The lid comprises two or more electrode seal assemblies through which two or more electrodes may be operatively positioned and extend down through the lid into the vitrification container. The electrodes may move axially up and down through the electrode seal assemblies or lock into place. The electrode seal assemblies each comprise a housing having two halves with recessed ring grooves. Sealing rings with a split may be placed into the grooves. Gas galleries may be machined or cast into the housing such that they are adjacent to the ring grooves. The gas galleries distribute gas onto the external faces of the sealing rings causing a change in pressure resulting in the sealing rings compressing onto the electrodes and forming a seal.

Abstract: A sealing system for isolating the environment inside a vitrification container from the outside environment comprises a vitrification container with a lid. The lid comprises two or more electrode seal assemblies through which two or more electrodes may be operatively positioned and extend down through the lid into the vitrification container. The electrodes may move axially up and down through the electrode seal assemblies or lock into place. The electrode seal assemblies each comprise a housing having two halves with recessed ring grooves. Sealing rings with a split may be placed into the grooves. Gas galleries may be machined or cast into the housing such that they are adjacent to the ring grooves. The gas galleries distribute gas onto the external faces of the sealing rings causing a change in pressure resulting in the sealing rings compressing onto the electrodes and forming a seal.

Abstract: In a sealing device (1) for sealing the through hole of an electrode, the pressurizing medium that generates the pressure of mechanical sealings against a rod electrode structure is an inert gas, such as nitrogen. The means for pressing the created sealing ring (6) against the rod electrode structure (4) include a gas distribution chamber (8) surrounding the sealing ring (6); a first channel (9) that is arranged to provide a flow path for the inert gas in between the hose (14) and the gas distribution chamber (8); an annular groove (10) in the sealing surface (7) of the sealing ring (6); and a second channel (11), which is placed in the sealing ring (6) and is arranged to provide a flow path for the gas from the gas distribution chamber to the groove (10) for extruding the gas in between the sealing surface (7) and the rod electrode structure (4).

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: Disclosed herein is an electrode joint having a first carbon body having at least one end portion that includes a male tang with a convex tip and a second carbon body having a female socket with a concave base.

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: An electrode joint is presented, the joint including two joined graphite electrodes having blocked threads and having a locking ring interposed between the electrodes, the locking ring composed of a material having a coefficient of friction such that the tendency of the electrode joint to unscrew is retarded.

Abstract: A male-female electrode joint is presented, the joint including two joined graphite electrodes having blocked threads and having a seal interposed between the electrodes, the seal composed of a material having an oxidation rate equal to or less than that of the electrodes.

Abstract: An electrode joint is presented, the joint including two joined graphite electrodes and having a joint strengthening ring interposed between the electrodes, the joint strengthening ring composed of a compressible.

Abstract: An end-face seal for graphite electrode joints, including a seal formed of a plurality of individual elements interlocked to form a unitary whole, and formed of a material having an oxidation rate equal to or less than that of the electrodes.

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: 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: A Deglor furnace includes heating elements each having a heater rod being surrounded by a protective tube. The protective tube is mounted on a ceiling of the Deglor furnace and is run through an opening in the ceiling into the interior of the Deglor furnace. Heat insulation of the ceiling which borders the opening is protected against corrosive gases from the interior by a shield.

Abstract: A submerged arc furnace with an open slag bath, having a vertically movable frame which is arranged above the furnace which is closed by a cover. An electrode mount and an electrode filling device are arranged on the frame. A platform is provided on which the frame is supported via at least three regulating cylinders. The platform, which is arranged above the furnace cover, is configured as a maintenance platform on which, for each electrode, there is provided a sealing unit which has components for the horizontal and vertical sealing of the free surfaces between the electrodes and the electrode passage openings of the cover.

Abstract: An electrode seal for arc furnaces, particularly arc furnaces for steel making, has a first element in the form of a water cooled copper sleeve lining an aperture in the furnace roof for passage of an electrode, the sleeve having an upper surface engaged by a lower surface of a horizontally slidable seal ring formed by beryllium copper water cooled segments which abut end-to-end to form a close fitting collar around the electrode having an internal diameter the same as the external diameter of the electrode. The segments are spring loaded radially against each other and so as to center them over the aperture, so as to accommodate any minor oversize or irregularities of the electrode, as well as damping horizontal movement of the latter, and are also spring-urged downwardly against the sleeve. Water passages in the segments and in the sleeve are connected in series, and water piping and spring loading apparatus are arranged to leave part of the periphery of the seal free, allowing close grouping of electrodes.

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: The metallurgical vessel, such as a direct-current arc furnace, comprises a metal housing (1) lined on its inside with refractory material (2), at least one electrode (3) passing through the bottom of the vessel and connected to a terminal of an electrical power supply, the electrode being fastened to the metal housing by a mechanical fastening arrangement and insulated electrically from the housing. A leaktight wall (20) surrounding the fastening zone of the electrode prevents a liquid flowing over the inner surface of the housing from coming into contact with the electrode fastening arrangement, and orifices (26) are provided for discharging the liquid collected out of the housing. The invention is particularly applicable to direct-current arc furnaces and prevents the molten lead originating from the scrap metal of the charge and infiltrating through the refractory from damaging the electrical insulation of the fastening of the electrode.

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.

Abstract: A sealed connection for a sleeve and jacket for protecting a molybdenum electrode mounted through the wall of an electric glass furnace. Around the electrode in the wall is a stainless steel sleeve coated on the inside with a fused alumina and having an outwardly extending flange at its outer end which engages the outer wall or shoulder in the aperture in the wall through which the electrode extends. The flange has an axially outwardly extending rib of V-shaped radial cross-section which seats and centers in an annular V-shaped groove around the inner end of a water jacket that surrounds the electrode outside the furnace. Refractory sealing gaskets are placed between the flange and the wall of the furnace and in the cooperating grooves and ribs of the sleeve and water jacket. The sealed cylindrical annular space around the electrode between it and the sleeve and the jacket is filled with nitrogen to prevent oxidation of the molybdenum electrode.

Abstract: The electric connection device comprises an electrode (5), a sleeve (19) mounted around a projecting end part (8) of the electrode (5), and an arrangement for cooling the sleeve (19) with a cooling fluid comprising at least one system (20, 20') of nozzles (21) spraying cooling fluid onto the outer surface of the sleeve (19).

Abstract: A cover for a vessel handling heated substances, such as a furnace, in which the cover comprises an outer segment defining an opening in which a removable inner cover segment (delta) is seated and wherein said inner cover segment comprises spaced apart walls defining an enclosed space that contains coolant spray means adapted for spraying coolant onto the wall that is closest to the interior of the vessel.

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 cooling apparatus for electric arc furnace (EAF) electrodes, in which nozzles spray and cool the surfaces of EAF electrodes outside the furnace roof. The water spray cooling is provided around the graphite electrode columns. Water flow is controlled in a way that water running down the electrode columns is evaporated before entering the EAF-roof hole to enable maximum graphite saving and high security.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a seal assembly for sealing an electrode movable vertically through an opening in the roof of an electrode furnace. The seal assembly comprises a lower assembly including an annular base adapted for sealing engagement with the roof around the roof opening, an annular wall extending up from the base, and an annular scraper extending generally radially inwardly relative to the wall and having an inner edge adapted for scraping material from the outer surface of the electrode as the electrode moves vertically. The seal assembly also includes an upper assembly comprising a pair of annular seals of refractory material disposed in vertically spaced relation, each seal comprising a plurality of discrete arcuate seal segments, a mechanism for applying an inward radial pressure to each seal to hold it in sealing engagement with the electrode, and a mechanism for holding each seal against upward movement relative to the roof as the electrode moves up through the roof opening.

Abstract: A plug comprises a refractory body having a plurality of gas passgeways through which gas is blown into a refining apparatus. Each gas passageway may be defined by at least two metal tubes which are longitudinally spaced apart from each other. Alternatively, each gas passageway may be at least partly defined by an electrically insulating tube. The plug may alternatively have a plurality of gas passageways each having a bare refractory wall, while the body is reinforced with nonconductive mineral fibers, or metal wires which do not continuously extend throughout the plug. The plug may further be provided with a plurality of elongated holes extending in parallel to the gas passgeways from the inner surface of the body facing the interior of the refining apparatus to an intermediate portion thereof.

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.

Abstract: The gap between an insertion hole formed in a covering of a ladle and an electrode inserted through the insertion hole is sealed by sealing means. The sealing means has a cap seal longitudinally and slidably fitted over the electrode. A base seal is hermetically disposed between the cap seal and the covering in such a manner that a gap is provided between the electrode and the base seal. The base seal has a gas injection nozzle intended to discharge a gas toward the electrode and another gas injection nozzle intended to discharge the gas downwardly. The use of the base and cap seals enables securing the sealing functions thereof despite any movement of the electrode, thus preventing the pickup of [N] as well as the reoxidation of molten steel. When a gas seal is effected by the formation of a flow of gas rotating around the electrode about the axis thereof, the sealing performance can be more enhanced.

Abstract: Apparatus for sealing an electrode in an electric arc furnace comprises an annular chamber which is adapted to encompass the electrode and includes a ring-shaped cover member of a refractory material which is supported above or is formed integrally with an upstanding cylindrical wall member. The wall member has a passageway which is inclined with respect to the radius of the chamber and is connected to receive gas under pressure and to discharge such gas on to and around the encompassed electrode effectively to seal the space around the electrode.

Abstract: Apparatus for sealing an electrode in an electric arc furnace comprises an annular chamber which is adapted to encompass the electrode and includes a ring-shaped cover member of a refractory material which is supported above or is formed integrally with an upstanding cylindrical wall member. The wall member has a passageway which is inclined with respect to the radius of the chamber and is connected to receive gas under pressure and to discharge such gas on to and around the encompassed electrode effectively to seal the space around the electrode.

Abstract: A seal for use around a rod electrode passing along an axis through a hole in the wall of a furnace into the interior of the furnace has an annular and at least limitedly flexible seal ring fitted snugly around the electrode in the hole and a holder carrying the seal ring and sealingly engaged with the furnace wall. Thus gas flow through the wall at the hole past the seal ring is substantially blocked. The seal assembly has structure forming with the electrode and seal ring a substantially closed chamber surrounding the electrode axially inward into the furnace from the ring. This chamber is pressurized at superatmospheric pressure with an inert gas and the electrode is cooled inward of the furnace from the seal ring. The seal ring is compressed axially by a packing assembly so it is pressed radially against the electrode. The packing includes rigid split compression rings bearing axially on the seal ring.

Abstract: An electric arc furnace has an electrically conductive roof with an electrode opening through which an arcing electrode depends with the opening closed around the electrode by an upstanding tubular electrically insulating refractory column surrounding the electrode and mounting on its top an electrically conductive electrode seal.

Abstract: An electric furnace electrode seal assembly includes a seal ring mounted on the furnace adjacent the electrode opening. The seal ring is stationary and supports a telescoping arrangement of a plurality of cylindrical sealing glands which can be air or convection cooled and extend upwardly along the electrode from the seal ring. The largest diameter gland can be located on top of the seal ring and the uppermost gland can be the smallest diameter and is supported by the electrode holder. Seals are interposed respectively between adjacent glands and these seals permit vertical telescopic movement as well as lateral movement of and slight tilting of the glands relative to each other. The bottom gland can slide on the seal ring to provide for additional lateral movement of the electrode and seal assembly. The assembly prevents leakage of gases and acts as a heat shield.

Abstract: A steel treatment system includes a ladle having a cover, a heating electrode mounted to extend through an opening in the cover, a casing surrounding the electrode and including lower, intermediate and upper sections, and a seal mounted at the cover about the opening for forming a seal with the lower section of the casing. A clamp device is mounted on the intermediate section of the casing and extends therethrough for clamping the electrode and for fixing the relative axial position of the electrod with respect to the casing. An actuator is fixedly supported at a level above the clamp device and is operatively connected to the casing to move the casing and the electrode downwardly. First guide rollers act on the lower section of the casing, and second guide rollers act on the upper section of the casing for ensuring axial movement of the casing and electrode.

Abstract: An apparatus for reheating molten steel in a ladle under a shielded gaseous atmosphere comprises a vertically movable electrode housing, a lower portion of which extends through a tight passage formed in the ladle cover or in the cover of a ladle-containing vessel. This passage comprises a hollow water-cooled jacket or belt assembly surrounding the housing and provided with recesses for scraper rings and a packing and connected, through a flexible and vacuum-tight coupling, to a flanged collar rigid with the cover. Stacked refractory rings of insulating material are interposed between the belt and the flanged collar. The packing may be replaced by an inflated flexible tubular torus. A conduit is provided for supplying lubricant to the surfaces in mutual sliding contact.