Abstract: The invention concerns a process and an apparatus for applying prestresses to carbonaceous cathodic blocks in the operation of sealing the cathodic bar in position with cast iron.The block (1) in the course of the sealing operation is lifted on two rollers (16A, 16B) in the vicinity of its ends (E) and stresses F1 and F3 are simultaneously applied respectively to the ends (10) of the lateral edges of the limb portions (3) of the block and to the central part (C) of the block. Such stresses must be applied during the sealing operation and maintained for 15 to 30 minutes after the end of the cast iron casting operation.That virtually totally suppresses the occurrence of cracks in the cathodic blocks.

Abstract: The method of the invention concerns continuous graphitization of long pre-cooked carbon-containing products.It comprises displacing the carbon-containing products in a column, along a horizontal axis of passage, inside a furnace where the packing is a fragmented carbon-containing material which is not displaced within the furnace. The column is put under stress by rams and is heated by the Joule effect.The method can be applied particularly to the production of graphite electrodes for arc furnaces in steel works.

Abstract: The invention concerns a fired refractory product based on refractory grains and binder, and process for the production thereof.The refractory product comprises a charge of refractory grains belonging to the group comprising carbonaceous products such as anthracite, natural graphite, artificial graphite, amorphous carbon, coke, refractory compounds known as RHM such as silicon carbide and refractory oxides such as alumina, corundum, magnesia, silica and chromium oxide, taken separately, in mixture or in combination; said grains are secured together by a cement based on a coked carbonaceous product and metal silicon in powder form; and the final proportion of metal silicon is from 1 to 15.8% and preferably from 3 to 10.5%.The product is intended for the manufacture of side linings for tanks for the production of aluminum by igneous electrolysis, and linings for blast furnaces and electric furnaces for electrometallurgy operations.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electric furnace for heating by passing a current through the charge, and more particularly, a continuous furnace in which the charge is a carbonaceous material.The furnace according to the invention is provided with a device for allowing non-reactive gas to be circulated in the opposite direction to the charge.The furnace according to the invention is used, in particular, for calcining anthracite.

Abstract: A nippled joint utilizes a biconical threaded nipple, for joining the ends of graphite electrodes. This new joint involves a particular machining of the threads of each end of the nipple or of the two electrode seats into which the nipple is screwed, which allows a variable clearance to be produced along the threading, this clearance passing through a minimum value into a zone located between a tenth and a quarter of the height of the engaged threading, measured from the base of each seat. A stop system which is produced by shifting at least one thread of the nipple or of the corresponding electrode seat, allows the clearance to be distributed on both sides of the joining plane of the two electrodes. The joint finds great utility in the assembly of electrode columns in an arc furnace and allows them to endure extremely severe thermomechanical strains without breaking.