Abstract: Method and device to control the force applied to the electrode-bearing arms of an electric arc furnace, the vertical regulation of the electrodes being achieved with an electrohydraulic or electropneumatic system consisting of an operational cylinder actuated by a fluid under pressure so as to raise and lower the electrodes, the control means of the system being adjustable by means of an electrical device, whereby the working pressure of the operational cylinder is measured by a pressure transducer (15) and is processed by a processor system (16) so as to obtain the weight of the electrodes and the condition of static pressure, the processor system (16) governing a quick-response servovalve (18) and being governed by an interface (19) of the system that adjusts the electrical current fed to the electrodes (11).

Abstract: Withdrawal and discharge device for a vertical continuous casting machine (10) which produces blooms within a field of weights ranging from one to at least twenty units of weight and with variations in speed of a support carriage (16) or foot with a field of speeds ranging from one to at least fifty units of speed, there being comprised in cooperation downstream of an ingot mould (11):a plurality of withdrawal roll assemblies (29) of which at least one is working momentarily, anda support assembly (16-17) with a motor assembly (22), the drive and control of the individual withdrawal roll assemblies (29) and of the motor assembly (22) being obtained with individual hydraulic circuits fitted directly to the withdrawal roll assemblies (29) and motor assembly (22) so as to have quicker response times and greater repeatability.