Abstract: Electrode holder system for electrothermic smelting furnaces comprising current clamps for conducting electric current to an electrode and hydraulic cylinders for moving the electrode up and down. The cylinders are connected to the electrode via an electrode frame and releasable clamping means. At least two vertical rails are arranged parallel to the electrode. The rails are at their upper ends suspended from a suspension frame and have a stopper means on their lower ends. The stopper means represents the lower limit for the movement of the current clamps. The electrode holder system combines regulation of the tip position with automatic feeding of the electrode.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a means for charging liquid slag to a closed smelting furnace. The means for charging liquid slag comprises a double walled tube extending through an opening in the furnace roof, said tube being connected to means for raising and lowering the tube relatively to the furnace roof. Means for gas tight sealing are provided between the furnace roof and the double walled tube. A funnel shaped part is secured to the upper end of the tube, said funnel shaped part being equipped with a closeable lid for gas tight closing of the funnel shaped part. For charging of liquid slag to the furnace the tube is lowered down into the furnace to such an extent that the lower end of the tube is under the slag level in the furnace, whereafter the lid is opened and liquid slag is charged into the furnace. When charging of liquid slag is finished, the lid is closed and the tube is raised to such an extent that the lower end of the tube is above the slag level in the furnace.

Abstract: Electrode holder system for electrothermic smelting furnaces comprising current clamps for conducting electric current to an electrode and hydraulic cylinders for moving the electrode up and down. The cylinders are connected to the electrode via an electrode frame and releasable clamping means. At least two vertical rails are arranged parallel to the electrode. The rails are at their upper ends suspended from a suspension frame and have a stopper means on their lower ends. The stopper means represents the lower limit for the movement of the current clamps. The electrode holder system combines regulation of the tip position with automatic feeding of the electrode.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an assembly and a method for feeding electrodes which are used in electrothermic smelting furnaces. The electrode comprises an electrode casing having vertical ribs projecting radially outwards from the casing. A plurality of electrode feeding units, each including a clamping means are arranged around the periphery of the electrode and each clamping means exerts a releasable pressure on a rib, the clamping means imposing only tangentially forces on to the electrode. When feeding the electrode, the pressure on one of the clamping means is temporary released and the clamping means is moved in vertical direction relative to the electrode, whereafter the pressure on the clamping means is reactivated. This is done for every electrode feeding unit with a preset time-delay between the movements. When all the electrode feeding units have been moved one at a time, all the electrode feeding units are moved together in vertical direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for charging an electric smelting or reduction furnace. In accordance with the invention, a charge tube movable within the roof or smoke hood of the furnace and is normally held in a protected position therein. When charging of the furnace is desired, the charge tube is lowered into the furnace to serve as a means for channeling charge material into the furnace. Preferably, the charge tube is operative to accumulate charge material while in its protected position and to release the material as it is lowered toward the furnace pot.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrode holder assembly for self-baking electrodes in an electrothermic smelting furnace. The electrode comprises an electrode casing having vertical fins projecting radially outwards from the casing. A plurality of clamping means are slidably arranged on said fins. The clamping means function both as means for conducting current into the electrode and as means for holding the electrode in position. The clamping means impose only tangentially forces on to the electrode in the baking zone. Protection shields are preferably arranged in lateral direction around the electrode, the shields being arranged between the clamping means or outside. Means for supplying air/gas into the space between the shields and the electrode in order to improve the baking conditions are provided.