Abstract: A highly flexible sealing arrangement designed to seal high-temperature furnace ports, particularly the electrode port of an electric furnace. The seal comprises an annular support member fixed to a flexible sealing member and employs the use of a garter spring to uniformly apply the desired amount of seal compression. The arrangement and flexibility of the sealing member allows the seal to adapt itself to the wide range of operating and upset conditions that typically exist for a furnace electrode seal. Frictional wear on the seal may be greatly reduced as the design inherently allows for a much lower amount of seal compression to be applied, furthermore, the seal is able to move axially which can significantly reduce wear caused by electrode regulation.

Abstract: A highly flexible sealing arrangement designed to seal high-temperature furnace ports, particularly the electrode port of an electric furnace. The seal comprises an annular support member fixed to a flexible sealing member and employs the use of a garter spring to uniformly apply the desired amount of seal compression. The arrangement and flexibility of the sealing member allows the seal to adapt itself to the wide range of operating and upset conditions that typically exist for a furnace electrode seal. Frictional wear on the seal may be greatly reduced as the design inherently allows for a much lower amount of seal compression to be applied, furthermore, the seal is able to move axially which can significantly reduce wear caused by electrode regulation.

Abstract: An electrode assembly for use in a reduction cell for the production of metal such as aluminum. The electrode comprises an electrically conductive carbon electrode block with an electrically conductive metal member connected thereto. At least one solid, conductive metal insert is at least partly received in the carbon electrode block with an interference fit, such that the insert exerts a lateral force on the carbon electrode block. The insert provides an improved electrically conductive connection between the carbon electrode block and the conductive metal member, with reduced resistance. The insert may provide a direct connection between the electrode block and the metal member, or the connection may be provided through a layer of cast iron or other metal element provided between the electrode block and the metal member. The electrode assembly may either comprise an anode or a cathode.