Abstract: A method and system automatically determines when an electrode add event occurs in an electric arc furnace having a plurality of electrode columns, each carried by an electrode positioning system. Data is received correlating to the electrical current input to the positioning motors of the plurality of electrode columns. Data is also received correlating to a defined operating mode of the electrode positioning systems. Motor electrical current data is captured when the electrode positioning system is in the defined mode and an electrode-add event is thereafter determined when a current spike is identified in the motor input current data.

Abstract: A lifting apparatus for transporting a carbon based electrode having a threaded male end. The apparatus includes a casing having a top end and a bottom end. The casing defines an electrode aperture from the bottom end shaped to accept the threaded male end of the carbon based electrode to secure the lifting apparatus to the electrode. An attachment aperture is positioned in the top end while an attachment element is positioned in the attachment aperture and operatively engaging the top end of the casing. The attachment element is positioned to accept engagement from a crane or other powered lifting device, while the lifting apparatus is preferably manually attachable to the electrode.

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 lifting apparatus for transporting a carbon based electrode having a threaded male end. The apparatus comprises a casing having a top end and a bottom end. The casing defines an electrode aperture from the bottom end shaped to accept the threaded male end of the carbon based electrode to secure the lifting apparatus to the electrode. An attachment aperture is positioned in the top end while an attachment element is positioned in the attachment aperture and operatively engaging the top end of the casing. The attachment element is positioned to accept engagement from a crane or other powered lifting device, while the lifting apparatus is preferably manually attachable to the electrode.

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: 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 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 joint is presented, the joint including two joined graphite electrodes 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.