Abstract: An automatic facility for the connection of combination arc electrodes to a cooling water circuit, comprising a cooling water coupling device (17) mounted on the supporting arm (3) of the electrode, which on the one hand is connected to cooling water ducts (15, 15') and which on the other hand has openings (19, 19', 19") into which the free ends (21, 21') of cooling water guides (7,8) may be inserted, which are connected to the heat exchanger (1) of the combination electrode. By means of a fixing device (11, 11') mounted e.g. on the ring flange (9) of a contact device which is axially movable on the electrode, these ends of the cooling water guides may be positioned in such a way that, when slipping the electrode down through the clamping device (4) of the supporting arm (3) of the electrode, the free ends (21, 21') automatically assume an angle orientation which makes it possible to neatly insert these ends into the openings (19, 19') of the cooling water coupling device (17).

Abstract: In an arc furnace both of the open-air and submerged arc type an electrode column able to perform angular movements in one or in both directions alternatively about its axis during furnace operations and, at the same time, it can be moved vertically so as to allow the tip level to be changed as usual, as it is necessary in the furnace operation to achieve the best electric arc.

Abstract: An electrode holder assembly for a cylindrical electric arc melting furnace permits reduction of the electrode pitch circle diameter spacing the electrodes farther from the refractory lining reducing refractory wear and lengthening cycles between relining. The assembly also permits more power to be introduced while reducing overall reactance, both resulting in a more efficient furnace. The arrangement also provides reduced melting time in turn resulting in more furnace capacity, thus reducing electrode consumption per ton of molten metal. The arrangement is achieved by an improved simplified and compact differential clamp mounted inboard of a relatively thin U-shape clamp enabling the distal ends of the two outer arms of the three mast arms employed to be angled toward each other and the center mast arm to reduce the diameter of the electrode pitch circle.

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: A crucible furnace including a furnace vessel in which a graphite electrode and a metal contact electrode are vertically and horizontally movable.

Abstract: An arc furnace having a space for accommodating charging material, said space being disposed on one side of the furnace vessel and communicating with the interior of the furnace vessel and being disposed at least partly in the region of radiation of the arc of at least one arc electrode. The arc electrode is movable towards and away from the charging material accommodating space, and thereby permits better utilization of the radiant heat generated by the arc.

Abstract: The invention relates to a carbonaceous anode intended for cells for the production of aluminium by igneous electrolysis according to the Hall-Heroult process, which is connected to the positive current input by at least one steel conductor comprising a lower portion which penetrates into the carbonaceous anode and an upper portion which is connected to the positive current input. The upper portion of the steel conductor has, over at least 30% of the length of the upper portion, a cross sectional area which is at most equal to 60% of the cross sectional area of the lower portion.The upper portion may be constituted by a solid profile of reduced cross section or a tubular profile.The invention can be applied to prebaked anodes and to Soderberg anodes. It allows a substantial gain over the voltage drop in the anodic system.

Abstract: An electrically conductive connection for an electrode assembly of an electrolyte cell in which aluminum is produced by electrolysis in a molten salt is described. The electrode assembly comprises an electrode flask and a conductor rod. The flask has a collar above an area of minimum flask diameter. The electrically conductive connection comprises the electrode flask, the conductor rod and a structure bearing against the collar and the conductor rod for pulling the conductor rod into compressive and electrical contact with the flask.

Abstract: This invention concerns apparatus for selectively connecting an electrode of an electric arc furnace to a source of cooling fluid. The apparatus includes a coupling having passageways extending therethrough for the flow of cooling fluid and comprises at least two separable sections, one such section being connected to receive cooling fluid from the source and the other to convey such cooling fluid to the electrode when coupled to the said one section. Guide means are provided to guide one separable section into close proximity to the other section and to clamp the assembled sections together to connect the electrode to the source of cooling fluid.

Abstract: An apparatus for adjustably supporting a vertical electrode for an arc-type furnace. The apparatus includes an upper stationary electrode clamping structure and a lower adjustable electrode clamping structure suspended from the upper structure by adjustment screws. The two clamping structures are mounted on a carriage movable linearly into and out of registry with the furnace to accommodate maintenance and repair. Each clamping structure comprises an arcuate electrical contact and wedge-type slips engaging the periphery of the electrode in opposition to the electrical contact, the slips being spring-biased into electrode engagement and cam actuated from electrode engagement. The cams are actuated by a common shaft extending between the two clamping structures, so that the electrode is released from one clamping structure when engaged by the other clamping structure.

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: An electrode for electric arc furnaces, comprising an upper, metallic, water-cooled section and a lower section of consumable material, such as graphite, is held in its given position by means of an electrode support arm 1,2. The connection elements for electric power and liquid coolant 12, 6, 25 are integrated in the electrode support arm and are designed as plug connections.

Abstract: A method of repairing a water-cooled electrode holder for use in electric furnaces, of the type comprising a base and a bowl secured to the base for encompassing and supporting a vertical cylindrical electrode. Such holders suffer deterioration in the region of the inner surface of the bowl which is opposite the base. According to the invention, the outer semi-cylindrical portion of the bowl is cut off on a substantially diametral plane and replaced by a new portion. The new portion is formed from a flat slab of copper. To make the water passageways in the new portion match those in the old, a pattern of the locations of the passageways in the old portion is made and transferred to one end of the slab. The slab is then drilled lengthwise at the locations transferred from the pattern, and the holes are filled with sand and plugged. The slab is then bent to U-shape to comprise a semi-cylindrical portion having two straight ends thereon.

Abstract: A coupling means for the suspension of electrodes for arc furnaces from a lifting appliance comprising: a controllable locking device detachably engaging a connector element attached to an electrode; an entry guide arrangement for guiding the connector element into a position for engagement by the locking device; and a suspension means for the suspension of the coupling means on the lifting appliance, and including shock-absorbing means permitting relative motion parallel to a direction of insertion of the connector element between the suspension means and the locking device.

Abstract: An electrode support mechanism and method for use in electric arc melting or smelting furnaces wherein a pair of horizontal, superimposed arms are each provided with clamping devices at their outer end for supporting and supplying electric power to a vertically disposed electrode depending into an arc furnace. The arms are each supported on a vertical support post; the upper arm is fixed to the post and the lower arm which normally carries the electrode is movable relative to the post to adjust the electrode to maintain a constant arc at the furnace. The movable arm is moved vertically by a jack screw carried by the upper arm and depending into contact with the lower arm. The clamping devices at the ends of the arms are spring-biased toward contact with the electrode, and a linking mechanism is provided to alternately release the arm clamping mechanisms from the electrode under the control of an actuating system utilizing fluid pressure actuated cylinders.

Abstract: A snubber device for preventing the uncontrolled fall of a column supporting an electrode and crosshead structure in an electric arc furnace upon failure of the hoisting mechanism or cable. Clamp plates containing serrated surfaces are positioned on either side of the electrode column and are joined by a number of parallel link arms to form a pantograph-like structure. A linkage is attached to the cable deadend which causes the plates to move in vertical relationship to each other, thereby causing a horizontal displacement of the plates and clamping the column between them to prevent downward movement. The column snubber is provided with a number of flanged rollers which ride on the outer surface of the column to permit rolling movement between the snubber and column. When the clamp plates are clamping the column, the rollers move out of contact with the outer surface. The column snubber automatically adjusts for wear in the electrode column assembly.

Abstract: A method of lowering graphite electrodes which are supported vertically displaceable electrode holders and extend through the cover of an electric arc furnace is disclosed. In accordance with the disclosed method, the furnace cover is completely laterally swung away from the furnace vessel and then the free lengths of the electrodes below the electrode clamps are adjusted to a position insuring a stable electric arc.

Abstract: An electrode support mechanism for use in electric arc melting or smelting furnaces wherein a pair of horizontal, superimposed arms are each provided with clamping devices at their outer end for supporting a vertically disposed electrode depending into an arc furnace. The arms are each supported on a vertical support post; the upper arm is fixed to the post and the lower arm which normally carries the electrode is movable relative to the post to adjust the electrode to maintain a constant arc at the furnace. The movable arm is moved vertically by a jack screw carried by the upper arm and depending into contact with the lower arm. The clamping devices at the ends of the arms are spring-biased toward contact with the electrode, and a linking mechanism is provided to alternately release the arm clamping mechanisms from the electrode under the control of a cam-operated actuating system.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and an apparatus for replacing the electrodes of an electric arc furnace.Replacement of the electrodes in an electric arc furnace with an electrode roof (9) removable from the furnace shell takes place by moving the electrodes downwards and upwards through the electrode roof when removed from the furnace shell, in connection with removing and inserting the electrodes from and into their holders (13), respectively. An apparatus with a number of vertical tubes which can be placed below the removed electrode roof is arranged beside the furnace shell. Used electrodes can be lowered into some of the tubes and jointed replacement electrodes can be pushed up through the electrode roof from other tubes. The tubes are placed on a revolving disc (2) for alternating placing below the electrode positions in the roof. By means of the invention replacement of the electrodes can take place without any personnel having to stay above the electrode roof.

Abstract: A water-cooled electrode holder for use in electric furnaces, comprises a base and a bowl secured to the base for encompassing and supporting a vertical cylindrical electrode. The bowl is formed by rolling from a thick copper sheet which has first been drilled with a plurality of intersecting deep holes. The plate is drilled when flat and then bent to horseshoe configuration, the holes being filled with sand to keep their shape during bending. Plugs are then inserted to block the intersections of certain of the holes but to leave a single circuitous passageway through the bowl, for the passage of cooling water.