GB899857A - Improvements in or relating to electric arc furnaces - Google Patents

Abstract

899,857. Mounting furnace electrodes. BIRLEC-EFCO (MELTING) Ltd. Oct. 24, 1960 [July 24, 1959], No. 25426/59. Class 39(3) In order to maintain continous operation of an electric arc furnace, a consumable electrode 1 is supported in a clamp 2 between plates 8 and 9 and U-ring 7, which is controlled by a bifurcated lever 12 connected to a housing 14 containing a spring 16 backed by diaphragm 17 on connecting rod 13 to ensure that the clamp is held tight, so that when pneumatic or hydraulic pressure is applied to the diaphragm from feed pipe 19 the lever is moved so as to reduce the clamping force on the electrode only to an extent insufficient to allow the weight of the electrode to overcome the static frictional force which holds it in the clamp, but of such a value that when the clamp and/or the electrode is vibrated by means 23, 21, 22 the electrode descends into the furnace at a controlled rate. In a modified mode of operation, when the electrode begins to descend as a result of vibration the pressure on the clamp is further reduced to allow it to slip a required amount. The clamp may be water cooled and the electrode is continuously fed with current whilst its position is being altered. The clamp which is mounted on arm 3 supported on platform 5 which may be moved vertically by hydraulic ram 6.