Electric furnace with conductive hearth
US5867523A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 28, 1996 |
| Grant date | Feb 2, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 28, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF27D1/145
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An improved return path for electric current through a conductive hearth of a direct current arc furnace is provided by pressing a ring of water cooled copper blocks into the periphery of a sidewall of the hearth of the furnace, the hearth having zones of conductive refractory providing an electrical path between the contents of the furnace of the copper blocks. The hearth is compressed by a tensioned peripheral band which may also support the blocks. The peripheral water cooled copper blocks may be divided into multiple groups, each group connected to one pole of a direct current power supply, the opposite pole of which is connected to a suspended electrode, permitting control of arc deflection.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.