Melting furnace (1), in particular for the production of metal alloys by melting alloying constituents, with a melting crucible (10), a cylindrical electrode rod (40) with a consumable electrode (41) attached thereto and a power supply (50) that is configured to supply the electrode (41) with power via the electrode rod (40), wherein the electrode rod (40) can be rotated about its own axis and moved along its own axis during the melting process.

Sensors measure magnetic field components, and the measured fields are used to calculate and estimated transverse position of a longitudinal electric current flowing as an electric discharge across a discharge gap. Based on the estimated position, and according to a selected transverse trajectory or distribution of the estimated discharge position, magnetic fields are applied transversely across the discharge gap so as to control or alter the estimated discharge position. Inventive apparatus and methods can be employed, inter alia, during operation of a vacuum arc furnace.

Sensors measure magnetic field components, and the measured fields are used to calculate and estimated transverse position of a longitudinal electric current flowing as an electric discharge across a discharge gap. Based on the estimated position, and according to a selected transverse trajectory or distribution of the estimated discharge position, magnetic fields are applied transversely across the discharge gap so as to control or alter the estimated discharge position. Inventive apparatus and methods can be employed, inter alia, during operation of a vacuum arc furnace.

A lifting adaptor configured to lift a graphite electrode includes a main body having a threaded end to secure the lifting adaptor to threads of the graphite electrode, and a lifting component coupled to the main body opposite the threaded end to lift the graphite electrode. The threaded end of the main body may comprise a non-graphite material with a coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) similar to Invar, within +/−0 to 1 (μm/(m K)) over a range from room temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

An electric power method for an electric arc furnace includes regulating the electric power frequency of a power voltage and a power current of the electrodes, independently from the mains frequency.

An electric power method for an electric arc furnace includes regulating the electric power frequency of a power voltage and a power current of the electrodes, independently from the mains frequency.

A method for forming a protective antioxidative barrier on the furnace electrodes using a chemically altered cooling liquid containing an antioxidant additive. This method can be applied to electrodes used in electric arc furnaces and ladle metallurgy furnaces. The method can involve spraying the cooling liquid onto the electrode, thereby forming the protective antioxidative barrier and reducing the oxidation of the electrode.

A method for forming a protective antioxidative barrier on the furnace electrodes using a chemically altered cooling liquid containing an antioxidant additive. This method can be applied to electrodes used in electric arc furnaces and ladle metallurgy furnaces. The method can involve spraying the cooling liquid onto the electrode, thereby forming the protective antioxidative barrier and reducing the oxidation of the electrode.

A method for forming a protective antioxidative barrier on the furnace electrodes using a chemically altered cooling liquid containing an antioxidant additive. This method can be applied to electrodes used in electric arc furnaces and ladle metallurgy furnaces. The method can involve spraying the cooling liquid onto the electrode, thereby forming the protective antioxidative barrier and reducing the oxidation of the electrode.

A method for forming a protective antioxidative barrier on the furnace electrodes using a chemically altered cooling liquid containing an antioxidant additive. This method can be applied to electrodes used in electric arc furnaces and ladle metallurgy furnaces. The method can involve spraying the cooling liquid onto the electrode, thereby forming the protective antioxidative barrier and reducing the oxidation of the electrode.