A system measures parameters of the electricity drawn by an arc furnace and, based on an analysis of the parameters, provides indicators of whether arc coverage has been optimized. Factors related to optimization of arc coverage include electrode position, charge level, slag level and slag behaviour. More specifically, such indicators of whether arc coverage has been optimized may be used when determining a position for the electrode such that, to an extent possible, a stable arc cavity is maintained and an open arc condition is avoided. Conveniently, by avoiding open arc conditions, the internal linings of the furnace walls and roof may be protected from excessive wear and tear.

Disclosed embodiments include apparatuses, systems, and methods for positioning electrodes within a body. In an illustrative embodiment, an apparatus for slidably moving multiple features relative to a sheath inserted into a body and positioned relative to a reference point includes a primary actuator configured to move a primary electrode, a secondary actuator configured to move a secondary electrode, and a control mechanism. The control mechanism is configured to selectively prevent movement of at least one of the primary actuator based on a position of the secondary actuator and of the secondary actuator based on a position of the primary actuator and lock positions of the primary actuator and the secondary actuator.

Disclosed embodiments include apparatuses, systems, and methods for positioning electrodes within a body. In an illustrative embodiment, an apparatus for slidably moving multiple features relative to a sheath inserted into a body and positioned relative to a reference point includes a primary actuator configured to move a primary electrode, a secondary actuator configured to move a secondary electrode, and a control mechanism. The control mechanism is configured to selectively prevent movement of at least one of the primary actuator based on a position of the secondary actuator and of the secondary actuator based on a position of the primary actuator and lock positions of the primary actuator and the secondary actuator.

A method of closed loop cooking on an appliance includes monitoring, by a controller, a temperature measurement from a sensor indicative of a cooking temperature during a cooking operation. Comparing, by the controller, the temperature measurement to a set temperature of the cooking operation. Determining, by the controller, a heating event defined by the temperature measurement. Adjusting, by the controller, a cycle period time for a heating element. The cycle period time is associated with the heating event.

A method of closed loop cooking on an appliance includes monitoring, by a controller, a temperature measurement from a sensor indicative of a cooking temperature during a cooking operation. Comparing, by the controller, the temperature measurement to a set temperature of the cooking operation. Determining, by the controller, a heating event defined by the temperature measurement. Adjusting, by the controller, a cycle period time for a heating element. The cycle period time is associated with the heating event.

The invention provides for a DC brush-arc furnace comprising a vessel 12 and first and second electrodes 16, 18. A first DC power supply 20 supplies power to the electrodes. A first conductor 26 extends parallel to the first electrode, so that a first current flows in a first direction through the first conductor and in a second opposite direction in the first electrode. A second conductor 28 extends parallel to the second electrode, so that the current flows in the first direction in the second electrode and in the second direction in the second conductor. An arc deflection compensation system 30 comprises a second DC power supply 32 and a compensation circuit 34 comprising a first compensation conductor 36 and a second compensation conductor 38. The second DC power supply causes a second current to flow through the first compensation conductor in the first direction and through the second compensation conductor in the second direction.

The invention provides for a DC brush-arc furnace comprising a vessel 12 and first and second electrodes 16, 18. A first DC power supply 20 supplies power to the electrodes. A first conductor 26 extends parallel to the first electrode, so that a first current flows in a first direction through the first conductor and in a second opposite direction in the first electrode. A second conductor 28 extends parallel to the second electrode, so that the current flows in the first direction in the second electrode and in the second direction in the second conductor. An arc deflection compensation system 30 comprises a second DC power supply 32 and a compensation circuit 34 comprising a first compensation conductor 36 and a second compensation conductor 38. The second DC power supply causes a second current to flow through the first compensation conductor in the first direction and through the second compensation conductor in the second direction.

Electrode vibration detection modules (EVDM) and methods of detecting vibration of an electrode of an electric arc furnace (EAF) using an EVDM are provided, in which the EVDM receives and/or ascertains waveform signals corresponding to voltage values and current values associated with an electrode voltage measured between the electrode and the bottom of the EAF shell (electrode voltage) and the electrical current passing through the electrode and is configured to identify conditions for electrode vibration based, at least in part, on the waveform signals and to trigger an alarm and/or modify the operation of the EAF by adjusting the location of the electrode in the EAF.

Electrode vibration detection modules (EVDM) and methods of detecting vibration of an electrode of an electric arc furnace (EAF) using an EVDM are provided, in which the EVDM receives and/or ascertains waveform signals corresponding to voltage values and current values associated with an electrode voltage measured between the electrode and the bottom of the EAF shell (electrode voltage) and the electrical current passing through the electrode and is configured to identify conditions for electrode vibration based, at least in part, on the waveform signals and to trigger an alarm and/or modify the operation of the EAF by adjusting the location of the electrode in the EAF.

A temperature sensor including a sapphire optical fiber and a nanoporous cladding layer covering at least a portion of the sapphire optical fiber.