An electrode joining apparatus for joining a free electrode to a fixed electrode, the fixed electrode having a top end. The apparatus can include an electrode holder configured to selectively hold the fixed electrode. A torque device can be positioned above the electrode holder, the torque device configured to grip and spin the free electrode to join the free electrode to the fixed electrode. A blowout jet can be oriented to selectively force a stream of gas toward the top end of the fixed electrode when the fixed electrode is held by the electrode holder. As such, the blowout jet can help remove dust, debris, or graphite residue on the top end of the fixed electrode before joining of the free electrode to the fixed electrode. The fixed electrode can include a threaded socket, the blow jet oriented to force the stream of gas toward the threaded socket.

An electrode joining apparatus for joining a free electrode to a fixed electrode, the fixed electrode having a top end. The apparatus can include an electrode holder configured to selectively hold the fixed electrode. A torque device can be positioned above the electrode holder, the torque device configured to grip and spin the free electrode to join the free electrode to the fixed electrode. A blowout jet can be oriented to selectively force a stream of gas toward the top end of the fixed electrode when the fixed electrode is held by the electrode holder. As such, the blowout jet can help remove dust, debris, or graphite residue on the top end of the fixed electrode before joining of the free electrode to the fixed electrode. The fixed electrode can include a threaded socket, the blow jet oriented to force the stream of gas toward the threaded socket.

A lift plug for lifting a graphite electrode includes a main body and an insert coupled to one end of the main body, with the insert configured to mate with a graphite electrode to secure the lift plug to the graphite electrode. The lift plug also includes a lifting component coupled to the main body opposite the insert to lift the graphite electrode. The insert comprises a non-graphite material with a coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) similar to graphite, such that the lift plug expands at a similar rate as the graphite electrode when heated so as to prevent locking at a joint between the lift plug and the graphite electrode.

A furnace heater includes a first conductive lead, a second conductive lead spaced apart from the first conductive lead by a first distance, and a first helical resistive heater element connected to the first conductive lead. The furnace heater also includes a second helical resistive heater element connected to the second conductive lead and to the first helical resistive heater element, the second helical resistive heater element spaced apart from the first helical resistive heater by a second distance, wherein the first distance is at least twice the second distance.

A furnace heater includes a first conductive lead, a second conductive lead spaced apart from the first conductive lead by a first distance, and a first helical resistive heater element connected to the first conductive lead. The furnace heater also includes a second helical resistive heater element connected to the second conductive lead and to the first helical resistive heater element, the second helical resistive heater element spaced apart from the first helical resistive heater by a second distance, wherein the first distance is at least twice the second distance.

A carbon-containing nipple has a nipple thread for carbon-containing electrodes. The nipple has an inlet formed in the nipple thread and the inlet is suitable for receiving an adhesive container filled with a curable adhesive. Preferably, the inlet is a groove which runs through the nipple thread in a transverse manner and is undercut at least in sections. A nipple kit contains such a nipple and the adhesive container containing the adhesive for securing a nipple/electrode connection, wherein the adhesive container is disposed in the inlet. The nipple kit can be used in conjunction with a carbon-containing electrode for use in arc furnaces.

A carbon-containing nipple has a nipple thread for carbon-containing electrodes. The nipple has an inlet formed in the nipple thread and the inlet is suitable for receiving an adhesive container filled with a curable adhesive. Preferably, the inlet is a groove which runs through the nipple thread in a transverse manner and is undercut at least in sections. A nipple kit contains such a nipple and the adhesive container containing the adhesive for securing a nipple/electrode connection, wherein the adhesive container is disposed in the inlet. The nipple kit can be used in conjunction with a carbon-containing electrode for use in arc furnaces.

An embodiment disclosed herein includes a monolithic graphite electrode. The electrode has a main body having a length of more than 3050 mm. Another embodiment disclosed herein includes an electrode column comprising a plurality of monolithic graphite electrodes. The column has a length of more than 3050 mm of electrode per joint. A further embodiment discussed herein is the practice of increasing the length of the electrode to minimize the occurrence of an electrode joint in the electrode column for a given length. This practice will improve efficiencies for both electrode manufacturers as well as electric arc furnace operators.

An embodiment disclosed herein includes a monolithic graphite electrode. The electrode has a main body having a length of more than 3050 mm. Another embodiment disclosed herein includes an electrode column comprising a plurality of monolithic graphite electrodes. The column has a length of more than 3050 mm of electrode per joint. A further embodiment discussed herein is the practice of increasing the length of the electrode to minimize the occurrence of an electrode joint in the electrode column for a given length. This practice will improve efficiencies for both electrode manufacturers as well as electric arc furnace operators.

The invention relates to an electric arc furnace and a method for operating same. The electric arc furnace comprises a lower vessel and a lid 120 placed on said lower vessel. The lower vessel has a tapping device for tapping molten metal. At least one electrode protrudes through the lid into the interior of the electric arc furnace, said electrode being held by an electrode holding device. A supply voltage device 150 is provided for supplying an electric direct current or alternating current to the electrode 130. The aim of the invention is to allow a continuous operation of the electric arc furnace. This is achieved in that the electrode holding device has an electrode adjusting device for adjusting the electrode dependent on the wear of the electrode and an electrode nippling device for nippling the electrode during the operation of the electric arc furnace. According to the invention, both the electrode adjusting device as well s the electrode nippling device 144 operate when the supply voltage of the electrode is switched on.