Method and apparatus for manipulating an electrode

Abstract

<heading lvl="0">Abstract of Disclosure< / heading> An apparatus and associated method for manipulating an electrode comprising a stub, an electrode, and a yoke. The stub is affixed to and protrudes from the electrode, and has a first opening. The yoke is sized to receive at least a portion of the stub, and has a second opening positioned for alignment with the first opening of the stub and receipt of a locking member extending through the first opening and the second opening. The apparatus may include a current conducting tube. The elongated yoke may extend around at least a portion of the stub to be removably pinned thereto. The current conducting tube may extend around the elongated yoke to be in electrical contact with the stub.

Description

Cross Reference to Related Applications[0001] This application is a continuation of co-pending application Serial No. 09 / 330,950, filed June 11, 1999.Background of Invention[0003] Field of the Invention[0004] The present invention is directed, generally, to continuous metal casting, and more particularly to a method and apparatus for electrode or metal ingot casting.[0005] Description of the Invention Background[0006] Over the years, a variety of methods and improvements have been developed for casting metal electrodes and ingots. An electrode essentially comprises a solid cast metal block that is formed to be remelted and cast into an ingot, or into a certain geometric form. To accomplish the remelting of the electrode, an appropriate amount of electrical current is applied to the electrode utilizing known techniques and process controls. Thus, an electrode is essentially an intermediate product used in metal casting processes and an ingot is a finished product that is usually subs...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0012] The need to mechanically remove the "rundowns" from the cylindrical block and the additional welding processes add a significant amount of time and cost to the continuous casting process. Accordingly, a continuous casting locking mechanism and electrode assembly is needed that eliminates these additional process steps to increase manufacturing time and efficiency.

Problems solved by technology

Furthermore, such process generally provides a cast electrode that has a relatively uneven surface that is not well suited for uniform adhesion to other flat surfaces, such as a conducting solid cylinder which is used to introduce current into the electrode during the re-melting process.

Thus, during subsequent vacuum arc or electroslag re-melting, introduction of current into or through the cast surface on many occasions causes arcing that results in damage to the re-melting equipment.

The need to mechanically remove the "rundowns" from the cylindrical block and the additional welding processes add a significant amount of time and cost to the continuous casting process.

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