A sealing sleeve for a holder of an electrode for an electric arc furnace
The sealing sleeve, composed of an alloy copper sealing ring and a stainless steel water-cooled jacket, solves the problem of poor sealing of the gap in the electrode holder of the electric arc furnace, achieving efficient sealing and stable operation, and improving smelting efficiency and safety.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- LANZHOU DAHONG ENGINEERING EQUIPMENT CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-06-30
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-19
AI Technical Summary
The gaps in the existing electrode holders of electric arc furnaces are not properly sealed, leading to leakage of high-temperature gas and dust, which affects smelting efficiency and safety. Furthermore, the sealing components are prone to damage and have high maintenance costs.
The sealing sleeve, composed of an alloy copper sealing ring and a stainless steel water-cooled jacket, combined with a compression spring and guide block, achieves dynamic compensation and stable installation, adapts to the deformation and movement of the protective sleeve, and prevents leakage.
It effectively prevents the leakage of high-temperature gases and dust, improves the efficiency of waste heat utilization, reduces energy consumption and maintenance costs, extends equipment life, and improves the working environment.
Smart Images

Figure CN224382151U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of electrode holder sealing technology, specifically a sealing sleeve for an electrode holder in a submerged arc furnace. Background Technology
[0002] In submerged arc furnace equipment in the metallurgical industry, the electrode holder is a key component, and its structural design and material selection directly affect smelting efficiency and safety. The lower holding part of the electrode holder includes components such as a protective sleeve and a furnace cover. Because the holder needs to move up and down in a high-temperature and strong magnetic field environment, a gap must be left between the protective sleeve and the furnace cover to avoid jamming. However, this gap can lead to the leakage of high-temperature gases and dust inside the submerged arc furnace, which not only causes heat loss and reduces waste heat utilization efficiency, but also threatens the health and safety of on-site operators.
[0003] Currently, most equipment manufacturers use refractory bricks to seal this gap. However, because the holder moves continuously up and down during operation, the gap always exists, making effective sealing impossible. The problem of flue gas and dust leakage inside the furnace remains serious, adversely affecting the working environment and the stable operation of the equipment. Furthermore, existing sealing methods also have the following drawbacks:
[0004] Refractory brick seals are prone to damage due to high temperatures and mechanical vibrations, leading to frequent seal failures and increased downtime and maintenance costs.
[0005] It cannot adapt to dimensional changes caused by manufacturing errors or deformation during use, resulting in low sealing reliability. Utility Model Content
[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a sealing sleeve for an electrode holder in a submerged arc furnace, which solves the problems mentioned in the background art.
[0007] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: a sealing sleeve for an electrode holder of a submerged arc furnace, comprising an annular water-cooled sleeve, a sealing ring and a sealing ring locking assembly disposed within the water-cooled sleeve, and a pressure plate assembly on the water-cooled sleeve; the sealing ring locking assembly comprises two semi-circular hoops and two screws, the ends of the two hoops are respectively connected by the two screws to form an annular shape and located outside the sealing ring, a nut is provided on the screw, and a compression spring is sleeved on the screw between the nut and the end of the hoops.
[0008] Furthermore, the sealing ring includes a first sealing block and a second sealing block. Both the first sealing block and the second sealing block are fan-shaped and there are multiple of them. The multiple first sealing blocks are arranged in a ring at the bottom of the water cooling jacket, and the multiple second sealing blocks are sleeved on the upper part of the multiple first sealing blocks.
[0009] Furthermore, the pressure plate assembly consists of multiple pressure plates, which are continuously connected in a ring to the upper part of the water cooling jacket.
[0010] Furthermore, the water cooling jacket is symmetrically provided with positioning components. The positioning components include a positioning plate and a pull rod provided on the water cooling jacket. A positioning seat is detachably connected to the positioning plate, and a connecting seat is detachably connected to the pull rod. An insulating plate is provided between the positioning plate and the positioning seat, as well as between the pull rod and the connecting seat.
[0011] Furthermore, guide blocks are detachably connected to each of the multiple pressure plates, and wear-resistant liners are provided on the opposite ends of each of the multiple guide blocks.
[0012] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:
[0013] 1. The sealing ring of this utility model is made of H94 alloy copper, which combines high strength, wear resistance, and ductility. Its upper and lower parts are each composed of multiple equally divided sector-shaped semi-rings, and an adjustable clamping force is formed by a stainless steel hoop and a compression spring. When the protective sleeve generates a reaction force due to error or deformation, the compression spring can slightly loosen, which can both accommodate the movement of the gripper and maintain the sealing pressure, effectively preventing the leakage of high-temperature gas and dust.
[0014] 2. This utility model's water-cooling jacket adopts a stainless steel water-passing structure, which can effectively block high-temperature furnace bodies and open flames without deformation, while providing a stable installation foundation for the sealing components. Its segmented design facilitates on-site installation and maintenance, adapting to the complex working environment of the handle.
[0015] The compression spring in the sealing ring locking device can dynamically compensate for the deformation error of the protective sleeve, prevent the sealing ring from jamming the holder, and ensure the continuous and stable operation of the equipment.
[0016] 3. The excellent sealing effect of this invention reduces heat loss and cold air intrusion, improving the efficiency of waste heat utilization at the downstream end, while reducing energy consumption during the production process and saving energy costs. It also prevents the leakage of harmful substances, improves the working environment, and meets environmental protection requirements; reducing material leakage also lowers raw material losses and cleanup costs.
[0017] 4. The guide block and wear-resistant liner of this utility model guide the vertical movement of the holder, reducing swaying and wear on the sealing components and protective sleeve. The material selection of the water-cooling jacket and sealing ring enhances the high-temperature resistance and corrosion resistance of the equipment. The positioning component prevents current conduction through the insulating plate, ensuring that the coaxiality of the sealing sleeve and protective sleeve is ≤1mm, reducing abnormal wear caused by eccentricity, extending the overall service life of the equipment, and reducing maintenance and replacement costs. Attached Figure Description
[0018] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of the present utility model;
[0019] Figure 2This is a structural diagram of the water-cooled jacket of this utility model;
[0020] Figure 3 This is a diagram of the internal structure of this utility model;
[0021] Figure 4 This is a structural diagram of the first sealing block of this utility model;
[0022] Figure 5 This is a structural diagram of the second sealing block of this utility model.
[0023] In the picture:
[0024] 1. Water cooling jacket; 2. Hoop; 3. Screw; 4. Nut; 5. Compression spring; 6. First sealing block; 7. Second sealing block; 8. Pressure plate; 9. Positioning plate; 10. Pull rod; 11. Connecting seat; 12. Insulating plate; 13. Guide block; 14. Wear-resistant liner; 15. Positioning seat. Detailed Implementation
[0025] Please see Figures 1 to 5 This utility model provides a sealing sleeve for an electrode holder in a submerged arc furnace, mainly used to solve the sealing problem between the protective sleeve and the furnace cover, preventing leakage of high-temperature gas and dust and heat loss. The sealing sleeve consists of an annular water-cooled sleeve, a brass sealing ring assembly, a sealing ring locking device, a pressure plate assembly, a guide block, and a positioning assembly, etc. The components work together to achieve efficient sealing and stable operation.
[0026] Specifically,
[0027] The annular water jacket 1 is composed of two semi-circular stainless steel plates welded into an annular structure (e.g., Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown in the diagram, it facilitates on-site installation and maintenance. The water-cooled jacket 1 has internal water cooling channels arranged in a spiral or serpentine cross-section to ensure uniform cooling water flow, effectively blocking the high-temperature furnace body and open flame, while preventing deformation due to high temperatures. To meet excellent antimagnetic properties to avoid electromagnetic interference in high-current magnetic field environments, and also to possess high-temperature resistance and corrosion resistance, the water-cooled jacket 1 is specifically made of 304 or 316 stainless steel. It provides a mounting base for the sealing ring, sealing ring locking assembly, and pressure plate assembly, while maintaining the overall temperature of the sealing jacket within a safe range (≤80℃) through water circulation cooling.
[0028] The sealing ring consists of a first sealing block 6 and a second sealing block 7, each of which is a fan-shaped semi-ring structure (e.g., Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5(As shown). Multiple first sealing blocks 6 are arranged in a ring at the bottom of the water-cooling jacket. The number of second sealing blocks 7 is equal to that of the first sealing blocks 6, and they are fitted over the first sealing blocks, forming a stacked annular sealing structure. Both the first sealing blocks 6 and the second sealing blocks 7 are made of H94 alloy copper, with a tensile strength ≥320MPa and a hardness ≥85HB. They possess high strength, wear resistance, and good ductility, and can accommodate possible deformation errors of the protective jacket (allowable radial deviation ±1.5mm). The inner side of the sealing ring is tightly fitted to the outer arc surface of the protective jacket, and the outer side is pre-tightened by the sealing ring locking assembly, forming a hard seal interface.
[0029] The sealing ring locking assembly includes two semi-circular stainless steel hoops 2, a screw 3, a nut 4, and a compression spring 5 (e.g., Figure 3 (As shown). The hoop 2 is 60mm wide and 5mm thick, connected at both ends by screws 3. A compression spring 5 is fitted onto the screw 3, located between the nut 4 and the end of the hoop 2. During installation, the compression of the spring 5 is adjusted by the nut 4 (initial compression 10-15mm) to generate a radial clamping force (approximately 50-80N) on the sealing ring. When the protective sleeve generates a reaction force due to manufacturing errors or deformation, the compression spring 5 can extend slightly (allowable extension 2-3mm) to prevent the sealing ring from blocking the holder's movement, while maintaining the sealing pressure. The hoop is made of 304 stainless steel, and the compression spring 5 is made of high-temperature resistant compression spring steel (65Mn) with a nickel-plated surface to prevent high-temperature oxidation.
[0030] The pressure plate assembly consists of multiple arc-shaped pressure plates 8, which are ring-shaped and fixed to the upper part of the water-cooling jacket 1 by bolts (e.g., Figure 1 , Figure 2 (As shown). The number of pressure plates corresponds to the sector blocks of the sealing ring, with each pressure plate 8 covering 2-3 sector blocks to ensure uniform compression. When the holder moves up and down, the pressure plate 8 bears the lateral force of the protective sleeve on the sealing ring, preventing axial movement of the sealing ring and simultaneously helping to fix the position of the sealing ring. A 0.5-1mm thick adjusting shim is set between the pressure plate 8 and the water-cooling jacket 1. The height of the pressure plate can be adjusted by adding or removing shims to adapt to the sealing requirements under different working conditions.
[0031] The guide block 13 is detachably mounted on the pressure plate 8 by bolts, and the number is determined according to the electrode diameter (usually 4-8). A wear-resistant liner 14 is provided on the inner side of the guide block, and the wear-resistant liner 14 is located on the opposite inner side of the guide block (e.g., ...). Figure 1 As shown), the material is mica board with a thickness of 1-2mm. This prevents the guide block from contacting the protective sleeve and generating electric sparks, while also enhancing insulation performance. It maintains a 3-5mm gap with the outer surface of the protective sleeve to guide the vertical movement of the gripper and reduce shaking (shaking amount ≤2mm).
[0032] The positioning assembly includes a positioning plate 9, a pull rod 10, a positioning seat 15, a connecting seat 11, and an insulating plate 12 (e.g., Figure 1 (As shown). The positioning plate 9 is fixed to both sides of the water-cooling jacket and is detachably connected to the positioning seat 15 by bolts. The positioning seat 15 is welded to the top cover of the fume hood. The pull rod 10 is detachably connected to the connecting seat 11 by bolts, and the connecting seat 11 is also welded to the top cover of the fume hood. An insulating plate 12 (2mm thick, made of epoxy resin) is provided between the positioning plate 9 and the positioning seat 15, and between the pull rod 10 and the connecting seat 11 to prevent current from being conducted to the furnace cover. The positioning assembly can adjust the horizontal position of the water-cooling jacket to ensure that the coaxiality between the sealing ring and the protective sleeve is ≤1mm.
[0033] In use, first install the water-cooled jacket in sections into the pre-drilled holes in the furnace cover and connect them with the furnace cover bolts, adjusting the verticality of the water-cooled jacket 1 (deviation ≤ 0.5°). Then, arrange the lower first sealing block 6 in a ring along the bottom of the water-cooled jacket and fix it with a temporary clamp; then, place the upper second sealing block 7 on top, ensuring that the interfaces of the upper and lower sealing blocks are misaligned by 50-100mm to avoid straight seam leakage. Next, place the two semi-circular hoops 2 on the outside of the sealing ring and connect them with the screws 3. Adjust the nuts 4 to compress the compression spring 5 to the set amount, ensuring that the hoops 2 evenly grip the sealing ring. Then, install the pressure plates 8 in sequence, using a diagonal step-by-step tightening method (torque 50-60 N·m) when tightening the bolts to ensure that the pressure plates evenly press the sealing ring. It is best to install guide blocks and adjust their gap with the protective sleeve; adjust the horizontal position of the water-cooled jacket through the positioning components to ensure that the sealing sleeve and the protective sleeve are coaxial. After installation, start the cooling water system (10m³ / h, pressure 0.3-0.5MPa) and the air curtain system, and test the sealing effect when the handle moves up and down. The leakage should be ≤0.1m³ / min and the temperature should be ≤80℃.
[0034] Working principle of this utility model:
[0035] I. Work Process
[0036] (a) Installation phase
[0037] 1. Water-cooled jacket positioning: Install the segmented stainless steel water-cooled jacket 1 into the pre-drilled holes in the furnace cover, connect it to the furnace cover with bolts, and adjust its verticality (deviation ≤ 0.5°) to ensure that the center line of the water-cooled jacket 1 is aligned with the movement axis of the electrode holder. The spiral or serpentine water passage inside the water-cooled jacket 1 is connected to the cooling water system (flow rate ≥ 20 m³ / h, pressure 0.3-0.5 MPa) to provide a cooling foundation for subsequent operation.
[0038] 2. Sealing ring assembly
[0039] First, arrange multiple fan-shaped first sealing blocks 6 in a ring along the bottom of the water-cooling jacket 1 and fix them with temporary clamps to form a bottom sealing layer. Then, fit an equal number of second sealing blocks 7 on top of the first sealing blocks 6, so that the interfaces of the upper and lower sealing blocks are misaligned by 50-100mm to avoid straight seam leakage and form a complete ring sealing structure.
[0040] 3. Installation of the sealing ring locking assembly: Place the two semi-circular stainless steel hoops 2 on the outside of the sealing ring, and connect the two ends of the hoops 2 with the screws 4. Adjust the nuts 4 to compress the compression spring 5 to its initial amount (10-15mm), so that the hoops 2 generate a radial clamping force (about 50-80N) on the sealing ring, ensuring that the inner side of the sealing ring is tightly fitted with the outer arc surface of the protective sleeve.
[0041] 4. Installation of pressure plate 8 and guide block 13: Install the arc-shaped pressure plate 8 in sequence, using a diagonal step-by-step tightening method (torque 50-60 N·m) to fix it, and adjust the height of the pressure plate by adjusting the shims. Install the guide block 13 on the pressure plate 8, so that the wear-resistant liner 14 (mica plate) on the inner side of the guide block 13 maintains a gap of 3-5 mm with the outer surface of the protective sleeve, guiding the vertical movement of the gripper.
[0042] 5. Positioning Component Adjustment: The positioning plate 9 and pull rod 10 are connected to the furnace cover and fume hood top cover via positioning seat 15 and connecting seat 11 respectively. An insulating plate 12 (epoxy resin material, 2mm thick) is used to prevent current conduction. Adjust the positioning component to ensure the coaxiality of the sealing sleeve and protective sleeve is ≤1mm to reduce eccentric wear.
[0043] (II) Operational Phase
[0044] 1. Dynamic sealing compensation: When the electrode holder moves up and down, if the protective sleeve generates a reaction force due to manufacturing error or high temperature deformation, the compression spring 5 can extend slightly (allowable extension of 2-3mm). Through elastic deformation, the displacement deviation is dynamically compensated to avoid the sealing ring from blocking the holder's movement, while maintaining the sealing pressure (clamping force) to prevent the leakage of high temperature gas and dust.
[0045] 2. Cooling and temperature control: The water-cooled jacket 1 continuously dissipates heat through water circulation, keeping the overall temperature of the sealing jacket ≤80℃ to prevent deformation of the stainless steel material and ensure the stability of the installation foundation of the sealing components.
[0046] 3. Guiding and anti-sway: The guide block 13 and the wear-resistant liner 14 guide the vertical movement of the gripper, control the amount of sway to ≤2mm, reduce the lateral wear of the sealing ring and the protective sleeve, and extend the service life of the components.
[0047] II. Working Principle
[0048] (I) Design principle of sealing structure
[0049] 1. Material properties compatibility: The sealing ring is made of alloy copper H94 material (tensile strength ≥320MPa, hardness ≥85HB), which has high strength, wear resistance and ductility, and can adapt to the deformation error of the radial deviation of the protective sleeve ±1.5mm, ensuring that the sealing interface is always tightly fitted.
[0050] 2. Adjustable clamping force mechanism: The sealing ring locking assembly, consisting of a stainless steel hoop 2 and a compression spring 5, achieves dynamic clamping force adjustment through the elastic deformation of the compression spring 5. When the protective sleeve generates a reaction force, the spring extends to release the pressure, avoiding rigid jamming; when the reaction force disappears, the spring returns to its original position to maintain the sealing pressure, forming an "adaptive sealing" effect.
[0051] Stacked sealing ring structure: The first sealing block and the second sealing block are stacked one on top of the other, and the interfaces are staggered to destroy the direct current path of gas leakage and improve sealing reliability through multiple sealing interfaces.
[0052] (II) Cooling and Stabilization Principle
[0053] 1. Antimagnetic and cooling properties of the water jacket: The water jacket is made of 304 / 316 stainless steel, which not only meets the antimagnetic properties to avoid interference from the magnetic field of high current, but also achieves efficient heat dissipation through the internal water channel, prevents structural deformation caused by high temperature, and provides a stable mounting base for the sealing components.
[0054] 2. Positioning and guiding accuracy control: The positioning component isolates the current through the insulating plate 12 and adjusts the horizontal position of the water cooling jacket 1 to ensure that the coaxiality of the sealing ring and the protective sleeve is ≤1mm; the guide block 13 and the wear-resistant liner 14 limit the shaking of the holder to ≤2mm, reduce abnormal wear caused by eccentricity or shaking, and ensure uniform contact of the sealing interface.
[0055] (III) Energy-saving and environmental protection principles
[0056] 1. Reduce heat and dust leakage: The efficient sealing effect prevents the leakage of high-temperature gas and dust inside the furnace, reduces heat loss and cold air mixing, improves the efficiency of waste heat utilization at the back end, and reduces raw material loss and cleaning costs.
[0057] 2. Dynamic compensation and long life design: The dynamic compensation function of the compression spring avoids jamming of the sealing components. The selection of corrosion-resistant and high-temperature-resistant materials such as stainless steel and alloy copper extends the overall service life of the equipment, reduces maintenance costs, and meets industrial environmental protection and energy-saving requirements.
Claims
1. A seal for a smelter electrode holder, characterised in that, It includes an annular water cooling jacket (1), a sealing ring and a sealing ring locking assembly disposed inside the water cooling jacket (1), and a pressure plate assembly on the water cooling jacket (1); the sealing ring locking assembly includes two semi-circular rings (2) and two screws (3), the ends of the two rings (2) are connected by the two screws (3) to form an annular shape and located outside the sealing ring, the screws (3) are provided with nuts (4), and compression springs (5) are sleeved on the screws (3) between the nuts (4) and the ends of the rings (2).
2. The closure of claim 1 wherein, The sealing ring includes a first sealing block (6) and a second sealing block (7). Both the first sealing block (6) and the second sealing block (7) are fan-shaped and there are multiple of them. The multiple first sealing blocks (6) are arranged in a ring at the bottom of the water cooling jacket (1), and the multiple second sealing blocks (7) are sleeved on the upper part of the multiple first sealing blocks (6).
3. The sealing sleeve as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The pressure plate assembly consists of multiple pressure plates (8), which are continuously connected in a ring to the upper part of the water cooling jacket (1).
4. The sealing sleeve as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The water cooling jacket (1) is symmetrically provided with positioning components. The positioning components include a positioning plate (9) and a pull rod (10) provided on the water cooling jacket (1). A positioning seat (15) is detachably connected to the positioning plate (9). A connecting seat (11) is detachably connected to the pull rod (10). An insulating plate (12) is provided between the positioning plate (9) and the positioning seat (15), as well as between the pull rod (10) and the connecting seat (11).
5. The sealing sleeve as described in claim 4, characterized in that, Each of the multiple pressure plates (8) is detachably connected to a guide block (13), and each of the multiple guide blocks (13) is provided with a wear-resistant liner (14) on one of their opposite ends.