Electrode Slipping

Electrode slipping, also called electrode management system or electrode-slipping apparatus, is for SAF comprises electrode, hydraulic hoist with electrode-slipping hydraulic mechanisms mounted thereon, locking ring, contact shoes with clamp and hydraulic clamping mechanisms, locking ring control valve, slide valve for controlling electrode-slipping hydraulic mechanisms, hydraulic fluid pressure control unit and programming unit.

Electrode slipping is a system disclosed for lowering (“slipping”) and/or raising (“back slipping”) electrodes relative to an electrode column. This system includes an electrode column having at least one slipping sleeve and a power clamp, each of which apply a radial clamping force to the electrode. Magnitudes of clamping forces are selected such that application of a downwardly directed axial force on one or more slipping sleeves, in combination with weight of the electrode, are sufficient to overcome resistive force of power clamp, resulting in downward movement of electrode without release of clamping forces. Electrode columns having two movable slipping sleeves are also capable of raising the electrode relative to furnace without release of clamping forces.