Authors: R.J. Ord, J.G. Schofield, Hatch Associates Ltd., Mississauga, Ontario,
C.G. Tan, Falconbridge Ltd., Falconbridge, Ontario
CIM Bulletin, Vol 88, #991, June 1995
Abstract
Most electric furnaces in the nickel and copper smelting industries are still fitted with conventional
electrode holders which consist of water-cooled electrical contact clamps and a pressure ring. The
water cooling exerts a significant cooling effect on the electrode column. The importance of controlling
the temperature of the Soderberg electrode paste at the contact clamp area is examined, using in-plant
experience and computer simulation of the paste melting and baking process. In addition to the effect
of water-cooling, the effect of other variables, including the mantle air temperature, the electrode
current, the furnace freeboard temperature and the electrode slipping rate are discussed. Ways in which
the variable heating conditions in the paste melting zone can be controlled are presented.
