Apparatus for lifting graphite electrodes
AssigneeEXO Technologies LLC
InventorsMark Koenig, James J. Hansen, Jr.
Life of this patent
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Abstract
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.
Claims20
A lift plug configured to lift a graphite electrode, the lift plug comprising:
- a main body;
- an insert coupled to one end of the main body, the insert configured to mate with a graphite electrode to secure the lift plug to the graphite electrode;
- and
- a lifting component coupled to the main body opposite the insert to lift the graphite electrode;
- wherein the insert comprises a non-graphite material with a coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) similar to graphite.
A lift plug for lifting a graphite electrode comprising:
- a main body;
- a threaded connection fixed at a first end of the main body and mateable with threads of the graphite electrode, the threaded connection comprising a non-graphite material;
- and
- a coupling attached to a second end of the main body opposite the first end for lifting the graphite electrode;
- wherein the non-graphite material has a coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of less than 3 (μm/(m K)) over a range from room temperature to 1000 degrees Fahrenheit.
A method of manufacturing a lift plug useable for lifting a graphite electrode, the method comprising:
- providing a main body comprising a lifting bail;
- and
- coupling an insert to the main body on an end thereof opposite the lifting bail, the insert configured to mate with a graphite electrode;
- wherein the insert comprises a non-graphite material with a coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) similar to graphite, within +/−0 to 1 (μm/(m K)) over a range from room temperature to 1000 degrees Fahrenheit.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.