Electrode seal for use in a metallurgical furnace

An electrode seal for use in a metallurgical furnace, the furnace comprising a furnace space heated by an electrode extending through an aperture into the furnace space, the seal comprising:

• at least three sets of non-electrically conductive shoes in consecutive lateral contact, each set of non-electrically conductive shoes having an adjustable biasing member associated therewith, the adjustable biasing member distinct from the adjustable biasing member for any other set of non-electrically conductive shoes, each adjustable biasing member configured for biasing a surface of the associated non-electrically conductive shoe toward the electrode, providing a gap between the at least three sets of non-electrically conductive shoes and the electrode, thereby allowing free lateral movement of the electrode within the electrode seal while maintaining electrical insulation between the electrode and the aperture, while limiting gas leakage from the metallurgical furnace during heating by the electrode, wherein the at least three sets of non-electrically conductive shoes comprise a first layer of ceramic inner shoes and a second layer of copper outer shoes, the two layers of shoes forming a circle and an inner diameter of the circle being greater than the electrode thereby providing a gap therebetween.