Furnace electrode seals

Challenges

Faced with economic uncertainties, companies need to maximize efficiencies in their operations in every way possible–optimized engineering designs streamline processes, improve production outcomes, and increase the long-term viability of equipment and facilities. And, as the world grapples with the impacts of climate change, there is increased pressure globally to reduce carbon emissions and incorporate more sustainable designs.

Furnaces must operate consistently and safely in some of the most extreme and severe conditions. To ensure that their operations are both profitable and more sustainable, companies need innovative solutions to reduce gas and dust emissions, improve energy recovery, and reduce equipment downtime and maintenance.

Our electrode seal is based on our patented Sleeve Seal technology, which provides an exceptional gas seal for a wide range of high-temperature applications. It provides a low-pressure seal simultaneously capable of significant deformation and improved wear resistance. This highly flexible and robust sealing arrangement may be applied to many areas where furnace sealing is required; however, it is particularly well suited to seal the electrode column of an electric arc furnace.

Solutions

• Our electrode seal is engineered to be highly durable and remain flexible while exposed to harsh furnace freeboard conditions to improve gas sealing, off-gas quality, and recovery, as well as to reduce equipment downtime.
• The unique reactive tensioning system and exceptional flexibility of the technology ensures a sufficient gas seal is maintained regardless of the position or condition of the sealing surface.
• For open furnaces, the design helps to contain fumes, reduce damage to vulnerable equipment caused by over-pressure events, and generally improve working conditions on the roof.
• For closed furnaces, the additional process advantages are significant. Not only does it allow for improved control over the furnace atmosphere, but it also allows for improved off-gas quality and recovery—a highly valuable process particularly when valuable off-gas elements, such as CO or SO_2, are recovered.
• For carbon monoxide-rich off-gas, the seal reduces the amount of carbon monoxide that would otherwise naturally convert to carbon dioxide. Instead, it can be captured and reused as fuel, further increasing efficiency and reducing emissions. This makes the furnace more sustainable, more profitable, and therefore better positioned in the industry.