Direct current arc furnace and a method for melting or heating raw material or molten material

摘要

A direct current electric arc furnace for melting or heating raw material or molten material includes a refractory lined vessel for holding raw or molten material in its interior. The furnace includes at least a first top electrode. The first top electrode enters the vessel interior above the raw or molten material. The furnace includes at least a first bottom electrode mounted in the bottom of the vessel and in electrical contact with the raw or molten material in the vessel. The furnace includes an electrical power supply mechanism which electrically connects to the top electrode and the bottom electrode in order to input electrical energy into the material through the top and bottom electrodes in the form of an arc. The bottom electrode has opposite electrical polarity to the electrical polarity of the top electrode. The furnace also includes a mechanism for cooling the first bottom electrode with a spray of water and air that contacts the first bottom electrode. A method for operating a direct current arc furnace.