BATEMAN joins forces with
COMETVA SA to market the latest technology in electrode columns for
AC furnaces
BATEMAN has signed a collaboration agreement with COMETVA SA, providing
clients of both companies the option of utilising the new hydraulic
electrode-clamping device from BATEMAN, together with forged copper
electrode components, sold under the brand COFOR, from COMETVA SA.
This agreement therefore provides the industry with access, through
a single source, to the latest technology and improvements in electrode
columns.
In accordance with the agreement, BATEMAN and COMETVA SA / FAi Production
will continue to market their services independently but offer equipment
available from both companies, where appropriate.
COMETVA SA is the international sales office of the well-known French
company FAi Production, which specialises in the design and production
of forged copper contact shoes and pressure rings. As the world's
leading producer of forged copper electrode components for more than
20 years, COMETVA SA / FAi Production's range offers reduced furnace
energy consumption due to the material quality obtained by the unique
multiple-forging process. In addition, enhanced electrical and thermal
conductivity, as well as cooling efficiency, make these components
ideal for applications where extreme-heat conditions prevail, while
the greatly increased copper mass and customised design have provided
enhanced structural integrity.
BATEMAN is a leader in the design and construction of AC furnaces
for the pyrometallurgical industries, and its well-proven AC smelting
process know-how includes the BATEMAN electrode system. The newly-developed
electrode clamping device for this system can be installed on the
full range of AC installations (including closed and semi-closed submerged-arc
furnaces). The device consists of three clamping shoes joined together
with pins, links and pendulum arms. The pendulum arm is designed to
clamp the electrode casing at a leverage ratio that requires less
movement of the links, springs and all other moving parts than with
conventional devices. As a result the wear on all moving parts is
reduced to a minimum. This robust and trouble-free design means that
very little lubrication is required after installation and there is
minimal maintenance and low operator involvement.
When installed on the electrode column, the bottom clamping device,
which has two force strings equipped with springs, is used for normal
electrode regulation. The opening of the clamp is driven by a hydraulic
cylinder, and preloading of the force string is easily set by means
of a hydraulic bolt-tensioning system. The top clamping device is
normally open and is closed using a hydraulic cylinder. The fail-safe,
spring-clamping force is distributed equally over the contact area
of the electrode casing, minimising deformation of the casings. The
tensioning forces are continuously monitored by means of two load
cells, one on each force string on the clamping device. This online
readout provides the furnace operator in the control room with a direct
reading of the clamping force.
BATEMAN's electrode system offers a number of benefits including
long slips and back slips, made possible by the use of long hydraulic
cylinders. The normal operating stroke is 1 m and a maintenance stroke
of 1,5 m can be accommodated. In addition, the slipping sequence is
much faster compared to electromechanical drive units.
For further information, please call Jurgens van Tonder, General
Manager, AC Furnaces, on +27-11-899-2363 or email acfurnaces@batemanengineering.com.
