Hatch Ltd.

Hatch Associates Ltd.

Nils W Voermann

Bert O Wasmund

Felim Patrick McCaffrey

Afshin Sadri

Brett T Emery

Robert J Veenstra

Sean Southall

Maurizio Darini

Keith E Joiner

Ehsan Shameli

Clarence A Nichols

Pawel Boleslaw Gebski

Kenneth M Donaldson

Thomas Lai Ma

Jimmy Sarvinis, Jr

Blair Nakatsu

Ken T Hutchinson

Sean D Southall

Blair K Nakatsu

Felim P Mccaffrey

Pawel B Gebski

Systems and methods for measuring the level of a plurality of phases of a conductive or semi-conductive mixture in a vessel. The systems and method include a vessel configured to hold the mixture, a plurality of antennas configured to transmit electromagnetic and/or eddy current signals into the mixture to impinge upon the plurality of phases and to receive corresponding signals reflected from the plurality of phases, a transmitter module configured to generate electromagnetic and/or eddy current signals in communication with the plurality of antennas, a receiver module configured to receive electromagnetic and/or eddy current signals in communication with the plurality of antennas, a control module in communication with the transmitter module and the receiver module configured to control their operation, and a signal analysis module in communication with the receiver module configured to process the reflected signals to determine the levels of the plurality of phases within the vessel.

Electromagnetic bath level measurement for pyrometallurgical furnaces

Binding systems are described for applying compressive forces on the refractory hearth and/or refractory sidewall of a circular furnace having an outer metal shell which may be segmented. One preferred binding system comprises a tensioning band having one or more segments which extends around the furnace hearth and/or sidewall, with a resilient connection being provided between the opposite ends of the band and, where the band is segmented, resilient connections are also provided between the ends of adjacent segments. Another preferred binding system comprises a plurality of pivoting members provided around the circumference of the furnace. Each pivoting member is acted upon by a force-generating member which applies a controlled amount of force to the pivoting member and causes it to apply a compressive force to the hearth.

Split shell circular furnace and binding systems for circular furnaces

Some metallurgical furnaces have a tapblock that is blocked during operation of the furnace. The tapblock may be opened by lancing, drilling, tapping or by other methods to release metal from the furnace. By monitoring acoustic emissions during the opening process, feedback may be provided to improve the opening process and to avoid excessive damage to the tapblock, the cooling elements, a refractory lining of the tapblock or other elements of the metallurgical furnace.

System and method for the acoustic monitoring of tapblocks and similar elements

A system is disclosed for lowering ('slipping') and/or raising ('back slipping') electrodes relative to an electrode column. The system includes an electrode column having at least one slipping sleeve and a power clamp, each of which apply a radial clamping force to the electrode. The magnitudes of the clamping forces are selected such that application of a downwardly directed axial force on the one or more slipping sleeves, in combination with the weight of the electrode, are sufficient to overcome the resistive force of the power clamp, resulting in downward movement of the electrode without release of the clamping forces. Electrode columns having two movable slipping sleeves are also capable of raising the electrode relative to the furnace without release of the clamping forces.

Electrode column

A system for supporting and cooling a furnace roof comprised of refractory bricks comprises a plurality of roof support members extending across the furnace and being supported from above the furnace roof. The support members are provided with internal channels for circulation of a cooling fluid, and are provided with side surfaces adapted to support rows or refractory bricks between adjacent roof support members. The system eliminates the need to suspend individual bricks from above the roof, and provides simultaneous support and cooling of the roof structure.

Cooling and support systems for furnace roofs

An improved return path for electric current through a conductive hearth of a direct current arc furnace is provided by pressing a ring of water cooled copper blocks into the periphery of a sidewall of the hearth of the furnace, the hearth having zones of conductive refractory providing an electrical path between the contents of the furnace of the copper blocks. The hearth is compressed by a tensioned peripheral band which may also support the blocks. The peripheral water cooled copper blocks may be divided into multiple groups, each group connected to one pole of a direct current power supply, the opposite pole of which is connected to a suspended electrode, permitting control of arc deflection.

Electric furnace with conductive hearth

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Toronto, Canada

Nils W Voermann