Watteredge supplies both Aluminum and Copper/Steel current conducting electrode arms as well as fabricated conventional steel arms with copper bus tubes.

Our custom fabricated electrode arms are manufactured for electrode sizes of Ø 100-800mm for UHP-furnaces, AC-electric arc furnaces, DC-electric arc furnaces and ladle furnaces.

Due to their outstanding design and optimal materials, Watteredge electrode arms deliver lower electric operating costs, low graphite consumption, higher process speed, easy handling, optimal symmetry and maximum efficiency.

Current Conducting Copper/Steel Electrode Arms

Current conducting electrode arms are a melt shop-proven design that  provide efficient cooling as well as reduced electrical loss. The utilization of copper clad (copper and steel) arms combines the high strength of steel while eexhibiting the high conductivity and current-carrying ability of copper.

Typical Copper Grades and Copper Alloys

• C11000, Electrolytic Tough Pitch Copper (ETP)
• C10100 and C10200, Oxygen Free Coppers (OFHC)

Advantages of Copper/Steel Electrode Arms

• For Ø 100-800 mm sized electrodes
• Low operating costs
• Minimal shutdown times
• Easy handling
• Optimum symmetry
• Highest efficiency level

Current Conducting Aluminum Electrode Arms

Lighter aluminum current conducting electrode arms are available if less stress for the mechanical system is required.

The weight advantage of aluminum electrode arms are optimal for modernization of existing furnaces, with less need for changing peripheral structural components.

Advantages of Aluminum Electrode Arms

• For Ø 100-800 mm sized electrodes
• Weight saving of 30%
• Low electrical resistance
• Better control dynamics
• Easier maintenance
• Better regulating performance

Conventional Steel Electrode Arms

Steel arm fabrication with insulated copper bus tubes.

Electrode Arm Specifications and Features

• Spare part components are exchangeable – copper/steel to aluminum
• Electrode arms designed for 2 electrode sizes
• Easy clamping system
• Clamping force measuring device [patent EP03794958.3-2122]
• Optimized cooling water flow according to customer request
• Individual temperature monitoring of single components possible
• Electrode guidance device
• Spray ring with heat protection shield and ceramic coating
• Blow–off device for contact service
• Transport hook (for aluminum only)
• Easy fastening system to column
• Life time optimized contact jaw [patent PCT/EP2005/000732)
• Easily changeable cable sword

Guide Columns & Low-Loss Columns

Watteredge provides custom fabrication of guide columns for electric arc furnaces. In furnaces with current-conducting electrode arms, the column head temperature is increased due to column positioning and geometry. The excess heat is dissipated through water cooling.

Our modifications to the column geometric arrangement and addition of special material reduces losses by at least 75%.  Modifications of the column or the column heads usually pays for itself within 6 months.