Current Conducting Electrode Arms

The design and construction of the AmeriFab CCEA’s are time tested and proven. Our design offers you the benefits of low maintenance cost while improving electrical efficiencies. The clamping device is easily accessible for inspection and repairs. The clamp ring can be quickly removed in the event of damage from electrode breakage or arcing. Copper clad explosion plate is used in the construction of the arms to ensure there is no lamination in the material. The arms are made of a rectangular welded box type design and copper plated in the areas of main current flows. The terminal connections for the cables will be made of a forged copper section which will accept your current cables with no modifications. The entire arm body is water cooled. All critical components on the electrode arms are protected within the copper clad steel. This includes the water piping for the spray rings and the hydraulic lines for the clamping mechanism. The electrode shoe is designed for a flat connection to the arm body. This allows for easy replacement and repairability. Alignment of the shoe is simplified and costs are reduced. The contact shoe is made of forged copper with bored water cooling channels to achieve good heat transfer. Water supply is maintained by a flanged water connection.

  
     
  The mechanics for the electrode clamping device are integrated into the electrode arm. The necessary high contact pressure of approximately 140,000 lbs. Is achieved by a disk spring package which is released by a built in hydraulic cylinder. The insulated electrode holder is pulled against the graphite which in turn is pulled against the contact shoe. The entire mechanism is easily accessible from the back of the arm. The necessary triangulation of the current will be achieved through the construction of the electrode arms. The “B” (center) phase arm will be stepped up to ensure each arm is balanced with the same amount of copper. This eliminates the need for a balancing delta closure for the arms. The height of the step is the only difference between the three arms. All the clamp boxes are the same. The top section of the electrode column can be modified to accept the new arms or new columns can be provided. The top section of the stool will become water cooled for all three arms. The main insulation pad between the stool and the electrode will be made of a micarta material with a G9 rating or better. Allowances have been made in the design to accommodate for severe torsional forces on the center arm due to electrical currents. The electrode arm an insulation plates are connected to the column stool with prestressed bolts (studs) for a tight connection. These studs are tightened down with a Biac tensioning device. This prevents arcing in this area which could be caused by dust bridges between the arm and column. Spray rings and the connections are built into the ends of the arms. These rings are easily changed in the event of an arc by releasing two bolts.