High power arc starting electrode - uses rod driven by double acting hydraulic cylinder to draw arc and blow air over arc to assist transfer to main electrode

摘要

The appts. uses a double acting hydraulic cylinder to position the electrode, a conical hole in the end of the electrode, and by blowing air across the arc to hasten its transfer to the main electrode. The starter rod has a receptacle tip, with a conical hole in the end, fastened to a rod which has a piston fixed near its middle. The end of the rod opposite the arc is connected to a high power electric supply by a flexible cable. The piston is placed in a hydraulic cylinder with controlled hydraulic supply to both sides, allowing the rod to be accurately positioned. The rod is brought into contact with a stationary electrode then slowly drawn away. As the arc approaches the main electrode air is blown over the arc to hasten its transfer to the main electrode.