Starting electrode assembly for steel surface flame treatment appts. - has ignition and return electrodes movable with main flame jet

摘要

The electrode arrangement is intended for use on surface flame treatment equipment for large areas, for example steel blooms or billets. The ignition electrode (20), of negative potential, is typically of carbon, and is positioned close to the main flame jet (18). Its function is to preheat and melt an area of the workpiece (16) near the main jet. The return electrode (30) makes contact with the workpiece to close the current path (32) between power source (22) and start electrode. The return electrode is mounted close to the ignition electrode, either as part of the carrier for the latter and the main jet, or on a separate auxiliary gantry travelling along the workpiece close to the gantry supporting the main jet. By this means cable runs are kept short leading to lower power consumption, and electrical contacts between the workpiece and a fixed return path are eliminated.