SAF Spare Part: Copper Contact Shoe
I. Introduction
The copper contact shoe is a key conductive component in the electrode holding system of submerged arc furnaces (SAF). It is usually made of high-purity copper, installed at the lower part of the electrode, tightly attached to the electrode surface, transmitting the large current from the short network to the electrode, while withstanding harsh conditions such as furnace mouth high temperature, thermal radiation, and resistance heat. The performance of copper contact shoes directly affects the power efficiency and operational stability of the furnace. Copper contact shoe is an important part of the electrode holder of submerged arc furnaces, installed at the lower part of the electrode, tightly attached to the electrode surface through pressure rings or clamping devices, transmitting current from conductive tubes or plates to the electrode .
II. Main Functions
- Conductivity: Carrying large currents from thousands to tens of thousands of amperes.
- Heat conduction: Removing heat through internal cooling water.
- Support: Fixing electrode position in coordination with the braking system.
III. Classification of Copper Contact Shoes
1. Classification by Forming Method
| Type |
Structural Features |
Advantages |
| Cast Copper Shoe |
Formed by one-time casting of ≥99.9% pure copper, with water cooling channels and heat dissipation fins cast inside |
Large cooling area, good heat dissipation effect, not easy to scale, easy to repair, convenient to replace and install |
| Forged Copper Shoe |
Formed by multiple rolling and forging of T2 copper, with dense structure |
Good conductivity, high mechanical strength, good heat resistance, long service life |
2. Classification by Cooling Method
| Type |
Structural Features |
Advantages |
| Direct Cooling Type |
Cooling water channels are processed by deep hole drilling, cooling water directly contacts the copper shoe body |
Good cooling effect, good conductivity, less power loss, extended service life |
| External Cooling Type |
The outer wall of semi-circular water channels is welded to the outer arc surface of the copper shoe body, forming a "U"-shaped cooling water channel |
Increased effective thickness of the inner arc channel wall, good metallographic structure, high density, good heat resistance |
3. Classification by Structure Type
| Type |
Structural Features |
Advantages |
| Integral Type |
Copper shoe body and cooling channels are integrally formed or welded as a whole, simple structure |
Compact structure, high reliability, convenient installation |
| Combined Type |
Composed of multiple components combined, easy for partial replacement and maintenance |
Low maintenance cost, no need for complete replacement when single component is damaged |
IV. Technical Requirements for Modern Energy-saving Copper Shoes
| Parameter |
Specification |
| Material |
Cu ≥99.95% |
| Electrical Resistivity |
≤1.724×10⁻⁸ Ω·mm²/m |
| Conductivity (20℃) |
≥97% IACS |
| Hardness |
≤70 HV |
| Density (20℃) |
8.9 g/cm³ |
| Tensile Strength |
≥245 MPa |
V. Advantages of New Energy-saving Copper Shoes
1. Selection of T2 electrolytic copper, copper content ≥99.7%, significantly improved conductivity, thermal conductivity, mechanical strength, high-temperature performance, and service life
2. Reasonable geometric dimension arrangement, arc processing except for the part connecting the guide tube, uniform current distribution, saving power and extending service life
3. Deep hole direct cooling, eliminating eddy current loss in cooling water pipes caused by strong electromagnetic fields, avoiding the drawback of asynchronous expansion between cooling water pipe and copper
4. Direct contact between cooling water and copper shoe, improving cooling effect, reducing operating temperature, extending service life