Method for continuous production of elongated carbon bodies

DETAILED DESCRIPTION We claim: 1.
A method for continuous production of elongated carbon bodies having a substantially uniform cross-section wherein a casing filled with unbaked carbonaceous electrode paste and a binder is slowly and continuously or substantially continuously lowered down through a baking furnace having an external energy supply, said method comprising: providing a perforated casing; filling said perforated casing with unbaked carbonaceous electrode paste and a binder; heating said electrode paste thereby causing baking gases to evolve from the electrode paste and flow through the perforations in the casing into the baking furnace; supplying air to the baking furnace in an amount sufficient for combustion of the baking gases which flow into the baking furnace from the electrode paste; and adjusting the external supply of energy to the baking furnace in such a way that the total amount of external supplied energy and energy generated by combustion of the baking gases is sufficient to maintain a temperature in the baking furnace between 700.
degree.
and 1300.
degree.
C.
2.
Method according to claim 1, wherein the temperature in the baking furnace is maintained between 900.
degree.
and 1100.
degree.
C.
3.
Method according to claim 1, wherein the casing has a degree of perforation of less than 25%.
4.
Method according to claim 1, wherein the casing has a degree of perforation between 0.
1 and 5%.
5.
Method according to claim 1, wherein the individual holes or perforations in the casing have diameters between 1.
5 and 10 mm.
6.
Method according to claim 1, wherein the individual holes or perforations in the casing have diameters between 2.
0 and 4 mm.
7.
Method according to claim 1 wherein the holes or perforations in the casing are initially covered with a material which prevents the electrode paste or binder from leaking out and said material melts or burns away at a temperature between 250.
degree.
and 900.
degree.
C.
such that the holes or perforations which are no longer covered by said material allow baking gases to flow into the baking furnace