What is a graphite electrode?
Graphite electrode mainly used for electric arc furnaces and submerged heat and resistance furnaces as a good conductor. In the cost of electric arc furnace steelmaking, the consumption of graphite electrodes accounts for about 10%.
It is made of petroleum coke and pitch coke, and high-power and ultra-high-power grades are made of needle coke. They have low ash content, good electrical conductivity, heat, and corrosion resistance, and will not melt or deform at high temperatures.
About graphite electrode grades and diameters.
JINSUN has different grades and diameters. You can choose from RP, HP or UHP grades, which can help you improve electric arc furnace performance, increase production efficiency, and increase economic benefits. We have various diameters, 150mm-700mm, which can be used for smelting operations of electric arc furnaces of different tonnages.
Correct choice of electrode type and size is very important. This will play a key role in ensuring the quality of the smelted metal and the normal operation of the electric arc furnace.
How does it work in eaf steelmaking？
Graphite electrode introduce electric current into the steelmaking furnace, which is the electric arc furnace steelmaking process. The strong current is transmitted from the furnace transformer through the cable to the holder at the end of the three electrode arms and flows into it.
Therefore, between the electrode end and the charge an arc discharge occurs, and the charge begins to melt using the heat generated by the arc and the charge begins to melt. According to the capacity of the electric furnace, the manufacturer will choose different diameters for use.
To continuously use the electrodes during the smelting process, we connect the electrodes through threaded nipples. Since the cross-section of the nipple is smaller than that of the electrode, the nipple must have higher compressive strength and lower resistivity than the electrode.
In addition, there are various sizes and grades, depending on their use and the specific requirements of the eaf steelmaking process.