Main factors affecting graphite electrode consumption in electric arc furnace steelmaking

Main factors affecting graphite electrode consumption in electric arc furnace steelmaking

 

What are the main factors affecting graphite electrode consumption in electric arc furnace steelmaking?

 

Graphite electrodes play a vital role in electric arc furnace steelmaking. Their performance and application directly affect steelmaking efficiency and cost.

 

Graphite electrodes are mainly used for electric furnace steelmaking. Electric furnace steelmaking uses graphite electrodes to introduce current into the furnace. The strong current generates arc discharge through the gas at the lower end of the electrode, and the heat generated by the arc is used for smelting. According to the capacity of the electric furnace, graphite electrodes of different diameters are used. In order to make the electrodes used continuously, the electrodes are connected by electrode threaded joints.

 

Main characteristics of graphite electrodes：

 

(1) Corrosion resistance: Graphite anode material has strong corrosion resistance, which can reduce the loss of anode.

(2) Dimensional stability: The thermal expansion coefficient of graphite anode is extremely low, and it expands very little in high temperature environment, which is conducive to the stable operation of the electric arc furnace.

(3) Thermal shock resistance: Graphite anode has excellent thermal shock resistance and can withstand severe thermal shock in the electric arc furnace to prevent the anode from cracking or deforming.

(4) Conductivity: Graphite is a material with extremely high electrical conductivity, which ensures the smooth flow of current in the electric arc furnace and maintains arc stability.

(5) Corrosion resistance: Graphite has good corrosion resistance and can resist the high-temperature acidic gas generated in the electric arc furnace to prevent the anode surface from being corroded.

(6) Mechanical strength: Graphite anode has high mechanical strength and can withstand the mechanical load and electromagnetic force in the electric arc furnace.

(7) Processability: Graphite has good processability and can be customized in shape and size according to the specific needs of the electric arc furnace.

(8) Oxidation resistance: Graphite has strong oxidation resistance in high-temperature environments and will not be oxidized. The oxidizing gas generated in the electric arc furnace will not cause serious oxidation corrosion to the graphite anode.

 

Graphite electrodes will produce a certain amount of consumption during the steelmaking process, which can be divided into normal consumption and extraordinary consumption. Normal consumption mainly includes arc consumption, chemical consumption and oxidation consumption; extraordinary consumption mainly includes consumption caused by mechanical damage, arc failure and other reasons.

 

The main factors affecting the consumption of graphite electrodes in electric arc furnace steelmaking are:

 

(1) loading quantity and feeding method.

(2) Feeding time and power outage time.

(3) Smelting cycle.

(4) Exhaust emission and dust removal system.

(5) Electrode adjustment quality.

(6) Load regulation quality.

(7) Oxygen blowing operation.

(8) Electrode connection quality.

(9) Electrode nipple body quality.

(10) Electrode nipple hole and nipple processing accuracy.