Graphite Electrode

 What is a graphite electrode?

The graphite electrode serves a current supply material into the electric arc furnace space for heating an subsequent melting of the charge at high temperatures to 1700 ℃. In the cost of eaf 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.

Types of graphite electrodes

JINSUN has different grades and diameters. You can choose from types of 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.

Applications:

Graphite electrodes are primarily used in:

• Electric Arc Furnaces (EAF): Used for steelmaking and melting scrap metal.
• Refining Ladle Furnaces: Used for secondary steel refining.
• Submerged Arc Furnaces: Used for the production of ferroalloys and other metals.
• Resistance Furnaces: Produce silicon carbide, glass, etc.

Iron and steel metallurgy industry: Graphite electrode is an important conductive material for electric arc furnaces, used in steelmaking (rough and refined) and steel casting processes. It can withstand high temperatures and high level current densities, and provides the function of conducting current and heating workpieces during arc discharge.

Ore and metal smelting: Graphite electrodes are also widely used in non-ferrous metal smelting, such as copper, aluminum and zinc. In electrolytic furnaces, graphite electrodes are used as anodes or cathodes to conduct current and reactants.

Chemical industry: Graphite electrodes also have important uses in chemical reactions. It can be used in electrolysis, electro-oxidation, electro-reduction and other processes to provide current input and chemical reaction surfaces.

Storing electricity: Graphite electrodes are also used in the field of energy storage, including energy storage batteries, energy storage devices and battery systems. It can efficiently store and release electrical energy, promoting energy conversion and utilization.

Features&Benifits

Graphite electrode is a key good conductor raw material in the EAF steelmaking process.  As source of electric energy for an electric arc furnace, which is the most efficient way to heat and melt steel scrap. They conduct electricity from the power source to the furnace, allowing it to reach high level temperatures necessary for steel production.

• High bulk density
• low specific resistance
• Allow large current load
• Small thermal expansion coefficient
• High bending strength
• Low ash content
• Graphite machining performance is strong

Your professional graphite electrode supplier in China.

JINSUN is a professional graphite electrode manufacturer and supplier in China. We supply high-quality UHP/HP/RP graphite electrodes, which are used in EAF steelmaking, casting industry and metallurgical industry. We use advanced manufacturing processes to produce high quality products. In addition to this, JINSUN also offers in different grades. It is also available in custom lengths, diameters and designs.

Graphite electrode specification

FAQs:

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 made of graphite 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, depending on their use and the specific requirements of the eaf steelmaking process.

What is the HS code for graphite electrodes?

The Harmonized System (HS) code for graphite electrodes is generally 8545.1100.

How is the graphite electrode consumption?

Electrode consumption varies with current density, typically between 0.8 and 2 kg per ton of steel.

Graphite electrodes of different powers are used in electric arc furnaces of different tonnages. At the same time, you should consider the electrode specifications, the operation in the furnace, such as the purity of steel scrap, the oxygen blowing of the electric arc furnace, etc. This way you can calculate the consumption more accurately.

Why do graphite electrodes need to be replaced regularly?

Due to thermal and mechanical stresses, they oxidize over time and therefore need to be replaced regularly to ensure efficiency.

Graphite electrodes react with oxygen during high-temperature electricity. As a result of gradual oxidation, the diameter and length become smaller. Regular replacement of electrodes can ensure the input of current and the stability of the arc in the arc furnace. This will not affect the quality of steel products and ensure production efficiency.

Main factors affecting the Graphite Electrode Price.

Raw material cost: The price of petroleum coke and needle coke directly affects the production cost of it, and also affects the price.

Price of energy: The production processes of roasting and graphitization require large amounts of electricity. So fluctuations in energy prices may have an impact on the final price.

Development of electric arc furnace technology: The emergence of large-tonnage ultra-high-power electric arc furnaces places higher requirements on their performance. Therefore, the cost of production process and technology also increases accordingly.

Market demand and supply: When the number of electric arc furnaces increases, the demand will inevitably increase, and prices are likely to rise.

Shipping Costs: Price fluctuations in ocean or ground freight, which may play a role in the final price.

International economic situation: Changes in trade relations and policies and exchange rate fluctuations, etc. These may have an impact on the import and export of raw materials, thereby affecting the price.

Why are graphite electrodes used in electrolysis?

Their excellent electrical conductivity and thermal stability make them ideal for electrolysis applications.

The graphite electrode can still maintain chemical stability when the electricity is turned on and high temperature is generated. It can be used as both an anode and a cathode. It will not react with the solution during the electrolysis process, nor will it corrode easily, and it can maintain stable operation.

Graphite Electrode vs. Carbon Electrode:

Graphite electrodes are generally superior to conventional carbon electrodes due to their lower electrical resistance and higher thermal stability.

The production cost of carbon electrodes is lower because there is no graphitization process. Therefore, the price is relatively low and the production cost is more saved.