How are carbon electrodes used in submerged arc furnaces?

What is submerged arc furnace?

It is a metallurgical equipment for producing ferroalloys and industrial silicon, yellow phosphorus, corundum, calcium carbide and other materials. Carbon electrodes are conductive materials for submerged arc furnaces. Large submerged arc furnaces generally use three-phase AC operation and have three conductive electrodes.

Carbon electrodes meaning

Угольные электроды are made of anthracite, petroleum coke and asphalt, and are formed, roasted and machined. They have high thermal conductivity, high temperature resistance, corrosion resistance and oxidation resistance.

How are carbon electrode used in arc furnace?

Inserting the carbon electrode into the charge generates resistance heat and an arc in the charge to reach a high temperature, and the material in the furnace undergoes a chemical reduction reaction. The upper end of the carbon electrode used in the submerged arc furnace is clamped by an electrode holder and suspended on the upper part of the electric furnace. The current is poured into the carbon electrode through the electrode holder, and the lower end of the electrode is buried in the charge. As the lower end of the electrode is gradually consumed, it is lowered and replaced with a new electrode.