Как работают графитовые электроды в электродуговой печи?

Графитовый электрод

Graphite electrodes are critical to operating Electric Arc Furnaces (EAF). They conduct the high-voltage electrical current needed to heat and melt the raw materials inside, which can then be used for smelting or refining operations.

Therefore, графитовые электроды are integral to producing iron, steel and other metals in the electric arc furnace. When the graphite electrodes are energized, an electric arc is created between them, heating the furnace shell and melting any metal or alloy placed within electric arc furnace.

Graphite Electrode with Nipple for Electric arc furnace

Процесс плавки стали графитовым электродом в электродуговой печи

When an EAF is used to melt steel, the process begins with a piece of scrap metal being placed in the furnace.

Workers then connect the graphite electrodes to an external power source that provides alternating (AC) or direct (DC).

Затем оператор включает питание и регулирует силу тока, пока между графитовыми наконечниками электродов и металлоломом не образуется дуга, создающая интенсивное тепло, которое расплавляет металл в расплавленную жидкость.

Рабочие пропускают через электроды ток силой до 150 000 ампер. Они создают электрическую дугу между графитовые электроды and the raw materials in the furnace, which causes heat to be produced.

 

Что такое электродуговые печи и их типы?

An electric arc furnace (EAF) is a specialized furnace that uses graphite electrodes to heat and melts scrap metal to produce high-quality steel. 

According to the current characteristics, people divide electric arc furnaces into AC and DC electric arc furnaces. Heroult из Франции изобрел его в 1988 году после изобретения электричества.

 

DC Arc Furnace
DC Arc Furnace

 

The emergence of electric arc furnaces has developed an alternative energy source for coal-based steelmaking. Electric arc furnace steelmaking enables economical recycling of scrap steel. It was ultimately making steel the most recyclable material in the world.

 

AC Arc Frunace
AC Arc Furnace

 

Работа электродуговой печи с графитовыми электродами

Arc furnace electrodes conduct electrical energy from an external power source into the interior of the electric arc furnace, creating an intense heat. Usually, AC or DC electricity creates an electric arc between the graphite electrodes and the scrap material.

When the temperature reaches 5000 degrees Celsius, the high temperature melts the scrap metal into a liquid state. 

Затем сталевары выливают ее из печи. Как правило, в каждой печи используется девять электродов, расположенных в трех колоннах по три электрода в каждой. Оператору необходимо отрегулировать ток и напряжение, чтобы использовать графитовые электроды в AC electric arc furnace.

Electric Arc Furnace with Graphite Electrode

In addition, steel mill workers should use particular components such as cooling systems and shields.

Please ensure that the molten steel does not become too hot or contaminated during the process.  This will help to ensure a successful output from the furnace.

 

The importance of graphite electrode in electric arc furnace

Graphite electrode has low resistivity and are excellent conductors for transferring electric current. The electrode with needle coke and good graphitization degree has better performance.

In addition, its thermal expansion coefficient is low and will not deform when the current gradient changes.

EAF Graphite electrode
EAF Graphite electrode

Another critical point is that it has high mechanical strength, and no bending or breaking will occur. Given these characteristics, it is well suited for high-temperature applications in electric arc furnace.

Other materials cannot be replaced, so graphite electrodes are essential in industrial production.

According to the different needs of electric arc furnace steelmaking, it has three types – РП, HP and UHP graphite electrodes.

 

Graphite electrodes work with Arc furnace

An Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) is a type of furnace that uses graphite electrodes to generate an electric arc to melt scrap metal. The EAF consists of a cylindrical steel shell lined with refractory materials.

The bottom of the furnace is made up of a tilting platform, which can tilt to pour out the molten metal. Workers insert графитовые электроды into the furnace through holes in the top and connect them to a power source.

Graphite electrodes work with Arc furnace

When the workers turn on the power, an electric arc will generate, which heats the scrap metal and melts it. The workers pour the molten metal from the furnace and cast it into desired shapes.

The process consumes the electrodes, and workers must replace the electrodes periodically. EAFs are commonly used to recycle scrap steel and are also used in producing specialty steel.

Заключение

Графитовые электроды are used in DC or AC electric arc furnace (eaf) to create an arc when current passes through it. Convert electrical energy into heat to smelt scrap steel or metal.

If you are looking for Graphite Electrode for Electric Arc Furnace, Reach out to us today, and let’s help you out. Please choose a professional производитель графитовых электродов to help you with your eaf steelmaking process.

 

Дополнительные ресурсы:

What is Electric Arc Furnace?

Graphite Electrode – an overview.

The Steel Making Process.

Steel Making Methods.

Graphite Electrode Manufacturing Process.

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