UHP graphite electrodes are used in EAF and LF, and electric arc furnace steelmaking is one of the important steelmaking methods.
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Electric arc furnace in steel making
The arc zone temperature of the electric arc furnace is as high as 3000-6000°C. It heats up quickly and can melt various high melting point alloys.
The real value of this process is in making steel using all scrap steel or all solid metal.
Ultra-high power generally refers to the power of an electric furnace transformer being 2-3 times that of an ordinary electric furnace of the same tonnage, so it is relative.
Main advantage
As the power is doubled, the main advantages of ultra-high-power electric furnaces are to shorten the melting time and increase productivity.
To improve electric heating efficiency and reduce power consumption. And to be easily matched with refining outside the furnace and continuous casting,
Finally, achieve high production, high quality, and low consumption.
The smelting cycle is less than 60 minutes and the power consumption is less than 400kwh/t.
What is graphite electrode used for?
Its function is to introduce electric current into the furnace and generate an arc with the charge to convert electrical energy into heat energy.
When the графитовый электрод is working, it must conduct a large current,and withstand high temperatures.
At the same time, it will be affected by high temperature, furnace gas oxidation, and collapse material impact, which requires it to work normally under the harsh conditions of smelting.
Graphite electrode properties requirements
Он обладает хорошей электропроводностью, высокой плотностью тока (28-15 А/см2) и малым коэффициентом сопротивления (8-10 Ом мм2/м).
Сайт электрод has high thermal conductivity, small linear expansion coefficient and small elastic modulus to improve its thermal shock resistance.
Sufficient mechanical strength at high temperatures.
Форма правильная, поверхность гладкая, кривизна небольшая, что обеспечивает хорошее соединение с соском.
Высокая объемная плотность, малая пористость, хорошая стойкость к окислению, нелегко окисляется, сублимируется или плавится под дугой высоких температур.
Graphite electrode consumption rate
Норма потребления графитовые электроды and the production rate of molten steel during the eaf сталеплавильное производство process are affected by many factors.
Including electrode quality, furnace type, operating conditions, etc. Generally, the consumption rate of an electrode can be estimated by the following formula:
Расход электродов=Расход электродов /Количество произведенной расплавленной стали×100%
Reasons for consumption
The specific electrode consumption is usually determined by factors such as the diameter of the electrode, current density, and furnace temperature.
Electrode consumption accounts for 8%-10% of the production cost of electric furnace steel.
The electrode consumption level per ton of steel is 0.2-1.1kg.
The main reasons are breakage, oxidation, erosion of slag and furnace gas, as well as spalling and sublimation under the action of arc.
Specific measures to reduce electrode consumption.
Reduce electrode breakage and damage caused by mechanical external force and electromagnetic force.
Электроды следует хранить в сухом месте и беречь от влаги, так как при высоких температурах они могут легко отпасть и отслоиться.
Reduce the electrical loss of the electrode connector, and the nipple will be more firmly connected when driven into the pin.
Снижение расхода на окисление позволяет повысить герметичность печи и сократить время высокотемпературного рафинирования.
Growing demand for graphite electrodes in electric arc furnace steelmaking
Electric arc furnace steelmaking uses графитовые электроды to conduct electrical current to melt scrap steel and other recycled metals.
It’s more energy efficient while allowing for Increased flexibility in the eaf steelmaking process.
Wood McKenzie, a research firm that specializes in renewables, energy and natural resources, estimates that “EAF share of global steel production will increase from the current 28% to almost 50% by 2050.”
Заключение
Graphite electrodes are indispensable in the electric arc furnace steelmaking production . Quality is the key factor in this process.
Optimizing the smelting process during the production process can reduce the consumption of tons of steel. Finally you can achieve maximum conversion rate and benefits.