23 FAQ About Graphite Electrodes In Electric Furnace Steelmaking(2)

05. How to connect the electrodes correctly? 

When connecting, use compressed air to blow the electrode socket, electrode end face and the nipple clean, no dust and abnormal objects embedded. The connection should be kept clean and flat. When the two electrodes are screwed in to a certain extent (the gap is about 10mm), then blow again with compressed air, and then tighten the electrode with torque pliers. The torque applied during tightening should be appropriate. If there is a gap in the connection after tightening, it must be withdrawn and reconnected until there is no gap. 

06. Regarding the correct clamping position of the electrode holder 

The electrode holder should not be clamped on the electrode connection or the electrode threaded hole. It should be clamped between the white lines at both ends of the electrode. At the same time, before the electrode is clamped by the holder, the surface of the electrode and the holder should be blown clean with compressed air to ensure good conduction of current and heat flow between the electrode and the holder, so as to prevent damage to the holder due to arcing, thereby prolonging the service life of the holder. 

07. What are the measures to reduce electrode oxidation consumption in EAF steelmaking? 

The main reduction measures are: (1) Reduce the oxidation consumption of the electrode perimeter, strengthen the sealing of the furnace, and reduce the air intrusion into the furnace; minimize the exposure time of the red hot electrode outside the furnace, and standardize the oxygen blowing operation. (2) For the smelting furnace, if conditions permit, the electrode adopts spray cooling technology, which can effectively reduce the oxidation consumption of the electrode side. (3) The steel plant sprays anti-oxidant substances on the electrode surface, or the electrode manufacturer adopts the anti-oxidant dipping treatment technology before the electrode leaves the factory to improve the anti-oxidation performance of the electrode body. 

08. How does the electrode phase sequence affect the use of electrodes?

The electrode phase sequence during EAF steelmaking has a significant impact on the tripping and breaking of the electrode during use. If the electrode phase sequence is clockwise, the electrode will loosen after being energized for a period of time during use, which will easily cause the electrode to loosen or the nipple to broken. The correct electrode phase sequence should be counterclockwise, so that the electrode will be more and more tightly joined during use.