23 FAQ About Graphite Electrodes In Electric Furnace Steelmaking(1)

01.What are the main factors affecting graphite electrode consumption in EAF steelmaking?

Mainly include: (1) Loading quantity and feeding method. (2) Feeding time and power-off time. (3) Smelting cycle. (4) Exhaust gas emission and dust removal system. (5) Electrode adjustment quality. (6) Load regulation quality. (7) Oxygen blowing operation. (8) The quality of electrode connection. (9) The quality of the electrode nipple body. (10) Electrode socket and nipple machining accuracy. 

02. What matters should be paid attention to in the storage of graphite electrodes in steel factory? 

Electrodes and nipples should be stored on a clean concrete floor to prevent the electrodes from being damaged or sticking to soil; do not remove the packaging for the electrodes that are not used temporarily to prevent dust and debris from falling on the nipple threads or the electrode end face and the inner thread of the electrode socket. Electrodes should be neatly stored in the warehouse, and both ends of the electrode stack should be padded to prevent slipping. The stack height of the electrodes should generally not exceed two meters. The stored electrodes should be protected from rain and moisture to avoid cracks and accelerated oxidation of the electrodes during steelmaking. Do not store the electrode nipple near high temperature to prevent the nipple plug from melting and overflowing. 

03. How to avoid electrode breaking and tripping during steelmaking? 

The following measures are taken during the steelmaking process to effectively avoid electrode breakage and tripping: (1) The electrode phase sequence is correct, counterclockwise. (2) The scrap steel is evenly distributed in the steel furnace, and large scrap should be placed at the bottom of the furnace as far as possible. (3) Avoid non-conductive materials in scrap steel. (4) The electrode column is aligned with the furnace top hole, and the electrode column is parallel. The furnace top hole wall should be cleaned frequently to avoid the accumulation of residual steel slag causing the electrode to break. (5) Keep the electric furnace tilting system in good condition and keep the electric furnace tilting stable. (6) Avoid clamping the electrode holder at the electrode connection and electrode socket. (7) Choose nipples with high strength and high precision. (8) The torque applied when the electrodes are connected should be appropriate. (9) Before and during the electrode connection, prevent the electrode socket thread and nipple thread from mechanical damage. (10) Prevent steel slag or abnormal objects from being embedded in the electrode socket and nipple to affect the screw connection. 

04. When steel factory use graphite electrodes, what should be paid attention to during crane lifting? 

Regardless of whether the electrode is transported by a forklift or a crane, it must be carefully operated. During the lifting of the electrode, damage to the electrode end and thread will cause serious problems to the use of the electrode, especially the threaded hole and the thread of the nipple. When lifting the electrode, it is necessary to have a protective pad to avoid damaging the electrode end surface and the thread of the nipple.