Main factors affecting graphite electrode consumption

The consumption of graphite electrode in electric furnace steelmaking runs through the whole process of smelting, and its consumption is affected by many factors. Here is only the operation of smelting process to do to analyze.

1.1 Poor quality or improper ratio of scrap steel

Poor quality or improper ratio of scrap steel leads to poor slag making effect and prolong smelting time;  The probability of damage and fracture at the bottom of the electrode is increased with the increase of feeding times and borehole data.  The lengthening of smelting time is the direct factor leading to the increase of power consumption and electrode consumption and loss.

1.2 Electric furnace power supply equipment and electrode specifications do not match

Electric arc furnace is a high current low voltage operation.  If the capacity of the power supply equipment is too large and exceeds the limit load of the electrode, the electrode will redness from bottom to top within 5~10MIN of arc onset, and the boundary of the connection is very obvious and most of the broken accidents occur;  If the current is too high or fluctuates too much, the fracture frequency of the connection is increased and the bottom consumption is conical.  If the power supply capacity is low, the furnace temperature cannot meet the process requirements in the effective medium heating time, the operation will be delayed.  The loss and consumption of the graphite electrode are the greatest during overload and timeout operation.

1.3 During the oxidation period, the chemical energy is forcibly increased and the smelting intensity is increased

Smelting forced to increase the oxygen blowing (generally less than 45M3/T) to achieve rapid melting and improve the furnace temperature, which is easy to make the furnace condition is bad and the furnace and furnace on the rich state, so that each phase electrode is in a high temperature flame.  When the electrode is in this furnace condition, there are many serious phenomena of coating and surface oxidation.

1.4 Technical configuration and operation of electric furnace

There are essential differences between modern electric arc furnaces and traditional electric furnaces. The emergence of ultra-high power and large scale electric arc furnaces and hot charging steelmaking process has increased the smelting strength and production capacity, thus putting forward higher technical requirements for the quality of graphite electrodes.  During operation, the selection of power transmission curve and gear, the control of arc starting and arc stabilizing voltage and current, the use of long, medium and short arcs, the collocation of water cooling system

It plays a key role in the service life and consumption of the electrode.

1.5 Mass of graphite electrode

At present, the requirements of eAF smelting and process on the performance of oxygen resistance and thermal shock resistance of graphite electrode are more and more intense, and the high consumption caused by quality fluctuation is greatly concerned by direct users.  Therefore, the balance and stability of graphite electrode quality are the most important factors to determine the consumption.