Which electrode is used for arc furnace?

Graphite electrodes
Graphite electrodes are primarily used in electric arc furnaces for the steel production process. Large electrical currents are passed through the low conductivity electrodes, the power causes electric arcs between the tips of the electrodes and across the liquid steel, the arc is white hot circa 5000ºC.

How many electrodes are used in electric arc furnace?

three
The furnace. The electric-arc furnace (EAF) is a squat, cylindrical vessel made of heavy steel plates. It has a dish-shaped refractory hearth and three vertical electrodes that reach down through a dome-shaped, removable roof (see figure).

Are graphite electrodes expensive?

“The rising costs are a real concern. The runaway price increase for graphite electrodes is raising the cost of steel production, according to the Midwest buyer. For each ton of steel produced, the electrode cost has soared from $10 to $20 per ton to $60 to $80 per ton.

Where are graphite electrodes used?

Graphite Electrodes find application in manufacture of Steel and other non-ferrous metals through the Electric Arc Furnace and the Laddle Furnace routes. It is used as a consumable for conducting high current at low voltage which is necessary for melting and / or alloying processes.

Do electric arc furnaces run continuously?

The process of converting raw iron oxides into melted steel can take anywhere from six to eight hours per batch. Electric arc furnaces typically produce up to 150 tons per batch. Blast furnaces are known to run continuously for four to 10 years.

Why is graphite a good electrode?

Graphite is insoluble in water. It has a high melting point and is a good conductor of electricity, which makes it a suitable material for the electrodes needed in electrolysis . These delocalised electrons can all move along together – making graphite a good electrical conductor.

Why is copper better than graphite as electrode material?

Graphite is able to achieve electrode wear of less than 1 percent in relation to the depth of cut at machine parameters much more aggressive than copper electrodes. On the contrary, in the finishing stages, with low amperage and short on-times, the graphite electrode has a tendency to wear at a faster rate than copper.

How are graphite electrodes used in an arc furnace?

The electric arc furnace method recycles used iron scrap by melting it in an electric arc furnace. It is the graphite electrodes inside the furnace that actually melt the iron. Graphite has high thermal conductivity and is very resistant to heat and impact.

How are graphite electrodes used in steel making?

Graphite Electrodes In the steelmaking process, iron scrap gets melted in an electric arc furnace and recycled. Graphite electrodes, a kind of conductor, are an essential component in this kind of furnace. They can melt scrap at a temperature of about 1600℃.

How is an electric arc furnace used for steelmaking?

An electric arc furnace used for steelmaking consists of a refractory -lined vessel, usually water-cooled in larger sizes, covered with a retractable roof, and through which one or more graphite electrodes enter the furnace. The furnace is primarily split into three sections: the shell, which consists of the sidewalls and lower steel “bowl”;

How is the charge transferred in an arc furnace?

In the submerged arc furnace for smelting yellow phosphorus and industrial silicon, the electric energy is transferred into the charge through the electrode, and the charge itself is melted by the electric resistance heating of the charge. Compared with other steelmaking methods, electric arc furnace steelmaking has its unique advantages.