Introduction of Graphite Electrode
1.Graphite electrodes
Graphite electrodes are the main heating element used in an electric arc furnace, a steelmaking process where scrap from old cars or appliances is melted to produce new steel. Electric arc furnaces are cheaper to build than traditional blast furnaces, which make steel from iron ore and are fuelled by coking coal. But the cost of steelmaking is higher since they use steel scrap and powered by electricity.
2.Furnace
The electrodes are part of the furnace lid and are assembled into columns. Electricity then passes through the electrodes, forming an arc of intense heat that melts the scrap steel. Electrodes vary widely in size but can be up to 0.75 metres (2 and a half feet) in diameter and as much as 2.8 meters (9 feet) long. The largest weigh more than two metric tons. The tip of the electrode will reach 3,000 degrees Celsius, half the temperature of the sun’s surface. Electrodes are made of graphite because only graphite can withstand such intense heat.
3.Material
There is petroleum-based needle coke and coal-based needle coke, and either can be used to produce graphite electrodes. ‘Pet coke’ is a by-product of the oil refining process, while coal-based needle coke is made from coal tar which appears during coke production.
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