Graphite electrodes and their nipples (hereinafter referred to as electrodes and nipples) are an important element of electric arc furnaces in the production of steel and alloys. They are consumable current leads of the high voltage line, allowing you to ignite and maintain the burning of the arc between the ends of the electrodes and the metal, and to a certain extent limit the performance of electric furnaces.
Modern modernization of electric steel-making production by intensifying the melting of scrap in electric furnaces using powerful transformers and the introduction of out-of-furnace steel processing have changed the operating conditions of electrodes and, accordingly, increased requirements for their quality. In turn, the modernization of equipment and technology of electrode production provided a significant improvement in the quality of electrode products.
At the same time, the operating conditions of electrodes in various technological processes of melting metals with different electrical parameters of arc furnaces in the production of steels, ferroalloys, abrasives, non-ferrous metals differ significantly. Accordingly, each type of furnace requires electrodes with a specific set of properties.
The electrode industry produces a wide range of electrodes both in terms of standard sizes and physical and mechanical properties in accordance with the needs of the metallurgical complex.
