Common problems about graphite electrodes in electric furnace steelmaking

What are the main factors that affect graphite electrode consumption in electric arc furnace steelmaking?

Main factors include: (1) Charge amount and charging method. (2) Charging time and power-off time. (3) Smelting cycle. (4) Waste gas emission and dust removal system. (5) Electrode adjustment quality. (6) Load adjustment quality. (7) Oxygen blowing operation. (8) Electrode connection quality. (9) Electrode joint body quality. (10) Electrode joint hole and joint processing accuracy.

What should be paid attention to in the storage of graphite electrodes in steel plants?
Electrodes and joints should be stored on a clean cement floor to prevent the electrodes from being damaged or stuck with mud. For electrodes that are not in use temporarily, do not remove the packaging to prevent dust and debris from falling on the joint threads or the electrode end surface and the inner threads of the electrode hole. Electrodes should be placed neatly in the warehouse, and both ends of the electrode stack should be padded to prevent the stack from slipping. The stacking height of the electrodes should generally not exceed two meters. The electrodes should be stored in a rain and moisture-proof manner to prevent cracks and accelerated oxidation during steelmaking. The electrode joints should not be stored near high temperatures to prevent the joint plugs from melting and overflowing.

How to avoid electrode breakage and tripping during steelmaking?
The following measures can effectively avoid electrode breakage and tripping during steelmaking: (1) The electrode phase sequence is correct and counterclockwise. (2) The scrap steel in the steel furnace is evenly distributed, and large pieces of scrap steel are placed at the bottom of the furnace as much as possible. (3) Avoid the presence of non-conductive materials in the 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 residual slag accumulation and breaking the electrode. (5) Keep the electric furnace tilting system in good condition to keep the electric furnace tilting stable. (6) Avoid clamping the electrode holder at the electrode connection and the electrode joint hole. (7) Select high-strength, high-precision and high-quality joints. (8) The torque applied when connecting the electrodes should be appropriate. (9) Before and during electrode connection, prevent mechanical damage to the electrode hole thread and the joint thread. (10) Prevent steel slag or foreign matter from being embedded in the electrode hole and the joint to affect the screw connection.

What should steel mills pay attention to during crane hoisting when using graphite electrodes?
Whether using a forklift or a crane to transport the electrode, it must be carefully operated. During the electrode hoisting process, damage to the electrode end and thread will cause serious problems for the use of the electrode. In particular, the thread of the threaded hole and the joint must be protected. When lifting the electrode, there must be a protective pad to avoid damaging the electrode end face and the joint thread.

How to connect the electrode correctly?
When connecting, use compressed air to blow clean the electrode hole, the electrode end face and the joint. There must be no dust accumulation and foreign matter embedded. The connection must be kept clean and flat. When the two electrodes are screwed in to a certain extent (the gap is about 10mm), blow them again with compressed air, and then tighten the electrode with a torque clamp. The torque applied during tightening should be appropriate. If a gap is found at the connection after tightening, it must be withdrawn and reconnected until there is no gap.