Modern steelmaking methods mainly include converter steelmaking, open hearth steelmaking and electric furnace steelmaking. The open hearth steelmaking method has basically been eliminated. The most fundamental difference between electric furnace steelmaki

Electric arc furnace steelmaking is the electric arc generated by the discharge between the electrode and the charge. The electric energy is converted into thermal energy in the arc light. The direct action of radiation and the arc heats and melts the metal and slag. A steelmaking method.

The consumption of graphite electrodes in electric furnace steelmaking is mainly related to the quality of the electrode itself, but also to the conditions of the steelmaking furnace (such as new and old furnaces, mechanical failure, continuous production, etc.) and steelmaking operations (such as smelting steel, blowing Oxygen time, charge condition, etc.) are very relevant. Only the consumption of the graphite electrode itself is discussed here. The consumption mechanism has the following aspects:

1. End consumption
Including the sublimation of graphite material caused by the high temperature of the arc, and the loss of chemical reaction between the electrode end and molten steel and slag. The high-temperature sublimation rate of the end is mainly determined by the current density through the electrode, and secondly it is related to the diameter of the electrode side after oxidation. The end consumption is also related to whether the electrode is inserted into the molten steel to increase carbon.

2.Side oxidation
 The chemical composition of the electrode is carbon. Under certain conditions, carbon will oxidize with air, water vapor, and carbon dioxide. The amount of oxidation on the side of the electrode is related to the unit oxidation rate and the exposed area. Generally, the amount of oxidation on the side of the electrode accounts for about 50% of the total electrode consumption. In recent years, in order to increase the smelting speed of the electric furnace, the frequency of oxygen blowing operation has been increased, resulting in an increase in the oxidation loss of the electrode. Observing the redness of the electrode trunk and the taper of the lower end of the electrode during the steelmaking process are intuitive methods to measure the oxidation resistance of the electrode.

3. Stub loss
 When the electrode is continuously used to the connection between the upper and lower electrodes, a short section of the electrode or the connector (ie, the residue) is detached due to the thinning of the body or the penetration of the crack. The size of the stump loss is related to the shape of the joint, the internal structure of the electrode, the vibration and impact of the electrode column.

4. Surface peeling and falling off
 In the smelting process, the result is that the electrode has poor thermal shock resistance due to rapid cooling and heating.

5. The electrode is broken
 Including electrode torso break and connector break. The breakage of the electrode is related to the quality of the graphite electrode and the joint, the processing coordination, and the steelmaking operation. The cause is often the focus of dispute between the steel plant and the electrode plant.