Graphite Electrode Nipples Archives - Graphite Electrode Manufacturer

Influence of Splattering of Lengthwise Graphitization on UHP Graphite Electrodes

Inner string graphitization is a process in which the current directly passes through the furnace core composed of roasted products in series, and the roasted products are graphitized through the thermal effect of the current. In the process of graphitization and power transmission, the baked product is treated at a high temperature above 2400°C and finally transformed into a graphite product with better conductivity and oxidation resistance. Graphitization is an important production link in the production of ultra-high power graphite electrodes, and graphite electrode products are accompanied by a series of complex physical and chemical changes in the process. By analyzing the actual changes in products and the causes of abnormal conditions during graphitization and power transmission, it is helpful to better formulate and improve process parameters and improve the product quality of graphite electrodes.

The graphitization process of a graphite electrode manufacturer uses a U-shaped inner series graphitization furnace. The products are loaded on the east and west sides of the furnace, and metallurgical coke is used as the furnace bottom material and insulation material. The joints for ultra-high power graphite electrodes are loaded into the graphitization furnace in a multi-column bundling manner. During the power transmission process, the displacement data of the product is determined by the expansion and contraction of the furnace tail-pushing equipment and is recorded and monitored by the computer. Through the summary analysis of various parameters before and after spraying the furnace in the inner string graphitization process of the joints for ultra-high power graphite electrodes. The physical and chemical changes in the graphitization process, the reasons for spraying furnaces, and the impact on product quality are explained, and corresponding solutions are proposed. It is hoped that it can promote the production of domestic large-scale ultra-high-power graphite electrode nipples.

Reason Analysis of Splattering of Lengthwise Graphitization

According to the production records, the graphite electrode nipple product was sprayed at time t6. The location of spraying furnace is located at the furnace head on the east side of the U-shaped graphitization furnace, and the maximum power transmission power has been reached when the furnace is sprayed. Before spraying the furnace, the furnace resistance increased abnormally. After spraying the furnace, re-energize and the furnace resistance returns to normal.

In addition to the length of raw materials and roasted products, the pusher device at the end of the furnace is also a factor affecting the displacement of the east and west sides. The pusher at the end of the furnace usually applies pressure to make the electrode series connection closely, so as to reduce the contact resistance between the electrode end faces. According to the research of the experimenters, the pressure should be adjusted in time during the graphitization and power transmission process to maintain a stable contact resistance. In addition, during the electrode inflation stage, the change of the pushing pressure on both sides of the furnace tail will also affect the displacement of the east and west sides to a certain extent.

In the actual power transmission process, the hydraulic pressure at the end of the furnace is controlled by the same hydraulic station. However, when there is partial blockage, oil leakage, or other problems in the hydraulic pipeline on one side, the actual acting pressure on the east and west sides may be different. This may be the reason for the difference in expansion between the east and west sides of ultra-high power graphite electrode products within a certain time interval.

As the temperature continues to rise, the graphite electrode product begins to shrink in the temperature range in the next period of time, and the amount of shrinkage gradually increases. At this time, according to the process requirements, the automatic hydraulic system at the end of the furnace needs to adjust the pressure in time to adapt to the shrinkage of the electrode string. However, when the hydraulic system at the end of the furnace fails to adjust the pressure quickly due to some reasons, and because the hydraulic device is located at the end of the furnace, it is far away from the furnace head. Affected by the frictional resistance of metallurgical coke, the pressure at the furnace head is lagging or insufficient, which is particularly likely to cause an increase in the contact resistance of the electrode end surface at the furnace head. Even in severe cases, the metallurgical coke insulation material enters the gap of the electrode end face. This leads to an abnormal increase in local contact resistance, resulting in burnout. This is also the reason why the graphitization spray furnace usually occurs at the furnace head.

Influence of Splattering of Lengthwise Graphitization on UHP Graphite Electrodes

After the graphite electrode nipple products are released from the furnace, through the analysis of the processing results, the qualification rate of the graphite electrode products on the east side of the graphitization furnace is slightly lower than that on the west side. This may be related to the larger displacement on the east side during graphitization and power transmission. In this temperature range, the chemical reaction is intensified, the stress is concentrated, and the excessive displacement will easily cause cracks in the product, resulting in unqualified products.

According to the normal distribution of bulk density and resistivity of processed graphite electrode nipples, the bulk density and resistivity of the east side are slightly lower than those of the west side. This may be related to insufficient push pressure on the middle east side during graphitization and power transmission and metallurgical coke entering the gap of the electrode end face. During the power transmission process, the contact resistance between the end faces of the electrode string on the east side is relatively high. According to Joule’s law, the east side generates more heat and has a higher degree of graphitization, so the resistivity and bulk density of the product decrease.

Solutions to Splattering of Lengthwise Graphitization

1) When graphitizing power transmission, the pushing pressure of the furnace tail should be adjusted appropriately according to the product diameter and furnace loading form. In order to avoid the situation that the furnace tail pressure cannot meet the production needs due to specification changes.

2) When graphitizing the furnace, small graphite blocks can be laid under the electrode trunk to reduce the influence of metallurgical coke friction resistance on the pushing pressure. There is hysteresis or insufficient pressure to improve the position of the furnace head.

3) The furnace tail pusher is one of the key pieces of equipment to ensure the normal power transmission of the inner string graphitization furnace. The change in its pressure is closely related to product quality, and it should be maintained and corrected regularly.

4) Graphitization During the power transmission process, the change of furnace resistance can timely and effectively reflect the real-time situation of the products in the furnace. It should be paid attention to during the power transmission process. When the furnace resistance is abnormal, the process can be adjusted in time to ensure product quality;

5) The graphitization power transmission is controlled by a computer program, and the pushing pressure can be considered to be added to the program. In order to realize real-time monitoring, and set relevant thresholds or alarm conditions for changes in furnace resistance.

Rongsheng Graphite Electrodes Manufacturer

Rongsheng graphite electrode manufacturer is an experienced manufacturer of graphite electrodes. Our graphite electrode customers continue to return orders from our manufacturers. Moreover, we support the customization of graphite electrode products and can provide you with customized graphite electrode products according to your specific usage requirements. Contact us to buy high-quality ultra-high power graphite electrode products.

The Top Uses of Graphite Electrode Nipples in Industrial Applications

Graphite electrode nipples are an essential component in various industrial applications. These small, cylindrical pieces of graphite play a significant role in the production of steel, aluminum, and other metals. Graphite electrode nipples are widely used because of their exceptional thermal and electrical conductivity, high mechanical strength, and resistance to thermal shock. This essay discusses the top uses of graphite electrode nipples in industrial applications.

One of the primary uses of graphite electrode nipples is in electric arc furnaces (EAFs). EAFs are used for melting and refining steel scrap into new steel. Graphite electrode nipples are used to conduct electricity from the power source to the charge inside the furnace. As the electric current passes through the graphite electrode nipple, it heats up and melts the scrap metal. Graphite electrode nipples are also used to inject gases into the furnace to improve the quality of the steel being produced.

Graphite electrode nipples are also used in the production of aluminum. Aluminum is produced through the process of electrolysis, which involves the use of an electric current to separate aluminum from its ore. Graphite electrodes are used as anodes in the electrolytic cell. As the electric current passes through the anode, it dissolves the aluminum oxide, releasing aluminum ions that are deposited on the cathode. Graphite electrode nipples used in aluminum production are designed to withstand the harsh chemical environment inside the electrolytic cell.

Another important use of graphite electrode nipples is in the production of silicon metal. Silicon is produced through a process called carbothermic reduction, which involves the reduction of silica with carbon in an electric furnace. Graphite electrode nipples are used to supply the electric current to the furnace and to melt the charge inside. Graphite electrode nipples used in silicon production are designed to withstand high temperatures and to resist chemical attack by the molten charge.

Graphite electrode nipples are also used in the glass industry. Glass is produced by melting raw materials such as sand, soda ash, and limestone in a furnace. Graphite electrode nipples are used to supply the electric current to the furnace and to melt the charge inside. Graphite electrodes used in glass production are designed to withstand high temperatures and to resist chemical attack by the molten charge.

In conclusion, graphite electrode nipples are essential components in various industrial applications. They are widely used in electric arc furnaces for the production of steel, in aluminum production, silicon production, and the glass industry. Graphite electrode nipples are preferred because of their excellent thermal and electrical conductivity, high mechanical strength, and resistance to thermal shock. The use of graphite electrode nipples has greatly improved the efficiency and quality of industrial processes, leading to significant cost savings and increased productivity.

Also, electrode nipples are small but critical components in many industrial applications that involve the transfer of electrical energy. These devices are typically made of conductive materials such as copper, brass, or stainless steel and are used to connect electrical circuits, facilitate the flow of electrical current, and dissipate heat.

One of the most common uses of electrode nipples is in the welding industry. Welding involves fusing two or more pieces of metal together by heating them to their melting point and then joining them with a molten metal. Electrode nipples are used in welding machines to transfer electrical current to the welding electrode, which then creates the arc that melts the metal. The electrode nipple is also responsible for holding the electrode in place and allowing for the controlled movement of the electrode during the welding process.

Another application of electrode nipples is in electroplating, a process that involves coating a metal object with a thin layer of another metal to improve its surface properties. Electrode nipples are used in electroplating to connect the electrical circuit and facilitate the transfer of ions between the anode and cathode. They also help to dissipate heat, which can build up during the electroplating process and cause damage to the equipment.

Electrode nipples are also used in the production of printed circuit boards (PCBs), which are used in a wide range of electronic devices. PCBs are made up of multiple layers of conductive material, and electrode nipples are used to connect these layers and create the electrical circuit. They are also used to connect the PCB to other electronic components, such as capacitors and resistors.

Finally, electrode nipples are commonly used in the automotive industry. They are used in spark plugs, which are essential components in the combustion engine. The electrode nipple serves as the conductor that delivers the electrical spark to ignite the fuel-air mixture in the engine.

In conclusion, electrode nipples are small but critical components that play a crucial role in a wide range of industrial applications. They are used in welding, electroplating, PCB production, metallurgy, and automotive manufacturing, among other industries. Without these devices, many of the products we use every day would not exist, and the processes that produce them would be significantly less efficient. As such, electrode nipples are an essential component of modern industrial processes, and their importance cannot be overstated.

How to Tighten the Graphite Electrode Nipples?

The connection of graphite electrodes is realized through graphite electrode nipples. How to tighten the graphite electrode nipple? Graphite electrode manufacturers suggest that the torque required to screw the joint into the electrode screw hole to achieve a tight connection is well controlled.

The contact resistance of the graphite electrode with a smooth surface varies with the applied pressure. As the pressure increases, the contact resistance decreases. In order to reduce the contact resistance of the contact parts during electrode connection as much as possible, in addition to the two important conditions of graphite electrode material and processing accuracy, which must meet the technical standards, sufficient tightening torque must be applied when connecting electrodes in steelworks. If the tightening torque is insufficient when connecting, the contact resistance of the contact surface will increase significantly. Even high-quality electrodes will have redness and accelerated oxidation at the contact surface. Or loosening occurs in a strong vibration, increasing the chance of nipple breaking. The larger the electrode specification, the greater the tightening torque required. But the tightening torque is not as big as possible, but to reach a certain torque.

There are two main factors that affect the tightening torque not reaching the specified level. (1) The electrode processing quality is not good. If the processing surface is rough or the clearance of the thread is not well matched, it is difficult to screw into the joint, or it is still loose when it is screwed to the bottom of the screw hole, so it cannot be tightened. (2) The steel mill operator did not tighten the electrode and the joint when adding the new graphite electrode nipple, that is, the required tightening torque was not reached. In order to ensure that the required tightening torque can be achieved when connecting electrodes with different specifications, you can choose to use a graphite electrode wrench.

When tightening graphite electrodes in the smelting industry in some areas, the most common use is to clamp a graphite electrode with two iron clips for fastening operations, and there is also a “soil wrench” without a torsion structure. However, this type of tightening method not only needs to rely on the experience of master craftsmen but also faces the challenge of uneven quality of graphite electrodes from different manufacturers. A slight difference in the tightening force will make the current flow unstable. It leads to a series of problems such as the electrode is not tightened, the electrode is broken, and so on. Not only does it affect production, but it also consumes electricity, and the work efficiency and graphite electrode utilization rate are relatively low, which increases production costs.

The special graphite electrode wrench can perfectly solve these problems. It is widely used in the smelting industry in other regions. The special wrench for graphite electrodes is not only a tool for tightening graphite electrodes but also a kind of torque tool. Its appearance ended the smelting industry’s production history of relying on experience and technology when installing and replacing graphite electrodes. It provides a reliable guarantee for safe production, energy saving, and high efficiency, and cost reduction in the smelting industry.

Rongsheng graphite electrode manufacturer specializes in the production and sales of various types of graphite electrodes including graphite electrode with preset nipple products and can customize graphite electrodes and electrode nipples according to the actual needs of customers. Contact us for a free trial.