A method for preventing oxidation of graphite electrodes during steelmaking. Graphite electrodes are used in arc metallurgy as conductive consumable materials, and their consumption costs account for about 10-15% of the cost of electric furnace steelmaking.

In recent years, in order to improve the productivity of electric furnaces and reduce power consumption, electric furnaces have adopted high-load operations, and the oxidation consumption of electrode surfaces tends to increase, thereby further increasing electrode consumption and smelting costs.So how do you oxidize the graphite electrode

Graphite electrodes can be protected against oxidation by applying a protective coating on the surface of the electrode. Here are some methods for preventing oxidation of graphite electrodes:

1. First, a circle of shallow grooves is machined on the surface of the graphite electrode, the purpose is to make the cermet layer can firmly adhere to the surface of the graphite electrode, and then the graphite electrode is heated to about 250 ℃ in a heating furnace, and then a metal spray gun is used on the electrode. On the surface, spray a thin layer of aluminum, spray another layer of cermet slurry on the aluminum layer, and then use carbon arc to sinter the slurry, spray slurry and arc sinter, repeat 2-3 times to make the cermet The layer has sufficient thickness.

The resistivity of cermet is 0.07-0.1p-m, which is lower than that of graphite electrode. At 900℃ for 50h, the gas is impermeable and the coating decomposition temperature is 1750-1800℃. The coating element composition has no effect on molten steel. Increasing the raw materials, electricity and labor used in the anti-oxidation coating will increase the cost of graphite electrodes by 10%, but the unit consumption of graphite electrodes per ton of electric furnace steel can be reduced by 20-30% (the result of use on ordinary electric furnaces). Since the coating is a brittle material, cermet is a brittle material, so avoid collision when using it, and don’t make the coating break off.

2. Reducing exposure to air: Graphite electrodes should be stored in a dry and air-free area to prevent exposure to moisture and air. This will help prevent oxidation.

3. Lowering the operating temperature: Operating the electrode at a lower temperature can reduce the chances of oxidation. This can be achieved by reducing the current or increasing the electrode spacing.

4. Using a protective gas: A protective gas such as argon or nitrogen can be used during operation to prevent oxidation. The gas helps to create a protective atmosphere around the electrode.

5. Proper cleaning: Proper cleaning of the electrode before operation can remove any impurities or contaminants that can cause oxidation.

Scope of application: Suitable for graphite products such as graphite electrodes, anode carbon blocks, electrolytic aluminum plants, graphite molds, graphite crucibles, and other graphite products surface sealing anti-oxidation, sealing anti-corrosion, prolonging the life of graphite products by at least 30%, increasing the material strength.