Why use graphite arc furnace electrodes?
Graphite electrodes are primarily used in electric arc furnaces for the steel production process. Large electrical currents are passed through the low conductivity electrodes, the power causes electric arcs between the tips of the electrodes and across the liquid steel, the arc is white hot circa 5000ºC. This heat melts the scrap steel and allows the production of liquid steel. Due to the heat and power, the electrode is consumed by the turbulent gases in the immediate vicinity. Consequently the electrodes are continually fed into the furnace maintaining the optimal distance between the electrode and the liquid steel for arc continuity. Graphite is the only material that can withstand the high temperatures and efficiently transmit the electrical power required to create the arc mentioned above.
Providing very high levels of electrical and thermal conductivity, graphite is the only material able to withstand the extreme temperatures while retaining their strength and stability.
We supply a full range of graphite electrodes, from 75mm to 710mm diameter.
Graphite electrode grades
Our graphite electrodes are available in three different grades: UHP, SHP and HP. We don’t supply RP electrodes, we believe in the saying “The bitterness of poor quality remains long after low pricing is forgotten!” (Leon M. Cautillo). Consequently, RP (regular power) electrodes are not a product we supply.
UHP (ultra high power) electrodes are used for energy-efficient transmission of high current loads into the furnace charge, giving a lower electrode consumption rate and faster metal meltdown rates.
SHP (super high power) electrodes are recommended for use in the less demanding high power electric arc furnace and superior high power ladle furnace applications, where the applicationis not severe and the lower percentage of needle coke is allowable.
HP (high power) grade electrodes are generally used in high power ladle furnace, foundry and fused mineral applications These are usually electrodes below 350mm diameter, though in single phase applications the electrodes can be up to 500mm diameter.
For more information on the typical properties of the different grades we supply, please see below.
UHP GRADE (PREMIUM) |
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| Electrode Diameter | mm | 300 – 710 |
| Bulk Density | g/cm³ | 1.64 – 1.75 |
| Specific resistance | µΩM | 4.5 – 6.0 |
| Flexural strength | MPa | 10 – 15 |
| CTE | 10¯6/°C | 0.7 – 1.5 |
| Porosity | % | 17 – 23 |
| Ash content | % | 0.1 – 0.6 |
SHP GRADE |
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| Electrode Diameter | mm | 250 – 600 |
| Bulk Density | g/cm³ | 1.64 – 1.72 |
| Specific resistance | µΩM | 5.0 – 6.5 |
| Flexural strength | MPa | 9 – 14 |
| CTE | 10¯6/°C | 0.8 – 2.0 |
| Porosity | % | 18 – 24 |
| Ash content | % | 0.1 – 0.6 |
HP GRADE |
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| Electrode Diameter | mm | 75 – 350 |
| Bulk Density | g/cm³ | 1.640 – 1.72 |
| Specific resistance | µΩM | 5.5 – 7.5 |
| Flexural strength | MPa | 8 – 13 |
| CTE | 10¯6/°C | 0.9 – 2.2 |
| Porosity | % | 20 – 25 |
| Ash content | % | 0.1 – 0.6 |
For more information, typical dimensions and technical data please download the PDF.
