Introduction The graphite electrode industry is a critical component of the global steel production chain. Graphite electrodes are used in electric arc furnaces (EAFs) to melt scrap steel and produce new steel products. The size of the electrodes plays a vital role in determining the efficiency of the EAFs. In this article, we will discuss the industry standards for high-power graphite electrodes with a height of 300-500mm.
Properties of High-Power Graphite Electrodes High-power graphite electrodes are made from needle coke and have excellent thermal conductivity, low electrical resistance, and high mechanical strength. They are also resistant to oxidation and chemical corrosion, making them suitable for use in harsh steel-making environments.
Industry Standards for High-Power Graphite Electrodes The industry standards for high-power graphite electrodes with a height of 300-500mm are defined by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
IEC 60239:2005 IEC 60239:2005 is the international standard for graphite electrodes used in electric arc furnaces. It defines the dimensions, tolerances, and other technical specifications for graphite electrodes of various sizes, including the 300-500mm high-power graphite electrodes.
According to IEC 60239:2005, high-power graphite electrodes with a height of 300-500mm should have a nominal diameter of between 300mm and 500mm. The diameter tolerance should be within +/-1mm, and the length tolerance should be within +/-100mm.
ANSI C50.1-1979 ANSI C50.1-1979 is the American national standard for graphite electrodes used in electric arc furnaces. It specifies the physical and chemical properties, dimensions, and tolerances for graphite electrodes of various sizes, including the 300-500mm high-power graphite electrodes.
According to ANSI C50.1-1979, high-power graphite electrodes with a height of 300-500mm should have a nominal diameter of between 300mm and 500mm. The diameter tolerance should be within +/-1mm, and the length tolerance should be within +/-100mm.
Conclusion In conclusion, the graphite electrode industry is a crucial component of the global steel production chain. High-power graphite electrodes with a height of 300-500mm are used in electric arc furnaces to produce new steel products. The international and national standards defined by the IEC and ANSI specify the physical and chemical properties, dimensions, and tolerances for these graphite electrodes. These standards ensure the quality and consistency of the electrodes, which, in turn, improve the efficiency and productivity of the steel-making process.
Physical and chemical indicators of high-power graphite electrodes：
| Item | Unit | Nominal Diameter, mm | Regular Power Graphite Electrode | High-Power Graphite Electrode | Ultra-High Power Graphite Electrode |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grade | Grade | Superior | Class A | Superior | |
| Resistivity | μΩ·m | ≤9.0 | ≤10.5 | ≤9.0 | |
| Joint | ≤8.5 | ≤8.5 | ≤6.5 | ||
| Flexural Strength | ΜРa | ≥7.8 | ≥6.4 | ≥10.5 | |
| Joint | ≥13.0 | ≥13.0 | ≥14.0 | ||
| Young's Modulus | GРa | ≤9.3 | ≤9.3 | ≤12.0 | |
| Joint | ≤14.0 | ≤14.0 | ≤16.0 | ||
| Density | g∕㎝3 | ≥1.52 | ≥1.52 | ≥1.60 | |
| Joint | ≥1.68 | ≥1.68 | ≥1.70 | ||
| Thermal Expansion Coefficient | 10-6∕℃ | ≤2.9 | ≤2.9 | ≤2.4 | |
| Joint | ≤2.8 | ≤2.8 | ≤2.2 | ||
| Ash Content | % | ≤0.5 | ≤0.5 | ≤0.3 |