Modelling of the thermal state and the melting loss of a graphite electrode in the conditions of the evaporative cooling in the arc furnace

Abstract

The cost of the graphite electrodes amounts greater proportion in the final value of the finished product. This calls for finding opportunities to reduce the maintenance costs of AC and DC furnaces used in foundries. The aim of the study is the creation of a mathematical model and the analysis of the efficiency of the evaporative cooling method in reducing the amount of the graphite electrodes used in small capacity arc furnaces. The mathematical model and the computer program allow determining the thermal state of the electrode and the melting loss of the graphite, the model is developed for a primarily cylindrical electrode and takes into account: the current passing through an electrode, the time of the electrode being in the electrified furnace, and the parameters of the water evaporative cooling. The paper presents the received data about the melting loss of the graphite per ton of steel against the water consumption during the evaporative cooling. The graphite consumption in the arc furnaces of 10-12 tons' capacity is reduced by 40 %. The recommended water consumption for the evaporative cooling of electrodes for all types of foundry furnaces is 0.1-0.2 m3/h. © Published under licence by IOP Publishing Ltd.