There are graphite electrodes that work in any steel mill or metal smelter all over the world. These smelting instruments are used to conduct electric energy across an EAF and melt scrap metal or steel for the production of the final metal. They also regulate power supply and heat levels for smelting processes, allowing production of larger quantities in less time.
The production of graphite electrodes requires a number of intricate steps, including the selection and preparation of high-quality raw materials, such as coal tar or petroleum coke pitch. They are then subjected to a rigorous screening and purification procedure to eliminate impurities and to ensure optimum carbon content. This material is then combined and mixed in precise proportions for the final electrode mix.
The cost for purchasing these equipments is between 3 and 5% the total price for metal production. Electrodes made of graphite are used every 8 to 10 minutes throughout EAF steel manufacturing. The Company's Technology is designed to extend the lifespan of these electrodes by decreasing lateral consumption/erosion. This helps reduce energy consumption and reduces emissions.
A large proportion of the electrochemical oxidation occurs at the surface, with this primarily because of oxygen in the steel melting atmosphere reacting with graphite. Graphite Electrode manufacturers have attempted to reduce this oxidation by coating the graphite with an anti-oxidation additive, but the effectiveness of these treatments is limited. The Company's Performance-enhancement additive is a liquid that can be applied to purified graphite to prevent its lateral consumption and erosion, while extending the service life of the electrode.
Hexagon has evaluated the additive and found that it has a profound impact on the electrical conductivity of graphitized electrodes. The reason for this is that the additive removes pores, which increases the area of the electrode. This additive has a dramatic impact on the carrying capacity of graphitized electrodes, allowing them to carry more in the EAF melting process.
In addition to this impressive increase in electrical conductivity, the testwork also showed that Hexagon's performance-enhancing additive increases the electrodes' true density - a measurement of the volume of an object or sample, excluding open and closed pores. The test was conducted with a gas multi-pycnometer. It showed the best results achieved at 2.5 wt. percent flake addition, outperforming the all-synthetic control during the same test.
The performance-enhancing additive can be pretreated with Hexagon's dip coating technology, subsequently mixed into the synthetic graphite used to produce the electrodes. The graphite is a good choice to aid in the EAF melting process, which has the structure of the surface enhanced as well as a higher resistance to electrode side oxidation. This extends the life span of the electrode and reduces its energy consumption. Ultimately, this is an important benefit for the steelmaker as well as its final customers.
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