The continuous self-burning electrode is not only an important part of the electric furnace, but also the heart of the electric furnace. It plays the role of conduction and heat transfer. Therefore, there should be certain technical conditions and usage requirements for the electrode paste. Use electric furnaces with the same smelting conditions to smelt the same specification of calcium carbide. For example, using different groups of electrode pastes that lead to different physical properties, the sintering speed of the electrode working end and the power loss of the electric furnace are also different.
As mentioned earlier, the current of the calcium carbide furnace is converted into heat energy by inputting the electrode into the furnace. In order for the electrode to work normally at the high temperature generated by the arc, it must have a high degree of oxidation resistance and conductivity. Only electrodes made of carbon raw materials have this property. Because carbon electrodes can withstand arc temperatures up to 3000°C, they only slowly oxidize at this temperature.
Electric arc furnaces have high requirements for electrodes
1. It can withstand high temperature and the coefficient of thermal expansion should be small. Because one end is exposed to the high temperature of the arc, and the other end is exposed on the material surface to contact the electrode holder cooled by water, it is required to have a certain degree of sturdiness under the condition of rapid temperature changes.
2. It has a relatively small resistivity, which can reduce the loss of electrical energy.
3. With a small porosity, the electrode in the heated state can be slowly oxidized.
4. With high mechanical strength, the electrode will not be broken due to the influence of mechanical and electrical loads.