Application and performance analysis of electrode paste in large electric furnace
Electrode paste, as a conductive material used in large electric furnaces such as ferroalloy furnaces and calcium carbide furnaces, plays a vital role.The purpose of this article is to explore in depth the application and performance of electrode paste in large-scale electric furnaces, with a view to providing valuable reference for related industries.
1. The basic concept and classification of electrode paste
Electrode paste, also known as self-roasting electrode, is a kind of conductive material that relies on the heat in the mine heat furnace to complete the roasting.It is mainly composed of conductive substances, binders, diluents, additives, etc., and is prepared by a specific production process.According to the scope of use, the electrode paste can be divided into standard paste and airtight paste.Standard paste is mainly used in open calcium carbide furnaces, with ordinary calcined anthracite and metallurgical coke as the main raw materials, and medium-temperature asphalt as the binder. It has the characteristics of high ash content, large resistivity, slow sintering speed but low price.The airtight paste is used in airtight ore heating furnaces, which requires the electrode paste to have good sintering properties. Generally, ordinary calcined anthracite, artificial graphite, and petroleum coke are used as the main raw materials. A certain amount of coal tar is added to the coal asphalt to reduce the softening point of the binder. It has the characteristics of good thermal conductivity, low ash content, fast sintering speed but expensive price.
2. Application of electrode paste in large electric furnaces
In large electric furnaces, the application of electrode paste is mainly reflected in the following aspects：
Improve the electrical conductivity of the electrode: The electrode paste can significantly improve the electrical conductivity of the electrode, thereby ensuring the stable transmission of current and improving the production efficiency and product quality of the electric furnace.
Improve the corrosion resistance of electrodes: The operating environment of large electric furnaces is often harsh, and the electrode surface is susceptible to corrosion.The electrode paste can form an anti-corrosion protective layer on the surface of the electrode and extend the service life of the electrode.
Prevent excessive electrode wear: During the operation of the electric furnace, the electrode surface will be worn to a certain extent.The electrode paste can protect the electrode surface from wear and tear, thereby ensuring the stable operation of the electric furnace.
3. Performance analysis of electrode paste
The performance of electrode paste directly affects its application effect in large electric furnaces.The following is the analysis of several key properties of electrode paste：
Sintering performance: The sintering performance of electrode paste is one of the important indicators to measure its quality.Good sintering performance can ensure that the electrode forms a dense structure during the roasting process, thereby improving the mechanical strength and electrical conductivity of the electrode.
High temperature resistance: Electrode paste needs to be able to withstand use in high temperature environments, while maintaining a low coefficient of thermal expansion and a small coefficient of resistance to reduce the loss of electrical energy.
Thermal shock resistance: Thermal shock resistance refers to the ability of the electrode paste to resist damage caused by internal thermal stress when it is subjected to sharp temperature changes.This performance is essential for the stability and service life of the electrode paste in high temperature environments such as large electric furnaces.
Porosity: A smaller porosity can slow the oxidation of the electrode in the heated state, thereby improving the service life of the electrode.
4. Selection and optimization of electrode paste
When choosing electrode paste, it is necessary to consider the type of electric furnace, operating conditions, production costs and other factors comprehensively.For large-scale electric furnaces, electrode pastes with good sintering properties, high temperature resistance, thermal shock resistance and low porosity should be preferred.At the same time, the performance of the electrode paste can be further improved by optimizing the raw material ratio and processing technology of the electrode paste.
