COIDAN

GRAPHITE PRODUCTS LTD

GRAPHITE ELECTRODES
CONTENTS Introduction Manufacturing Technical Data
Tolerances & Packaging Types of Electrodes
Storage & Handling Installation
Re-machining Trouble Shooting
Customer Data Sheet

Specialist graphite engineers GRAPHITE • VACUUM • FURNACE www.coidan.com

Specialist graphite engineers GRAPHITE • VACUUM • FURNACE www.coidan.com
 GRAPHITE ELECTRODES

Introduction Impregnation
Graphite is produced artificially by using carbon and Bulk density and other physical properties can be
selected binding materials such as pitch or tar. The improved by further pitch impregnation. All Coidan
specific characteristics of graphite are: electrodes are impregnated in this way. This is why
the regular power grade achieves minimum bulk
■■ Low electrical resistivity
density of 1,62 g/cm3.
■■ Good lubrication properties
■■ High thermal conductivity
Graphitising
The graphitising process takes place at approximately
■■ High thermal shock resistance
2800°C - 3200°C. The amorphous carbon
■■ Chemically stable is transformed into graphite.

Graphite Manufacture Machining

The basic production steps in the manufacture of Finally the electrodes are machined to specified
graphite electrodes comprise the following: dimensions according to IEC 60239:2005 standard.

■■ Forming
■■ Baking
■■ Impregnation
■■ Graphitising
■■ Machining

Forming
The coke is crushed into specific particle sizes,
depending on the final diameter and the individual
application of the electrode. To bind the coke
particles, controlled amounts of pitch are added.
The resulting plastic mix is extruded through a forming
press and cut into specified lengths, making the
“green electrodes”.

Baking
The baking process is carried out at temperatures of
800°C - 1200°C. The pitch is carbonizing at this point
and about 40% of the pitch evaporates.
 GRAPHITE ELECTRODES

Technical Data *
DESCRIPTION UNIT HIGH HIGH SUPER ULTRA ULTRA
POWER POWER HIGH HIGH HIGH
TYPE HP TYPE HP POWER POWER POWER
TYPE SHP TYPE UHP TYPE UHP

Diameter of Electrode mm 200-300 350-500 250-450 250-300 350-600

Sp. El. Resistivity max. µm

Ω

Electrode 6.5 6.5 5.8 6.0 5.8

Nipple 5.0 5.0 4.8 4.5 4.5

Bending Strength min.

Electrode MPa 9.0 9.0 11.0 12.0 10.0
Nipple 18.0 18.0 18.0 18.0 18.0

Modulus of Elasticity max.

Electrode GPa 8.0 12.0 14.0 14.0 9.0
Nipple 14.0 14.0 18.0 18.0 15.0

CTE max.
Electrode 10-6/K 2.0 2.0 2.0 1.3 1.3
Nipple 2.4 1.3 1.9 1.6 1.3

Ash max. % 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3

Bulk Density min.

Electrode g/cm3 1.65 1.65 1.68 1.68 1.68
Nipple 1.73 1.73 1.74 1.74 1.75

* These technical data are actual data acc. to manufacturers’ CERTIFICATES OF QUALITY.
These values are typical and may vary ± 5%.

Current Carrying Capacities / Ampere

NOMINAL HP-ELECTRODE SHP-ELECTRODE UHP-ELECTRODE

DIAMETER

electric arc ladle electric arc ladle electric arc ladle

inch mm furnace furnace furnace furnace furnace furnace
max. max. max. max. max. max.

8 200 10000 13000 19000

9 225 11000 14500 21000
10 250 13000 15000 17000 24000
12 300 17000 23000 19500 26000 22000 30000
14 350 23000 30000 25500 33500 28000 37000
16 400 27000 37000 31500 41000 36000 45000
18 450 34000 46000 39000 49500 44000 53000
20 500 42000 54000 47500 58000 53000 62000
22 550 64000
24 600 75000
 GRAPHITE ELECTRODES

Dimensions of Truncated Cone Nipples (4TPI)*

DIAMETER NIPPLE SOCKET

inch mm Typ Dia max. Iength Dia max. length

8 200 122 T4 N 122.24 177.8 123.38 94.9
9 225 139 T4 N 139.70 177.8 140.84 94.9
10 250 152 T4 N 152.40 190.5 153.54 101.3
12 300 177 T4 N 177.80 215.9 178.94 114.0
14 350 203 T4 N 203.20 254.0 204.34 133.0
16 400 222 T4 N 222.25 304.8 223.39 158.4
16 400 222 T4 L 222.25 355.6 223.39 183.8
18 450 241 T4 N 241.30 304.8 242.44 158.4
18 450 241 T4 L 241.30 355.6 242.44 183.8
20 500 269 T4 N 269.88 355.6 271.02 183.8
20 500 269 T4 L 269.88 457.2 271.02 234.6
22 550 298 T4 N 298.45 355.6 299.59 183.8
22 550 298 T4 L 298.45 457.2 299.59 234.6
24 600 317 T4 N 315.50 355.6 318.64 183.8
24 600 317 T4 L 317.50 457.2 318.64 234.6
* Nipples are provided with pitch pins.

Standard Sizes and Tolerances

DIAMETER/MM LENGTH/MM

Nominal Diameter Actual Diameter Nominal Length Tolerance

inch mm max. min. HP UHP HP/ UHP
8 200 204 201 1700 1700
9 225 230 225 1700 1700 +100/ -75
10 250 256 252 1700 1700
12 300 307 303 1800 1800
14 350 357 353 1800 1800
16 400 408 404 1800 1800/2000
18 450 459 455 1800 1800/2400 +/-100
20 500 511 505 1800 1800-2400
22 550 562 556 1800-2400
24 600 613 607 1800-2400
 GRAPHITE ELECTRODES

Types of Electrodes Type HP:

The correct type of electrode for varying operating High power grade is for foundry operations (electric
conditions is mainly influenced by the maximum arc furnace: EAF) and for ladle furnaces (LF) and
current carrying capacity. The following table shows occasionally for electric arc furnace operations, if the
the different electrode types and their matching current furnace parameters are suitable.
carrying capacities and will provide a rough idea
for selection of Coidan electrodes. Type UHP:
Ultra high power grade is suitable for electric arc
furnace operations and ladle furnace operations with
heavy current loads.

Maximum current load for EAF

80
70
60
Current load / kA

50 UHP
40
30
HP
20
10
0
200 250 300 350 400 450 500 550 600

Electrode diameter / mm

Maximum current load for LF

70
60
Current load / kA

50 UHP

40
30 HP
20
10
0
200 250 300 350 400 450 500 550

Electrode diameter / mm
 GRAPHITE ELECTRODES

Storage and handling Recommended tightening torques

Coidan electrodes are produced with tight tolerances ELECTRODE TORQUE / NM

to ensure the satisfaction of our customers. To run DIAMETER / MM
your furnace without problems you have to take care 200 250
not to damage any parts of the electrodes. Therefore
225 350
it is essential to keep the electrodes in their wooden
cases until you are ready to use them on the furnace. 250 450
Damage to end faces and to the threads of the socket 300 650
can cause failure. 350 850
400 1050
Installation
450 1400
Electrodes which are not equipped with preset nipples 500 1900
- first require a nipple inserting. It is essential to ensure
550 2500
the socket and nipple are clean before insertion.
600 3000
Screw the lifting eye into the empty socket of the
electrode and ensure that the socket threads are
not damaged. Re-machining
Protect the opposite end of the electrode and nipple If you have broken electrodes please feel free to
when lifting. contact us. We will be pleased to supply you with
Before assembling the two electrodes - clean the information regarding re-machining and recovery
socket of the lower electrode with compressed air. of scrap electrodes.

Put a spacer between the electrodes to prevent

damage to the socket and the nipple when lowering
the new electrode by crane. Remove the spacer and
tighten the joints.
To ensure efficient operation we recommend the
following tightening torques. Excessive torque
damages the electrode, insufficient torque causes
loose joints and hot spots.
 GRAPHITE ELECTRODES

Trouble Shooting
You should firstly distinguish between a joint- or body-breakage, unscrewing of the electrode
or increased consumption rate. The following charts may help you to solve your problem.

Top joints breaks

Is the nipple preset in line

Correct nipple position
with the equator? NO

YES

Is the scrap evenly

Correct loading practice
distributed? NO
YES

Are the columns always

Correct roof/arms centering
centered in roof ports? NO
YES

Are you clamping on joints? Correct practice

YES Bottom joints
NO

Is the scrap evenly

Is the tilting jerky? Correct tilting mechanism Correct loading practice
distributed? NO
YES
NO YES

Is there any non conductor Have you been dipping? Correct practice
Improve scrap preparation
in the scrap? YES YES

NO NO

Is heavy scrap Is oxygen practice modified? Correct practice

Correct scrap loading
correctly loaded NO YES

YES NO

Is the torque correct? Adjust torque

Is the torque correct? Adjust torque NO
NO
YES
YES

Is the proper jointing Is the proper jointing

Correct fault Correct fault
procedure followed? procedure followed? NO
NO
YES YES

Do you use the Do you use the

Correct practice Correct practice
correct nipple? correct nipple? NO
NO
YES
YES

Is the current Is the current

Reset regulation Reset regulation
regulation correct? regulation correct? NO
NO
YES
YES

Has the power programme Has the power programme

Use higher grade electrodes been increased? Use higher grade electrodes
been increased? YES
YES
NO
NO

Contact Contact

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GRAPHITE PRODUCTS LTD
GRAPHITE PRODUCTS LTD
 GRAPHITE ELECTRODES

Body breaks

Is the scrap evenly Correct loading practice

distributed? NO
YES

Are the columns always

Correct roof/arms centering
centered in roof ports? NO
YES

Is the tilting jerky? Correct tilting mechanism

YES
NO

Is the current
Reset regulation
regulation correct? NO
YES

Has the power programme

Use higher grade electrodes
been increased? YES
NO
Increased electrode consumption
Contact
Contact
COIDAN
GRAPHITE PRODUCTS LTD
Has the production rate
decreased? YES COIDAN
GRAPHITE PRODUCTS LTD
NO

Contact
Has the energy consumption

Unscrewing
increased? YES COIDAN
GRAPHITE PRODUCTS LTD
NO

Contact
Is the phase sequence Has the power programme
anti clockwise? NO
Change phase sequence
been changed? YES COIDAN
GRAPHITE PRODUCTS LTD
YES NO

Has the fume exhaust

Is the torque correct? Adjust torque Reset system
NO
been altered? YES

YES NO

Is the proper jointing Are joint areas overheating? Correct jointing

Correct fault procedure/torque
procedure followed? NO YES

YES NO

Do you use the Have the arc tips

Correct practice Correct practice
correct nipple? NO been dipped? YES
YES NO

Is the current Are the arc tips irregular? You may have
Reset regulation undetected stubs
regulation correct? NO YES
YES NO

Has the power programme Are the columns Check oxygen practice
been increased? Use higher grade electrodes more tapered? and correct if modified
YES YES

NO NO

Contact Contact

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GRAPHITE PRODUCTS LTD
COIDAN
GRAPHITE PRODUCTS LTD
 GRAPHITE ELECTRODES

Please return the completed furnace data sheet.

FURNACE DATA SHEET

Customer:.......................................................................................................................................................................

Address:.........................................................................................................................................................................

Telephone: .....................................................................................................................................................................

Fax:................................................................................................................................................................................

Furnace Details:

Furnace: ....................................................................................................................................... t (effective) EAF / LF

Max. crane hook height: .......................................................................................................................................... mm

Transformer rating (+ overload %): ............................................................... (+....................................................) MVA

Power input: ............................................................................................................................................................MW

Graphite electrode size: Dia....................................x............................ mm

Nipples 4TPI: Standard / Long nipple version

Max. graphite electrode current rating: . ....................................................................................................... kA / phase

Secondary voltage: min ............................... max..............................V

Energy consumption: . ............................................................................................................................ kWh/ mt liquid

Production: ........................................................................................................................................... tonnes / annum

Type of production scheme:

Tap to tap: . ............................................................................................................................................................. min.

Power on time: ....................................................................................................................................................... min.

Castings: ............................................................................................................................................................... / day

Graphite consumption range: .............................................................................................................. kg / t liquid steel

Energy consumption . .......................................................................................................................................kg/MWh

Average breakages: .......................................................................................................................................... / month

Special remarks:

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