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Experimental investigations on the consumption of graphite electrodes doped with various oxides
Author(s) -
Kyas Anke,
Fleischhauer Jörg,
Steinmetz Eberhard,
Wilhelmi Herbert
Publication year - 1993
Publication title -
steel research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1869-344X
pISSN - 0177-4832
DOI - 10.1002/srin.199300979
Subject(s) - electrode , work function , graphite , work (physics) , doping , materials science , arc (geometry) , electric arc , electric arc furnace , analytical chemistry (journal) , metallurgy , composite material , chemistry , mechanical engineering , optoelectronics , engineering , organic chemistry
In order to reduce the burning off of electrodes in electric arc furnaces it is necessary to decrease the specific thermal load at the tip in the arc attachment area. This can be achieved by minimizing the work function of the electrode materials, whereby the peak temperature is reduced. The work function of doped graphite electrodes was investigated under conditions prevailing during standard industrial practice in order to achieve transferable results. The measurement equipment developed to meet this requirement bases on a design, which first was put forward by Bade & Yos. By measuring the peak temperature of the electrode and its current density the value of the work function of the material was calculated with a modified Richardson equation. Starting from materials with well‐known values of the work function, to verify the accuracy of the experimental method and the mathematical model, those of pure and doped graphites were determined. The additives, oxides as a rule, result in a significant reduction in electron work function in the case of magnesium, calcium and cerium oxides.