DC ELECTRODES - A KEY FACTOR FOR PROGRESS IN EAF STEEL PRODUCTION

Direct current electric are technology has become a main driving force for economic progress in the EAF steelmaking industry. The high power densities involved can only be achieved through the use of modern des ign methods for total system optimization. Necessary breakthroughs in the material properties of graphite electrodes required a major redesi gn of production technology and raw material usage. A fundamental revi sion of the electrode/nipple joint had become necessary to ensure a lo w-loss current transmission between the electrodes. The speed of new d evelopments and the high performance level which is to be stabilized r equire a new quality in cooperation between the steel industry, furnac e manufacturers and electrode producers.