Calculation of steady state temperatures in graphite electrodes in an electric arc steel furnace

Abstract

Steady state temperatures in graphite electrodes while conducting current into a molten steel bath in an electric arc steel furnace have been calculated for three cases of practical interest: 1. (a) the radial temperature distribution in a region of the electrode far enough away from the tip and the holder so that there is no axial temperature gradient and heat flow, 2. (b) the radial and axial temperature distribution in the region near the tip of an electrode with uniform diameter and flat end face, and 3. (c) the radial and axial temperature distribution in the region near the tip of a tapered electrode with a flat end face. The method of calculation and computer programs are described, and the dependence of the temperature distribution on the electrode size and the magnitude of the current is given.