Estimation of Electrode Quality by use of Model Arc Furnace

The effects of the arc upon the electrodes in an arc steel furnace have been observed. The state of the arc in the melting period is quite different from that in the refining period. The arc in the melting period, which we call “a low atmospheric temperature arc”, causes spalling of the electrode tips. On the other hand, the arc in the refining period, which we call “a high atmospheric temperature arc”, takes part in the oxidation of the electrode.Precise experiments have been carried out on a model arc furnace with a current capacity of 30 KA and 12 inch electrodes. In this model furnace the state of a low atmospheric temperature arc have successfully been reproduced, making it possible for us to develop “the model furnace method” for quality evaluation of electrodes for UHP operation.