PRODUCTS > Graphite Electrodes > Choosing a Graphite Electrode

Choosing a UCAR® Graphite Electrode

Selecting the proper UCAR® electrode grade

UCAR® GRADE AGX™ GRAPHITE ELECTRODE – A premium grade recommended for high power, ultra-high power and DC furnaces operating under severe electrical and/or mechanical conditions. AGX is graphite electrodes are also recommended for ladle furnace applications because of its increased current-carrying capacity.

UCAR® GRADE AGR™ GRAPHITE ELECTRODE – A standard grade for applications where operating conditions are not severe.

UCAR® GRADE LFX™ GRAPHITE ELECTRODE – A premium grade recommended for ladle furnaces or for low-power melting applications where standard electrodes fail to perform. The charts on this page (for melting furnaces and ladle furnaces) are based on the heating effect in a graphite electrode column by applying an assumed average phase current.

 

Size & Grade Selection

To properly select the right UCAR® graphite electrode for your application, always consider the following operating characteristics of your furnace:

Conversion Cost

  • Steel type and grade
  • Electrode consumption goal
  • Refractory consumption goal
  • Productivity goal
  • Electrode Strength and Oxidation

Furnace design

  • Scrap types/Charging practice
  • Burner/Oxygen usage
  • Water spray rings
  • Fume control system

Power Input Program

  • Meltdown/Refine/Tap-to-Tap Time
  • Power level
  • Slag practice