30+ YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN CARBON INDUSTRY

ECA serves as the primary aggregate in electrode paste, used for closed submerged-arc furnaces  and large-scale, high-current-density submerged-arc furnaces, with coal pitch and coal tar acting as the binder. In the industry, ECA is the preferred aggregate for closed SAFs (such as those used for ferronickel, ferrosilicon, and high-carbon ferrochrome production), as well as for large open furnaces, silicomanganese furnaces, and calcium carbide furnaces, due to its effectiveness in controlling ash content and resistivity. While standard anthracite has higher resistivity, but at a lower cost, making it a viable, cost-effective option when blended with ECA for smaller, low-load furnaces, it cannot support high current densities.

Rongxing utilizes ECA processed at temperatures between 2300℃ and 2500℃, specifically sourcing low-ash anthracite from Taixi, Ningxia. The material is crushed and screened to a particle size of approximately 10 mm, resulting in a resistivity significantly lower than that of conventionally calcined anthracite. This ensures stable current transmission and minimal voltage drop, thereby reducing power consumption during smelting. It is well suited for the high current density, limited heat availability conditions found in closed furnaces, offering superior resistance to soft breakage.

ECA possesses high true density and a compact structure, which imparts high compressive and flexural strength to electrodes after baking. Its low coefficient of thermal expansion ensures resistance to cracking or spalling when subjected to the rapid heating and cooling cycles within a furnace. Furthermore, the thorough removal of volatile matter ensures structural stability at high temperatures and a slow oxidation rate, thereby reducing the consumption of the electrode’s side surfaces.

Low levels of ash, sulfur, and phosphorus prevent the introduction of excessive impurities that could contaminate products such as ferrosilicon, silicomanganese, ferrochromium, or calcium carbide. High ash content, conversely, would directly increase the ash content of the electrodes and negatively impact furnace operating conditions.

Rongxing can adjust the proportion of ECA based on the client’s specific furnace type and operational parameters, ensuring the electrode paste is well-suited to the furnace and delivers optimal performance.