Optimized graphite electrode pin configuration

1. A process for preparing a pin for use in forming a graphite electrode joint, the process comprising

(a) mixing coke and a pitch binder, to form a stock blend;

(b) extruding the stock blend to form a green stock;

(c) baking the green stock to form a carbonized stock;

(d) graphitizing the carbonized stock by maintaining the carbonized stock at a temperature of at least about 2500° C. to form a graphitized stock;

(e) machining the graphitized stock so as to form a pin having at least one male tang having a ratio of male tang length to diameter of the electrode into which it is to be threaded of at least about 0.60, wherein the ratio of the diameter of the male tang at its base to male tang length is no greater than about 2.5 times the ratio of male tang length to electrode diameter.

2. The process of claim 1 , wherein the ratio of the diameter of the male tang at its base to male tang length varies with the ratio of male tang length to electrode diameter such that for every 0.01 higher than 0.60 the ratio of male tang length to electrode diameter is, the ratio of the diameter of the male tang at its base to the ratio of male tang length to electrode diameter is about 0.016 lower.

3. The process of claim 1 , wherein the male tang has a taper and further wherein for a pin having a ratio of male tang length to electrode diameter of 0.85 or lower, the ratio of the taper of the male tang to the ratio of male tang length to electrode diameter is at least about 15.

4. The process of claim 3 , wherein the ratio of the taper of the male tang to the ratio of male tang length to electrode diameter varies with the ratio of male tang length to electrode diameter such that for every 0.01 lower than 0.85 the ratio of male tang length to electrode diameter is, the ratio of the taper of the male tang to the ratio of male tang length to electrode diameter is about 1.25 higher.