Graphite electrodes
View Patent ↗A graphite electrode exhibits oxidation resistance by modifying the outer radial surface characteristics. The outer radial surface may be modified by providing a textured portion which improves water flow while minimizing water absorbtion. Alternately, a layer of flexible graphite or plurality of particles of exfoliated graphite may be disposed on the outer radial surface of the electrode body.
1. A method of making a graphite electrode, the graphite electrode having a body including an axial direction and a radial direction, the body having a radial outer surface and two ends, the method comprising attaching a sheet of compressed particles of exfoliated graphite having a density of less than 0.5 g/cc to the radial outer surface of the body of the graphite electrode.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein the density of the graphite sheet comprises less than 0.4 g/cc.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein the attaching includes compressing the graphite sheet against the radial outer surface of the body of the graphite electrode.
4. The method of claim 3 wherein a thickness of the graphite sheet after compressing comprises at least about ⅛″.
5. The method of claim 4 wherein the thickness comprises no more than 2″.
6. The method of claim 1 further comprising machining one or more grooves into the radial outer surface of the body of the graphite electrode.
7. The method of claim 6 wherein at least one of the grooves comprises a dovetail joint.
8. The method of claim 6 wherein a depth of at least one of the grooves comprises no more than 0.250″.
9. The method of claim 6 wherein each groove disposed circumferential around the body of the graphite electrode.