The new copper clad electrode arms increase the ladle furnace power output while improving clamping accuracy, extending equipment lifetime, and reducing energy consumption. In addition, unplanned downtime during installation is minimized.
Electrode arms are a critical component, ensuring the transmission of electrical energy to the ladle furnace, stable arc regulation, and precise electrode clamping. After assessing the need to renew original equipment that had been in operation for nearly 20 years, Tonggang once again selected Primetals Technologies based on their long standing cooperation. The company had sourced its first ladle furnace from Primetals two decades ago and was satisfied with the durability and performance of the equipment.
Lightweight and durable next generation electrode arms
Primetals Technologies copper clad electrode arms are designed to withstand harsh steelmaking environments despite their lightweight structure. They feature a double layer composite design and an integrated water cooling system. Compared with conventional tubular arm designs, this solution significantly increases electrothermal efficiency while substantially reducing time losses during maintenance and replacement.
Conventional electrode arms often require grinding, drilling, or corrective work due to structural issues such as base deviation. In contrast, Tonggang completed the entire replacement process, including dismantling and installation, in just six hours using the arms supplied by Primetals.
The copper clad composite arms were developed at Primetals Technologies manufacturing facility in Changxing. This site stands out for short delivery times and its copper to copper welding technology optimized for high current equipment. As a result, energy transfer to the molten steel surface becomes more efficient, while overheating risks are eliminated.
About Tonghua Iron and Steel Group
Founded in 1958, Tonghua Iron and Steel Group is the largest state owned steel producer in Jilin province. The company was restructured in July 2010 following its merger with Shougang Group and became Shougang main steel production base in Northeast China. Tonggang operates 14 wholly owned companies and seven affiliated enterprises nationwide, with a fully integrated steel production chain covering mining, ore beneficiation, sintering, coking, ironmaking, steelmaking, and rolling.
The company product portfolio includes angle steel, channel steel, rebar, hot rolled round steel, high speed wire rod, and seamless pipes. These products are widely used in construction, transportation, energy, and water resources projects.
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