how we machine graphite and carbon in our workshop
How we machine graphite and carbon in our workshop
There are three types of natural graphite electrode resources: block graphite, flake graphite and earth graphite (cryptocrystalline graphite).
Dense crystalline graphite is also called block graphite. This graphite crystal is visible to the naked eye. The particle size is greater than 0.1mm, the specific surface area is concentrated in 0.1-1m/g, the crystal arrangement is disordered, and the structure is dense and massive. This kind of graphite electrode is characterized by high grade, generally the carbon content is between 60-65%, and sometimes between 80-98%, but its plasticity and oiliness are not as good as flake graphite. Lump graphite is the rarest and most valuable graphite ore, mainly produced in Sri Lanka.
The flake graphite electrode is a combination of many single layers of graphite. In the metamorphic rock, it exists in the form of a single thin slice, with small reserves and high value. This crystal has scales. The graphite electrode undergoes deterioration under high-intensity pressure, and can be divided into large-scale and fine-scale. The grade of this graphite ore is low, generally between 2 to 3% or 10 to 25%. It is one of the most floating minerals in nature. Through multiple grinding and separation, high-grade graphite concentrate can be obtained. The floatability, lubricity and plasticity of this graphite are superior to other types of graphite, and it has the greatest industrial value.
The flake graphite plates are mainly distributed in Australia, Brazil, and Madagascar. In recent years, Tanzania and Mozambique have discovered a large number of flake graphite resources. Some scholars have conducted research on flake graphite in Ankuba, Mozambique and Chilaro, Tanzania. The results show that the graphite deposits in the Zilalo area are similar in mineral composition and are large-scale high-quality graphite electrode resources. Cryptocrystalline graphite is also called microcrystalline graphite or earth-like graphite. The crystal diameter of this graphite electrode is generally less than 1μm, and the specific surface area is concentrated in the range of 1-5m/g. It is an aggregate of microcrystalline graphite, and its crystal form can only be seen under an electron microscope. Compared with flake graphite, this graphite has the characteristics of rough surface, lack of luster, and poor lubricity. high class. Generally speaking, 60-85% is general, and in a few cases it exceeds 90%. It is widely used in the foundry industry.
With the continuous improvement of graphite electrode graphite purification technology, the application of geographite has become more and more extensive. Earthy graphite has the highest content, small scales and low crystallinity. For the production of low-value products, the price is the lowest among the three graphites; the native graphite is the lowest among the three graphites; the native graphite is mainly stored in Turkey, China, Europe, Mexico and the United States. In 2015, global graphite reserves were 230 million tons, including 90 million tons in Turkey, 72 million tons in Brazil, and 55 million tons in China, accounting for 39.13% of global reserves. The graphite electrode can also be used as heat dissipation material, sealing material, heat insulation material and radiation protection material. Graphite functional materials are widely used in metallurgy, chemical industry, mechanical equipment, new energy vehicles, nuclear power, electronic information, aerospace, defense and other industries. In the “EU Essential Raw Materials” report issued by the European Commission, graphite is listed as 14 rare mineral raw materials.