What special properties do the carbon rods for underwater carbon arc gouging need to meet?

What special properties do the carbon rods for underwater carbon arc gouging need to meet?

The working environment of underwater carbon arc gouging is special, and its carbon rod needs to meet the following special properties:

Good waterproof performance: In underwater environment, carbon rods must have reliable waterproof performance to prevent water from entering the interior of carbon rods and causing short circuits or other electrical faults. Usually, special waterproof coatings or packaging materials, such as epoxy resin, are used on the surface of carbon rods to ensure that carbon rods can still maintain good insulation performance when working underwater for a long time.

High conductivity and high temperature resistance: In order to generate a stable arc underwater, carbon rods need to have high conductivity to ensure that the current can pass smoothly and generate enough heat for gouging. At the same time, due to the high temperature generated by the arc, carbon rods must be able to withstand high temperatures without deformation, melting or damage. This requires that carbon rods are made of high-temperature resistant materials such as high-purity graphite, and have good high-temperature resistance, and can maintain structural stability at high temperatures.

High strength and wear resistance: During the underwater carbon arc gouging process, carbon rods will be eroded by water flow and friction with the workpiece, so they need to have sufficient strength and wear resistance to prevent the carbon rods from breaking or wearing too quickly during use. Carbon rods are usually processed by special processes, such as adding some reinforcing materials or performing surface hardening treatment to improve their strength and wear resistance.

Corrosion resistance: There are various electrolytes and corrosive substances in the underwater environment. Carbon rods need to have good corrosion resistance to prevent corrosion and affect their performance and service life. The material of the carbon rod should be selected from graphite with corrosion resistance or add anti-corrosion elements. At the same time, the waterproof coating on the surface should also have certain corrosion resistance to protect the carbon rod from underwater corrosive substances.

Suitable shape and size: In order to meet the special requirements of underwater operations, the shape and size of the carbon rod need to be specially designed. For example, the diameter of the carbon rod is usually selected according to the requirements and operation needs of the underwater gouging equipment, generally between 6-10mm, to facilitate underwater operation and ensure the stability of the arc. In addition, the length of the carbon rod will also be adjusted according to the specific operating environment and equipment to facilitate the operator to hold and operate underwater.