Graphite heating refers to the use of graphite heating elements as electric heating body parts in various applications. Graphite is a material that has good electrical and thermal conductivity, making it ideal for heating purposes.
Graphite heating elements are commonly used in special industrial furnaces as a heating element. They are manufactured from a high purity carbon composite, providing excellent temperature uniformity, longevity, mechanical strength, and repeatability. The design of graphite heating elements includes rounded edges and proper gap spacing to minimize gas ionization at elevated temperatures, increasing their life expectancy and maximum obtainable temperatures.
One of the advantages of graphite heating elements is their stable resistivity and low resistance temperature coefficient. This means that they maintain a consistent level of electrical resistance even at high temperatures. Graphite also has a small thermal expansion coefficient and a large blackness, which further enhances its suitability as an electric heating element material.
Graphite heating elements have several benefits compared to other materials. They have a lower thermal mass compared to previous generation graphite rod or bar elements, making them more efficient in heating processes. Graphite is also unaffected by thermal shock and will not degrade due to frequent heating and cooling. Additionally, graphite heating elements are more durable than their molybdenum counterparts and have better resistance to operational mishaps such as accidental breakage or braze alloy spill.
Graphite furnaces using graphite heating elements are capable of operating at high temperatures. They can operate at 3000°C on a continuous basis in inert gas or 2200°C in a vacuum. This makes them suitable for various thermal applications that require extreme temperatures.
However, there are some limitations to the use of graphite heating elements. Graphite is relatively soft at room temperature and can be easily broken or damaged. Therefore, it should not be used in heating furnaces where it is difficult to replace the heating element. In a vacuum environment, graphite can volatilize and form a carbon environment, which may not be suitable for processing certain materials. Additionally, care should be taken to prevent the support and connection materials from reacting with graphite.
To ensure mechanical stability, graphite heating elements are thicker than comparably-rated elements of other materials. This is because the electrical resistance of any material decreases with increased cross-sectional area, allowing for increased current flow. Therefore, graphite heating elements need to be run at reduced voltage and higher current to ensure proper power rating.
In summary, graphite heating is the process of using graphite heating elements as electric heating body parts. Graphite has excellent electrical and thermal conductivity, making it a suitable material for various heating applications. Graphite heating elements offer advantages such as stable resistivity, low resistance temperature coefficient, and durability. However, they also have limitations, such as being relatively soft at room temperature and requiring precautions in vacuum environments.
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