Graphite Degassing System
When discussing materials used in Aluminum Foundries, graphite occupies an important spot, especially when referring to aluminum smelting operations.
Graphite Degassing Units are systems used for degassing hydrogen from molten aluminum. During the smelting process of aluminum, or aluminum alloys, hydrogen is produced through a chemical reaction with steam. Diffused throughout the aluminum, it creates voids, and ultimatelycause structural defects.It will effectively weaken the casting. To combat this unwanted effect, mostaluminum foundries will inject an inert gas, such as nitrogen or argon, whichdraws the hydrogen out from the aluminum / aluminum alloy.
The Graphite Degassing Units are assemblies of a graphite rotor and a graphite degassing tube (shaft). The rotor is designed andmachined specifically to be capable of stirring uniformly the molted aluminum, and to disperse the gas. For that to happen, there is need for precision machining. The machining process, must strictly conform to customers drawing and tolerances. Therotor and the shaftmust match perfectly, andthe concentricity's must be high.These parameters are necessary to avoidcreating unwanted disturbances throughout the molted material, as well asavoiding damage caused by mechanical stress.
Specialtreatment applied to the graphite components: An impregnationanti-oxidationtreatment is usually applied to the system's components. Insome instances an anti-oxidation coatingis applied as well. These treatments are done in order to extend the service life of the graphite. The main improvement comes in the form of increased heat resistance.
Why graphite ? Although other materials are used in the manufacturing of degassing systems,graphite is generally recognized as the material of choice. This is due in large part toits physical properties, but also due to good machinability and reduced costs, when compared to other materials. Graphite is an excellent heat resistant material, withgood compressive and flexural strength. Also, anti-oxidation properties are excellent, when the impregnation treatments discussed prior, are applied.
In conclusion, graphite is the one material that stands out, as a choice in manufacturing of Degassing Systems for aluminum smelting operations. It's physicalproperties, machinability and cost recommend it.