Types and Uses of Graphite Crucibles

Graphite can be made from natural graphite, which is the natural crystalline form of carbon. This form of graphite is made by combining graphite with refractory clay or carbon dioxide.

Synthetic graphite is produced by processing petroleum pitch and petroleum coke, which are by-products of the refining process. It has a purer high fixed carbon content with few impurities and low sulfur content.The quality of a graphite crucible depends on how it is manufactured, which affects its structure, density, porosity and strength.

How to use a graphite crucible

The main use of graphite crucibles is in the casting process. They are ideal for molten metal processes because they are non-reactive and can withstand extremely high temperatures. Casting and melt forming production require vessels that can withstand the combustion and heating process.

Hundreds of graphite crucible shapes are classified alphabetically, starting with an A. Each shape is further divided into subcategories determined by the crucible inner diameter (d or ID), outer diameter (D or OD) and height (H) and its shape.

The different forms of graphite crucibles also refer to their shapes, which vary as widely as the different size forms. They can be cylindrical with or without a spout, shaped like a cup, or include a top rim and lid, to name a few.

Graphite crucibles have slowly developed into an important part of metal forming. They can be as small as a teacup or large enough to hold several tons of molten metal and become a permanent part of the furnace.

The use of graphite crucible

Graphite crucibles are used in fuel fired furnaces, electric furnaces and induction furnaces, or as a method of transferring and moving molten metal. They must be designed to meet the temperature, chemical and physical requirements of a specific operation.

Oil stove

Fuel-burning furnaces are powered by natural gas, petroleum, propane or coke and require graphite crucibles that can withstand the maximum energy or BTU from the furnace. Furnaces fueled by gas, petroleum, and propane use crucibles designed to withstand the burner flame around a conical crucible, allowing for even heat distribution.

Induction furnace

The choice of fuel burning furnace and electric furnace graphite crucible is much easier than that of induction furnace. In one type of induction furnace, the crucible is used to melt the charge, while in other types the induction field is passed through the crucible. The crucible must be matched to the operating frequency of the furnace and the specific application. In low frequency furnaces, crucibles are made of high silicon and carbide content. In a high-frequency furnace, they are made of clay. Correct matching prevents the crucible from overheating.

Detachable crucible furnace

The furnace crucible is "A" shaped so it can be lifted with tongs and removed from the furnace to pour out the molten metal. They can fit inside or outside the stove and allow their contents to be poured.

Tilting furnace

The graphite crucible used in the tilting furnace remains stationary while the furnace is tilted to pour the molten metal. Inclined furnaces can be induction furnaces or electric furnaces capable of melting steel, iron, copper, brass, gold, platinum, silver, nickel, palladium and their alloys.

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