Electric-arc furnaces (EAF) are the biggest consumers of graphite electrode , followed by ladle furnaces.
That is because, EAF smelt steel scrap while ladle furnaces are used to raise the carbon content of steel.
graphite electrode are indispensable in EAF steelmaking, which is often a more efficient and cheaper alternative to blast-furnace steel making, but this is dependent on energy costs.
EAF steel making involves using recycled steel scrap and emits much less CO2 than a blast furnace, making it the more environmentally favorable choice for producing steel.
EAFs need electrodes of large diameter and high quality, otherwise they break when conducting electric current.
In contrast, ladle furnaces usually operate with an electrode diameter of less than 300mm.
By country, the biggest consumer by far is China, with at least 60% of the market.
About 80% of Indian production is consumed domestically.
Changes in the graphite electrode market can be roughly linked to movements in the crude steel market.
Post time: Jun-24-2020