A graphite electrode manufacturer is a supplier of graphite in various forms including blanks, rods, and tubes. They are used in electric arc furnaces and other applications in the metal-making industry. These products are characterized by their compact structure and good electrical conductivity. The demand for graphite electrodes is increasing globally due to industrialization. In recent years, the industry has witnessed a consolidation phase as a few key players are dominating the market. This situation has led to a decrease in the price of graphite electrodes.
Graphite electrodes are manufactured using needle coke, which is a by-product of the oil refining process. However, the availability of this material is limited. It is produced by a few manufacturers who have a small production capacity.
Several regional vendors are active in the global graphite electrode market. Among them, the Asia-Pacific region holds a dominant share. Countries in this region include China, India, South Korea, and Japan. Most of the countries in this region are expected to experience growth in industries that use electricity. Moreover, the increased steel production in these regions will also drive the demand for graphite electrodes.
Graphite is a form of carbon and is characterized by its superior compact structure. Graphite electrodes are available in several grades, which include super-sized graphite, UCAR grade AGX, super-sized granular graphite, and granular graphite. Graphite electrodes are used in a variety of industrial applications, which include ladle furnaces, phosphorus smelting furnaces, and electric arc furnaces.
Graphite electrodes have an average thermal conductivity of 160 W/K.m. to 300 W/K.m. Typically, they are available in submicron particle sizes. The electrodes have high mechanical strength and torque. During their processing, they undergo several steps, including graphitizing, pressing, and machining. The product is then baked again to solidify its composition.
Graphite electrodes are generally processed to produce blanks in medium to high density. They can be manufactured in round, rectangular, square, and full block sizes. There are also different density options in terms of their length, width, and thickness. Generally, the length of the electrodes range from 60 inches to 110 inches. Depending on the application, they can handle currents of up to 180 kA.
Despite a decline in the demand, some of the key graphite electrode manufacturers have maintained a healthy profitability. The graphite electrode industry experienced a downturn in 2008, but has recovered in the past few years. In 2009-10, graphite electrode prices dropped by about 9%. However, in 2013-15, graphite electrode prices continued to decline by about 29%. Moreover, some of the major players even recorded operating losses during the period.
SGL Carbon SE is one of the leading graphite electrode manufacturers in the world. Currently, the company manufactures granular graphite, super-sized graphite, and UCAR grade AGX graphite electrodes. Their products are used in a wide range of industrial applications, which includes steel-making, electric-arc furnaces, and other smelting processes.
Graphite electrodes are highly resistant to corrosion, and are suitable for applications in metal-melting, EAF, and other industrial smelting processes. Moreover, they are used in metal-melting processes because of their excellent electrical conductivity. Nevertheless, a decrease in the production of EAF steel scraps in the US and other countries has reduced the demand for graphite electrodes.
English
Write a Message