UHP Graphite Electrode

28 Jul.,2025

 

UHP Graphite Electrode

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Graphite Electrodes: The Ultimate Guide - LinkedIn

Graphite electrodes play a key role in a variety of industrial applications, especially in the production of steel and other metals or alloys. This guide will explore everything you need to know about graphite electrodes, from their types and manufacturing processes to their benefits, uses, pricing trends, and more.

What is a graphite electrode?

A graphite electrode is cylindrically structured refractory conductive material made of graphite. It is primarily used in electric arc furnaces to produce steel by melting scrap metal. These electrodes are essential in a variety of metallurgical processes due to their excellent electrical conductivity and resistance to high temperatures.

Types of Graphite Electrodes

There are three main types of graphite electrodes, each suitable for a specific application:

UHP Graphite Electrodes (Ultra High Power): UHP electrodes are used in ultra-high power electric arc furnaces and have a lower electrical resistance to withstand higher temperatures, primarily for melting steel.

HP Graphite Electrodes (High Power): These electrodes are used in a variety of applications that require moderate power levels. They offer a good balance between cost and performance.

RP Graphite Electrodes (Conventional Power): RP electrodes are the most commonly used type. They are suitable for applications that do not require the extreme performance of UHP or HP electrodes, such as smelting silicon, ferroalloys and yellow phosphorus.

How to make graphite electrodes?

The production of graphite electrodes involves several key steps:

Raw material selection: Select high-quality petroleum coke, needle coke and asphalt as the main raw materials.

Mixing: Aggregates and binders are evenly mixed to form a paste

Molding: The paste is then molded into cylindrical electrodes by molding, extrusion and other methods.

Baking: The molded electrodes are baked at high temperature and isolated from air to have a uniform structure.

Impregnation: In an autoclave, the impregnant is penetrated into the pores of the product under certain temperature and pressure conditions to improve performance

Graphitization: The baked electrode is subjected to higher temperatures (up to °C) in a furnace to convert it into graphite carbon.

Processing: Finally, the electrode is processed to precise specifications to meet its intended use.

Properties of graphite electrodes

Graphite electrodes have several key characteristics:

Low resistance: Enables efficient electrical conduction and reduces energy costs.

High density: Reduces oxidation rate at high temperatures

High flexural strength: Provides durability and resistance to mechanical stress.

Low coefficient of thermal expansion: Minimizes dimensional changes when heated, improving performance.

Easy to process: Facilitates customization for specific applications.

What are the advantages?

Benefits of graphite electrodes include:

Efficiency in high temperature applications: They can withstand extreme temperatures without oxidation.

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Versatility: Suitable for a variety of arc furnace metallurgical processes.

Cost-effectiveness: Their longevity and performance reduce operating costs.

What are graphite electrodes used for?

Graphite electrodes are primarily used in:

Electric Arc Furnaces (EAF): Used for steelmaking and melting scrap metal.

Refining Ladle Furnaces: Used for secondary steel refining.

Submerged Arc Furnaces: Used for the production of ferroalloys and other metals.

Resistance Furnaces: Produce silicon carbide, glass, etc.

Graphite Electrode Price List

The price of graphite electrodes fluctuates based on raw material costs, demand, and market trends. The current price is between US$1,900 and US$2,500 per ton.

Graphite Electrode Market Trends

The graphite electrode market is influenced by the following factors:

Steel productivity: Increased steel production leads to an increase in demand for graphite electrodes.

Technological Advances: Innovations in electrode manufacturing affect supply and pricing.

Conclusion

Graphite electrodes are indispensable conductive electrodes in metallurgical casting. Their unique properties such as low electrical resistance, high flexural strength and excellent thermal stability make them the first choice for high-temperature applications in electric arc furnace steelmaking and other industrial processes.

FAQ

What is the HS code for graphite electrodes?

The Harmonized System (HS) code for graphite electrodes is generally ..

What is the graphite electrode consumption?

Electrode consumption varies with current density, typically between 0.8 and 2 kg per ton of steel.

Why do graphite electrodes need to be replaced regularly?

Due to thermal and mechanical stresses, they oxidize over time and therefore need to be replaced regularly to ensure efficiency.

Why are graphite electrodes used in electrolysis?

Their excellent electrical conductivity and thermal stability make them ideal for electrolysis applications.

Graphite Electrodes vs. Carbon Electrodes:

Graphite electrodes are generally superior to conventional carbon electrodes due to their lower electrical resistance and higher thermal stability.

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