Graphite Electrode Consumption

Graphite Electrode Consumption

Graphite electrodes are used in the steelmaking process as a source of heat for melting scrap metal and producing new metal.graphite electrode consumption The electrodes are made of high-quality natural or synthetic graphite and are heated by an electric current to create an electric arc between the electrode and the metal being melted. This arc melts the metal to produce steel. The global graphite electrode consumption is expected to grow during the forecast period, mainly because of the rise in iron and steel production globally. The steel sector is a key economic driver in the world and provides employment to over two billion people worldwide. Graphite electrodes are critical in the iron and steel making process as they are required for the electric arc furnace (EAF) and ladle furnace processes.

The EAF process uses a combination of electricity and oxygen to melt the feedstock, which is typically steel scrap, directly reduced iron (DRI), hot briquetted iron or solid pig iron to produce new metal.graphite electrode consumption Graphite electrodes are used in both the EAF and ladle furnace steelmaking process as a source of heating to melt the metal. During the steelmaking process, the electrodes experience continuous wear and tear from contact with the metal being melted as well as due to oxidation. Graphite electrodes have a protective carbon monoxide layer, which reduces the effect of oxidation, but any degradation or change in this layer leads to accelerated oxidation and consumption of the electrode.

In addition to the steel industry, other industries that use large amounts of graphite electrodes include aluminum, petrochemical, glass and energy sectors.graphite electrode consumption The demand for graphite electrodes is also driven by the growing construction, transportation and aerospace industries.

Various factors are driving the growth of the graphite electrode market, including increased demand for steel, environmental regulations, increasing urbanization, and rising manufacturing activity. Additionally, the development of new infrastructure in China and India is fueling steel consumption and driving the growth of the graphite electrodes market in Asia-Pacific.

As a result of the above-mentioned factors, several companies have started expanding their capacity to produce graphite electrodes to meet increasing demand. Furthermore, mergers and acquisitions are a major trend in the graphite electrode market, as they help companies increase their production capabilities and product offerings.

Some of the leading players in the graphite electrodes market include Resonac Holding Corporation, GrafTech International, Showa Denko K.K (SDK) and Liaoning Dantan Technology Group Co Ltd (Dan Carbon). In October 2023, SDK underwent a corporate transformation that included the formation of a holding company, known as Resonac Corporation, and a manufacturing company, Resonac Manufacturing Inc. This merger consolidated the company’s operations and product offerings and streamlined its supply chain. As a result of this consolidation, the company reported a significant jump in revenue and profits in its 2023 financial results. The company has also been investing heavily in R&D to develop new products that offer superior performance and temperature-handling capability, especially ultra-high power (UHP) graphite electrodes.

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