Calcined petroleum coke (CPC) is a crucial ingredient in steelmaking, primarily used as a recarburizer and a component in graphite electrodes. It helps increase the carbon content of steel and cast iron, improves casting quality, and reduces the need for pig iron in the process. Additionally, CPC's high electrical conductivity makes it ideal for producing graphite electrodes used in electric arc furnaces for steel production.
Graphite electrode consumption rate varies greatly, from 3 to 25 pounds per ton of metal, and is influenced by factors like current density, arc length, and electrode diameter. These electrodes are primarily used in electric arc furnaces (EAFs) to heat molten steel, and their consumption is a significant cost factor in steel production.