In the steel industry, graphite electrode scrap has emerged as a high-value recycled material, offering both economic and environmental advantages. Derived from used electrodes in electric arc furnaces (EAFs), this material retains 60-80% of its original structural integrity, making it ideal for reuse in metallurgical processes.
Applications in Steel Manufacturing
Recycled graphite electrodes play a critical role in:
- Electric arc furnace steelmaking
- Ladle furnace refining
- Ferroalloy production
- Silicon metal smelting
Modern steel mills using graphite electrode scrap report 15-20% reduction in raw material costs compared to new electrode procurement.
Technical Specifications of Premium Scrap
| Parameter | Value Range | Measurement Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Ash Content | 0.5-2.5% | ASTM D5611 |
| Compressive Strength | 18-32 MPa | ISO 18515 |
| Resistivity | 6-12 μΩ·m | IEC 60239 |
| Thermal Conductivity | 80-120 W/m·K | ASTM E1461 |
| Particle Size Distribution | 10-100 mm | Sieve Analysis |
| Bulk Density | 1.5-1.7 g/cm³ | ISO 9085 |
| Fixed Carbon Content | ≥98.5% | Proximate Analysis |
| Sulfur Content | ≤0.05% | XRF Spectroscopy |
Advanced Recycling Technologies
HANI Metallurgy’s graphite electrode recycling systems incorporate:
- Automated sorting conveyors with AI vision
- High-temperature purification furnaces (1800-2500°C)
- Isostatic pressing equipment
These systems achieve 92-95% material recovery rates while meeting strict environmental regulations.
Integration with Steel Mill Equipment
For optimal utilization of graphite electrode scrap, HANI TECH’s hot rolling mills feature:
- Precision temperature control (±5°C)
- Adaptive scrap feeding mechanisms
- Real-time quality monitoring systems
Quality Control Standards
Premium graphite electrode scrap must comply with:
- ISO 8004:2019 (Carbonaceous materials)
- GB/T 3072-2020 (Chinese national standard)
- EU Battery Directive 2006/66/EC
Economic & Environmental Impact
Using recycled electrodes reduces:
- CO₂ emissions by 4.2 tons per ton of scrap used
- Energy consumption by 65-70% vs virgin production
- Landfill requirements by 85%
Future Market Outlook
The global graphite electrode scrap market is projected to grow at 6.8% CAGR through 2030, driven by:
- Increasing EAF steel production
- Circular economy initiatives
- Advancements in recycling technologies