Introduction
Graphite electrodes are made from petroleum coke after it is mixed with coal tar pitch. They are then extruded and shaped, baked to carbonize the binder (pitch), and finally graphitized by heating it to temperatures approaching 3000 °C, at which the carbon atoms arrange into graphite.
Graphite electrodes are mainly used in electric arc furnaces. They are presently the only products available that have high levels of electrical conductivity and the capability of sustaining the extremely high levels of heat generated in EAF. Graphite electrodes are also used to refine steel in ladle furnaces and other smelting processes. Graphite electrodes are divided into 4 Types: RP Graphite electrodes, HP Graphite electrodes, SHP Graphite electrodes, and UHP Graphite electrodes.