Graphitized petroleum coke enhances the “genetic” quality of steel comprehensively by optimizing carbon structure, precisely regulating composition, improving metallurgical efficiency, and meeting the demands of high-end manufacturing. The specific mechanisms and effects are as follows:
I. Optimizing Carbon Structure: A Qualitative Leap from “Coarse Grain” to “Refined Rice”
Ordinary carbon additives (such as calcined coke) feature disordered carbon atom arrangements, with an absorption rate of only 60%. In contrast, graphitized petroleum coke, subjected to high-temperature treatment at 2800℃, forms a regular graphite layered structure akin to “stacked playing cards.” This structure enables it to dissolve rapidly in molten steel, with the absorption rate soaring to over 90%. For instance, when smelting bearing steel (GCr15), the carbon content must be precisely controlled within the range of 1.05%-1.15%. Using graphitized carbon additive ensures a stable absorption rate of 92%, with carbon content fluctuations not exceeding ±0.02%, thereby preventing brittle fracture or insufficient hardness of bearings caused by carbon content deviations.
II. Precise Composition Regulation: Customizing a “Diet Plan” for High-End Steel
- Low Impurity Content: The graphitization process converts sulfur, nitrogen, and other impurities into gases that volatilize, reducing sulfur content to below 0.05% and nitrogen content to below 0.01%. For example, non-oriented silicon steel used in new energy vehicle motor housings requires a carbon content below 0.005%, necessitating the use of high-purity graphitized carbon additives. Similarly, nickel-based alloys for nuclear power evaporators must have a nitrogen content not exceeding 0.01%, a requirement that ordinary carbon additives cannot meet.
- Stable Composition Control: By adjusting the feed amount and process parameters, the content of elements such as carbon, sulfur, and nitrogen in molten iron can be precisely controlled. For instance, in electric furnace melting, graphitized petroleum coke is added along with scrap steel and other charge materials to avoid excessive oxidation caused by large-scale feeding, ensuring that the carbon content of castings meets standards.
III. Improving Metallurgical Efficiency: From “Indigestion” to “Efficient Absorption”
- Increased Carbon Absorption Rate: The carbon absorption rate of graphitized petroleum coke is over 30% higher than that of ordinary carbon additives, meaning that for every 10 jin of carbon added, the actual effective absorption increases by 3 jin. This significantly reduces carbon losses during the metallurgical process and lowers production costs.
- Reduced Pollution Emissions: The low sulfur and nitrogen characteristics of graphitized petroleum coke reduce emissions of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides during smelting, aligning with energy conservation and emission reduction requirements. For example, the use of graphitized petroleum coke can reduce sulfur oxide emissions in steel enterprises by more than 50%.
IV. Meeting High-End Manufacturing Demands: A Leap from a “Steel Powerhouse” to a “Steel Superpower”
- Supporting High-End Product Production: Graphitized petroleum coke is a key raw material for producing high-strength gray cast iron, non-oriented silicon steel, nickel-based alloys, and other high-end steel products. For example, the manufacturing of “hardcore” products such as wind turbine flanges and nuclear power pipelines relies on its high purity and high absorption rate characteristics.
- Driving Industrial Upgrading: As China’s steel industry transforms towards high-end and green development, the “domestic substitution” of graphitized petroleum coke is accelerating. Its application not only enhances the quality of steel products but also promotes technological advancements across the entire industrial chain. For instance, a steel enterprise reduced the carbon content fluctuation range of bearing steel from ±0.05% to ±0.02% by using graphitized petroleum coke, resulting in a 15% increase in product qualification rate.
V. Case Studies: The “Hardcore” Effects of Graphitized Petroleum Coke
- Bearing Steel Production: After adopting graphitized petroleum coke, a certain enterprise reduced the carbon content fluctuation range of bearing steel from ±0.05% to ±0.02%, increased the product qualification rate by 15%, and saved over ten million yuan in annual scrap losses.
- New Energy Vehicle Motor Housings: By using high-purity graphitized petroleum coke, the carbon content of non-oriented silicon steel was stabilized below 0.005%, improving motor efficiency by 3% and increasing the driving range by 5%.
- Nuclear Power Evaporators: The nitrogen content in nickel-based alloys was controlled below 0.01%, preventing material embrittlement caused by excessive nitrogen content and extending the service life of equipment by 20 years.
Post time: Dec-30-2025