Application Guide · EAF Steelmaking
Electric arc furnaces add carbon both for chemistry and as chemical energy. The right carburizer maximises absorption and yield while controlling nitrogen pick-up in sensitive grades.
In short: For EAF steel, a graphitized carburizer (GPC or graphite electrode scrap) gives the highest absorption and lowest nitrogen — ideal for low-N and alloy grades. Calcined anthracite and met coke are economical for bulk charge carbon where nitrogen and absorption are less critical.
Steelmakers add carbon at two points: with the charge (charge carbon, providing both chemistry and energy through oxidation) and during refining or in the ladle (trim carbon, to hit final spec). Charge carbon can tolerate cheaper sources; trim and ladle additions reward high-purity, high-absorption recarburizers.
Absorption (recovery) is the key economic variable. A graphitized carbon at 90–95% recovery delivers far more carbon per kilogram charged than a low-grade source at 50–70%, which often makes the 'expensive' material cheaper per kilogram of carbon actually added.
Many flat and special steels specify low nitrogen. Carbon sources vary widely in nitrogen content, and the carburizer is a controllable input. Fully-graphitized GPC and graphite electrode scrap are low in nitrogen (typically ≤ 0.05%), making them the preferred trim carbon for low-N grades.
Where nitrogen is not a constraint — rebar, common longs — lower-cost gas calcined anthracite or metallurgical coke fines can carry much of the charge-carbon load.
A practical EAF strategy uses a tiered carbon mix: economical charge carbon (anthracite/coke) for bulk and energy, and a premium graphitized recarburizer (GPC or GES) for trim and ladle additions where recovery and low nitrogen matter most. GES typically matches GPC's performance at 10–20% lower cost.
Typical ladle/trim addition rates are around 4–6 kg per tonne of liquid steel, with 0.5–5mm and 1–5mm the common sizes for EAF charging and ladle additions.
Provide your target carbon, maximum nitrogen and sulphur, furnace and ladle practice, and preferred size. Ask for a COA per lot and a verification sample. Global Vista supplies graphitized and anthracite-based carburizers from qualified Chinese plants, with third-party inspection available on request.
High-absorption, low-nitrogen recarburizer for trim and ladle additions.
View product →Graphitized performance at lower cost — strong value for EAF recarburizing.
View product →Economical charge carbon for grades where nitrogen is not critical.
View product →A graphitized carburizer — GPC or graphite electrode scrap — gives the highest absorption (90–95%) and lowest nitrogen, ideal for trim/ladle additions and low-N grades. Anthracite and met coke are economical for bulk charge carbon.
Use low-nitrogen, fully-graphitized carbon (GPC/GES, N ≤ 0.05%) for trim and ladle additions on low-nitrogen grades, and reserve cheaper anthracite/coke for charge carbon on nitrogen-tolerant products.
Around 4–6 kg per tonne of liquid steel for ladle/trim additions, varying with practice and target chemistry. Charge carbon volumes depend on scrap quality and energy strategy.
Yes — GES is recycled fully-graphitized carbon with absorption and nitrogen similar to GPC, usually at 10–20% lower cost, making it a strong value recarburizer for EAF mills.
Send your target carbon, maximum nitrogen, furnace practice and size — we'll recommend a tiered carbon strategy and quote to your port.
Request a Quote