Premium Recarburizer · Recycled Synthetic Graphite

Graphite Electrode Scrap (GES)

石墨电极碎 · Fully graphitized at 3000°C

Premium recycled graphite recovered from UHP/SHP/HP electrode manufacturing — fully graphitized, low sulphur, low nitrogen, low ash. The cost-effective alternative to virgin GPC for EAF steelmaking and ductile iron foundry recarburizing.

At a Glance

Fixed Carbon ≥ 98%
Sulphur ≤ 0.05%
Ash ≤ 1%
Standard Sizes 0–1mm · 0.5–5mm · 1–5mm
FOB China $700–950 / MT
Source UHP/SHP/HP scrap

Product Overview

Graphite Electrode Scrap (GES) is recycled material recovered from the manufacturing of UHP, SHP and HP graphite electrodes — including off-spec rod pieces, machining chips, broken ends, and quality-control rejects. Because the parent electrode was already fully graphitized at 3000°C, the scrap retains the same crystalline graphite lattice structure as virgin synthetic graphite.

This means GES delivers recarburizer performance essentially equivalent to GPC: 90–95% absorption rate in EAF, ≤ 0.05% sulphur, ≤ 0.05% nitrogen. The only meaningful difference is slightly higher ash content (≤ 1% vs ≤ 0.75% for virgin GPC) from binder residues — and a 10–20% lower price per tonne.

Global Vista sources GES from major Chinese graphite electrode manufacturers — the same plants that produce the carbon products in our GPC product line. All shipments are lot-traceable with full COA, and SGS/Bureau Veritas pre-shipment inspection is included on orders ≥ 100 MT.

Technical Specifications

Parameter Guaranteed Value
Fixed Carbon (F.C.)≥ 98%
Sulphur (S)≤ 0.05%
Nitrogen (N)≤ 0.05%
Ash≤ 1%
Volatile Matter (V.M.)≤ 1%
Moisture≤ 0.5%
Standard Sizes0–1mm, 0.5–3mm, 0.5–5mm, 1–5mm (90% min)
Carbon StructureCrystalline graphite lattice
SourceUHP / SHP / HP electrode manufacturing scrap
Heat Treatment (parent material)2500–3000 °C

* Values are guaranteed maximums/minimums. Premium grades with F.C. ≥ 98.5% and Ash ≤ 0.5% available on request for nitrogen-sensitive steel grades. COA delivered with every shipment.

Available Sizes

0–1mm

Ultra-fine

Ladle injection systems and late-trim carbon addition. Highest absorption rate.

Most common: ladle injection

0.5–3mm

Fine

Foundry inoculation and ductile iron casting carbon addition.

Most common: foundries

0.5–5mm

Standard

EAF charging and ladle additions. Workhorse grade for steel mill recarburizing.

Most common: EAF mills

1–5mm

Medium

EAF and submerged-arc furnace carbon addition. Lower fines content.

Most common: EAF + SAF

Choosing between GES and virgin GPC? If your absorption-rate target is met and the slightly higher ash content (≤ 1% vs ≤ 0.75%) is acceptable in your slag chemistry, GES delivers 10–20% cost savings per tonne. For low-S steel and ductile iron the performance is essentially equivalent. See our recarburizer comparison guide for the cost-per-tonne-of-carbon-added analysis.

Applications

EAF Steelmaking

Primary carbon addition in electric arc furnaces. 90–95% absorption rate. Suitable for low-sulphur steel grades (auto, structural, alloy steel) where the parent electrode origin guarantees consistent low-S chemistry.

Typical addition rate: 4–6 kg per tonne of liquid steel

Ductile Iron Foundries

Premium recarburizer for ductile iron — sulphur is the enemy of nodularity. GES delivers ≤ 0.05% S at lower cost than virgin GPC.

Typical addition rate: 8–12 kg per tonne

Cast Iron Recarburizing

Carbon control in grey iron and special cast iron production. Used in induction furnace charges and ladle late additions.

Carbon Brick & Refractory

Component in carbon bricks, ramming mass and tap-hole filling for steel ladle linings and submerged-arc furnace tap-holes.

Submerged Arc Furnaces

Carbon reductant for silicon metal, ferrosilicon and ferromanganese production. Low-ash GES preferred for premium silicon grades.

Battery Anode Precursor (Selected)

High-purity GES grades (F.C. ≥ 99%, ash ≤ 0.3%) can be used as feedstock for lithium-ion battery anode manufacturing after further purification.

Quality Assurance

  • Mill Test Certificate (COA)

    Lot-traceable analysis: F.C., S, N, ash, V.M., moisture, size distribution.

  • Third-Party Inspection

    SGS, Bureau Veritas, Intertek or CIQ pre-shipment inspection on orders ≥ 100 MT.

  • Parent Electrode Verification

    We verify the source electrode grade (UHP/SHP/HP) for each lot. Premium UHP-derived scrap commands the highest spec.

  • Customer Sample Review

    2–5 kg pre-shipment sample for your lab verification before bulk order.

Logistics

  • Origin Ports

    Tianjin Xingang · Qingdao · Shanghai

  • Packaging

    25kg PP woven bags (palletized) or 1MT jumbo bags. Bulk vessel available for orders ≥ 1000 MT.

  • Incoterms

    FOB, CIF, CFR, DAP available. Door-to-door for established customers.

  • Payment Terms

    T/T 30/70 or irrevocable L/C at sight. USD / EUR / JPY settlement.

  • Lead Time

    15–25 days from order confirmation to vessel sailing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is graphite electrode scrap?

Graphite electrode scrap (GES) is recycled material recovered from UHP/SHP/HP graphite electrode manufacturing — including off-spec rods, machining chips and end-cut pieces. The parent electrode was already fully graphitized at 3000°C, so the scrap retains the same crystalline graphite structure and low impurity profile.

Is graphite electrode scrap the same as synthetic graphite?

Yes — GES IS fully graphitized synthetic graphite, just sourced from electrode manufacturing rather than purpose-made graphite production. The "scrap" designation refers only to the source, not the quality.

How does GES compare to GPC for recarburizing?

Both are fully graphitized carbon recarburizers with similar performance: 90–95% absorption rate in EAF, ≤ 0.05% sulphur. GES has slightly higher ash content (≤ 1% vs GPC's ≤ 0.75%) from electrode binder residues, but typically costs 10–20% less per tonne. For most applications GES is the better value choice.

What sizes are available?

Standard sizes 0–1mm, 0.5–3mm, 0.5–5mm and 1–5mm with 90% min yield. Custom sieve cuts (e.g. 1–3mm, 3–8mm) available for orders ≥ 100 MT.

What is your minimum order quantity?

Trial orders from 20 MT (one 20ft container). Production orders typically 100–500 MT per shipment. Annual contract volumes for major EAF mills can reach 1000+ MT.

Can GES be used for battery anode production?

Selected high-purity GES grades (F.C. ≥ 99%, ash ≤ 0.3%) can serve as feedstock for lithium-ion battery anode manufacturing after further purification and spheroidization. Premium battery-grade scrap is available on request for qualified buyers.

Is graphite electrode scrap subject to Chinese export controls?

Standard recarburizer-grade GES is not subject to dual-use export controls. Battery-grade or electrode-precursor grade material may require export permits under the December 2023 graphite export-control regime. We handle all licensing requirements.

Request a Quote

Specify your size, quantity and destination port — we respond within one business day with FOB China and CIF quotes.

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