Graphite Petroleum Coke

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 Vihar Exports supplies Graphite Petroleum Coke and other Carbon & Graphite materials with tight specifications, reliable packing (25/50 kg & 1–1.25 MT jumbo), lot-wise COA, and global delivery. We align grade, size, and logistics to your process so you hit targets with less rework and better total cost.

Graphite Petroleum Coke—often shortened to GPC—is a high-purity carbon additive used in steelmaking and foundry operations (gray iron and ductile iron). It starts as petroleum coke and is then graphitized at very high temperatures. This treatment aligns carbon atoms into a graphite-like structure, raising fixed carbon and lowering unwanted elements. In practical terms, good GPC gives you fast carbon pickup, low impurities, and clean melts—all of which help you hit chemistry targets, reduce rework, and improve surface finish.

If you run an electric arc furnace (EAF), induction furnace (IF), or do ladle trim additions, GPC is one of the most reliable ways to increase the carbon percentage (%C) in molten metal with minimal side effects. The 1–5mm size is popular because it balances quick dissolution (thanks to adequate surface area) with easy handling (less dust than very fine powders).

In one line: GPC is a premium carbon raiser (carburizer) that boosts %C efficiently while keeping sulfur (S), nitrogen (N), and ash under control.

• High carbon recovery: More of what you add actually dissolves into the melt.
   
• Low sulfur, low nitrogen: Protects ductile iron and quality steel grades from property loss.
   
• Fast dissolution: Quicker response when you need to trim carbon before tapping.
   
• Cleaner melts: Less slag formation compared with many cheaper, non-graphitized options.
   
• Consistent results: Better heat-to-heat repeatability and tighter chemistry windows.
   

These benefits translate to lower total cost—not always the lowest price per ton, but often the best value after you factor in yield, quality, and reduced rework.

1. Steelmaking (EAF/IF/BOF trims): Hit target %C reliably without pushing impurities.
    
2. Gray cast iron: Stabilize carbon equivalent (CE), improve machinability and surface finish.
    
3. Ductile (nodular) iron: Keep sulfur and nitrogen low before magnesium treatment.
    
4. Special steel grades: Support strict specs for low S/N and low ash.
    
5. Foundries & metallurgical plants: Use as a standard tool for carbon control and repeatability.

For GPC C98.5% (1–5mm), buyers commonly require:

• Fixed Carbon (F.C.): 98.5–99%
   
• Sulfur (S): typically low; ask for the exact max (e.g., ≤0.05–0.1% for tighter grades)
   
• Ash: low (request the tested value on the COA)
   
• Volatile Matter (VM): low and stable
   
• Moisture: controlled for storage and dosing predictability
   
• Nitrogen (N): low, especially for ductile iron and clean steels
   
• Size: 1–5mm (other options: 1–3mm, 0–3mm; custom cuts available)
   
• Packing: 25 kg / 50 kg bags, or 1.0–1.25 MT jumbo bags
   

Important: Always ask for a lot-wise Certificate of Analysis (COA). A generic spec sheet is not enough.

• 1–5mm: Best all-rounder for furnaces and ladle additions. Good speed with easy handling.
   
• 1–3mm: Faster dissolution; ideal when you need quick trim additions before tapping.
   
• 0–3mm: Very fast but can dust more; suitable for controlled feeders or injection systems.
   

Rule of thumb: If you are adding early into a deep, turbulent bath, 1–5mm is a safe default. If you need rapid trimming just before discharge, 1–3mm can be a better fit.

• Where to add: Below the melt surface (middle/lower bath).
   
• How to place: Cover with scrap/charge so the GPC gets pulled into the hot zone.
   
• Why it works: Less oxidation loss, better contact time, higher recovery.

• When to add: Shortly before discharge/tap.
   
• What to do: Spread a measured amount of GPC and stir (manual or electromagnetic/eddy).
   
• Why it works: Good for trim adjustments when you need quick response.

• Equipment: Pneumatic lines or screw feeders for fines/small granules.
   
• Benefit: Stable, repeatable carbon pickup for continuous operations.
   

Post-carburization: After you hit the target carbon, adjust silicon (Si) and sulfur (S) as per grade requirements. In ductile iron, coordinate with Mg treatment to avoid reversion.

• Melt: 10,000 kg
   
• Current carbon: 3.40%
   
• Target carbon: 3.65%
   
• Pure carbon needed: 10,000 × (0.0365 − 0.0340) = 25 kg
   
• Assume recovery: 85%
   
• GPC required: 25 ÷ 0.85 ≈ 29.4 kg
   
• Round for handling: ~30 kg, then verify with spectrometer/thermal analysis.

• Melt: 25,000 kg
   
• Current carbon: 0.14%
   
• Target carbon: 0.23%
   
• Pure carbon needed: 25,000 × (0.0023 − 0.0014) = 22.5 kg
   
• Assume recovery: 80% (ladle trim may be slightly lower than in-bath)
   
• GPC required: 22.5 ÷ 0.80 = 28.1 kg
   
• Operational tip: Add in two portions with stirring; recheck and fine-tune.
   

Improve your numbers: Track actual recovery % per furnace, grade, and addition point. In a month, you’ll have a powerful in-house dosing chart.

To keep processes tight, set a simple but strict QC routine:

• Lab tests: F.C., S, N, ash, VM, moisture (per lot).
   
• Sizing check: Verify that 1–5mm truly meets the screen profile.
   
• Visual check: Clean, consistent granules; minimal fines.
   
• COA & traceability: Demand lot numbers and test methods on every COA.
   
• Third-party spot checks: SGS or local accredited labs (optional but useful).
   
• Melt KPIs: Carbon recovery %, slag behavior, machining results, defect trends.

• Storage: Keep dry and shaded. Moisture causes caking and steam risk at the melt.
   
• Handling: Use covered conveyors/closed feeders to minimize dust.
   
• PPE: Protective gloves, masks/respirators where dust may occur, safety glasses.
   
• Housekeeping: Sweep or vacuum fines to keep floor safe and product clean.
   
• Temperature exposure: Avoid prolonged exposure to direct rain or high humidity.
   

GPC pricing is influenced by:

• Carbon grade: Higher F.C., lower S/N/ash usually cost more.
   
• Size accuracy: Tight screening and low fines add processing cost.
   
• Energy markets: Graphitization is power-intensive; electricity costs matter.
   
• Freight & Incoterms: EXW/FOB vs CIF/DAP/DDP can change totals a lot.
   
• Volume & contracts: Larger or longer commitments get better rates.
   
• Documentation needs: Extra inspections or special certs may add fees.
   

Tip for comparisons: Ask for tiered quotes (trial lot / 1×FCL / multi-FCL) and clarify Incoterms (e.g., FOB Mundra vs CIF [Your Port]). That way you compare apples to apples.

GPC (Graphite Petroleum Coke)

• Pros: Highest recovery, fastest dissolution, lowest S/N in premium grades, clean microstructure.
   
• Cons: Usually higher price per ton than CPC/anthracite.
   
• Best for: Quality-critical steels, ductile iron, consistent gray iron.
   

CPC (Calcined Petroleum Coke)

• Pros: Lower unit price than GPC; decent carbon.
   
• Cons: Typically higher S/N than good GPC; slower absorption.
   
• Best for: Less demanding chemistries or where cost dominates.
   

Anthracite/Met Coke

• Pros: Often cheapest per ton.
   
• Cons: Lower recovery, higher variability, more slag risk.
   
• Best for: Applications with wide chemistry tolerance.
   

Bottom line: If quality and repeatability matter, GPC is usually the most economical overall once you add in recovery and reduced rework.

• Low recovery:
   
  • Check addition point (get it deeper/earlier).
     
  • Improve stirring/turbulence.
     
  • Verify size (excess fines can oxidize faster).
     
• Sulfur drifting up:
   
  • Confirm actual S in GPC from COA.
     
  • Reduce other sulfur inputs (scrap, fluxes).
     
  • Adjust desulfurization steps if needed.
     
• Dusting:
   
  • Shift to 1–5mm or better screening.
     
  • Improve enclosed handling; review drop heights.
     
• Inconsistent heats:
   
  • Standardize dosing by temperature, time, and position.
     
  • Keep a heat log and compare to COA data.
     

• Target %C window for each grade.
   
• Preferred size (start with 1–5mm).
   
• Addition method (bath vs ladle trim) and exact timing.
   
• Expected recovery (start 80–85%, then refine).
   
• QC plan (COA review + spot testing).
   
• Data log (heat ID, time, bath temp, addition mass, pre/post %C, recovery).
   
• Safety plan (PPE, dust control, storage).
   
• Reorder point (weekly burn rate + lead time + safety stock).
   

Q1: Is 1–5mm always the best size?

Not always, but it’s a great default. If you need ultra-fast trim additions right before tapping, 1–3mm may be better.

Q2: How do I estimate the right dose?

Calculate the pure carbon deficit, then divide by your expected recovery. Start conservative, verify with analysis, and adjust.

Q3: Will GPC increase nitrogen?

Good GPC typically has low N. Always check the COA and monitor your melt.

Q4: What packing should I choose—bags or jumbo?

Bags (25/50 kg): easier to count and split; Jumbo (1–1.25 MT): faster handling, lower packaging waste. Your warehouse and dosing style decide.

Q5: How do I compare quotes fairly?

Fix the Incoterm (e.g., all CIF), confirm size/spec, and ask for COA and lead time. Then compare.

Q6: Can I blend sizes?
Yes. Some plants blend 1–5mm + 1–3mm to balance speed and handling. Log results and standardize the best mix.

• Tight chemistry controls: High F.C., low S/N/ash, documented on every COA.
   
• True sizing: Consistent 1–5mm distribution for predictable dissolution and handling.
   
• Faster absorption by design: Graphitized structure optimized for high recovery.
   
• Flexible supply: Trial lots to full containers; 25/50 kg bags or 1–1.25 MT jumbo.
   
• Practical technical support: Dosing guidance, trial planning, and melt optimization.
   
• Competitive total cost: Better recovery + fewer defects often outperform cheaper alternatives.
   
• Reliable logistics: Global delivery with clear documentation and proactive updates.
   

Brand line: Vihar Exports — materials you can trust, service you can count on.
 

• Product: Graphite Petroleum Coke (GPC) C98.5%
   
• Size: 1–5mm (also 1–3mm, 0–3mm; custom sizes on request)
   
• Use: Carbon raiser for steel, gray iron, ductile iron
   
• Features: High fixed carbon, low sulfur, low nitrogen, fast absorption
   
• Packing: 25 kg / 50 kg bags; 1.0–1.25 MT jumbo bags
   
• Docs: COA per lot; MSDS; packing list; optional third-party inspection
   
• Availability: Global supply with reliable lead times

1. Share your grade targets and preferred size.
    
2. Confirm Incoterms (EXW/FOB/CIF/DAP/DDP) and destination.
    
3. Ask for tiered prices (trial, 1 FCL, multiple FCL).
    
4. Always request a recent COA for the actual lot shipped.
    
5. Plan a 30-day trial log to measure your real recovery and savings.
    

For steel and foundry teams that care about recovery, cleanliness, and consistency, Graphite Petroleum Coke (GPC) C98.5% 1–5mm is a dependable choice. It helps you reach carbon targets quickly, protects mechanical properties with low impurities, and saves money through fewer defects and less rework.

Ready to trial or price GPC C98.5%?
Contact Vihar Exports with:

• Desired size (1–5mm, 1–3mm, or 0–3mm)
   
• Target specs (max S/N, any special limits)
   
• Quantity & packing (25/50 kg bags or 1–1.25 MT jumbo)
   
• Incoterm & destination (FOB/CIF/DAP/DDP)
   
• Any required documents/inspections
   

We’ll respond with lot-wise COA, lead time, and tiered pricing so you can compare options and move fast.