Electrodes En Graphite 200mm 300mm 400mm 600mm RP Hp UHP

Electrodes En Graphite for steel making

What are the main factors that determine the price difference between different power levels (RP/HP/UHP) of graphite electrodes of the same specification (e.g., 300mm)?

The core of the price difference stems from raw material costs and the difficulty of the production process:
• Raw material cost: UHP electrodes require high-purity needle coke (imported needle coke costs 3-5 times more than ordinary petroleum coke), while RP electrodes can use ordinary petroleum coke or pitch coke.

• Graphitization cost: UHP graphitization requires an ultra-high-power graphitization furnace (higher temperatures and longer times), consuming 2-3 times more power than RP graphitization.

• Performance testing: UHP electrodes require individual testing for resistivity, flexural strength, and other indicators (e.g., ultrasonic testing), while RP electrodes only require spot checks, resulting in higher testing costs.

Typically, the price difference between RP, HP, and UHP electrodes of the same specification can reach 2:3:5 or even higher, depending on the steel mill's performance requirements.