Product Overview

Graphitized Petroleum Coke (GPC) is a high-carbon material used as a recarburizer in steelmaking and cast iron production. It is produced through the high-temperature graphitization of petroleum coke, which changes the carbon structure and can reduce sulfur, nitrogen and other impurities depending on the raw material and processing conditions.

As a graphitized petroleum coke recarburizer, GPC is added to molten iron or steel to increase carbon content and help achieve the required chemical composition. It is commonly considered for gray iron, ductile iron, induction furnace melting and steelmaking applications where carbon adjustment and impurity control are important.

GPC is available in different chemical grades and screened particle sizes. When selecting a GPC carbon raiser, you should confirm the fixed carbon content, sulfur and nitrogen limits, ash, volatile matter, moisture and particle-size distribution.

Product: Graphitized Petroleum Coke (GPC)
Material Type: Graphitized carbon additive / recarburizer
Primary Uses: Cast iron and steelmaking carbon adjustment
Key Indicators: Fixed carbon, sulfur, nitrogen, ash, volatile matter and moisture

Contact us to confirm the available grade, particle size and quality documentation for your application.

Get GPC Specifications & Quote →

Graphitized Petroleum Coke Specifications

The chemical composition of graphitized petroleum coke determines its suitability for different metallurgical applications. Fixed carbon is the primary carbon-content indicator, while sulfur, nitrogen, ash and volatile matter should be checked against your production requirements.

The following values are published reference specifications for a ZHENAN GPC supply offering. They require confirmation against the approved specification for this product page and must not be treated as guaranteed values for every batch.

Specification Note: The values above are reference specifications and are subject to product-grade verification. Nitrogen limits refer to different specification options and should not be interpreted as a single guaranteed value. Final acceptance limits, test methods, units and batch results must be confirmed before ordering.

Fixed Carbon and Carbon Adjustment

Fixed carbon is one of the most important indicators when purchasing GPC. It helps you calculate the theoretical carbon input required to adjust the carbon content of molten iron or steel.

However, fixed carbon content and actual carbon recovery are not the same. The carbon absorbed by the melt depends on the furnace conditions, addition method, particle size and other process factors.

Low Sulfur and Nitrogen Requirements

Low sulfur graphitized petroleum coke may be suitable for metallurgical processes with strict sulfur limits. In ductile iron production, sulfur control is particularly important because it can affect the magnesium treatment required for graphite nodularization.

For applications requiring low nitrogen GPC recarburizer, you should specify the maximum acceptable nitrogen content. The required limit depends on your alloy or casting specification and should be confirmed through the relevant material analysis.

Do not rely only on the description “low sulfur” or “low nitrogen.” Request numerical limits and the corresponding test documentation.

GPC Particle Sizes and Available Grades

Particle size influences how the graphitized recarburizer is handled, charged and incorporated into molten metal. Different melting systems may require different size distributions.

The following size ranges have been listed in ZHENAN’s GPC reference product information. Availability for the current order must be confirmed.

If you require 1–5 mm graphitized petroleum coke or another specified size, please provide your acceptable undersize and oversize limits.

For bulk orders, the agreed particle-size distribution should be included in the purchasing specification. Sieve analysis can be discussed as part of quality verification.

Selection Advice: A smaller particle size is not automatically better. The appropriate GPC size depends on your charging sequence, furnace type, temperature, mixing conditions and expected carbon recovery.

GPC Recarburizer Applications

Graphitized petroleum coke recarburizer is mainly used to increase the carbon content of molten metal. The required grade depends on the chemical composition and impurity limits of the steel or cast iron being produced.

Cast Iron and Ductile Iron Foundries

In cast iron production, GPC can be used to adjust the carbon content of molten iron, particularly in melting practices that include steel scrap or other lower-carbon charge materials.

For gray iron foundries, a graphitized carbon additive can provide carbon while allowing the operator to control the overall charge chemistry. The choice of recarburizer should account for the target carbon level, sulfur requirements and furnace operating conditions.

For ductile iron production, the sulfur and nitrogen contents of the recarburizer deserve particular attention. Sulfur can influence the magnesium balance during nodularizing treatment, while excessive nitrogen may be undesirable for certain casting specifications.

When selecting a GPC recarburizer for ductile iron, confirm the required carbon increase, sulfur and nitrogen limits, particle size and existing nodularizing and inoculation practices.

GPC is a carbon additive and should not be treated as a replacement for the nodularizing or inoculation treatments required by your foundry process.

Steelmaking and Carbon Adjustment

Graphitized petroleum coke for steelmaking can be used to increase carbon content during suitable melting and refining operations.

The required carbon addition depends on the steel grade, initial carbon content, target composition and expected recovery. For steel grades with tighter sulfur or nitrogen restrictions, you should select a recarburizer with corresponding verified impurity limits.

Before using GPC as a steelmaking carbon additive, confirm the addition stage, feeding method, required particle size and compatibility with your refining practice.

Actual carbon recovery should be established under your operating conditions rather than assumed from fixed carbon content alone.

Induction Furnace Use and Trial Evaluation

A GPC recarburizer for induction furnace applications should be selected according to the furnace charge, melt chemistry, operating temperature and charging sequence.

Particle size and feeding practice can influence how effectively the material is incorporated into the molten metal. Very fine particles may create additional handling losses, while coarse particles may require different dissolution conditions.

If you are introducing a new GPC grade, we recommend comparing the trial results with your current recarburizer under similar operating conditions.

During the trial, record the initial carbon content, GPC addition quantity, final carbon content and any other carbon inputs or losses. These measurements help you evaluate the actual carbon recovery for your process.

Important: We do not recommend selecting a GPC product solely on an advertised absorption percentage. Recovery results should be supported by the relevant melting conditions and trial data.

GPC vs CPC: How to Choose a Recarburizer

Graphitized Petroleum Coke (GPC) and Calcined Petroleum Coke (CPC) are both used as carbon additives in metallurgical production. However, their processing methods, carbon structures and available chemical specifications differ.

GPC is often considered when you need a graphitized carbon additive with carefully controlled impurity levels. CPC may also be suitable when its fixed carbon and impurity specifications meet your requirements.

When comparing GPC vs CPC recarburizer, review the actual COA, purchase price, expected carbon recovery and impurity contribution. Neither material should be considered universally superior for every furnace or steel grade.

If your foundry is also evaluating additives that supply both silicon and carbon, you can review our Silicon Carbide (SiC) 88% / 90% products. Silicon carbide and GPC have different chemical functions and should not be treated as direct substitutes.

Production, Quality Control and COA

When purchasing from a graphitized petroleum coke supplier, chemical specifications should be supported by reliable quality documentation and an agreed inspection process.

Production and Supply Verification

At ZHENAN, we support the procurement and export supply of metallurgical raw materials, including carbon additives for foundries and steel plants.

For GPC orders, the production source, processing arrangements and applicable product specifications should be confirmed before purchase. If your supplier approval procedure requires production-site information or manufacturing documentation, please include those requirements in your inquiry.

We do not describe our ferroalloy production equipment as GPC graphitization equipment. Any GPC-specific manufacturing claims or factory documents should correspond to the actual production source.

Chemical Analysis and Quality Inspection

Before confirming an order, you should review the relevant quality requirements, including:

• Fixed Carbon: Minimum acceptable carbon content.
• Sulfur: Maximum permitted sulfur concentration.
• Nitrogen: Required maximum value and reporting unit.
• Ash and Volatile Matter: Maximum permitted levels.
• Moisture: Moisture limit and test conditions.
• Particle Size: Required sieve distribution and fines limits.

These criteria should be agreed before shipment rather than inferred from a generic product description.

Certificate of Analysis and Batch Traceability

For repeat industrial purchasing, a Certificate of Analysis (COA) is an important part of material acceptance.

Where required, please confirm whether the quality documents can identify the product grade, relevant batch or lot number, test results, units and applicable test methods.

Third-party inspection requirements should also be discussed before the order is confirmed. The available testing arrangements and reports depend on the agreed scope.

If you need a specific report format or inspection standard, send us the requirements so we can review the available documentation and testing arrangements.

GPC Packaging and Delivery

Packaging should protect the recarburizer during handling, storage and international shipment while maintaining the agreed quantity and particle-size condition.

ZHENAN’s published GPC reference information includes 1 MT jumbo bags and 25 kg bags packed within larger bags. The available packaging configuration should be confirmed for the specific product grade and order.

During storage, keep GPC in a clean and dry location. Protect the packages from moisture, contamination and unnecessary damage during handling.

If you need customized packing, specific shipping marks or additional moisture protection, please provide your requirements before quotation.

Request a Graphitized Petroleum Coke Quote

The graphitized petroleum coke price depends on the required chemical specification, particle size, purchase quantity, packing arrangement and delivery conditions.

For a quotation that matches your application, please provide the following information:

• Application: Gray iron, ductile iron, steelmaking or another process.
• Fixed Carbon: Required minimum percentage.
• Sulfur: Maximum acceptable percentage.
• Nitrogen: Maximum acceptable limit in ppm or another specified unit.
• Ash, Volatile Matter and Moisture: Any additional limits.
• Particle Size: Required size range and sieve tolerances.
• Quantity: Purchase quantity in metric tons.
• Packaging: Required bag type and package weight.
• Destination: Port or delivery location.
• Documentation: COA, samples or inspection requirements.

We can review your requirements and confirm the available specification, quotation terms and delivery arrangements.

For price comparison, make sure quotations are based on the same chemical grade, particle size, delivery term and quotation date. A lower price per ton does not necessarily mean a lower cost per unit of carbon absorbed.

Frequently Asked Questions About Graphitized Petroleum Coke

What is GPC recarburizer used for?

Graphitized petroleum coke is used as a carbon additive in selected steelmaking and cast iron production processes. It helps increase carbon content in molten metal and is commonly considered for gray iron, ductile iron and other applications requiring controlled carbon adjustment.

Which GPC grade and particle size should I choose?

Select the GPC grade according to your required fixed carbon, sulfur, nitrogen, ash and moisture limits. Particle size should match your furnace, charging method and acceptable fines content. We recommend confirming the chemical specification and size distribution before purchasing.

Is GPC suitable for my induction furnace?

GPC can be used in suitable induction furnace melting practices. The appropriate grade, particle size and addition method depend on the charge composition, operating conditions and required carbon adjustment. Actual carbon recovery should be evaluated through your own melting trials.

Can you provide a batch COA?

You can request a batch COA and relevant chemical analysis documentation when discussing your order. Please specify the required test parameters, batch identification and report format so we can confirm the available documents and inspection arrangements.

Can I request a sample for a melting trial?

You can contact us to check sample availability for a melting trial. Please provide the required grade, particle size and sample quantity. Sample costs, freight and shipping arrangements should be confirmed before dispatch.

What information is needed for a GPC quotation?

Please provide your application, fixed carbon requirement, sulfur and nitrogen limits, particle size, quantity, packaging requirements and destination port. Include any COA or third-party inspection requirements so that the quotation can be prepared on a comparable specification basis.

Need Some Help?

When we receive your request, we will send you our personal catalog, price list, delivery terms, payment terms, and other necessary detailed information via email within 24 hours.

请在浏览器中启用JavaScript来完成此表单。

Name *

Email *

Phone *

Country

Content *

Submit