Semi coke may be considered as a carbon reductant in selected ferroalloy processes, but suitability cannot be decided from fixed carbon alone. The target alloy, electric furnace design, burden composition and operating practice determine which properties matter most.
Start with the ferroalloy and furnace
An RFQ should identify the target ferroalloy, furnace type and current carbon material. Buyers should also state whether the proposed material is for a full burden change, a partial blend or a controlled trial. This prevents a supplier from treating every ferroalloy application as identical.
Chemistry fields to review
Fixed carbon indicates the carbon-bearing portion available on the stated basis. Ash, sulfur and phosphorus can influence the burden and finished-alloy control, while volatile matter and moisture affect handling and furnace behavior. Total ash alone may not answer every process question; when the alloy specification is sensitive, the buyer may also request an ash-composition analysis.
The Zhonghao catalog reference includes fixed carbon ≥84%, sulfur ≤0.3%, phosphorus ≤0.008%, ash ≤8%, volatile matter 5–7% and moisture 15–18%. These are procurement reference values. The final acceptance limits and test basis must be written into the order.
Physical fit and burden permeability
Particle size influences charging, permeability, segregation and fines generation. Buyers should identify the preferred range and the maximum acceptable fines and oversize. The choice should reflect the existing burden design and the points where material is transferred, stored and charged.
Plan the trial as an engineering comparison
A useful trial records the baseline material, blend ratio, operating window and evaluation criteria. Depending on the plant, these may include burden stability, power behavior, carbon recovery, alloy chemistry, slag observations and material consumption. A single observation without a defined baseline is not enough to establish long-term suitability.
What to send in the inquiry
| RFQ field | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Alloy and furnace route | Defines the process context |
| Current carbon material | Provides a comparison baseline |
| Required chemistry | Protects alloy and slag control |
| Size and fines tolerance | Supports burden and handling fit |
| Trial quantity and blend plan | Makes evaluation practical |
| Sampling and COA scope | Establishes acceptance evidence |
Semi coke selection for ferroalloy production is therefore a process-fit discussion, not a product-name decision. Confirm the technical trial, inspection method, packing and commercial terms before order placement.
Source register
- Zhonghao formal product catalogue, page 1, Semi Coke technical index
- Industry background: 兰炭的十种用途, https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/rYMF9izk0SeW8bHDY_3S_Q