Semi-coke

When sourcing Semi-Coke (also known as Blue Coke), the most critical parameters are Fixed Carbon content (typically >82-85%), Low Ash (<9%), Low Sulfur (<0.4%), and Low Phosphorus (<0.02%). For ferroalloy production or calcium carbide manufacturing, high specific resistance and chemical reactivity are essential to reduce power consumption. Ensure the moisture content is kept below 15% to avoid paying for water weight and to prevent handling issues.

Semi-Coke is categorized by particle size: Large Material (25-80mm) is generally used for calcium carbide and ferroalloy production; Medium Material (15-25mm) is ideal for hollow brick manufacturing or specialized smelting; and Small/Powder Material (0-15mm) is frequently used for civil heating or as a reductant in sintering. Selecting the wrong size can lead to poor gas permeability in furnaces or excessive material loss.

Buyers should prioritize suppliers who adhere to ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems. It is vital to request a Third-Party Inspection Report (such as SGS or Intertek) for every batch to verify the Proximate Analysis (Ash, Volatile Matter, Fixed Carbon). For international trade, ensure the product meets the HS Code 2704.00 classification requirements for semi-coke to ensure smooth customs clearance.

Semi-Coke is widely used as a reducing agent in the Ferroalloy industry (Ferrosilicon, Silicomanganese), a raw material for Calcium Carbide production, and a fuel for industrial boilers and civil heating due to its smokeless burning properties. Its high fixed carbon and low impurities make it a superior, cost-effective alternative to traditional met-coke in specific smelting processes.

The primary risks include quality inconsistency between samples and bulk cargo, and weight discrepancies due to moisture absorption during sea transit. To mitigate this, use Made-in-China.com's secured trading services and mandate a loading port survey to confirm the weight and quality before the vessel departs.

Prices are heavily influenced by raw coal costs and environmental policies in the manufacturing hub (e.g., Shaanxi or Inner Mongolia). Negotiate based on Fixed Carbon tiers; a 1% increase in carbon often commands a premium. For large volumes, seek FOB or CIF terms and aim for a 10-20% discount on orders exceeding 5,000 tons, while ensuring the contract includes a price adjustment clause for moisture variance.

Semi-Coke is usually shipped in bulk carriers or jumbo bags (1 ton/bag). If shipping in bulk, ensure the vessel holds are clean to prevent contamination. Because Semi-Coke is porous, moisture control during storage and loading is critical. Always clarify the Incoterms 2020 clearly in the contract to define where the risk of loss transfers from the seller to the buyer.

Always verify the supplier's Business License and Export Permit. Utilize the Audit Reports available on Made-in-China.com to check the supplier's production capacity and gold-member status. For payment, using a Letter of Credit (L/C) at sight or Escrow services provides the highest level of security for high-value bulk commodity transactions.