Petroleumcoke

Petroleum coke is a product obtained through the process of thermal cracking of heavy oil, which is separated from crude oil after distillation to separate light and heavy oils. In appearance, coke is irregular in shape and varies in size, presenting as black blocks (or particles) with a metallic luster. The coke particles have a porous structure, with carbon as the main element comprising over 80%, hydrogen content ranging from 1.5% to 8%, and the remainder consisting of oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, and metallic elements.

Petroleum coke belongs to the category of easily graphitizable carbon. Compared with metallurgical coke, the microcrystals of petroleum coke exhibit a more orderly stacking between the carbon lamellae, with smaller distances between the lamellae. At high graphitization temperatures, the average thickness (Lc) and average width (La) of the carbon lamellae grains increase, while the interlayer spacing (d) of the lamellae decreases. (Figure 1) The lattice constants (a0 and c0) approach those of natural graphite, with a significant reduction in resistivity and a corresponding increase in true density. Therefore, petroleum coke can be used as a raw material to manufacture graphite electrodes with lower resistivity.

Petroleum coke possesses unique physical, chemical, and mechanical properties. The non-volatile carbon in the heat-generating portion, as well as the volatiles and mineral impurities (sulfur, metal compounds, water, ash, etc.), determine the chemical properties of the coke. The porosity and density among the physical properties determine the coke's reactivity and thermophysical properties. The particle composition, processing method, hardness, wear resistance, strength, and other mechanical characteristics determine its mechanical properties.

Production Process

Since petroleum coke is in block form, it needs to be processed into powder to meet production requirements. Crushing - The blocky petroleum coke must undergo crushing processing by crushing equipment.

Iron Removal - After the crushing operation, iron removal is necessary for petroleum coke to prevent iron materials from entering the raw material and affecting the performance of the petroleum coke powder.

Drying - As a fuel, petroleum coke powder must maintain a very low moisture content, so it needs to be dried during the processing.

Screening - The crushed and dried petroleum coke is screened to control its specifications.

Grinding - The petroleum coke that has undergone crushing, drying, and screening needs to be processed through grinding. Grinding is a key step in the production of petroleum coke powder. After processing by grinding equipment, the powdered finished product can be collected.

The entire process adopts an effective combination of collection filters, induced draft fans, and conveying systems, utilizing excellent dust removal devices and strictly controlling various dust points to effectively reduce dust spillover. The processed petroleum coke powder has a finer particle size and burns without residue, making it an ideal economical fuel.