Petroleum coke, a byproduct of oil refinement, is an important raw material used in many industrial sectors. Its high level of carbon and versatility makes it a valuable material for energy generation, metalurgical applications, and the production advanced carbon-based compounds. However, with the transition to sustainable energy sources, it is important that industry leaders balance its utility while minimizing its environmental impact.
During the oil refinement, the majority of petcoke comes from heavy and residual fractions. These fractions, heated to extremely high temperatures in the coking unit where they undergo degradation are broken down into smaller hydrocarbon molecules. The carbon residue is called petcoke. It has several uses and benefits for steel production.
Most petcoke in the United States either comes as blocky sponge from delayed cokers. Or, it is in a "shot-size" form that is made by fluid bed producers. Sponge Coke is typically hard, brittle with low crystallinity. Shot-size coke is softer and more crystallized in the c-direction. Both are used to fuel power plants.
Petcoke is used in many other ways. Fuel grade petcoke, which is cheaper than coal, is used as a heat and steam generator in industrial boilers. It is also used as a substitute for natural gas in the manufacture of cement. Fuels that are low in sulfur are needed for cement kilns, to prevent cracking and expanding as well as maintain ignition. The addition of too much sulfur to concrete can decrease its strength and slow down the setting time. The petcoke also contains other impurities. The impurities include volatile compounds, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and metals including nickel and vanadium.
It is possible to use graphite electrodes made from high grade petcoke which contains low levels of sulphur or heavy metals. It can also be calcined to produce a variety of other shaped products and reground into a powder for use in the lithium batteries industry.
The steel industry relies on petroleum coke as a raw material. While its production and use have many benefits, the steel industry must balance these positive aspects with its environmental impacts. To reduce emissions, the steel industry strives to improve combustion efficiency and implement emission control systems. It also explores carbon capture technologies. Steel can increase the value of its versatile byproduct through innovation and adaptation.
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