Petroleum coke or petcoke is a final carbon-rich solid material and residual waste material extracted from oil refining. It is a spongy, solid residue from oil distillation that can be burned for fuel similar to coal. Petcoke is a substitute for coal and contains high energy content. It is categorized as a “bottom of the barrel” fuel because it is obtained after refining coal to extract lighter fuels like petrol. There are four basic types of petroleum coke, needle coke, honeycomb coke, sponge coke and shot coke.
Petcoke has been manufactured since the 1930s for the production of aluminum, steel, glass,paint, and fertilizers. Further, it is also used as fuel by cement kilns, power plants, and other industries. Refineries generate it in large quantities as it is high in calorific value and easy to transport and store.
Petcoke contains over 90% carbon and releases 5 to 10 % more carbon dioxide per unit of energy than coal when it does combust. It contributes to the emission of greenhouse gases. Apart from Sulphur, it also releases other toxic gases including nitrous oxide, mercury, arsenic, chromium, nickel, and hydrogen chloride after burning.
SPECIFICATION FOR KAZAKHSTAN PETROLEUM COKE
No |
Description |
Value |
Comments |
1. |
Sulphur (%) |
0.56 |
GOST 1437 |
2. |
Ash (%) at 1300 °C |
0.31 |
GOST 22692 |
3. |
Moisture (%) |
6.40 |
GOST R 52911 |
4. |
Density (g/cm3) |
2.10 |
GOST 22898 p. 4.4 |
5. |
Oil Content (%) |
7.20 |
GOST 22898 |
6. |
Volatile Matter at 850 °C |
9.40 |
GOST 22898 |
7. |
Iron, Fe (ppm) |
220 |
GOST 22898 |
8. |
Silicon, Si (ppm) |
245 |
GOST 22898 |
9. |
Vandium, V (ppm) |
84 |
GOST 22898 |
10. |
Calcium, Ca (ppm) |
120 |
GOST 22898 |
11. |
Sodium, Na (ppm) |
96 |
GOST 22898 |
12. |
Nickel, Ni (ppm) |
42 |
GOST 22898 |
13. |
Particle Size> 8mm |
45.60 |
GOST 2093 |
CALORIFIC VALUE
1 |
Gross Calorific Value |
(Cal/Kg)>8400 kcal/kg |
2 |
Net Calorific Value |
(Cal/Kg)>8100 kcal/kg |