【Calcined Petroleum Coke】Characteristics, Preparation, and Diverse Applications

I. Definition and Preparation Process

Calcined petroleum coke (cpc), as the name suggests, is a product obtained by subjecting petroleum coke to high-temperature calcination. The process typically takes place in rotary kilns or shaft furnaces at temperatures ranging from 1200°C to 1400°C. Under such high-temperature conditions, petroleum coke undergoes a series of physical and chemical changes. Moisture and volatile matter are released in large quantities, and the initially porous petroleum coke becomes denser, shrinks in volume, has reduced resistivity, and significantly enhanced oxidation resistance.

II. Properties and Characteristics

1. High Purity:
Through calcination, impurities in petroleum coke are further removed, greatly improving the purity of the calcined petroleum coke. Generally, the fixed carbon content of calcined petroleum coke can reach over 98%, laying a solid foundation for its use in applications that demand extremely high purity.

2. Low Volatile Matter:
The volatile content is typically below 1%. This feature ensures greater stability of calcined petroleum coke during high-temperature use, minimizing mass loss and environmental pollution caused by the release of volatile components.

3. Excellent Electrical Conductivity:
The calcination process alters the crystal structure of petroleum coke, granting it excellent conductivity. Its resistivity can be reduced to 10–50 μΩ·m, making it highly advantageous in industrial applications that require conductive materials.

4. High Strength and High Density:
The density of calcined petroleum coke generally ranges between 2.0–2.2 g/cm³. Compared to raw petroleum coke, calcined petroleum coke exhibits significantly improved density and mechanical strength, enabling it to withstand higher pressures and temperatures, and making it suitable for a variety of demanding work environments.

III. Major Applications

1. Aluminum Electrolysis Industry:
Calcined petroleum coke is a critical raw material in the production of prebaked anodes used in aluminum electrolysis. In electrolytic cells, prebaked anodes serve as conductive electrodes, participating in high-temperature electrochemical reactions that reduce alumina to metallic aluminum. The high purity, low volatile matter, and excellent conductivity of calcined petroleum coke effectively improve electrolytic efficiency, reduce energy consumption, and ensure the quality of aluminum.

2. Steelmaking Industry:
Often used as a carburant. During the steelmaking process, calcined petroleum coke is added to adjust the carbon content of molten steel, improving the strength, hardness, and toughness of the steel. Its high purity and stable carbon content allow precise control of the carbon levels in molten steel, ensuring consistent steel quality.

3. Other Industrial Applications:
Calcined petroleum coke is also widely used in the production of graphite electrodes, carbon paste products, diamond tools, and more. For example, graphite electrodes are used in electric arc furnace steelmaking and submerged arc furnace smelting. The characteristics of calcined petroleum coke contribute to improving the quality and service life of graphite electrodes. In diamond tool manufacturing, calcined petroleum coke participates in the synthesis process as a raw material and plays an important role in enhancing the performance and quality of the tools.

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