Petroleum coke: properties and importance in the industry

Coke production is an area of opportunity in Latin America that has only been used in Mexico, Colombia, Chile and Venezuela. The world's largest coke producer is the United States, with 16,985 barrels exported per one month.

Coke, commonly known as "bottom of the barrel", is the result of oil refining. It has a carbonaceous appearance, composed of 85% carbon, 10% volatiles and 5% sulfur.

Coke production processes

Coke is a petroleum derivative, and depending on the process it undergoes, the consistency obtained and the properties it possesses depend on the process it undergoes. Here we list some of the processes by which this product is obtained:

• Delayed coking: Performed through extreme vibration in an environment of 425ºC.
• Fluidized bed coking: Operated under high atmospheric pressure, fluidized bed equipment has the capacity for granulation, encapsulation and drying.
• Fluidized bed coking with gasification: It is a thermochemical process, where coke is mixed with a gasifying agent.

Classification of different types of petroleum coke

1. Negotiable coke is the purest coke. It can be used as fuel or for making batteries, i.e., it has an anode grade.
2. edle or acicular coke. Iis a crystalline petroleum coke used in the production of steel or aluminum electrodes.
3. talytic coke fm the Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCC) process is impure, high temperature and low ash content. Used directly as fuel for electric generators based on coal-fired boilers.
4. lcined petroleum coke ithe result of calcination of petroleum coke. It is mostly used in the foundry industry to make anodes for aluminum, steel and titanium.
5. een coke ithat which has not undergone heat treatment, so it has all the potential of volatile material. It is a synthetic form of carbon, mainly used as an energy source in iron and steel processes and is considered an excellent substitute for anthracite.

Although we have already described some of the uses of coke, it is important to highlight that as an excellent source of heat, it replaces gas or fuel in the cement and steel industry. Among its main advantages we can highlight its high calorific value and low price.

In ESGRAF we handle different types of powders, grades and granulometries, including petroleum coke, to meet the needs of various industries.

Limitations to consider

Performance depends on graphite grade, grain orientation, temperature, load, pressure, speed, and operating environment. Material selection should be confirmed for your actual process conditions.

Information needed for a quote

To guide selection or prepare a quote, ESGRAF typically needs:

• Application and operating conditions (temperature, atmosphere, load).
• Dimensions, technical drawing, or CAD file when applicable.
• Required quantity.
• Requested grade or material currently in use.
• Observed issue with the previous part or lubricant, if any.

Request a quote

Share these details with our team at ESGRAF or request information. A specialist will review your application before recommending a grade or geometry.