What is Raw Petroleum Coke?
Raw Petroleum coke or petcoke is the final product of the distillation and refining process of crude oil, which is produced in the “delayed coking” unit of refineries. This black solid is mainly composed of carbon and contains varying amounts of sulfur and heavy metals.
Depending on the type of crude oil and the conditions of the refining process, petroleum coke is produced in various qualities and types and is used as an energy source and raw material in various industries, including steel, aluminum, graphite electrodes and chemical industries.
Crude petroleum coke production process
- Production in the delayed coking unit:
The heavy residues of the refinery distillation tower (Residuum) are heated in thermal reactors to temperatures of 480 to 500 degrees Celsius.
- Formation of solid carbon:
Due to the thermal breakdown of heavy molecules, some of the material is converted into lighter vapors and some is deposited as solid carbon in the coking towers.
- Discharge and cooling:
After the tower is filled, the solid petroleum coke is removed, cooled, and then crushed to prepare it for industrial use.