Petroleum coke, also known as "petcoke," is a solid carbonaceous material with a metallic luster. The coke is produced by refining petroleum and can be found in oil reservoirs. It is a brownish black, odorless and solid. Due to its high melting point it can be used as a fuel in industrial applications. It is used in the aluminum smelting process, as well as in the production graphite electrodes and carbon additives in the steel industry.
Calcining coke is a method that removes volatiles from the material, shrinks it to a specific density and allows for its use. The calcining usually takes place inside a tubular rotating kiln that is fed with green, granular Coke at one end. The kiln's feed end is heated between 1300deg C and 1800deg C. Heat is used to drive out volatiles during calcination.
This air can be supplied through the kiln interior, or the feed or discharge ends. The air is supplied either through nozzles on the exterior of the shell of the kiln, blowers mounted on the shaft that rotate with it, and ducts leading into the interior. In the past, air was obtained for this purpose by burning volatiles in the kiln or near the discharge end. The calcination rates were good, but the high densities, and elimination of volatile material, have been hard to achieve consistently.
The present invention describes a process that can achieve the desired result more efficiently, at a much higher rate of production than was possible in previous practice. It also provides an overall better economic benefit. The method allows for a greater level of control in the conditions that are created during the calcination process, resulting in a product with a higher uniformity and a faster rate of calcination. The process also allows a more efficient usage of the energy available in the calcination. Additionally, the process reduces the amount and volume of waste gases produced during combustion. Gas Technology Institute has developed this process with Superior Graphite Company. Other project partners are also involved. This new method is currently being commercialized. GTI-SGC's technology has been implemented at the calcination site of Superior Graphite Company Hopkinsville, KY. The kiln is equipped with a new type of calcination system that is shown in the diagram below, and is integrated with a system for waste heat utilization.
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