Petrolkohle

Petrolkohle, also known as petroleum coke or petcoke, is a byproduct of the oil refining process. It is a solid hydrocarbon material that is a residual product from the cracking of heavy hydrocarbons in crude oil. The production of petrolkohle is concentrated in countries with significant oil refining capabilities. There are two main types of petrolkohle: green coke and calcined coke. Green coke is the raw material as it comes directly from the coker unit, while calcined coke has undergone a heating process to remove volatile matter and moisture.

The primary uses of petrolkohle depend on its quality and processing. Calcined petrolkohle is a crucial raw material in the production of aluminum, where it is used to make anodes for the smelting process. It is also used in the steel industry as a reductant and in the manufacturing of titanium dioxide pigments. Green coke, on the other hand, is often used as a fuel in industrial furnaces, kilns, and cement plants due to its high calorific value. However, its use as a fuel can be controversial due to its sulfur content, which can contribute to air pollution if not properly managed. The chemical composition of petrolkohle is predominantly carbon, with varying amounts of sulfur, nitrogen, and heavy metals.