Comparison and application analysis of graphitized petroleum coke and calcined petroleum coke

1. Comparison of basic concepts and production processes

Calcined petroleum coke

Definition: The product of petroleum coke after calcination at about 1300℃ to remove volatiles

Production process:

Raw material: delayed petroleum coke (green coke)

Key process: rotary kiln/pot furnace calcination (temperature 1200-1350℃)

Product characteristics: true density ≥2.03g/cm³, ash content <0.5%

Graphitized petroleum coke

Definition: The product of calcined coke after high-temperature graphitization treatment at more than 2800℃

Production process:

Raw material: high-quality calcined coke

Key process: Acheson furnace/continuous graphitization furnace (2800-3000℃)

Product characteristics: crystal order >90%, resistivity 5-10μΩ·m

2. 2. Differences in core application areas

Main applications of calcined petroleum coke

Anode for aluminum (accounting for more than 60% of global consumption)

Ordinary graphite electrodes (RP-grade electrodes)

Carbon additives (steelmaking, casting)

Fuel (cement/glass industry)

High-end applications of graphitized petroleum coke

Lithium battery negative electrode materials (high-end artificial graphite negative electrodes)

Special graphite electrodes (HP/UHP-grade electrodes)

Nuclear-grade graphite (reactor deceleration materials)

Aerospace sealing materials (rocket engine components)

Conclusion:

With the upgrading of new energy and high-end manufacturing industries, the two types of petroleum coke will show differentiated development. Calcined coke continues to optimize purity indicators to meet the needs of basic industries, while graphitized coke breaks through in the direction of high performance and low energy consumption, jointly supporting the technological progress of the carbon material industry.