Historical and Future Challenges with the Vibrated Bulk Density Test Methods for Determining Porosity of Calcined Petroleum Coke

摘要

Over several decades, calcined petroleum coke producers and thealuminum industry have been using various techniques such asVibrated Bulk Density (VBD), Mercury Intrusion Porosimetry(MIP), and Mercury Apparent Density to predict the porosity ofcalcined petroleum coke. Better knowledge of the coke porosityallows a more accurate estimation of coke quality and pitchdemand for fabricating anodes of optimum performance. Industryhas had limited success in accurately predicting porosity using theexisting VBD methods. Direct measurement of porosity by MIP isan alternative way to measure porosity accurately. Currently thereis limited correlation between VBD and MIP. Any improvementsto the VBD test method should demonstrate improved correlationto the results obtained from MIP.This paper covers the historical and traditional approach to predictcalcined coke porosity, correlation study of VBD test method andporosity by MIP, and input to the development of superior testmethods to meet industry requirements.