Coke and Anode Desulfurization Studies

Abstract

The sulfur level of high sulfur cokes used by the calcining industry for blending is increasing. During calcination, petroleum coke desulfurizes and the rate of sulfur loss is dependent on both the sulfur level and final temperature. Desulfurization negatively affects coke properties such as real density and porosity and additional desulfurization during anode baking can negatively affect anode properties. This paper is a follow-up to a 2007 TMS paper on desulfurization and presents the results of additional studies on anode and coke desulfurization versus equivalent baking level and discusses the effect of the level of calcination of high sulfur cokes on anode reactivity. The results indicate that the coke calcination levels must be set with coke sulfur levels in mind. It also shows that blending with high sulfur cokes need not be detrimental to anode properties.