Influence of Particle Shape and Porosity on the Bulk Density of Anode Grade Petroleum Coke

Bulk density is a key property of anode grade petroleum coke used in aluminum smelting and many studies have been undertaken on this parameter. These include previous work by BP that showed how particle shape could be modified by using different crushing technologies, and that changing shape parameters (i.e. sphericity and convexity) significantly influences coke bulk density. In this initial study, a single coke was used to keep coke porosity relatively constant. This study has now been extended to include the testing of a number of different petroleum cokes (calcined using diverse calcining technologies) and anode butt samples to vary porosity as well as shape. The results of the extended study confirmed the findings of the initial study and were used to populate a simple model of the factors that impact bulk density. This was then used to estimate the relative influence of particle shape and porosity on coke bulk density.