Improving the Precision and Productivity of Green Coke VCM Analysis

Volatile and Combustible Matter (VCM) analysis of green petroleum coke is an important measurement for determining the calcination behavior and properties of calcined coke. Green cokes with high VCM (>12%) are more difficult to calcine and result in a higher porosity and lower bulk density in calcined coke. The paper will review current methods for measuring the VCM of green coke based on ASTM Quartz and Platinum crucible methods and Macro TGA methods. Detailed experimental results comparing the Quartz crucible and macro TGA methods are presented in the paper. When used in combination with a high speed knife mill, automated TGA equipment offers significantly improved speed and precision and the capability for simultaneous measurement of ash and moisture contents. As the range of green coke qualities used for calcination increases, the need for a more rapid and more precise measurement of VCM increases.