Application of calcined petroleum coke in titanium dioxide production.

Calcined petroleum coke is primarily used in the chlorination stage of the chloride process for titanium dioxide (TiO2) production, serving as a reducing agent and energy source at high temperatures.

Petroleum coke is mixed with ore and reacts with chlorine gas at high temperatures to produce crude TiCl4, which contains various impurities. This process is a critical step in the chloride method for producing titanium dioxide, where petroleum coke plays an indispensable role. Its strong reducibility effectively converts the titanium in the ore into titanium chloride, laying the foundation for subsequent oxidation and refining processes.

In the oxidation stage, the refined TiCl4 obtained from the chlorination section needs to react with oxygen at high temperatures to form titanium dioxide and chlorine gas. Although petroleum coke does not directly participate in the chemical reactions in this phase, its role in the earlier chlorination stage significantly impacts the efficiency and quality of the entire oxidation process.

In the post-treatment stage, the main activities include cooling, separating, dechlorinating, and surface treating the produced titanium dioxide. At this stage, the direct role of petroleum coke has diminished, but the reaction basis it provides in the initial phase is still crucial for the smooth progress of the overall production process.

Furthermore, the unique structure and properties of calcined petroleum coke also make its application in titanium dioxide production more extensive. For example, by adjusting the calcination conditions, one can optimize the pore structure and reactivity of petroleum coke, further improving the production efficiency and product quality of titanium dioxide. Additionally, calcined petroleum coke can serve as an electrically conductive material or heat transfer material during the titanium dioxide production process, enhancing equipment lifespan and safety.

In summary, calcined petroleum coke plays a vital role in titanium dioxide production, involving multiple aspects of the production process. Its excellent chemical and physical properties offer significant advantages in improving production efficiency, product quality, and environmental performance.