TECHNICAL - Petroleum Coke

What is Petcoke?

 

Petroleum coke, abbreviated coke, pet coke or petcoke, is a carbon-rich solid material byproducts of oil / petroleum refining.  House Coal mined from the ground, if formed over millions of years.  Petcoke has a higher carbon content than coal (between 82% and 87% carbon) compared to coal's carbon content (55% to 60%).  Petroleum coke is high in sulfur and low in volatile content, and this presents environmental (and technical) problems whilst combusting. Its gross calorific value (HHV) is nearly 8000 Kcal/kg which is twice the value of average coal used in electricity generation.  Burning petcoke can result in more CO2 than most types of coal, and it can also produce nitrous oxide, a potent climate pollutant. 

 

Why is Petcoke added to Smokeless Coal?

 

Petcoke has been used in coal for many years, it use to be found in imported coals, from the likes of Poland.  However, new Government legislation came into effect in 2023 to restrict the supply / sales of ordinary house coal, since then, we have seen an increase in Petcoke being added to other coal options. Petroleum Coke gives high heat and has a low ash content making it cost effective to heat your home (only in the short term however) - The high heat-output and ease to light make it favourable to consumers.

 

Petroleum coke is high in sulfur and low in volatile content, and this poses environmental (and technical) problems with its combustion. Its gross calorific value (HHV) is nearly 8000 Kcal/kg which is twice the value of average coal used in electricity generation

 

 

Why are Fireparts.com concerned about increase in Petcoke in our coal?

 

Coal with Petcoke can burn a grate out in a matter of months.  We have seen examples over the years where Customers grates have burnt-out within months (compared with several years normal usage), investigations have revealled a change in Coal from their Merchant, which contained Petroleum Coke.

 

Over the years; Fireparts.com have always advised our customers to check with their Coal Merchant if Petcoke has been added to coal.  As Petcoke burns so efficently, a fire with air flow (air being sucked in through vent)can see extreme temperatures.  Fireparts.com have seen examples in the past of whole stove doors warping, glasses grate bars, fire bars and / or other components being exposed to excessive heat which can warp or burn out parts very quickly.

 

Petcoke may seem like a good alternative to other types of fuel (due to its high heat output) which makes it efficient from a 'Heat Output v Cost to buy' - HOWEVER, we urge Consumers to consider the longer term costs of replacing stove parts sooner.

 

Fireparts.com use the same quality suppliers we have done for over 50 years, the parts we sell are of good quality, however, the Consumer will usually look to us if their grate burns quicker than usual - but focus on how their stove is being used and the type of coal is paramount. 

 

 

How can I restrict the wear on my Stove from Petcoke?

 

1. Check with your Coal Merchant if your Coal has a Petcoke mix - Each manufacture adds their own levels of Petcoke in the manufacturing process.  This can be of a low to high amount.  It may be difficult to know the actual percentage added, as this may well be company confidential.

 

2. Your Coal Merchant may have another option they can offer you -  if not, the more users who SAY NO TO PETCOKE, hopefully, it will become a Consumer led market.

 

3. If you have no option and have to burn Coal with Petroleum Coke - then try your best not to let the fire get too hot, if you have doors on your stove, restricting the air flow into the stove will help to keep the fire running lower in temperature.

 

A symptom of Grate Bars being over stressed by burning Petroleum Coke (or generally over heated) is that they will bend 'upwards'.  If your bars have bent 'downwards' then this is just normal usage / wear.