Petroleum coke; calcined, obtained from bituminous minerals

HS code 271312 covers petroleum coke, a solid carbon-rich material obtained as a by-product during the refining of crude oil. Petroleum coke is a crucial industrial commodity, finding widespread applications in various sectors, including steel production, cement manufacturing, and power generation. As a high-energy, low-ash fuel, petroleum coke plays a significant role in the global energy landscape, contributing to the efficient utilization of hydrocarbon resources.

The production of petroleum coke involves the thermal cracking or coking of heavy oil fractions, such as residual fuel oil or vacuum residue, in specialized refinery units called delayed cokers. During this process, the heavy hydrocarbon molecules are broken down into lighter fractions, leaving behind a solid, carbon-rich material known as petroleum coke. The coke is then calcined, a process that involves heating the material to high temperatures in the absence of oxygen, further enhancing its purity and energy content.

The primary inputs for the production of petroleum coke include crude oil, heavy oil fractions, and specialized refinery equipment, such as delayed cokers. Additionally, the calcination process requires significant energy inputs, typically in the form of natural gas or other fuels, to heat the coke to the necessary temperatures.

The primary output of HS code 271312 is calcined petroleum coke, a versatile material with a wide range of applications. The calcined coke is commonly used as a reducing agent in the production of 720241 Ferroalloys and 720260 Ferro-silicon, as well as a fuel in cement kilns, power plants, and other industrial processes. Additionally, the coke may be further processed and utilized in the production of 854511 Carbon electrodes and 854519 Other carbon articles, which are essential components in various electrochemical and metallurgical applications.