Characterization of Green Petroleum Coke (GPC) and Mineral Coal (MC) as a Source of Thermal Energy

It is known that the use of fossil fuels is still necessary for the global supply of energy. Various sources are used, such as mineral coal, which has several advantages like great abundance, different geographical distribution and low cost. Mineral coal is an efficient fuel in terms of energy. The objective of this study was to demonstrate the employability of Brazilian green petroleum coke as a possible substitute for mineral coal in the generation of thernal energy. Several characterization and analytical identification tests were performed for both solid fuels, obtaining favorable results for green petroleum coke. Parameters such as high calorific value (13% higher), high fixed carbon content (16.5% higher), low ash content (0.35% for coke and 7.5% for coal), lower volatiles content (38.5% lower) and humidity (0.49% for coke and 1.59% for coal) are the main facilitators in the energy generation process corroborating the favorable characteristics of applicability of green petroleum coke as fuel.