Vibrated bulk density using semi-automated device: Simplifying sample preparation while improving accuracy and precision

Abstract

Vibrated Bulk Density (VBD) of calcined petroleum coke is widely utilized as one measure of quality and is useful for quantifying binder demand in the anode production process of the aluminum reduction industry. ASTM D4292-10 is one of the methods used widely by the carbon and aluminum reduction industries to measure VBD. Recently the carbon producer and consumer industries have jointly worked together to increase the reliability and benefit of this method. Geopyc is a semi-automated device that potentially yields better precision compared to traditional vibrator device specified in D4292. This paper presents an innovative use of the Geopyc instrument in measuring VBD, the results of which correlate well with D4292; especially to the 28x48 Tyler Mesh size fraction. This novel sample preparation does not involve complicated roll crushing steps as specified in the ASTM method(s) and thus simplifies the method while improving the accuracy and precision.