Worldwide pitch quality for prebaked anodes

Abstract

A worldwide survey made on pitches supplied to Al smelters provides valuable information with regards to the typical values and specifications for binders. The document reviews the effect of coke oven parameters on tar characteristics as well as distillation features on pitch properties. It provides an overview of the ISO analytical standards used for characterizing pitch, and includes guidelines on the specification settings. The link between pitch characteristics and anode performance is also summarized. Addressing the evolution in the coke oven and tars distillers' industry over the last decades, it further discusses future challenges for the successful production and usage of binders.