Experiential investigation on the effect of heavy fuel oil substitution by high sulfur petcoke on the physico-mechanical features and microstructure of white cement composites

Abstract

The current research paper study the effects of producing white cement using high sulfur petroleum coke (WCPC) instead of using HFO (WCHFO). White Cement production needs huge amounts of thermal units from HFO and it the most consumed energy all over the world. There are many interest to burn alternative energy sources aiming to decrease in combustion cost and secure the surround environment. Current combustion technologies allow the burning of fuel With a high percentage of sulfur such as PC, to have the least environmental damage and generate the least amount of fly ash. HFO contains one third or less of sulfur (S) than high sulfur PC. High concentration of sulfur in white cement/clinker granules cause a series of adverse effects on its applications due to formation of big amounts of anhydrite (CaSO4-insoluble) & aphthitalite (3K2SO4·Na2SO4) and reduce the formation of thenardite (Na2SO4) leaves cracks, endearments and yellowish color for skin coat, painting and decoration applications. High sulfur content in white cement (WCPC) comes from high sulfur in fuel and accordingly increases the setting time, compressive strength, workability and sodium equivalent (Na2OEq) content, while it reduce cement whiteness reflection (Ry) degree. XR, XRD and physical properties of fuels are performed reflected high sulfur and alkali concentration. SEM morphology analysis has been tested showing improving in WCpC microstructure.