Aminco Anodes

Green Petroleum Coke

Multisourcing Enhances Product Quality

Green petroleum coke is generated by delayed coking units during the conversion of crude oil into liquid fuels such as gasoline and jet fuels. Green coke quality is derived mainly from the quality of crude oil that a refinery consumes.

The quality of the coke determines its use. High sulfur coke is consumed as a solid fuel for its BTU content, competing with coal, while low sulfur, low impurity coke is upgraded through calcining for consumption as a critical raw material in the aluminum and steel industries.

Access to supplies of high quality green coke is essential to the success of Aminco’s carbon activities. This is particularly important as the oil industry refines substantially larger quantities of sour crude than in the past. This has dramatically changed the availability of high quality green coke in the traditional markets, particularly in the United States.

In the late 1990’s, Aminco strategically positioned itself in China where low sulfur and low metal green petroleum coke is available and suitable for calcining and carbon anode manufacturing. Aminco has significant expertise regarding the availability, quality and price of Chinese green coke. Custom blending of this coke is the key to successful production of high quality calcined coke and carbon anodes.

Calcined Petroleum Coke

It’s All About Property Management

Calcined petroleum coke is a high purity carbon material produced by heating green petroleum coke to drive off moisture, volatile matter, and impurities and to increase its electrical conductivity. The primary aluminum industry is the major consumer of calcined petroleum coke, representing approximately 80% of the demand for this carbon material. The balance of calcined coke demand originates from the steel and chemical industries, mostly as recarburizer and the manufacture of titanium dioxide pigment.

Since its inception in 1986, Aminco has supplied calcined petroleum coke to the aluminum and steel industries in South America, Europe and Asia with traditional supply originating from the United States and Europe. Since 2000, Aminco has shifted it’s supply sourcing primarily to emerging markets with a focus on China, which offers more competitive pricing and lower sulfur cokes.

Aminco listens to and understands the operating issues faced by each of our customers and can tailor an appropriate feedstock to address these issues. Whether a smelter is best served by product produced in a traditional rotary kiln or shaft calciner — with each yielding unique properties — Aminco’s focus is to consistently deliver the appropriate coke to reduce net carbon consumption.

Coal Tar Pitch

Building Binding Relationships

Coal tar pitch distilled from by-product coal tar, generated by metallurgical coke ovens, has strategic importance for the aluminum industry. The combination of its binding properties with its high carbon content makes pitch an ideal complement to calcined petroleum coke for the production of carbon anodes.

The generation and availability of coal tar has shifted over the past 20 years and has greatly aided in the development of pitch distillation in China and India. The pitch market is clearly global, but is composed of four regional sub markets with each having its own unique characteristics.

Historically, pitch was supplied in solid form. However, the trend to liquid pitch continues to grow. Whether transporting pitch, in solid or liquid form, the shipment of this material requires special handling, equipment and terminals. This is especially the case for liquid pitch which must be kept heated at all times.

Aminco has the expertise and experience to develop multisource pitch delivery programs to satisfy both Aminco’s customers needs for pitch as well as internal requirements for Aminco’s anode production.

New Energy Materials

At Aminco Anodes, our commitment to innovation drives us forward. Our vision of the future sees battery materials as playing a pivotal role in our lives. Dedicated to eco-conscious practices, we are creating materials crucial for pushing forward the energy transition.

Built on our expertise and long-standing relationships in the space, our products push the boundaries of what is possible with carbon. We are actively investing resources into building out a portfolio of products within the battery space that not only meet but exceed the demands of an evolving market that prioritizes quality, cost and sustainability. Our focus on this space aligns with our core values as carbon innovators who continuously strive to develop materials and processes that set new standards within our industry.

Join us on our journey as we continue to innovate and lead in the carbon space. Together, we can create a future where sustainable practices and cutting-edge technology go hand in hand, driving progress and improving the quality of life for people around the globe. At Aminco Anodes, we are not just developing materials; we are shaping the future of energy.

Complementary Products

Aminco supplies products which are complementary to our line of strategic raw materials and engineered products. By broadening our product focus, we can not only help our customers diversify source of supply, but in many cases unlock capital locked in surplus inventory.

The materials include the list below, but if you don’t see what you are looking for, please ask

Carbon anode butts
Green and baked anode scrap
Silicon metal
Crushed bath and aluminum fluoride
Clean aluminum scrap