Vibrated bulk density, VBD, is an indicator of calcined petroleum coke porosity, which affects its suitability for use in pitch-bonded carbon applications. (Warning—Vibrated bulk density for a sample of calcined petroleum coke is strongly dependent upon average particle size and particle size range. Bulk density tends to increase with decreasing coke size. A narrow particle size range for this test minimizes the possibility for variation due to skewing of the test sample toward either screen defining the sample. Particle size range tested should be agreed upon by the purchaser and supplier.)

Note 1—An example of the use of VBD to characterize coke for prebaked anodes for aluminum smelting is reported by Belitskus who found particles passing through a 0.59-mm opening, No. 30, sieve and retained on a 0.30-mm opening, No. 50, sieve to be preferred. Other popular ranges are particles passing through a 2.36-mm opening, No. 8, sieve and retained on a 1.17-mm opening, No. 16, sieve for the continuous Soderberg anode process and particles passing through a 6.68-mm opening sieve (equivalent to a 3-mesh Tyler Standard Series) and retained on a 3.33-mm opening, No. 6, sieve for graphite electrode manufacture.

1.1 This test method covers the determination of bulk density of a representative 2-kg sample of calcined petroleum coke, after vibration to increase compaction.

1.2 The procedure is limited to particles passing through a 6.68-mm opening sieve (equivalent to a 3-mesh Tyler Standard Series) and retained on a 0.21-mm opening sieve (equivalent to a 65-mesh Tyler Standard Series). Further, the procedure is limited to a specific test sample having particles retained between screens having openings that differ by a factor of less than 2 and preferably less than 2.

1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.