Application of Calcined Petroleum Coke in Brake Shoes Production
In the production of brake shoes, Calcined Petroleum Coke has emerged as a significant component within the brake shoes mixture and mixes, greatly influencing the performance of brake shoes friction materials. This material, with its unique properties, has both advantages and disadvantages that are crucial for manufacturers to consider.
Technical Parameters
- Fixed Carbon Content：Calcined Petroleum Coke typically has a high fixed carbon content, usually ranging from 98% – 99.5%. This high carbon content is vital as it contributes to the overall strength and heat – resistance of the brake shoes friction materials. For example, a higher fixed carbon content allows the material to withstand higher temperatures during braking without significant degradation.
- Volatile Matter Content：The volatile matter content in high – quality Calcined Petroleum Coke used for brake shoes production is extremely low, generally less than 0.5%. This low volatile matter content ensures that there is minimal out – gassing during the manufacturing process and when the brake shoes are in use. Out – gassing can cause porosity and weaken the structure of the brake shoes, so this low – volatility property is highly desirable.
- Ash Content：The ash content of Calcined Petroleum Coke is also quite low, usually around 0.1% – 0.3%. A low ash content is beneficial as it does not contribute to the formation of abrasive particles within the brake shoes friction materials, which could otherwise lead to increased wear on the brake components.
Advantages
- Enhanced Heat Resistance：Brake shoes containing Calcined Petroleum Coke can exhibit remarkable heat – resistance. During high – speed braking, the temperature of the brake shoes can rise rapidly. Tests have shown that brake shoes with Calcined Petroleum Coke can maintain their structural integrity and friction performance up to temperatures of around 500°C. In contrast, brake shoes without this additive may start to experience significant performance degradation at around 350°C. This enhanced heat – resistance leads to more reliable braking in extreme conditions, reducing the risk of brake fade.
- Improved Friction Stability：Calcined Petroleum Coke helps in achieving a more stable friction coefficient in brake shoes friction materials. In laboratory – simulated braking cycles, brake shoes with this additive showed a friction coefficient variation of only ±0.05, while those without it had a variation of up to ±0.15. A stable friction coefficient is crucial for consistent braking performance, providing drivers with better control over the vehicle during braking.
- Longer Service Life：Due to its heat – resistance and friction – stability properties, brake shoes with Calcined Petroleum Coke tend to have a longer service life. Field – studies have indicated that these brake shoes can last up to 20% longer than traditional brake shoes. This extended lifespan reduces the frequency of brake shoe replacements, saving both time and money for vehicle owners.
Disadvantages
- High Cost：Calcined Petroleum Coke is relatively expensive compared to some other common additives in the brake shoes production industry. The cost of high – quality Calcined Petroleum Coke can be 2 – 3 times higher than alternative materials. This cost increase directly impacts the production cost of brake shoes, which may be a deterrent for manufacturers aiming to produce low – cost brake shoes for price – sensitive markets.
- Environmental Concerns：The production process of Calcined Petroleum Coke involves high – temperature calcination, which can emit greenhouse gases. Additionally, the extraction and processing of the raw materials (petroleum residues) have environmental implications. For example, the release of sulfur – containing compounds during the production process can contribute to air pollution. These environmental concerns may lead to stricter regulations in the future, further increasing the production cost or limiting the use of Calcined Petroleum Coke.
In summary, while Calcined Petroleum Coke offers significant advantages in improving the performance of brake shoes, its high cost and environmental footprint pose challenges for the brake shoes manufacturing industry. A careful balance between its benefits and drawbacks is essential for sustainable and cost – effective production.