Evaluating High-Sulfur Residuals from Iraqi Crude Oils as a Potential Fuel Source for Heavy Industries

This study assesses the feasibility of using high-sulfur residuals from Tawke and Shikhan crude oils as a fuel source for heavy industries. The primary aim was to evaluate its industrial applicability and environmental implications. Petroleum coke, a byproduct obtained via atmospheric and vacuum distillation, was characterized by its high sulfur content, with values ranging from 3.4% for Tawke to 12.5% for Shikhan. Quantitative results from fractional distillation revealed a higher cumulative distillate percentage for Shikhan crude compared to Tawke, with sulfur mass fractions reaching up to 1.1% for the 290°C distillate fraction in Shikhan oil. Despite its potential as a cost-efficient fuel, high-sulfur petroleum coke presents environmental challenges, particularly due to sulfur dioxide emissions, which could lead to air pollution and acid rain. The findings emphasize that proper emission control technologies and stringent regulatory standards are necessary to mitigate these risks. The study further highlights that the high carbon content and calorific value of this coke make it a viable energy source, but environmental trade-offs must be considered. The novelty of this research lies in its detailed analysis of high-sulfur petroleum coke derived from specific Iraqi crude oils, providing valuable insights for industrial applications in sulfur-rich crude-producing regions. The study contributes to the ongoing discussion about alternative fuels in heavy industries, especially in regions reliant on high-sulfur crude oil reserves.