Reactivity of coke deposited on metal surfaces

Coke deposits obtained on metal surfaces in hydrocarbon processing are mixt ures of materials with different structures and origins. The reactivity of such deposits rewards gasification is primarily determined by the coke stru cture, which in turn depends on the mechanisms of carbon formation. In the present communication, coke deposits were produced on different metals and alloys under conditions relevant to hydrocarbon pyrolysis processes. They w ere characterized by scanning electron microscopy, surface analysis, temper ature-programmed gasification and isothermal thermogravimetry. The reactivi ties of these deposits are discussed in terms of their structural features and accepted mechanisms uf cal bon formation and gasification.