A glut of petroleum coke has made it an attractive source of cheap Btu＇s, either as the primary fuel or as a coal/coke blend for generating steam. Petroleum coke, unlike coal, is low in volatiles and contains substantial concentrations of vanadium, nickel, and sulfur, which can be sources of combustion and fireside fouling or corrosion problems if not properly handled. This paper discusses the combustion characteristics of the various types of petroleum cokes and blends used for steam raising and the fireside behavior of the mineral matter they contain. Field experience and laboratory trials indicate petroleum cokes containing vanadium as high as 10 000 ppm can be fired.