Preparation of formed-coke using devolatilized inferior coal and its mechanical properties

Coke plays multiple roles in blast furnace operation. Preparation of formed coke from inferior coal provides an alternate way to utilize inferior coal for metallurgical uses. In this process briquettes of coal, char were prepared to produce similar properties to the conventional coke and sufficient strength to maintain the shape during transport, storage and utilization. In this study formed coke was prepared using devolatilized coal at different temperature. The effect of use of this devolatilized coal was studied in terms of point crushing strength. In general, it was observed that higher devolatilization temperature (550 °C) and longer duration (3 hr) increases the point crushing strength and fixed carbon. Fast volatilization process during carbonization significantly decreases the coke mechanical strength. The use of devolatilized coal reduces the volatile matter content and in turn reduces the fast volatilization which increase the point crushing strength.