Coking factory

The gases are broken down by fractional condensation into hydrocarbon tars, sulfuric acid, ammonia, naphthalene, benzol, and coke gas; these products are then purified in further chemical reactors.

By controlling the process, we can achieve specific performance levels in terms of the following properties:[7] Coke is most often used in blast furnaces and foundries.

Horizontal ovens, which are the most commonly used (they are suitable for monitoring the various extraction stages), take the form of narrow compartments (approx.

As a rule, these furnaces are arranged in a battery, separated by injectors for gases burned at between 1,200 and 1,400 °C, which ensures that the internal temperature is maintained.

Heating up too quickly, or stopping too abruptly, is accompanied by thermal stresses that cause irreparable damage to the furnaces.

For the worker in charge of this operation, exposure to risk is at a maximum: dust, heat, and flames make the task extremely perilous.

These bins contain a mixture of coals specially selected for the quality of coke to be produced, and previously screened or pulverized.

It is equipped with an articulated arm, often comprising two joints, capable of sweeping the entire length of the oven battery.

Coke needs to be cooled particularly quickly, because as soon as it comes into contact with ambient air, its extremely high temperature causes it to start burning.

The distillers used to wash the gases and separate their components were often mounted on the base of the furnace battery and connected by watertight pipes.

On June 3, 2005, the Düsseldorf district authorities approved the extension of the Duisburg-Huckingen coking plant for HKM (Hüttenwerke Krupp Mannesmann) as being in the public interest, and this was confirmed on January 13, 2006.

[18] In December 2005, approval was given for the upgrading of the Saarland central coking plant (Zentralkokerei Saar GmbH) in Dillingen.

[23] Given the sustained rise in the price of coke, several supporters of the industry have represented to the German authorities that it would be profitable to reopen certain coal pits.

[24] Skeptics fear that investment in this sector during the current economic cycle could have consequences for public finances in the event of a shortage.