Coal blending optimization in Arcelor coke plants

Abstract

Basically different blends are prepared in the Arcelor coke plants that incorporate coals of various ranks, LV, MV, HV, non-coking coals. A comprehensive comparison of these coal blends, within the Arcelor coke plants, has been performed using two successive approaches : characterization of each blend at laboratory scale ; coking tests performed in the CPM 400 kg Movable Wall Oven. CSR can be maintained to very satisfying values if coals entering in the blend composition are strictly selected as regards factors like rank and ashes composition. Non-fusible components decrease the coking pressure, impair the mechanical indices and the CSR. This limits their incorporation below 10 %. Industrial results confirm the effect of the addition of LV non-coking coals : the pushing forces are reduced, the flue temperatures must be increased to keep the stability of the cokemaking parameters and the coke quality is decreased.