Application of binder in stamp charge coke making

Abstract

Successful and sustainable implementation of Stamp Charging Technology in Tata Steel has given it an edge over conventional Top Charging Technology in terms of production of superior quality of Blast Furnace grade coke from a wide range of coal base, even permitting use of inferior coals. But, the stability of stamped coal cake and the additional thermal energy necessary to drive the extra quantity of water (3-4%), added intentionally to the coal blend to impart requisite coal cake strength, have always been the two haunting issues associated with this technology. This paper describes the role of coal tar pitch, used as a binder to the coal blend that not only imparts required strength and stability to the coal cake even at lower moisture level and thereby, reducing energy consumption, but also improves the rheological properties of coal blend that contributes to the quality of coke produced from inferior coals. This paper also describes the laboratory scale experimentation and its results followed by commercial plant-scale trials that confirmed the R&D findings on the use of coal tar pitch.