Sustainable Cokemaking Technology: Future Needs for Ironmaking

Abstract

Blast furnace operators have achieved a remarkable reduction in coke usage, reaching an optimal level by boosting PCI injection alongside superior coke quality in expansive blast furnace capacities. Technological advancements in blast furnaces have left a profound impact on coke quality. Achieving high injection rates of pulverized coal, maintaining an optimal coke rate, ensuring consistent coke quality, and managing coke costs effectively are achievable only through cutting-edge cokemaking technology. The current landscape of the metallurgical coal market reflects significant technological and techno-commercial shifts compared to past decades. These changes have been diverse over recent decades and will continue to evolve in the future. Thus, it’s imperative to produce desired coke attributes such as coke strength after reaction, coke reactivity index, and M40/M10 ratio to optimize costs and enhance hot metal productivity through the application of appropriate cokemaking techniques. Consequently, selecting the right cokemaking technology stands as a crucial factor in staying competitive within the dynamic global steel market. This study aims to delve into the criteria guiding the selection of optimal cokemaking technology, aiming for high-quality coke production at the most favourable costs, thereby optimizing hot metal expenses. Furthermore, the comparative analysis of various cokemaking technologies, elucidating their pros and cons impacting coke quality and cost, is thoroughly presented. The paper underscores the paramount importance of selecting the right cokemaking technology to yield economically desirable coke quality for effectively operating larger blast furnace capacities.