coking coal

Coking coal is a specific type of bituminous coal that is suitable for conversion into coke. This process, known as carbonization or coke making, involves heating the coal to high temperatures (up to 900°C or more) in the absence of air. During this process, the coal first becomes plastic, then decomposes, and finally solidifies into a hard, porous material called coke.12

Prime coking coals typically have a volatile matter content between 20% and 32%. While chemical composition alone isn't a perfect predictor, the presence of vitrinite and liptinite macerals generally indicates higher reactivity, whereas inertinite macerals are less reactive. Modern coke production often involves blending different types of coals and preparing the coal charge carefully to achieve the desired coke properties. Coke is primarily used in metallurgical processes, such as in blast furnaces for iron production.23