[Chemical Knowledge]：The nature of coke, use, upstream and downstream raw materials, storage methods, coke four functions.

coke properties

Coke is a porous solid material, mainly composed of carbon, usually contains a small amount of ash, sulfur, phosphorus and other impurities. It is obtained by dry distillation of coal under high temperature and anoxic conditions. The main properties of coke include high density, high strength, low volatility and high chemical stability. Its calorific value is high, about 28-30 MJ/kg, which makes it an important energy carrier. Coke has good electrical conductivity and thermal conductivity, and is widely used in metallurgy and chemical industry.

Coke use

Coke has a wide range of uses in industry, the most important application is the metallurgical industry, especially in the blast furnace ironmaking process as a reducing agent and fuel. Coke not only provides a high temperature environment in the blast furnace, but also reacts with oxygen in the iron ore to generate carbon dioxide and molten iron, thereby realizing the reduction of the iron ore. Coke is also used in the production of calcium carbide, silicon carbide and other chemical products, as well as in the foundry industry as a flux and fuel. In the glassmaking and ceramic industries, coke is used as a fuel and reducing agent to improve production efficiency and product quality.

Coke Upstream Feedstock

The main upstream raw material for coke is coal, especially coking coal. Coking coal after coal preparation and coal washing process, through the coke oven high temperature carbonization process into coke. The quality and type of coal have a direct impact on the quality and properties of coke. Good quality coking coal usually has high fixed carbon content, low ash content, appropriate volatiles and good caking properties. In order to improve the quality of coke, a small amount of binders and additives are sometimes added in the coking process to improve the carbonization performance of coal and the physical and chemical properties of coke.

Coke Downstream Products

The downstream products of coke are mainly concentrated in metallurgy and chemical industry. In the metallurgical industry, coke as a reducing agent and fuel directly affects the output and quality of steel products. By-products in steel production such as blast furnace gas, tar and crude benzene are also derived from the use of coke. In the chemical industry, coke is used to produce calcium carbide, and then acetylene is produced by hydrolysis of calcium carbide, and a variety of chemical products such as PVC are further synthesized. Coke also has important applications in non-ferrous metal smelting, such as the production of light metals such as aluminum and magnesium. Coke is also used in the manufacture of carbon products, such as electrodes, carbon blocks, etc.

Coke storage method

The storage of coke requires care to prevent spontaneous combustion and environmental pollution. Because coke has a certain tendency of spontaneous combustion, especially in the case of large accumulation, the storage site should choose a well-ventilated and dry place to avoid direct contact with the fire source and high temperature objects. Regular temperature monitoring and pile turning shall be carried out during coke stacking to reduce the risk of spontaneous combustion. Coke is prone to dust during storage and transportation. Measures such as sprinkling water to reduce dust and covering dust nets should be taken to reduce pollution to the surrounding environment and health hazards to workers.

Coke Market Analysis

The global coke market is affected by a variety of factors, including raw coal supply, steel production demand and environmental policies. In recent years, with the fluctuation of the global steel industry, the market demand for coke has also fluctuated. In particular, as the world's largest steel producer, China's policies and market trends have a decisive impact on the global coke market. The increasingly stringent environmental protection policies have prompted coke manufacturers to continuously improve their production processes and improve their environmental protection levels. The price of coke is also significantly affected by international coal price fluctuations, and the tight or loose supply of coal directly affects the production cost and market price of coke.

Coke future development

The coke industry is facing the challenges of resource depletion and environmental pressure, but it also has broad prospects for development. Through technological innovation and industrial upgrading, the energy efficiency and environmental friendliness in the coke production process will continue to improve. For example, the development of coal-based clean energy technology will bring new opportunities to the coke industry. The promotion of the concept of circular economy has prompted coke production enterprises to explore the comprehensive utilization of coking by-products and improve resource utilization. With the global promotion of low-carbon economy, the use of green coking technology and renewable energy will become an important development direction of the coke industry in the future.

Conclusion

As an important industrial raw material and energy carrier, coke has a wide range of applications and important economic value. Its production and use involves a complex industrial chain with close upstream and downstream links. In the future, the coke industry needs to meet the challenges of resources and environment, and achieve sustainable development through technological innovation and green development. The dynamics of the global market and policy changes will continue to affect the development trend of the coke industry. Enterprises need to flexibly respond to market changes, seize development opportunities, and enhance competitiveness.