Specific weight of coke, characteristics, purpose and table

Coke is widely used as a solid fuel and technological material. It is produced by heating coal to a caking state at high temperature without air access in special coke ovens. As a result, a significant portion of volatile substances is removed from coal, while the remaining carbon-rich mass gains strength and a porous structure.

Specific weight table for coke

One of the main parameters for calculating coke mass is its specific or volumetric weight. Coke is a heterogeneous material, so its exact characteristics depend on coal grade, coking technology, moisture, ash content and fraction. In reference calculations, the average density range is approximately 0.6 to 1.4 g/cm³. The table below gives coke weight in different units.

Properties of coke

Coke contains an organic carbon-rich part, ash, moisture, sulfur and other components. The main quality indicators of coke are:

• Moisture content. Optimal values are often within 3 - 5%.
• Ash content. Good values are usually about 7 - 11% and depend on the coal used.
• Sulfur content. Increased sulfur worsens coke quality and affects metallurgical processes; acceptable values are often about 0.5 - 0.6%.
• Volatile matter content. This parameter shows the degree of coke readiness. Too low a value may indicate overheating during processing; average values are often in the range of 1 - 1.5%.

One of the most important properties of coke is resistance to mechanical damage. It is affected by lump size. For metallurgical coke, large pieces are often valued, while the amount of fine fraction should be limited.

Additional coke characteristics:

• bulk weight of coke - about 450 - 500 kg/m³;
• coke porosity - about 40 - 55%;
• ignition temperature - about 700 °C;
• calorific value - about 7000 - 7500 kcal/kg.

Purpose of coke

The main use of coke is pig iron smelting in blast furnaces, where it serves as fuel, reducing agent and support for the burden. Coke is also used in other production and energy processes:

• pig iron smelting in cupola furnaces, where coke is used as fuel;
• smelting of some materials in non-ferrous metallurgy;
• operation of gas generators and steam production;
• use of fine coke for heating and selected household tasks.