Study on Coal and Coke Mineralogy and Development of a Model to Predict Reactivity from Mineralogy of Coking Coals

Properties of metallurgical coke are very important in production of iron using blast furnace. About 90% of the coking coals produced are used for this purpose. Coal rank was historically used to evaluate coal for production of metallurgical coke. Coke reactivity index (CRI) and coke strength after reaction (CSR) with carbon dioxide are now routinely used rank and value coking coals. The properties of the other components present in the ash may be the controlling parameters defining coke properties, which has not been studied well. In this study, we have proposed characterizing the minerals in coking coal, examine the mineralogical changes that occur during coal carbonization and coke gasification process, and finally develop a model to predict CSR/CRI of coking coals using the knowledge to be generated from this project. Findings from this project can provide the technical support for improved mining, coal washing, and blend development to make high-CSR coke. Using high-CSR coke improves blast furnaces efficiency, improves energy utilization efficiency, and reduces CO2 emissions.

Faculty Supervisor:

Rajender Gupta

Student:

Nisarg Tripathi

Partner:

Discipline:

Engineering - chemical / biological

Sector:

Education

University:

University of Alberta

Program: