The topic of the Compressive Strength of Coke should not be taken lightly, particularly in the industrial setting. Manufacturing processes and the presence of Coke in various industries dictate that it must remain high in strength to resist pressure. This is why regular testing, quality assessment, and maintenance should be undertaken to ensure that Coke is fit for purpose, meeting and even exceeding the requirements of both users and industry standard.
Coke is commonly used in two main applications. First, it is used as a fuel source in metal production, either as part of a blast furnace or in another steel-making process. It is also used by many petrochemical and power plants, which require the material’s low thermal resistance and high compressive strength. In order to ascertain the level of compressive strength of Coke, it is necessary to conduct laboratory tests to determine the compressive strength of cylindrical samples made from the material.
The standard test method used to measure the compressive strength of coke is ASTM D1400. This test method is employed for both large pieces of coke and for pieces that have been sieved to a size less than 4.75mm in diameter. The test is carried out by applying a compression load at a rate of 1kN/sec on a cylinder of the material using a force analysis machine. The maximum compressive strength is calculated based on the ultimate strength that the sample can withstand and a predetermined safety factor.
Coke typically has a much higher compressive strength than coal, which generally has a much lower level of strength and a greater propensity to crack; the addition of coal to the mix can reduce the compressive strength of the mixture significantly. When the coke has been produced to the required strength, it is then ready to be used in industry. Certain additional processing steps can be taken to further improve the strength of the material, such as adding a binder, a process known as briquetting.
The compressive strength of Coke should not be taken for granted. Quality control and maintenance should be regularly undertaken in order to ensure that the preferred level of compressive strength is maintained. As such, regular testing should be conducted and the figures taken into account when deciding how much Coke needs to be used in manufacturing or other applications. This can help to reduce the consumption of Coke in industry, improve the efficiency of the production process, and contribute to reduced costs.
