The Sources of Coking Oven Gas
Coking oven gas (COG) is a by-product of the coking process, produced by the destructive distillation of lump coals and coke oven gas (COG) in the coke oven. Coking oven gas is a gaseous fuel formed by carbonization and decompostion of coal. It is an important source of energy and an important fuel for industrial use.
Coking oven gas is mainly composed of methane, ethane, ethylene, propene, and other hydrocarbons. It contains the highest possible heating value and is ideal for industrial use. The average calorific value of coking oven gas is about 43.5MJ/Nm3, which is about 80 times of that of coal gas. Coking oven gas is an important energy source and a fuel for industrial production. It is widely used in many industries, such as steel-making, power, chemical production, glass making, papermaking and so on.
Coking oven can be divided into two types, direct smelting of coal and indirect smelting of coal. In the direct coking process, coking oven gas is directly produced from coal and the coal is heated to high temperatures in an oxygen-free atmosphere. The heat generated produces a gas mixture, which is then cooled to force the vaporized products to condense. The products collected are mainly hydrocarbon gases such as methane, ethane, and butane.
In the indirect coking process, coal is heated and carbonized in an exterior vessel, a coke oven. Coke which is formed from the decomposition of coal is then used as a fuel in smelting furnaces or heating devices. In this method, part of the volatile matter released during coal carbonization forms coking oven gas. The remainder of volatile matter is condensed and collected as coke-oven tar.
Coking oven gas is an important source of energy, but it also has some environmental impacts that should be taken into account. The production of coking oven gas results in the emission of pollutants such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur dioxide. These pollutants contribute to air pollution, global warming, and acid rain. The combustion of coking oven gas may also lead to local air pollution as well as to occupational hazards due to exposure to hazardous by-products.
In order to reduce the environmental impacts of coking oven gas, many countries have implemented strict regulations and enforcement measures. For example, the production and use of coking oven gas must comply with emission standards standards established by the Kyoto Protocol. The use of advanced technologies such as select-low-NOx burners can also reduce emissions from burning coking oven gas.
Despite its environmental drawbacks, coking oven gas is still an important source of energy for many industries. Its high heating value, wide availability, and low cost make it an attractive option for many companies. Its use can bring significant economic and environmental benefits, making it a key component of sustainable development.
