Amine-Enhanced Coal Fluidity Evaluation for Coke Strength

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods struggle to accurately evaluate the thermoplasticity of non- or slightly caking coals for coke production, which affects the coke strength, and the validity of using estimated fluidity for determining their usability in coal blends is unclear, especially when interacting with different coal brands.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the addition of a primary or secondary amine with an aromatic ring to enhance the coal's fluidity, using Gieseler maximum fluidity as an index to evaluate the coal's usability, and determining the corresponding coke drum strength through a relational formula, allowing for the evaluation of non- or slightly caking coals as raw materials.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If non- or slightly caking coals are used as raw materials for coke, then raw material costs are reduced, but the coke strength deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveraw material costVSAvoidcoke strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the evaluation parameter from traditional methods (JIS M 8801 with 3°C/min heating rate) to a new parameter system using Gieseler maximum fluidity measured at higher heating rates (5°C/min or more). This parameter change enables accurate evaluation of non- or slightly caking coals' thermoplasticity, allowing selection of coals that maintain coke strength while reducing raw material costs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces traditional mechanical evaluation methods (dilatometer method for caking coals) with a fluidity measurement system using Gieseler plastometer. This substitution enables evaluation of non- or slightly caking coals that cannot be assessed by traditional methods, expanding the usable coal range while maintaining coke quality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of manufacture

If traditional evaluation methods (JIS M 8801) are used for non- or slightly caking coals, then measurement procedures are standardized, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inability to measure thermoplasticity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveevaluation standardizationVSAvoidthermoplasticity measurement
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the heating rate parameter from 3°C/min (JIS M 8801) to 5°C/min or more, which enables measurement of fluidity in non- or slightly caking coals. This parameter change transforms the measurement capability while maintaining procedural standardization through established Gieseler plastometer methods

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces an intermediary substance (amine compound) that enhances the fluidity of non- or slightly caking coals during measurement. This intermediary enables accurate thermoplasticity measurement by temporarily improving the coal's flow characteristics during the Gieseler plastometer test

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If estimated fluidity values are used for noncaking coals, then evaluation becomes possible, but reliability deteriorates due to unclear correspondence with coke strength

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveevaluation capabilityVSAvoidcoke strength correlation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention establishes a feedback relationship between Gieseler maximum fluidity values and actual coke strength (CSR). By measuring fluidity at higher heating rates and correlating with coke strength outcomes, the method provides reliable feedback that validates the evaluation approach and enables accurate prediction of coke quality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The invention performs preliminary evaluation of coal thermoplasticity using Gieseler maximum fluidity measurement before coke production. This preliminary action identifies suitable non- or slightly caking coals, ensuring reliable coke strength before actual carbonization occurs, thereby reducing risk and improving evaluation reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This method enables the accurate determination of non- or slightly caking coals that maintain high coke strength, providing a reliable evaluation of their usability in coal blends by correlating enhanced fluidity with coke strength.

Implementation Method 1

a primary or secondary amine including an aromatic ring, which is capable of enhancing the fluidity of a coal when added to the coal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluidity enhancement by amine addition:

Data Source

PatentEP3263674B1Method of manufacturing coke
Publication Date: 2024.06.05 JFE STEEL CORP
  • EP3263674B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3263674B1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)~3(b)
  • EP3263674B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

Provided is a method for accurately measuring the thermoplasticity of a coal (in particular, non- or slightly caking coal) whose thermoplasticity has been difficult to evaluate and determining whether the coal that is to be measured does not significantly reduce the coke strength when used for a coal blend. The evaluating method for a coal according to the present invention is a method for evaluating a coal used as a raw material for coke and includes using a physical property value relating to a thermoplasticity of a coal as an index for evaluating the coal, wherein a primary or secondary amine including an aromatic ring have been added to the coal, thereby enhancing the thermoplasticity of the coal.