[TheForge] Coal clumping

[David E. Smucker]

Here is a possible reason / concept.  When coke is formed from coal there is 
a significant expansion in volume.  Also the gases given off leave open 
areas in the remaining material (the coke or carbon) and these then 
interlock together forming the clumping.  In other words the expansion takes 
up space between the coal as coke is form and the nature of the coke makes 
for interlocking.

 As a side note the volume expansion has always be a problem in the 
engineering of coke ovens.  After bee hive coke ovens where replaced with 
larger ovens these "new design" ovens had large steel doors to close the 
coking area.  The expansion of the coke was so great that they would bend 
these massive doors.  At one time in the Pittsburgh area there was a good 
business in rebuilding of coke oven doors.

Dave Smucker
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "David Childress" <trollkeep at gmail.com>
To: "Sponsored by ABANA" <theforge at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Monday, April 23, 2007 1:51 PM
Subject: [TheForge] Coal clumping


>I was asked at a 4-H Blacksdmithing class why the coal clumps up when
> it converts to coke.  As odd as it may seem I did not have the
> slightest idea.  Does anyone know in terms that I can at least convert
> for a ten year old?
>
> David Childress
> Rocky Forge Blacksmith Guild
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