Carbonisation of coal is the process ofa)pulverising coal in inert atm...
Carbonisation of Coal
Carbonisation of coal is a process in which coal is converted into coke by strongly heating it continuously or about 48 hours in the absence of air in a closed vessel. This process is also known as destructive distillation of coal.
Steps Involved in Carbonisation of Coal
The process of carbonisation of coal involves the following steps:
1. Preparation of Coal
The coal is first cleaned and sorted to remove any impurities and stones. It is then crushed into small pieces and passed through a sieve to obtain a uniform size.
2. Charging the Coal
The prepared coal is then charged into a carbonisation retort, which is a closed vessel made up of fire clay bricks. The retort is connected to a condenser for the collection of by-products.
3. Heating the Coal
The coal is heated strongly in the retort at a temperature of about 1200°C. The process of heating is carried out in the absence of air or any other oxidising agent to prevent combustion of coal.
4. Collection of By-Products
During the process of carbonisation, various by-products such as coal gas, tar, and ammonia are obtained. These by-products are collected and stored separately for further processing and use.
5. Formation of Coke
As a result of the heating process, the coal is converted into coke, which is a hard, porous, and carbon-rich substance. The coke is then cooled and removed from the retort.
Uses of Coke
Coke is widely used in various industries for the following purposes:
1. As a fuel in blast furnaces for the production of iron and steel.
2. As a reducing agent in chemical processes.
3. As a fuel for heating and cooking purposes.
4. As a filter medium in water treatment plants.
Conclusion
Carbonisation of coal is an important process for the production of coke, which is widely used in various industries. The process involves the heating of coal in a closed vessel at a high temperature in the absence of air to obtain coke and various by-products.