What are the Main Differences between Semi Coke and Metallurgical Coke?

 

Many of you fail to understand the considerable difference between semi-coke and metallurgical coke. But we are here to help you in differentiating between the both of them. Let’s get into the discussion below!

Definition

Semi coke is the solid residue that is all obtained through the carbonization of coal at a low temperature which is below 700° C. It turns out to be friable and softer as compared to the coke from the carbonization at the higher temperatures. You can often use it for domestic fuel.

Metallurgical coke is hence produced by the destructive distillation of the coal in the coke ovens. The material which is left behind is known as coke. Most of the metallurgical coke is utilized in the iron or steel industry processes. This includes sinter plants, blast furnaces, or foundries for reducing the iron ore to iron.

Raw Materials

Another major difference is in the use of raw materials! Raw materials which are used in coke products are coking coals which are having strong binding properties. This can be either fat coal or coking coal. Hence, semi-coke is all produced through single coal and there is no need to involve any cola blending in the production process.

Quality

In comparison with the coke products, the semi-coke is having wide benefits of the high fixed carbon. It is having high chemical activity as well as high resistance and low sulfur. Plus, it is also low in phosphorus, moisture as well as ash content. This is one of the major differences of semi-coke with an ordinary coke.

Applications

Coming to the next element we have applications! Common products of coke are mostly used in the metallurgical industries. This includes blast furnace iron making as well as casting.

You cannot use the semi-coke in the blast furnace production. But when it comes to calcium carbide or the fertilizer industries, then Semi-coke can replace the general coke. It has the quality which is better in national standards for metallurgical coke, or foundry coke as well as ferroalloy special coke.

This is the main reason that semi-coke has been improving the quality of the downstream products, as well as saving energy. It is even having a higher application value for reducing the production cost and even increasing the output.

Production Technology

In most of the general conditions, the overall technical production of the coke products is in the high-temperature dry distillation. Whereas the dry distillation temperature has to reach the level of about 1000 ℃! Semi coke production is although based on the low-temperature dry distillation in which it has the level of around 600 ℃. This is one of the major differences of semi-coke with an ordinary coke.

Prices of semi-coke & general coke products

In terms of varying processes and raw materials, the price of the semi-coke will be lower in comparison with the ordinary coke. In the year 2006, the price of semi-coke in the market was around 300 yuan/ton and the price of the lowest grade coke (10-25 mm) was almost 760 yuan/ton. This low cost has made the semi-coke products to have higher market competitiveness.