Cokings

Cokings is a relatively uncommon term that may be used to refer to the coking process in general, the industrial units where coke is produced, or the individual instances of such processing. In most sources, the activities are described using the terms coking, coke production, or delayed coking rather than the plural “cokings.” When used, cokings typically denote multiple coking operations or facilities operating at once.

Coal-based coking involves heating coal in coke ovens or batteries in the absence of air to produce metallurgical coke. Temperatures typically reach above 900–1000 degrees Celsius, driving off volatile components such as coal gas, coal tar, and light oils. The remaining solid is a porous, high-carbon coke suitable as a reducing agent in ironmaking and as a fuel. Byproducts from the ovens are collected and processed for chemical recovery and energy use.

Delayed coking is a distinct refinery process used to convert heavy hydrocarbon residues into lighter products and solid petroleum coke. In a delayed coking unit, feedstock such as vacuum residuum is heated in a heated vessel, then cracked thermally and stripped of volatiles before the coke is discharged from the unit. The process yields solid petroleum coke along with lighter hydrocarbons and gases, which may be processed further or sold.

Uses and significance: Metallurgical coke made from coal is a primary reducing agent in traditional blast furnaces. Petroleum coke serves as a fuel in power generation, a feedstock for anodes in aluminum production, and a potential supplement for cement and other industries. Environmental and safety considerations include handling of volatile byproducts, control of emissions, and management of solid wastes.

Etymology and terminology vary, with most literature favoring coke production or coking over the plural cokings.