Koking

Koking is a term that appears primarily as an alternate spelling of coking in some technical texts. In metallurgy and coal processing, coking refers to the thermochemical conversion of coal into coke, a carbon-rich solid used as a reducing agent and energy source in ironmaking. The process, often called coke production, occurs in coke ovens at high temperatures—typically around 1000 to 1100 degrees Celsius—in the absence of air. The main product is coke; byproducts such as coal tar, light oils, and coal gas are also produced.

In addition to its technical usage, the spelling “koking” may be found in historical documents, regional dialects, or transcription variants. However, there is no separate, widely recognized concept named “koking” in standard modern terminology, and many references that use this spelling are likely variants or misspellings of “coking.”

Coke quality depends on the properties of the coal used, including volatile matter and calorific value. Achieving the desired coke strength and reactivity typically requires careful selection and blending of coals. The coke produced serves both as a fuel and as a reducing agent in blast furnaces for steel production.

Safety and environmental concerns are associated with coke production, including emissions of volatile organic compounds, sulfur compounds, and particulates. Modern facilities employ gas recovery, emission controls, and other measures to mitigate pollution and protect worker health.