coquificación

Coquificación is a Spanish term referring to the process of converting solid fossil fuels, most commonly coal, into coke. Coke is a porous, carbon-rich material that is produced through destructive distillation in the absence of air, typically in coke ovens at high temperatures ranging from 900 to 1100 degrees Celsius. This process drives off volatile components such as water, tar, and gases, leaving behind a solid residue that is primarily carbon.

The primary purpose of coquificación is to produce coke for use in the metallurgical industry, particularly in blast furnaces for the production of iron. Coke serves as both a fuel and a reducing agent in this process, providing the necessary heat and removing oxygen from iron ore. The porous structure of coke allows for efficient combustion and gas flow within the furnace.

Beyond metallurgy, coke finds applications in other industrial processes and as a fuel source. The volatile byproducts of coquificación, such as coal tar, ammonia, and various gases, are often captured and further processed to yield valuable chemicals, contributing to a more comprehensive utilization of the raw coal. The quality of the resulting coke, including its strength, reactivity, and size, is crucial for its intended application and is influenced by the type of coal used and the specific conditions of the coquificación process.