Metallurgical Coal
Coal Carbonization Research Facility

The CONSOL R&D, coal carbonization test and research facility can determine the coking characteristics of coals or coal blends for the Metallurgical coal customers of CONSOL R&D. The facility features and capabilities include:

  • pilot scale coke oven
  • physical, thermo-plastic, and chemical characterization of coal and coke
  • sole heated oven
  • coal and coke petrography
  • coke reactivity and coke strength after reaction tester

The availability of this type of sophisticated testing enables CONSOL R&D customers to select coals or coal blends to maximize coke quality, reduce cost, and minimize operating problems.

CONSOL Energy is a major supplier of coking coal with extensive experience in addressing the needs and challenges of the coking coal industry. CONSOL R&D has performed thousands of pilot scale carbonization tests and Metallurgical evaluations involving coals from all over the world.

Coal carbonization research

Sole-heated Oven

Recent Programs
Evaluated high-volatile coal substitution options for South American and European customers that resulted in a significant reduction in cost. Customers were considering several sourcing options that required detailed testing and analysis of a wide variety of blend options. The study determined that a 10-15% lower cost coal could be blended with their existing coal without sacrificing coke quality.

Determined that a blend of high and low coking pressure low-volatile coals could comprise 10-15% of a commercial blend without generating dangerous coking pressures. The test provided the customer with a lower cost, more readily available blend

Summary
The CONSOL R&D coal carbonization research facility has been analyzing and testing coals and coal blends for over 30 years. CONSOL R&D's is fully equipped facility and expert staff can provide customers with timely, detailed recommendations on carbonization characteristics, blending options and cost saving opportunities.