Hüttenwerke Krupp Mannesmann GmbH (Duisburg, Germany):

Nelles L., Dr. Eng., Head of Coke Dept., E-mail: leo.nelles@hkm.de
Beckmann H.-B., Mag. Eng., Head of Coke Production Unit

Coke plants in the last 100 years developed from the “necessary evil” to an important part of a modern steelworks. Hot metal and coke production in Germany from 1910 until today is displayed. Permanent enhancement of the technology and increasing automation converted the image of coke plants; also the acceptance outside and inside the plants obviously improved. Since the 1960-ies, measures were established with prior positive effects on environmental protection and ergonomic aspects. Coke quality requirements in former times and today are analyzed. High-quality coke is an essential goal; it improves performance and operating efficiency of the blast furnaces. A good raw material basis is a precondition. The current state and development prospects of a coking plant are observed on the example of the Duisburg plant of Hüttenwerke Krupp Mannesmann GmbH. Technological equipment and automation facilities of the coke oven batteries, their service life and environment protection systems are described. Multi-stage heating and refractory installation of a modern coke oven battery is considered. It is concluded that at present time operators of the coke production facilities meet the new challenges permanently, connected with necessity to meet the requirements of rising demands of customers as well as governmental structures.

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