Abstract: A method and apparatus for conveying preheated coal particles to a coking chamber through an enclosed pipeline by means of a pressurized inert carrier gas, wherein the coal particles are charged into the top of the coking chamber through a portion of the pipeline wherein at least the end of which is disposed vertically or not more than 30.degree. from vertical. The advantages of the top charging technique include one or more of the following: reduced carryover of fine coal during charging, increased density of the charge of coal to be coked, reduced weight of carrier gas per unit weight of coal, improved uniformity of coal bed level throughout the coking chamber, and reduced carbon deposits on surfaces of the chamber above the coal charge and in the gas off-takes.

Abstract: The invention is a new design of chuck door which has a knife-edge sealing strip that fits tightly in a slot of the door and is adjustable longitudinally by jacking screws. The strip is locked in position also by screws. The inside of the chuck door is provided with a cavity within which heat insulating refractory material is retained. A pivoted heat shield hangs from extended side heat shields in the coke oven and pivots up to allow entry of the leveler bar through the opening closed by the chuck door. The design is readily adaptable to new and to existing oven doors.