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: Method for maintaining preheating equipment used for heating coal at a temperature within a temperature range normally used for heating said coal in said equipment which comprises introducing into said equipment a heat-absorbing liquid at a rate sufficient to maintain said equipment within said temperature range. Typically, the heat-absorbing liquid is an aqueous solution, preferably water, and said temperature range for preheating said coal is from 250.degree. to 700.degree. F.