Abstract: In a method of preparing coal in particulate form for charging coke ovens, the particulate coal is initially treated with a binding agent selected from carbo-pitch, residues of coal oil refining and oil refining residues; particulate coal so treated is mixed with 0.1 to 0.3% of light oil and subsequently agglomerated before feeding into coke ovens. Non-self-fluxing coal may be treated by this method and mixed with granulate self-fluxing coal to form a coke oven charge.

Abstract: The quality of coke is improved by measuring the width of a plastic zone of a given type of coal, comparing said measured zone with a predetermined zone width known to result in good quality coke, adjusting certain characteristics of said given coal prior to charging it into the coke oven to cause a change in said zone width of the coal that will ultimately result in improved coke quality. Typical adjusting steps include preheating the coal and/or the addition of coal binders, such as, various carbon and petro-based binding agents, for example, pitch.

Abstract: Production of coke from coal is improved by mixing self-feeding coal with compacted non self-feeding coal prior to carrying out the coking process. Preferably, there is about 10% to about 60% by weight of the non self-feeding coal based on the total charge. Binders may be used and it is preferred that the non self-feeding coal be preheated to approximately 150.degree. C. to 250.degree. C. prior to mixing. In the event that an aqueous emulsion is used as the binder, the preheating step may be omitted. Coke of superior abrasion resistance is obtained by the foregoing method.