Abstract: A method for increasing the wet bulk density of coking coal charges for code ovens which charges contain at least about 6 and as much as 13 weight percent moisture, to an optimum level of between about 47 and 50 pounds per cubic foot (753 to 801 kg per cubic meter) and for controlling and maintaining the bulk density at such optimum levels, the method including:(a) forming a 5 to 20 weight percent aqueous dispersion of a surfactant having a desired viscosity, and(b) applying a quantity of the aqueous dispersion to a quantity of coal equivalent to between about 0.5 and 2.5 pounds (0.227 and 1.135 kg) of surfactant per ton (907.2 kg) of coal,the surfactant being an alkylphenoxypoly (ethyleneoxy) ethanol having a general formula: ##STR1## where R is an alkyl group having between about 8 and 12 carbon atoms, andn is an integer between 2 and 30,and is characterized by an HLB number in the range of about 4 and 18.

Abstract: An improved method for producing calcined coke agglomerates having good stability including adjusting the fluidity of coals or blends of coals to within a range of 1300 DDPM and 3000 DDPM, mixing the coals or blends of coals with char and optionally topped tar in a rotating agglomerating drum and agglomerating the mixture at a temperature between 750.degree. F. and 875.degree. F. (399.degree. C.and 468.degree. C.) for a time to form partially coked green coal agglomerates generally spherical in shape and calcining the partially coked green coal agglomerates at a temperature between 1500.degree. F. and 2000.degree. F. (815.degree. C. and 1093.degree. C). The calcined coke agglomerates are characterized by having a stability of not less than 60%.