The work carried out in this research group is aimed at both basic and applied research, through:

• Studies of raw materials: coals of different ranges and optimization of coal blends for coking.
  
  
• Studies of additives, which include wastes of various origins such as biomass, tyres, coke fines, bituminous residues, etc. with the aim of reducing its environmental impact by exploring new ways of recycling.
  
  
• Operational issues: control of the coking pressure and of the coke produced, as well as the by-products generated (tar and gas).

Within this context, the group has been working on two research projects funded by the European Union within the RFCS program:

Coal Weathering Study to Predict Oxidation, Improve Coke Properties and Protect Coke Oven Operation (COWEST, Ref: RFCR-CT-2013-00007) aimed at studying the oxidation of coals, to determine how it affects the quality of the coke and the coking pressure.

• Developing Uses of Alternative Raw Materials in Cokemaking (ALTERAMA ref: RFCR-CT-2014-00006) focused on the development of alternative raw materials for coking with a view to reducing CO2 emissions and costs.
  
  
• The group has the necessary analytical equipment for the evaluation of coals, residues, cokes as well as furnaces to carry out carbonization tests on a laboratory, semi-pilot scale.

Likewise, the group has extensive experience in collaboration with companies in the steelmaking sector both through fixed-term contracts and through the provision of specific services.

Contact: Dra. Carmen Barriocanal Rueda