Experience With Bin Operations Use Of Stainless Steel Conical Hoppers ? Introduction

Prior to April, 1961, the coal charge to Clairtonts coke oven batteries was 3" x 0" mine waslied coal having approximately 6.0% to 7.0% moisture. Even at this size and moisture content, the arching, rat-holing and hang-up was excessive and the effective live storage of coal was only 60% to 70% of the rated capacity of the coal bunkers, depending upon the moisture of the coal. In addition, many production delays were encountered in the time and methods required to fill the larry cars. The need for an improved metallurgical coke led to the introduction of pulverized coal to a portion of the plant in 196 1. When the full potential of the pulverizing equipment was realized, we were able to serve seven batteries in our second unit of batteries with pulverized coal through two coal bunkers. The discharge hoppers of these bunkers were equipped with air vibrators to assist the flow of pulverized coal into the larry cars. The vibrators were helpful in this respect but required considerable maintenance and caused damage to the bin plates.