Coke (fuel)

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Coke is a manmade fuel, consisting of almost pure carbon.[1]

Traditional feed stocks for coke have been coal or petroleum. The feed stock is heated in air-tight containers, to separate the carbon from the volatile elements.

Coke burns very hot, and its flame does not introduce any other impurities into the product being heated than carbon.[2] In working with iron and steel, introducing carbon is a desirable side effect, as when case hardening.

Formerly gas driven off coal, during the production of coke was used to illuminate homes and offices.[2]

References

  1. Glossary: Coke]]. US Energy Information Administration. Retrieved on 2024-01-21.
  2. 2.0 2.1 Coke and Coal, Scientific American magazine, 1858-01-09. Retrieved on 2024-01-21. “In practice it has been found, that, for a small concentrated fire, to melt metals or glass in crucibles, coke is a better fuel to use than bitumen coal, but is not superior to anthracite.”