Sustainable production of metallurgical coke from technogenic wastes: A circular approach to waste utilization

The present study is devoted to evaluating the possibility of using coal fines and waste from electrolysis production, spent anode material, as an alternative raw material for the production of metallurgical coke suitable for use in agglomeration processes. As part of the study, laboratory briquetting of raw materials, coking of the obtained briquettes, and a comprehensive study of the properties of the obtained coke were carried out. The purpose of the study was to assess the potential of processing man-made carbon-containing waste and to determine the optimal composition of the charge for coke production. A thermal analysis made it possible to establish optimal coking temperature conditions, the nature of the release of volatile components, and the features of the restructuring of the carbon matrix, which are of key importance for predicting the quality of the final product. The charge materials demonstrated high thermal stability and ensured the production of high-quality coke suitable for use in sintering processes. Measurements of electrical resistivity showed a value of 0.21 ohm· cm, indicating the high electrical conductivity of the material at low temperatures due to the peculiarities of the microstructure and phase composition of coke. Additionally, the calorific value of the briquettes was 6840.8 kcal/kg, indicating high fuel efficiency. The data obtained confirm the potential of replacing traditional high-quality coal with alternative briquetted raw materials that provide the necessary thermal energy and temperature conditions during coking. The results of the study demonstrate the possibility of effectively using spent anode material in a mixture with coal fines and coal pitch as a binding component for the production of coke suitable for use in metallurgical processes. The research supports the development of environmentally sustainable approaches to the disposal of carbon-containing industrial waste and opens prospects for their industrial use as resource-saving and environmentally oriented alternatives to traditional coke.