Claims:1. An apparatus (100) with controlled wall heating facility for a charge enclosed therein, the apparatus (100) comprising:
a means to provide bi-directional heating by at least two walls (110, 130) of the apparatus (100); and
an escape valve (152) suitably placed on a removably attached cover (150) to allow gases produced inside the apparatus (100) to escape.
2. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the apparatus (100) further comprises an unloading hinge to unload the charge from the apparatus (100).
3. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least two walls (110, 130) are any two opposite walls of the apparatus (100).
4. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the apparatus (100) is a rectangular box with the removably attached cover (150) associated therewith.
5. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the charge is a coal charge.
6. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the bi-directional heating maintains desired centre coke mass temperature of the coal charge during charging.
7. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the means is at least one thermocouple.
8. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the means passes through a conical passage (112) in any wall of the at least two walls (110, 130) to restrict any gas leakage.
9. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the escape valve (152) is placed substantially around geometric centre of the cover (150) that is configured at top of the apparatus (100).
10. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least two walls (110, 130) have insulating material housed therein.
, Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present disclosure pertains to technical field of pilot coke ovens. In particular, the present disclosure pertains to apparatus/oven/box for portable carbonization, based on improved box charging mechanism, with various enhanced features for bench scale carbonization tests at par with commercial coke ovens.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[0003] Typical pilot coke ovens (also referred to as apparatus and both these terms used interchangeably hereinafter) present challenges ranging from their operational needs to constraints of substantial manpower and/or time considerations, among others. Technically speaking, coke is a solid carbon fuel used to melt and reduce iron ore in the production of steel. Coking ovens have been used for many years to convert coal into metallurgical coke. During the coking process, finely crushed coal is heated under controlled temperature conditions to devolatilize the coal and form a fused mass of coke having a predetermined porosity and strength. Because the production of coke is a batch process, multiple coke ovens are operated simultaneously.
[0004] The melting and fusion process undergone by the coal particles during the heating process is an important part of coking. The degree of melting and assimilation of the coal particles into the molten mass determines the characteristics of the coke produced. In order to produce the strongest coke from a particular coal or coal blend, there needs to be an optimum ratio of reactive to inert entities in the coal. The porosity and strength of the coke are important parameters and are determined by the coal source and/or method of coking. For the estimation of the expected coke quality from specified coal blend, especially if coal being used is new for the commercial ovens, it is required to conduct laboratory scale carbonization tests to avoid any possible damage to the commercial ovens, among other practical considerations.
[0005] Typically, coking coal is charged in coke ovens for carbonization to obtain the final product of coke and associated by-products like volatile hydrocarbons, coal chemicals, tar etc. For the study of coking behavior of coal charge, the bench scale /pilot coke oven tests are carried out.
[0006] In order to carry out these tests, generally, pilot coke oven of 200~300 kg coal charging capacity are used. This requires larger amount of coal charge, and, as aforementioned, takes about 24 hours and involvement of 5 to 6 sound technicians, to complete a set of test. Further, even prior to start the test, for various underlying considerations, such ovens require around 48 hrs pre heating. Therefore, for quicker and less expensive tests a smaller, bench scale pilot coke ovens are used.
[0007] During their working, such tests require pre-crushed coal (~ 80 % less than 3.2 mm size) to be kept inside a steel box and heated in the hot muffle furnace with controlled heating rate until the centre coke mass temperature reaches about 10000 C. Then, Gas generated during this process is taken out through a chimney and incinerated. After attaining the desired temperature, the box filled with red hot coke is taken out and water quenched coal is used for further laboratory tests. One typical bench scale system with 2 kg charging capacity is common in various laboratories. However, most typical apparatus/ovens suffer from various drawbacks and/or constraints like uncontrolled rapid heating, leakage from furnace doors, non alignment of chimney, inefficient burning of by-product gas effluents and the like.
[0008] Therefore, there lies a need in the art for a simple, cost effective and highly efficient apparatus with controlled wall heating for improved charging mechanism for bench scale carbonization apparatus. The present document teaches an apparatus that satisfies the existing needs, as well as others, and generally overcomes the deficiencies found in the prior art.
[0009] All publications herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.
[0010] In some embodiments, the numbers expressing quantities or dimensions of items, and so forth, used to describe and claim certain embodiments of the invention are to be understood as being modified in some instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the written description and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of some embodiments of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as practicable. The numerical values presented in some embodiments of the invention may contain certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.
[0011] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0012] The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.
[0013] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all markush groups used in the appended claims.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0014] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide an apparatus with controlled side wall heating facility to simulate the coking process as obtained in case of commercial coke ovens.
[0015] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a suitable apparatus that makes use of less coal samples to complete the carbonization test with improved efficiency among other benefits.
[0016] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide an apparatus that allows coal to be charged in varying degrees of bulk density.
[0017] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a suitable apparatus that addresses general issues related to gas leakage during carbonization tests along with proper incineration thereof.
[0018] It is still another object of the present disclosure to provide an apparatus with improved thermocouple insertion mechanism.
[0019] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a simple, cost effective and operator friendly apparatus to obtain the desired centre coke mass temperature of the coal charge during coking.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0020] In an aspect, the present disclosure provides an apparatus with controlled wall heating facility for a charge enclosed therein, the apparatus can include a means that can provide bi-directional heating by at least two walls of the apparatus; and an escape valve that can be suitably placed on a removably attached cover to allow gases produced inside the apparatus to escape, wherein the escape valve can be placed substantially around geometric centre of the cover, which is at top of the apparatus. Notably, the apparatus can further comprise an unloading hinge to unload the charge from the apparatus, wherein the charge can be a coal charge; and wherein the apparatus can be made of steel.
[0021] In another aspect, at least two walls can be any two opposite walls of the apparatus, wherein the apparatus can be a rectangular box with a removably attached cover associated therewith; wherein the at least two walls can have insulating material housed therein. Further, the bi-directional heating maintains desired centre coke mass temperature of the coal charge during charging, wherein the centre coke mass temperature can be about 10000 C.
[0022] In another aspect, means can be at least one thermocouple, wherein the means can pass through a conical passage in any wall of the at least two walls to restrict any gas leakage.
[0023] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary and illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure. However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not in any way limited to the embodiments explained/ disclosed by the drawings.
[0025] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus for controlled wall heating facility for a charge enclosed therein, in accordance with an implementation of the present disclosure.
[0026] FIG. 2A is a front elevation view of an apparatus for controlled wall heating facility for a charge enclosed therein, in accordance with an implementation of the present disclosure.
[0027] FIG. 2B is a top plan view of an apparatus for controlled wall heating facility for a charge enclosed therein, in accordance with an implementation of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0028] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[0029] Each of the appended claims defines a separate invention, which for infringement purposes is recognized as including equivalents to the various elements or limitations specified in the claims. Depending on the context, all references below to the "invention" may in some cases refer to certain specific embodiments only. In other cases it will be recognized that references to the "invention" will refer to subject matter recited in one or more, but not necessarily all, of the claims.
[0030] Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification which follow, the word “comprise” and variations thereof, such as, “comprises” and “comprising” are to be construed in an open, inclusive sense that is as “including, but not limited to.”
[0031] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without some of these specific details.
[0032] Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.
[0033] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. It should also be noted that the term “or” is generally employed in its sense including “and/or” unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.
[0034] The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein.
[0035] All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.
[0036] Various terms as used herein are shown below. To the extent a term used in a claim is not defined below, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in printed publications and issued patents at the time of filing.
[0037] The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[0038] The headings and abstract of the invention provided herein are for convenience only and do not interpret the scope or meaning of the embodiments. Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention.
[0039] Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used in the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts.
[0040] Embodiments of the present disclosure pertain to technical field of pilot coke ovens. In particular, the present disclosure pertains to apparatus/oven/box for portable carbonization, based on improved box charging mechanism, with various enhanced features for bench scale carbonization tests at par with commercial coke ovens.
[0041] In an aspect, the present disclosure provides an apparatus with controlled wall heating facility for a charge enclosed therein, the apparatus can include a means that can provide bi-directional heating by at least two walls of the apparatus; and an escape valve that can be suitably placed on a removably attached cover to allow gases produced inside the apparatus to escape, wherein the escape valve can be placed substantially around geometric centre of the cover, which is at top of the apparatus. Notably, the apparatus can further comprise an unloading hinge to unload the charge from the apparatus, wherein the charge can be a coal charge; and wherein the apparatus can be made of steel.
[0042] In another aspect, at least two walls can be any two opposite walls of the apparatus, wherein the apparatus can be a rectangular box with a removably attached cover associated therewith; wherein the at least two walls can have insulating material housed therein. Further, the bi-directional heating maintains desired centre coke mass temperature of the coal charge during charging, wherein the centre coke mass temperature can be about 10000 C.
[0043] In another aspect, means can be at least one thermocouple, wherein the means can pass through a conical passage in any wall of the at least two walls to restrict any gas leakage.
[0044] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus 100 (hereinafter also referred to as a box and both these terms used interchangeably) for controlled wall heating facility for a charge enclosed therein, in accordance with an implementation of the present disclosure, wherein the apparatus can include a means that can provide bi-directional heating by at least two walls (110, 130) of the apparatus; and an escape valve 152 suitably placed on a removably attached cover 150 to allow gases produced inside the apparatus 100 to escape, wherein the escape valve 152 can be placed substantially around geometric centre of the cover 150, which is at top of the apparatus 100.
[0045] Notably, the apparatus 100 can further comprise an unloading hinge (not shown herein) to unload the charge from the apparatus 100, wherein the charge can be a coal charge; and wherein the apparatus 100 can be made of steel.
[0046] Apparatus 100 (made up of steel in some embodiments) can be covered from all sides, through walls (alternatively, faces 110, 120, 130, and 140) after keeping the coal charge inside. Moreover, there can be an escape valve 152 (or simply hole) substantially around geometric centre of the cover 150 of the box 100 for uniform exit of the gases during carbonization.
[0047] In an implementation, coal can be introduced into apparatus 100 and be heated (up to 11000 C) from two walls/sides only (which can be any opposite wall/side faces as is the case of some commercial ovens) as shown in Fig. 1. Other than simulating conditions provided by commercial oven heating, this arrangement ensures other benefits as would be apparent through more figures and/or embodiments hereinafter.
[0048] FIG. 2A is a front elevation view of an apparatus 100 for controlled wall heating facility for a charge enclosed therein, in accordance with an implementation of the present disclosure, wherein the apparatus 100 can be a rectangular box with a removably attached cover 150 associated therewith; wherein the at least two walls (110, 130 herein but can be 120, 140 also in some aspects) have insulating material housed therein. Further, the bi-directional heating maintains desired centre coke mass temperature of the coal charge during charging, wherein the centre coke mass temperature can be about 10000 C.
[0049] Notably, conical passage 112 can be provided at wall 100 of the box 100 as illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B. Purpose of this shape/arrangement of the passage 112 is to ensure ease of insertion of the thermocouple and to minimize any possible gas leakage from the box 100 through the passage 112.
[0050] As evident, the passage 112 can lead to a smaller hole/opening at inner side of wall 110 so as to take a conical shape aligning with outer hole/opening. Again, purpose of this arrangement is to ease the insertion of thermocouple in hot conditions and reduce chances of gas leakage during carbonization test, among other auxiliary benefits.
[0051] FIG. 2B is a top plan view of an apparatus 100 for controlled wall heating facility for a charge enclosed therein, in accordance with an implementation of the present disclosure. In another aspect, means can be at least one thermocouple (not shown), wherein the means passes through a conical passage 112 in any wall of the at least two walls (110, 130) to restrict any gas leakage. Notably, any thermocouple known in the art, particularly of use with carbonization, can be readily used with any aspect of the present disclosure.
[0052] In another embodiment, in implementation of the present disclosure, there can be a hook arrangement associated with discharge box 100, wherein the hook arrangement can be utilized to discharge coke, after carbonization takes place as per requirement, and thereby quenching of the coke can be undertaken, without affecting (or simply quenching) the metallic box 100.
[0053] The present disclosure has been explained taking reference to a rectangular box in accordance with implementation of the present disclosure. But it can be readily implemented for a box/container/apparatus of any similar or different geometrical shape, as evident to a person having ordinary knowledge in the art, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
[0054] Thus, the present disclosure provides an apparatus/box that obviates drawbacks associated with conventional coke ovens while making use of bi-directional heating effect. Further, it enables efficiency enhancements with provisions of an escape value and/or a hook arrangement as provided.
[0055] While some embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described, those are completely exemplary and illustrative in nature. The disclosure is not limited to the embodiments as elaborated herein only and it would be apparent to those skilled in the art that numerous modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. All such modifications, changes, variations, substitutions, and equivalents are completely within the scope of the present disclosure. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims.
[0056] Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where the specification claims refers to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C ….and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc.
[0057] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
[0058] The present disclosure provides an apparatus with controlled side wall heating facility to simulate the coking process as obtained in case of commercial coke ovens.
[0059] The present disclosure provides a suitable apparatus that makes use of less coal samples to complete the carbonization test with improved efficiency among other benefits.
[0060] The present disclosure provides an apparatus that allows coal to be charged in varying degrees of bulk density.
[0061] The present disclosure provides a suitable apparatus that addresses general issues related to gas leakage during carbonization tests along with proper incineration thereof.
[0062] The present disclosure provides an apparatus with improved thermocouple insertion mechanism.
[0063] The present disclosure provides a simple, cost effective and operator friendly apparatus to obtain the desired centre coke mass temperature of the coal charge during charging.