What is the first step in making coke?

• A. Crush and grind into powder
• B. Charge into oven, heated for 18-24 hours
• C. Wash and sieve
• D. Remove moisture and other volatile materials

Answer: (D)

Removing moisture and other volatile materials from coal before it’s heated is the first step because water inside the coal would turn to steam during the initial stages of heating, wasting energy and causing uneven heating. Drying the coal makes subsequent carbonization in the coke ovens more efficient and yields better-quality coke. After drying, the coal is typically processed further—crushed to increase surface area and then loaded into the ovens for the long heating that drives off remaining volatiles and carbonizes the coal. Washing and sieving may help remove some impurities earlier, and crushing is useful for heat transfer, but the essential initial action is drying the coal by removing moisture and volatiles.