Sole Heat Oven (SHO)
*Exclusively available at our Gallagher location in WV*
Vitally Important to Coking:
The Sole Heat Oven (SHO), as used in ASTM D2014/D2014M-20, is critical infrastructure for evaluating metallurgical coal to ensure suitability as coking coal by measuring expansion or contraction during carbonization. Lab testing in a SHO simulates industrial coke oven conditions, helping predict how coal will behave in high-temperature, oxygen-free environments essential for producing high-quality coke used in steelmaking. This testing identifies coals that prevent excessive expansion, which could harm coke ovens, or excessive contraction, which may result in weak coke strength. Accurate SHO testing ensures safe oven operation, optimizes coal blends and enhances the efficiency and quality of coke production.
A Rare Necessity:
The Sole Heat Oven (SHO), critical for testing metallurgical coal’s expansion or contraction during carbonization per ASTM D2014/D2014M-20, is a rare necessity in North America, with just a handful in operation. Their scarcity underscores their vital role, as they provide essential data to prevent coke oven damage from excessive expansion or poor coke quality from excessive contraction. Despite their limited numbers, SHOs are indispensable for optimizing coal blends and ensuring safe, efficient coke production for the steel industry.
Need samples run in our SHO?
Looking for more coal testing solutions?