JFE Steel Stamp-Charge Type Large Coke Furnace Starts Operations

JFE Steel Starts Japan’s First Large Stamp-Charge Coke Furnace

JFE Steel Corporation (JFE Steel) announced on September 1 that it has completed performance tests and started operations at its newly established stamp-charge type large coke furnace at West Japan Works Fukuyama in Fukuyama City, Hiroshima Prefecture. The JFE Steel stamp-charge type large coke furnace is the first large furnace of this type adopted in Japan. The company has invested approximately JPY 45 billion in the facility as part of its efforts to improve production efficiency and reduce operating costs. The new furnace has an annual production capacity of approximately 420,000 tons, adding a significant new production capability at the Fukuyama site.

Stamp-Charge Technology Improves Coke Production

General coke furnaces use a top-charge configuration in which powdered coal, used as the raw material, is charged into the furnace from above. In a stamp-charge type coke furnace, powdered coal is first compression molded to increase its bulk density and is then charged into the furnace from the side using a coal charging and pushing machine. This compression molding enables higher production efficiency than top charging and produces more consistent coke quality. By improving both production efficiency and coke quality consistency, the stamp-charging process is intended to lower operating costs. The technology therefore supports JFE Steel Corporation’s production efficiency objectives at its Fukuyama operations.

Large-Scale Production Capacity at Fukuyama

The newly established furnace is located at West Japan Works Fukuyama, operated by JFE Steel Corporation in Japan. Its approximately 420,000-ton annual production capacity makes the installation a large-scale stamp-charge facility, while its adoption represents a first for Japan. The project combines a substantial capital investment with a production process designed to increase coal bulk density before charging. The resulting operating approach is intended to support more efficient coke production while maintaining more consistent coke quality. JFE Steel’s implementation consequently represents an important production technology development at its Fukuyama facility.

Investment Supports Production Efficiency and Cost Reduction

JFE Steel has invested approximately JPY 45 billion in establishing the stamp-charge type large coke furnace, reflecting the company’s focus on improving production performance and reducing operating costs. The facility’s side-charging configuration differs fundamentally from conventional top-charge coke furnaces because the powdered coal is compression molded before entering the furnace. The combination of pre-charging molding, higher coal bulk density, and side charging provides the operational basis for the stated efficiency and quality benefits. With performance testing completed and operations now underway, the approximately 420,000-ton annual production capacity will support the company’s coke manufacturing activities at its Fukuyama site.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is significant about JFE Steel’s new stamp-charge type coke furnace?
The facility is Japan’s first stamp-charge type large coke furnace and is designed to improve production efficiency, coke quality consistency, and operating costs. JFE Steel completed performance tests before starting operations at West Japan Works Fukuyama in Hiroshima Prefecture. The company invested approximately JPY 45 billion in the project, while the new furnace has an annual production capacity of approximately 420,000 tons. Unlike conventional top-charge furnaces, the system compression molds powdered coal to increase bulk density before charging it from the side through a coal charging and pushing machine.