Patent ID: 7497930

Claim:
A relatively high speed method for increasing the bulk density of coal particles to provide an elongate bed of dry, compacted coal for charging to a coking oven, the method comprising the steps of: depositing coal particles onto a charging plate external to a coking oven, the charging plate having side walls, and at least one movable end wall to provide an elongate bed of dry, uncompacted coal having an upper surface on the charging plate; and applying impact pressure to the upper surface of the bed of dry, uncompacted coal while degassing the coal to provide a dry, compacted coal bed having a bulk density ranging from about 960 to about 1200 kilograms per cubic meter, wherein degassing the coal is selected from the group consisting of applying a vacuum source to one or more probes inserted into the uncompated coal bed and venting air through one or more probes inserted into the uncompated coal bed.