JFE Steel starts Japan’s first stamp-charging coke oven battery
by David Fleschen
JFE Steel has started operations at its new coke oven Battery 6-A at Fukuyama Works in Japan. Supplied by SMS group using Paul Wurth technology, the facility is the country's first stamp-charging coke oven battery and has an annual production capacity of 420,000 tonnes.
The battery comprises 52 ovens and incorporates smokeless charging technology and an ultra-low NOx heating system to reduce emissions during coke production.
Stamp charging improves coke production
Unlike conventional top-charging systems, stamp charging compresses the coal blend into a dense, stable cake before it enters the coke oven.
The process produces a higher and more uniform bulk density, supporting consistent coke quality and efficient oven operation.
Battery 6-A represents the first application of Paul Wurth's stamp-charging technology in Japan. The project also includes the turnkey supply of a stamping, charging and pushing (SCP) machine and a charging-gas transfer car.
New technology reduces emissions
The installation features Paul Wurth's SOPRECO single-oven pressure control system, which continuously regulates pressure in individual coke ovens.
During charging and the initial carbonization phase, the system increases suction to prevent untreated coke oven gas from escaping through oven openings. According to SMS group, this significantly reduces fugitive emissions.
An ultra-low NOx heating system further improves environmental performance by limiting nitrogen oxide emissions while maintaining stable heating conditions.
JFE Steel and SMS expand cooperation
The project builds on a longstanding relationship between JFE Steel and SMS group, which previously supplied several conventional top-charged coke oven batteries.
The transition to stamp charging required modifications to the cokemaking process and close coordination during engineering, construction and commissioning.
“With Battery 6-A, we have taken an important technological step together with JFE Steel,” said Bernard Steenken, CSO for Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Africa at SMS group.
JFE Steel confirmed that the new battery had successfully completed commissioning and performance testing.
The installation provides a new reference for stamp-charging technology in Japan, combining a production capacity of 420,000 tonnes per year with improved emission control and operational efficiency.