A method
for studying the relevance between the various phenomena during coking
coal carbonization has been wistfully developed because the occurrence
of the gas–liquid–solid phase makes the measurement
very complicated. A thermogravimetry–plastometer–swelling
pressure (TG–P–SP) apparatus was developed on a standard
Sapozhnikov plastometer for simultaneously measuring not only the
thickness of plastic layer but also the swelling pressure of plastic
layer and its expansion effect on coal charge as well as volatile
matter escaping. TG–P–SP employs an electronic balance
and a Sapozhnikov plastometer, which is located on an electronic balance,
with a pneumatic-loaded cylinder, linear displacement transducer,
and pressure sensor. The characteristics and advantages of this method
are able to give some information on the initial states of various
phenomena of carbonization and pictures of complexity- and uncertainty-related
behaviors in the carbonization process for coals with various rank
and plasticity. These may have an important role in revealing the
carbonization mechanisms and evaluating the properties and quality
of coals for coke making.