Tolerable Limit of Localized Force on Damaged Coke Oven Wall Analyzed by Discrete Element Method

In order to prolong the service life of coke ovens, the tolerable limit of localized force on damaged oven walls is investigated by discrete element method simulation. A simulation model comprising three flues and five or fifteen layers of bricks was constructed and the effect of various wall damages on the tolerable limit of localized force was examined. It was found that the following liner brick damages cause an extreme decrease in the tolerable limit: 1) loss of tongue and groove constraint, 2) wear which reaches tongue and groove (ca. over 35 mm), 3) cracks over 2.5 mm wide, and 4) loss of horizontal constraint. These findings provide useful guidelines for effectively repairing old coke ovens to prolong oven life.