Automation and process control of the coke battery heating and machines is achieved using a control system that conducts various process model calculations based upon the process data collected from earlier monitoring and control systems.

A particular application of automation and control system is programmed heating. Instead of conventional constant heating of the coke ovens, programmed heating enables optimization of the fuel gas supply. Optimization leads to proper utilization of fuel gas to heat the oven at the various stages of the coking process. It stabilizes coke battery operations and conditions and results in more consistent coke quality. Process control also increases battery life time.

   The application potential of this measure is regarded to be high in China, India and in the United States. In many cases it will be necessary to modify existing heating system and controls. Cost of automation/change in combustion system must be considered. May not always be possible to use it, if the coke oven design and firing system is not appropriate.