Coke is the only batch component that does not soften in blast furnace thermal conditions. It is especially important at the temperatures of the cohesive zone forming because coke layers are the only gas-permeable charge. The aim of the work described in this article is the identification of individual coke layers situation in the cohesive zone. Numerical calculations of the cohesive zone situation are based on the horizontal below burden probe measures, however, coke layers are calculated using analytical geometry. The results can be presented as a bitmap; the individual and total area of the coke layers passing gases through the cohesive zone is also calculated. This form of results allows for subjective but quick assessment of the blast furnace operation by its crew.
Keywords: blast furnace; cohesive zone; horizontal probe; ironmaking; numerical modelling; softening.