The coke ovens were loaded with coal by means of a tramway above, and a newly charged oven was heated by already operating ovens until it started to produce heat itself under a carefully regulated air supply. A large flue running down the centre of the double row of ovens carried the hot gases produced to the boiler house at the end of the row.

The effect of the intense heat (500 ° C) of the process can still be seen in places, where the brick has been 'vitrified' to produce a glassy surface.