Molten-caustic-leaching (Gravimelt) system integration project. Quarterly report, October--December 1989

Operation of the Gravimelt Integrated Test Circuit for desulfurization and demineralization of coal was completed in a previous quarter when a 48-test process matrix was performed over 750 hours of operational time resulting in the production of 3,000 pounds of treated coal suitable for further test and evaluation. Analysis of the large quantity of data collected continued during the current quarter. Assessment of trace elements in the feed and product coal for two runs (one with Pittsburgh No. 8 coal and one with Kentucky No. 9 coal) indicates that greater than 96% of the silicon, iron and aluminium was removed for both coals. A trace element analysis for 21 elements is presented in the quarterly. Selected samples of the product coal were placed in a GN{sub 2}-purged oven for six hours at 140{degree}F to remove about 15% of the moisture from the samples. These samples were repackaged in 55-gallon drums and shipped to DoE. Data from shakedown was analyzed in detail with particular attention paid to coal product quality (sulfur and ash), carbonate and humic acid formation, particle size distribution, liquid sample analysis, and wash train performance