MCL (Gravimelt) System Integration Project. Quarterly report, January--March 1988

The objective of this project is to construct and operate an integrated test circuit for the Molten-Caustic-Leaching (Gravimelt) process for, desulfurization and demineralization of coal. The test circuit consists of six unit operations which together provide a continuous system for leaching coal and regenerating the reactant. These units are: (a) a kiln for reacting molten caustic with coal; (b) a seven stage water washing section for recovering caustic from the coal; (c) a three-stage acid washing section for removing the last traces of metals and alkali and providing an ultra pure coal product; (d) a water treatment section to provide either dischargeable or recyclable water; (e) a regeneration section to provide purified aqueous caustic; and (f) an evaporator section to provide molten-caustic for recycle to the kiln reactor. The integrated test circuit facility will contain more than 160 pieces of equipment including filters, centrifuges, tanks, reactors, feeders and the kiln and rising film evaporator. It occupies 3700 square feet and will be fitted with 5800 feet of piping, 425 valves, 88 instruments and controls as well as a control, room with computer control and data acquisition and reduction system. The progress to date Is as follows: (a) 95% of the equipment has been structurally installed with the exception of the rising film evaporator package unit which is in the final stages of construction by the subcontractor; (b) approximately 70% (4000 feet) of pipe and 70% (300) valves have been installed; (c) all 88 instruments and controls have been ordered, 30 have been delivered and 16 installed; (d) the computer control and data acquisition and reduction system is on order for delivery in April