Open AccessUltrafine coal single stage dewatering and briquetting process
Author(s) -
John W. Wilson,
R.Q. Honaker
Publication year - 1995
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Reports
DOI - 10.2172/205928
Subject(s) - dewatering , pelletizing , coal , clean coal , waste management , bituminous coal , pellets , briquette , environmental science , pyrite , asphalt , materials science , process engineering , metallurgy , engineering , composite material , geotechnical engineering
It is well known that a large portion of the pyrite particles in the coal seams of the Illinois Basin are finely disseminated within the coal matrix. In order to liberate these micron size pyrite particles, one must use a fine grinding operation. The ultrafine coal particles are difficult to dewater and create problems in coal transportation, as well as in storage and handling at utility plants. The objective of this research project is to combine the ultrafine coal dewatering and briquetting processes into a single stage operation. This will be accomplished by the use of bitumen based emulsions for dewatering and a compaction device for briquetting. During this reporting period, several types of coal samples with various particle size distributions have been tested for use in the dewatering and briquetting processes. Furthermore, various bitumen emulsions have been tested to determine the optimum dewatering reagent. These dewatering and pelletizing tests were carried out using a lab-scale ram extruder. Discharge from the dewatering and briquetting processes was tested to determine compliance with current federal and state requirements. The influence of bitumen emulsion on the sulfur content of coal pellets made were also examined. In addition, a ram extruder which can be operated continuously to simulate a rotary press operation, has been built and is currently being tested for use in the fine coal dewatering and pelletizing process