A study of a solvent/binder combination for viscosity reduction of Orimulsion in fine coal dewatering
To effectively liberate finely disseminated minerals from a coal matrix, a pulverization operation is needed. In this process fine coal particles are formed that possess large surface areas that are difficult to dewater, and create transportation, storage and handling problems at coal cleaning and utility plants. Using both laboratory and pilot scale models, research work conducted at the Department of Mining Engineering at University of Missouri-Rolla (UMR) on a single-state fine coal dewatering and briquetting technique, has shown the potential of briquetting to enhance the handling, transportation, and storage of fine coal. The operation uses a hydrophobic binder as the dewatering and briquetting agent and requires a compaction device, specifically, a commercial-scale briquetting machine. In the single-state dewatering-briquetting process, a bitumen-in-water emulsion (Orimulsion), which has high viscosity even at room temperature, was selected as the binder. Due to the tacky nature of the binder, it was felt that by reducing its viscosity using a solvent, the binder could more effectively coat the fine coal surfaces. This study investigated the efficiency of a solvent/binder combination for reducing the viscosity of the Orimulsion for the dewatering of fine coal, and making robust briquettes from predominantly -400 mesh coal particles. Preliminary results indicated that by adding a solvent to the binder, it reduced the viscosity of the Orimulsion, which in turn provided a more efficient use of the binder and resulted in a better coating of the ultra-fine coal particles. Using multiple-variable linear regression analyses, it was possible to establish basic relationships between the change in moisture of coal pellets and several operating variables. The model showed that the compaction pressure, as well as the type and amount of solvent used in conjunction with Orimulsion, influenced the moisture content of the coal pellets produced.
- Research Organization:
- Univ. of Missouri, Rolla, MO (US)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- Illinois Clean Coal Institute
- OSTI ID:
- 20012977
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: 23rd International Technical Conference on Coal Utilization and Fuel Systems, Clearwater, FL (US), 03/09/1998--03/13/1998; Other Information: PBD: [1998]; Related Information: In: The proceedings of the 23rd international technical conference on coal utilization and fuel systems, by Sakkestad, B.A. [ed.], 1164 pages.
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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