An investigation of operating variables in the fine coal dewatering and briquetting process
Illinois basin coals contain minerals, including pyrite, which are finely disseminated in micron-size particles. To liberate these mineral matters from the coal matrix, an ultra-fine grinding operation is required, followed by a wet physical cleaning process, such as column flotation. However, the resulting product possesses large surface areas that conventional dewatering techniques cannot perform effectively, and this creates transportation, storage and handling problems at utility plants. To take full advantage of these cleaning technologies, a new dewatering and coal consolidation method must be developed at the downstream end of the deep coal-cleaning process. Following an initial study at the University of Missouri-Rolla (UMR), briquetting was chosen to perform the dual purpose of dewatering and consolidating the fine coal. A bitumen-based emulsion, Orimulsion, proved to be an effective binder and dewatering agent in the briquetting process that assisted in the expulsion of water from the fine coal. This paper describes the investigation aimed at examining the relationships between several controllable operating variables. An experimental matrix was designed to examine a range of operating parameters based on earlier work conducted at the Department of Mining Engineering, University of Missouri-Rolla. A total of 13 experiments were performed using Illinois No. 6 coal samples that had a size fraction of 16 mesh x 0 and a moisture content of 31%. Based on results obtained from previous experiments and because of the complexity of the briquetting process, only two variables, roll speed and the briquetting form pressure, were studied for their influence on moisture content, abrasion resistance and friability of briquettes. Concurring with results from previous work, the curing time of the briquettes formed had a significant impact on the moisture content and friability of the compacted fine coal product. Also, the statistical regression models generated from these results successfully established basic relationships between the operating parameters of roll speed and briquette form pressure.
- Research Organization:
- Univ. of Missouri, Rolla, MO (US)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- Illinois Clean Coal Institute
- OSTI ID:
- 20012997
- 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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