Coal desulfurization by a microwave process
A laboratory size flow reactor was developed and tested on coal samples up to 100 g/batch. A modified version of the applicator will increase sample size to 1000 g; when run continuously it can handle 500 g to 1000 g/minute. Recent measurements on typical 1/4 in. size (particle size) coal has validated previous results which show up to 50% sulfur removal mainly by converting pyrite to FeS which is shown to have strong magnetic properties and the spectral characteristics of pyrrhotite. Subsequent crushing and physical separation steps such as float sink or magnetic separation further reduces the sulfur level (and more effectively than conventional separation). Crushing of coal (to 30 to 100 mesh) and further exposure to the microwave field can further reduce the total sulfur level. An 80% to 90% removal is possible with the proper concentration of NaOH and/or multiple exposures. Results are presented for several important Pennsylvania and Kentucky coals. The results evaluated in terms of pounds of sulfur per 10/sup 6/ Btu suggest that this method had the potential of meeting environmental requirements.
- Research Organization:
- General Electric Co., Philadelphia, PA (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC22-80PC30142
- OSTI ID:
- 6518894
- Report Number(s):
- DOE/PC/30142-T1
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
COAL
DESULFURIZATION
IRON SULFIDES
REMOVAL
CHEMICAL REACTORS
CONVERSION
CRUSHING
MICROWAVE RADIATION
PYRITES
RESEARCH PROGRAMS
SEPARATION PROCESSES
SODIUM HYDROXIDES
ALKALI METAL COMPOUNDS
CARBONACEOUS MATERIALS
CHALCOGENIDES
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
COMMINUTION
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
ENERGY SOURCES
FOSSIL FUELS
FUELS
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
HYDROXIDES
IRON COMPOUNDS
MATERIALS
MINERALS
ORES
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
RADIATIONS
SODIUM COMPOUNDS
SULFIDES
SULFUR COMPOUNDS
SULFUR ORES
TRANSITION ELEMENT COMPOUNDS
010402* - Coal
Lignite
& Peat- Purification & Upgrading