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Title: Fundamental bioprocessing research for coal applications

Abstract

The purpose of this program is to gain a fundamental understanding and sound scientific technical basis for evaluating the potential roles of innovative bioprocessing concepts for the utilization and conversion of coal. The aim is to explore the numerous ways in which advanced biological processes and techniques can open new opportunities for coal utilization or can replace more conventional techniques by use of milder conditions with less energy consumption or loss. There are several roles where biotechnology is likely to be important in coal utilization and conversion. These include potential bioprocessing systems such.

Authors:
Publication Date:
Research Org.:
Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (United States)
OSTI Identifier:
450776
Report Number(s):
ORNL-6902
ON: DE97050725; TRN: 97:001174-0026
DOE Contract Number:
AC05-96OR22464
Resource Type:
Technical Report
Resource Relation:
Other Information: PBD: Jun 1996; Related Information: Is Part Of Fossil Energy Program annual progress report for April 1995--March 1996; PB: 282 p.
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English
Subject:
01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT; COAL LIQUEFACTION; TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT; BIOREACTORS; DESIGN; BIOTECHNOLOGY; RESEARCH PROGRAMS; PROGRESS REPORT; CATALYSTS; FLUE GAS; DESULFURIZATION; PROCESSING

Citation Formats

Kaufman, E.N. Fundamental bioprocessing research for coal applications. United States: N. p., 1996. Web. doi:10.2172/450776.
Kaufman, E.N. Fundamental bioprocessing research for coal applications. United States. doi:10.2172/450776.
Kaufman, E.N. Sat . "Fundamental bioprocessing research for coal applications". United States. doi:10.2172/450776. https://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/450776.
@article{osti_450776,
title = {Fundamental bioprocessing research for coal applications},
author = {Kaufman, E.N.},
abstractNote = {The purpose of this program is to gain a fundamental understanding and sound scientific technical basis for evaluating the potential roles of innovative bioprocessing concepts for the utilization and conversion of coal. The aim is to explore the numerous ways in which advanced biological processes and techniques can open new opportunities for coal utilization or can replace more conventional techniques by use of milder conditions with less energy consumption or loss. There are several roles where biotechnology is likely to be important in coal utilization and conversion. These include potential bioprocessing systems such.},
doi = {10.2172/450776},
journal = {},
number = ,
volume = ,
place = {United States},
year = {Sat Jun 01 00:00:00 EDT 1996},
month = {Sat Jun 01 00:00:00 EDT 1996}
}

Technical Report:

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  • The purpose of this program is to gain a fundamental understanding and sound scientific and technical basis for evaluating the potential roles of innovative bioprocessing concepts for the utilization and conversion of coal. The aim is to explore the numerous ways in which advanced biological processes and techniques can open new opportunities for coal utilization or can replace more conventional techniques by using milder conditions with less energy consumption or loss. There are several roles where biotechnology is likely to be important in coal utilization and conversion. These include potential bioprocessing systems such as conversion of coal to liquids ormore » gases; biocatalytic beneficiation of coal-derived liquids and conversion to useful chemical feedstocks; biocatalytic removal of SO{sub x} and NO{sub x} from coal combustion off-gas; environmental control technology for the removal or destruction of hazardous materials in process effluents and/or solid residues; and the removal and utilization of CO{sub 2} from combustion off-gas. Effective bioprocesses for such applications will require detailed knowledge of the biological process mechanisms and advanced bioreactor technology than can be optimized for high productivity, as well as supporting upstream and downstream processes that will allow an effective integrated bioprocess. Of particular interest is the development of predictive models that can be used for process design and scaleup. In this program, a generic approach is taken so that there will be utility over a broad range of applications. In conjunction with the generic approach, model experimental systems that address real-world problems are used to verify the results.« less
  • A research grade microscope and two glove boxes for oxygen-free operations have been acquired. Contact angle measurements on Kentucky No. 9 coal have been consistent with those made in the previous quarter, with oil/water contact angles in the range of 35 to 38/degree/ measured through the oil, for coal, and about 80/degree/ for iron pyrite. Adsorption measurements on Upper Freeport coal with 0.2% octanol in decane reveal that at this concentration, the octanol adsorbs only on the external surface and covers more than half of a monolayer area. These adsorption measurements will be used to correlate with the contact anglemore » measurements. Scanning electron microscopy was used in identifying the highly reflective inclusions in coal, as pyrite and the thin white sections as calcium carbonate. 1 fig., 1 tab.« less
  • The objectives of this work are to obtain the basic surface chemical data, and to develop the relevant surface chemical theory, that will provide a foundation for the oil agglomeration and froth flotation processes of coal beneficiation. Contact angles of liquids in gas, on coal, and components of surface energy of coal due to acidic and basic behavior in hydrogen bonding; Adsorption of alcohols on coal; Early results in the liquid bridge theory of coal aggregate stability and pyrite rejection; and Oil-water-solid (OWC) contact angles have been measured on particles of ground coal, using a microscope in an oxygen-free glovemore » box. See Figure 2. The coal had been wet-ground, and stored in sealed containers, under water, until needed for measurement. It was dried, and a small amount was placed in the depression of a hollowed-out microscope slide. A small amount of decane was added, to wet out the coal, and then a droplet of water. Angles were measured either with rotatable crosshairs connected to an external degree scale, or by photographing (or using and advance optical imaging system) and measuring at leisure. 8 refs., 11 figs.« less
  • The experimental systems required for our research have been acquired. Contact angle measurements on unoxidized Upper Freeport coal and fresh Illinois No. 6 coal show small differences in the contact angles of water under decane. Adsorption measurements on Upper Freeport coal with cyclohexanol in decane reveal adsorption behavior similar to that of octanol. This indicates that the adsorption is taking place on the pore surface of the coal and that the pores are probably greater than 2 nm diameter.
  • This project is an investigation of the fundamental surface science that underlies the Otisca T process of coal beneficiation. It is intended that modifications of the process will result, which will increase the efficiency and the range of utilization of the Otisca T process.