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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Separable coal-oil slurries having controlled sedimentation properties suitable for transport by pipeline

Patent ·
OSTI ID:5290074

This patent describes a mixture of carbonaceous solids and a liquid hydrocarbon carrier, the mixture being easily separable and having controlled sedimentation properties which render it suitable for transport through a pipeline and the subsequent separation of the solids from the carrier. It comprises less than about 60 weight percent of the carbonaceous solids, the solids being water-saturated; greater than about 35 weight percent of the liquid hydrocarbon carrier, the carrier having a viscosity below about 40 centipoises at about 40{degrees} F.; and between about 0.5 and 10 weight percent water in addition to the water in the water-saturated carbonaceous solids, wherein the mixture has an apparent viscosity of less than about 300 centipoises at 40{degrees} F. This patent also describes a mixture as defined by claim 1 wherein the mixture yields, after standing for about 24 hours, a sediment containing between about 50 and about 60 weight percent carbonaceous solids. It describes a mixture as defined by claim 1 wherein the carbonaceous solids comprise coal. This patent describes a mixture as defined by claim 3 wherein the liquid hydrocarbon carrier is selected from the group consisting of natural and synthetic crude oils, diesel fuel, natural gas condensates, kerosene, and heating oil.

Assignee:
Union Oil Co. of California, Los Angeles, CA (United States)
Patent Number(s):
US 5096461; A
Application Number:
PPN: US 7-569692
OSTI ID:
5290074
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English