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Title: Development of an advanced process for drying fine coal in an inclined fluidized bed

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/5586826· OSTI ID:5586826

The main objective of this research is to develop a thermal process for drying fine coal that (1) reduces explosion potential, (2) uses a fluidized bed with minimum elutriation, (3) produces a stable dry coal by preventing moisture reabsorption and autogeneous heating, (4) reduces fugitive dust emissions, and (5) is technically and economically feasible. The project scope of work requires completion of five tasks: (1) project planning, (2) characterization of the two feed coals, (3) bench-scale IFB drying studies, (4) product characterization and testing, and (5) technical and economic process evaluation. The project technical achievements are primarily related to understanding of the behavior of the two coals in the IFB reactor. Solids residence time and solids entrainment can be correlated using the Reynolds number. Gas produced from the coal during drying and the product composition can be correlated to the average dryer temperature. A dry product with minimal proximate moisture and substantially increased heating value can be produced from either of these coals under a wide variety of fluidizing gas-to-solids ratios and IFB operating temperatures. Product characterization indicates that moisture reabsorption can be significantly reduced and that fugitive dust contents can be almost completely reduced. 4 refs., 19 figs., 24 tabs.

Research Organization:
Western Research Inst., Laramie, WY (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
DOE/FE
DOE Contract Number:
AC22-88PC88886
OSTI ID:
5586826
Report Number(s):
DOE/PC/88886-T4; ON: DE90003036
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English