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Investigation of operating variables in the fine coal dewatering and briquetting process

Conference ·
OSTI ID:585422
; ;  [1]
  1. Univ. of Missouri, Rolla, MO (United States)

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.

Research Organization:
Coal and Slurry Technology Association, Washington, DC (United States)
OSTI ID:
585422
Report Number(s):
CONF-980309--PROC.
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English