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

Method for drying particulate low rank coal in a fluidized bed

Patent ·
OSTI ID:5913712
This patent describes a method for drying particulate low rank coal in a fluidized bed. The method consists essentially of: (a) charging the coal to a coal drying zone; (b) supporting the coal above a support in the coal drying zone. The support is adapted to the flow of a hot fluidizing gas upwardly through the support and the coal; (c) flowing hot fluidizing gas through the support and the coal to fluidize the coal and dry the coal; and, (d) retaining the coal in the drying zone for a time sufficient to reduce the water content of the coal to a desired level. This patent includes an improvement consisting of: flowing fluidizing gas of varying temperatures from about 200/sup 0/ to about 1000/sup 0/F through at least three distribution areas beneath the support and upwardly through the fluidized bed so that the hottest fluidizing gas flows upwardly through the coal nearest the coal inlet to the fluidized bed. The fluidizing gas at an intermediate temperature flows upwardly through a middle area in the fluidized bed and the coolest fluidizing gas flows upwardly through the coal nearest the dried coal outlet from the fluidized bed; the coolest gas being at a temperature less than about 300/sup 0/F.
Assignee:
Atlantic Richfield Co., Los Angeles, CA
Patent Number(s):
US 4571174
OSTI ID:
5913712
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English