Desulfurization of coal by reaction with carbon monoxide and secondary reactants
Coal desulfurization is particularly important to Illinois. This research project is directed toward the ultimate goal of desulfurizing Illinois coal by a process which is economical and effective. The research will be performed at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale and at the Illinois State Geological Survey (ISGS) in Urbana. The desulfurization process envisioned involves the (1) conversion of pyrite to a pyrrhotite-troilite mixture through reaction with carbon monoxide; (2) treatment of the resulting char with a reactive additive; and (3) final separation of the magnetic iron sulfides. Preliminary findings reveal a rich and complex chemistry involving iron sulfide surfaces. In coal, carbon monoxide reacts with pyrite to yield a pyrrhotite-troilite mixture. Ethanol, a prominent additive, reacts with pyrite at high temperatures. Ethanol exemplifies the role of secondary reactants in the proposed process. They provide mobile and reactive species which may penetrate the coal matrix and combine with available sulfur. Continuing research is planned. The SIUC group will examine the catalytic properties of iron sulfide minerals. Research at ISGS will be devoted to parallel experiments involving Illinois coal and coal char. (DP)
- Research Organization:
- Illinois State Geological Survey, Champaign
- OSTI ID:
- 5955097
- Journal Information:
- Miner. Matters; (United States), Journal Name: Miner. Matters; (United States) Vol. 5:1; ISSN MIMAE
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
010402* -- Coal
Lignite
& Peat-- Purification & Upgrading
ADDITIVES
ALKANES
CARBON COMPOUNDS
CARBON MONOXIDE
CARBON OXIDES
CARBONACEOUS MATERIALS
CHALCOGENIDES
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
COAL
DESULFURIZATION
ENERGY SOURCES
ETHANE
FOSSIL FUELS
FUELS
HYDROCARBONS
MATERIALS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
OXIDES
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS