Skip to main content
U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

An overview of the chemistry of the molten-caustic-leaching process

Journal Article · · Coal Preparation (Gordon and Breach); (USA)
;  [1]; ;  [2]
  1. Burns and Roe Services Corporation, Pittsburgh, PA (US)
  2. US Dept. of Energy, Pittsburgh Energy Technology Center, Pittsburgh, PA (US)

The molten-caustic leaching (MCL) process is quite effective in its ability to remove both organic and pyritic sulfur, mineral matter, and trace elements from coal. This paper reports how the chemistry of various reactions taking place in the process has been examined by several researchers. For example, Ames Laboratory of Iowa State University is actively studying the chemistry of MCL desulfurization and reagent regeneration reactions, and researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy's Pittsburgh Energy Technology Center are examining the reactions of molten caustic with the organosulfur compounds present in coal. As a result of these research efforts, reactions of mineral pyrite, benzothiophene, and minerals commonly found in coal (quartz, illite, etc.) with molten caustic are well characterized.

OSTI ID:
6987219
Journal Information:
Coal Preparation (Gordon and Breach); (USA), Journal Name: Coal Preparation (Gordon and Breach); (USA) Vol. 7:1; ISSN 0734-9343; ISSN COAPD
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English