Abstract: Process for reducing the water and carboxylic acid content of an alcohol composition containing at least one C1-4 alcohol, water and at least one C1-4 carboxylic acid by (a) forming a vapor phase alcohol composition A and a liquid phase alcohol composition B, (b) separating a second vapor phase alcohol composition C and an aqueous phase D from the liquid phase alcohol composition B, the aqueous phase D containing the majority of the carboxylic acid that was present in the liquid phase alcohol composition B; (c) passing the vapor phase alcohol composition A to a drying unit, (d) passing the vapor phase alcohol composition C to a drying unit; and (e) recovering an alcohol composition from the drying units of steps (c) and (d). The recovered alcohol composition of step (e) has a reduced water and carboxylic acid content.

Abstract: Provided are petroleum coke having a sufficiently small coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) and yielding sufficiently suppressed puffing phenomenon and a method for stably producing the petroleum coke. Specifically, the method for producing the petroleum coke comprises the step of coking feedstock oil comprising light oil having an end point of distillation of 380° C. or less, and heavy oil having an initial boiling point of 200° C. or more and comprising 50% by mass or more of an aromatic component, sulfur content of 0.5% by mass or less, and nitrogen content of 0.2% by mass or less.

Abstract: A process for treating coal includes contacting the coal with a leaching agent configured to remove a mineral from the coal; forming a wastewater stream comprising water and a concentration of a contaminant; and contacting the wastewater stream with a first side of a reverse osmosis membrane under pressure, wherein a permeate stream comprising a reduced concentration of the contaminant permeates the reverse osmosis membrane and flows from a second side of the reverse osmosis membrane, and a concentrate stream comprising an increased concentration of the contaminant is retained on the first side of the reverse osmosis membrane.

Abstract: A method for separating solvent-containing water, which is generated in the process for producing an ashless coal, into a solvent and water readily without using any adsorbent or the like (a solvent separation method). The solvent separation method comprises: a solvent-containing water supply step of supplying the solvent-containing water into a pressure vessel for solvent separation purposes; and a temperature retention step of retaining the temperature of the solvent-containing water that has been supplied into the pressure vessel for solvent separation purposes at a predetermined temperature (e.g., 100 to 180 DEG C. inclusive). In the pressure vessel for solvent separation purposes, water in the liquid form moves downward and the solvent moves upward due to the difference between the density of water and the density of the solvent at the predetermined temperature. In this manner, the solvent-containing water can be separated into the solvent and water.

Abstract: A process to produce low ash clean coal from high ash coal with substantially complete solvent recovery, the process including: forming a slurry of coal fines in a N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) and Ethylenediamine (EDA) solution; maintaining said slurry in a reactor at a temperature range of 100° C. to 240° C. and a pressure range of 1 to 4 gauge (kg/cm2) for a period of about 15 minutes to 4 hours; separating the produced sample withdrawn from the reactor, one part being a filtrate and the other a reject; feeding the filtrate into an evaporator to recover 80-85% solvent; precipitating the concentrated filtrate material in an anti-solvent tank to separate coal from solvent; separating the coal by filtration, said separated coal having a reduced ash content; feeding the anti-solvent and solvent mixture into a distillation column to separate remaining solvent from the anti-solvent for reuse in the process.

Abstract: A method comprising applying a chemical change reagent to coal prior to combustion of the coal is provided. In some instances, the chemical change reagent can include an effective amount of a material to reduce NOx emissions, SOx emissions, or both from combustion of the coal.

Abstract: A process for treating coal to obtain lower ash content coal including: (i) pretreating high ash coal in a pretreatment unit with ultrasonic waves or microwaves, (ii) forming a slurry of coal fines in a solvent solution including N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) and one of Ethylenediamine (EDA) or Monoethanolamine (MEA), (iii) maintaining said slurry in a refluxed condition at a temperature of about 170-190° C. for a period of about 15 minutes to 2 hours; (iv) separating the refluxed slurry into two parts consisting of extract and residue by coarse filtration, (v) recovering up to 85% of the solvent solution by evaporation of the extract to form a concentrated extract, (v) precipitating the coal by adding water to the concentrated extract, (vi) separating the coal from the water-extract solution by filtration, and (vii) recovering the rest of the solvent by distillation of the water-extract solution.

Abstract: A process for reducing the carbon content of ash from a burner comprises heating a carbon-based fuel in the presence of a fuel improver in a burner. The fuel improver comprises at least one metal oxide selected from the group comprising: iron oxide, calcium oxide, silicon dioxide, magnesium oxide and aluminum oxide. The average particle size of the fuel improver is reduced to give a particle size in the range 1 to 100 micron.

Abstract: Provided is an ash-free coal production method without the need to once re-liquefy and form an ash-free coal. The ash-free coal production method includes an extraction step of mixing coal with a solvent to prepare a slurry and heating the slurry to extract a solvent-soluble coal component; a separation step of separating a solution containing the solvent-soluble coal component from the slurry obtained from the extraction step; an ash-free coal obtaining step of evaporatively separating the solvent from the solution separated in the separation step to obtain an ash-free coal. The ash-free coal obtaining step in the production method is performed so that the solvent is evaporatively separated from the solution to give a liquid ash-free coal, and the liquid ash-free coal is brought into contact with a solidifier (e.g., water) to solidify into a predetermined shape.

Abstract: Provided is a meted that controls and uniformizes fluidity of ash-free coal. The method includes the steps of obtaining an ash-free coal by removing a solvent from a solution containing a coal component dissolved therein (ash-free coal obtaining step (solvent recovering unit 8)); and mixing a plurality of coals of different types or components theme where the coals are capable of individually giving ash-free coals having different fluidities (mixing step (see reference signs B1 to B6)). The ash-free coal obtaining step (solvent recovering unit 8) obtains the ash-free coal by removing the solvent from the solution containing components of the coals which have been mixed.

Abstract: Provided is an ash-free coal production method that can produce an ash-free coal efficiently with a higher solvent recovery rate. The ash-free coal production method includes an extraction step of mixing coal with a solvent to give a slurry and heating the slurry to extract a solvent-soluble coal component; a separation step of separating a solution containing the coal component from the slurry containing the extracted coal component; and an ash-free coal obtaining step of separating and recovering the solvent from the separated solution to give an ash-free coal. The ash-free coal obtaining step includes a pressure-reducing substep of reducing a pressure to a level lower than the solvent vapor pressure to evaporatively separate the solvent from the solution to thereby give a solid ash-free coal; and a heating substep of heating the solid ash-free coal to evaporatively separate a residual solvent from the ash-free coal.

Abstract: Provided is a gravitational settling tank capable of detecting a boundary surface of a solids-enriched fluid. A pressure vessel 11 is provided with a multipoint temperature sensor 18 including two or more thermocouples 17 to measure the temperature of an internal fluid in the pressure vessel 11. Two or more temperature measuring junctions 17a of the thermocouples 17 are arranged in the pressure vessel 11 so as to be immersed in the internal fluid and positioned at different heights from one another. The boundary surface of the solids-enriched fluid is detected based on the temperature distribution of the internal fluid in the pressure vessel 11, where the temperature distribution is determined with the multipoint temperature sensor 18.

Abstract: An iron salt of an organic acid, selected from formic acid, carboxylic acids having (3) or more carbon atoms and sulphonic acids, is used to reduce the carbon content of the fly ash, when coal is combusted.

Abstract: An industrial process for treating coal in a system to lower ash content, the system comprising first and second water storage tanks, a diesel storage tank, a thermic fluid heater, a thermic fluid storage tank, a thermic fluid pump, a heat exchanger, a thermic fluid expansion tank, a N2 gas cylinder, a reactor, a water pump, and a reflux condenser, the process comprising (i) forming a slurry of coal fines in a N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) with Ethylenediamine (EDA) solution, (ii) maintaining said slurry in the reactor at a temperature of 150° C. to 220° C. and at a pressure of 1 to 4 gauge (kg/cm) for about 1 to 3 hours, (iii) separating a sample of the slurry by coarse filtration in a filter cloth to obtain a filtrate/extract and a residue, (iv) precipitating the coal in water by adding concentrated extract, and (v) separating the coal by filtration.

Abstract: A gravitational settling tank including a pressure vessel which precipitates solid content contained in slurry in which coal and solvent are blended, and separates the solid-content concentrated liquid from the supernatant liquid, and a supply pipe which supplies the pressure vessel with the slurry. A main body part and a nozzle part which is connected on the downstream side of the main body part and extends horizontally are provided in the supply pipe. A plurality of holes are provided in the nozzle part. By virtue of this, agitation of the solid-content concentrated liquid which has settled in the bottom is inhibited.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and systems for coal liquefaction using a rubber material. A method of obtaining a de-ashed coal extract includes exposing a coal to a rubber material in the presence of a coal-derived solvent to form a slurry, elevating the temperature of the slurry to facilitate liquefying the coal and liberating a volatile matter, and separating the insoluble components from the slurry to obtain a de-ashed coal extract, wherein the coal extract is suitable for downstream processing.

Abstract: Measurements are taken of moisture, BTU/lb (British Thermal Units per pound), ash, forms of sulfur, volatile material, grindability, and absorption properties of any of a wide variety of mine-run solid fuels. Using that information, a dry electromagnetic process technology has been developed that can be controlled and monitored to selectively alter and enhance metallurgical solid fuel properties. Specific changes include altering the mechanical structure and chemical composition of solid fuels such as coal, coal coke or petroleum coke, increasing the BTU/lb to optimum levels, decreasing all forms of sulfur, and decreasing ash, while maintaining the BTU/lb of the fuels. A new family of solid fuel designer coals not found in nature can be produced via these methods and apparatus.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and systems for coal liquefaction using a hydrogenated vegetable oil. A method of obtaining a de-ashed coal extract includes exposing a coal to a hydrogenated vegetable oil in the presence of a coal-derived solvent to form a slurry, elevating the temperature of the slurry to facilitate liquefying the coal and liberating a volatile matter, and separating the insoluble components from the slurry to obtain a de-ashed coal extract, wherein the coal extract is suitable for downstream processing.

Abstract: A coal treatment process containing a coal-beneficiation process module. The module is implemented into the conventional coal treatment process of a coal-fired power plant after a first step of grinding the coal in a coal mill. The process module sequentially extracts chemical substances of non-combustible ash, water, mercury and oil that are found in coal before the coal is fired, so that present invention can produce valuable products and achieve a high quality cleaned powdered coal-char to burn in a furnace to thereby reduce pollution and increase the efficiency of energy production from the coal.

Abstract: An improved organo-refining process to produce low ash clean coal from high ash coal, comprising: mixing coal, solvent and a co-solvent to produce a slurry; feeding the slurry to a reactor by pumping; extracting a coal-solvent mixture from the reactor; feeding the extracted mixture to a flasher unit; recovering about 30% of the solvent from the flashing unit; feeding the remaining heavy material to an evaporator; extracting about 60% of solvent from the evaporator; discharging the residue from the evaporator to a precipitator having water which produces a coal slurry; filtering the slurry in a rotary drum; collecting the super clean coal as a residue and feeding the filtrate into a distillation unit; and separating the water and the organic material in the filtrate to recover at least 7 to 8% of the remaining solvent.

Abstract: An iron salt of an organic acid, selected from formic acid, carboxylic acids having (3) or more carbon atoms and sulphonic acids, is used to reduce the carbon content of the fly ash, when coal is combusted.

Abstract: A method and system for treating coal with hydrogen fluoride to remove fly ash and thereafter regenerating substantially all of the hydrogen fluoride used during the process (thereby significantly reducing the amount of HF on site). An exemplary method includes the steps of charging at least one reaction vessel with coal containing fly ash; feeding hydrogen fluoride into the reaction vessel to form a first reaction mixture of soluble reaction products, insoluble fluoride compounds and initially clean coal; separating out the first soluble and insoluble reaction products; feeding nitric acid into the same reaction vessel to react with any remaining fly ash components and separating out those second reaction products; and regenerating substantially all of the hydrogen fluoride used in the first fluoride reaction.

Abstract: Measurements are taken of moisture, BTU/lb (British Thermal Units per pound), ash, forms of sulfur, volatile material, grindability, and absorption properties of any of a wide variety of mine-run solid fuels. Using that information, a dry electromagnetic process technology has been developed that can be controlled and monitored to selectively alter and enhance solid fuel properties for the application in question. Specific changes include altering the mechanical structure and chemical composition of solid fuels such as coal, coal coke or petroleum coke, increasing the BTU/lb to optimum levels, decreasing all forms of sulfur, and decreasing ash, while maintaining the BTU/lb of the fuels. A new family of solid fuel designer coals not found in nature can be produced via these methods and apparatus.

Abstract: A method for removing at least one impurity from coal is described herein. The method includes providing coal comprising a plurality of impurities and contacting the coal with an acid solution in a reaction chamber. At least one of the impurities reacts with the acid solution to produce one or more first products soluble in the acid solution. The method further includes removing at least a portion of the acid solution including at least a portion of the first products from the reaction chamber and adding a nitrate composition to the reaction chamber to form a nitrate solution. At least one of the impurities, at least one of the first products, or combinations thereof react with the nitrate composition to produce one or more second products soluble in the nitrate solution. The method still further includes removing at least a portion of the nitrate solution including at least a portion of the second products from the reaction chamber.

Abstract: An initial coal feedstock comprised of primary or second coal is cleaned so as to reduce its ash content by at least about 20% in order to yield a refined coal product that produces fewer NOx emissions. The reduced NOx emissions result primarily from the ability to use less primary combustion air in order to maintain the pulverized refined coal in a suspended condition within the feeder pipes of a coal burner compared to the minimum quantity of air required to maintain pulverized coal from the initial coal feedstock in a suspended condition within the feeder pipes. Reducing the primary combustion air reduces the amount of oxygen in the primary combustion zone that would otherwise be available for converting fuel nitrogen into NOx. Instead, more of the fuel nitrogen is converted into N2. Reducing the primary combustion air also reduces the temperature of the core flame, reducing thermal NOx formation.

Abstract: Methods for pretreating and improving coking coal quality for producing blast-furnace coke by: (a) rapid-heating the coal charge in a fluidized-bed to a temperature range between not lower than 300° C. and not higher than the temperature at which the coal charge begins to soften, at a rate of 30 to 103 ° C./min., (b) classifying the rapid-heated coal charge to fine- and coarse-size coal, and then (c-1) briquetting the fine-size coal or (c-2) rapid-heating the fine- and coarse-size coal individually in a pneumatic preheater to a temperature range between not lower than 300° C. and not higher than the temperature at which the coal charge begins to soften, at a rate of 103 to 105 ° C./min., and (d) forming the fine-size coal.

Abstract: A method, for inhibiting accumulation of light-colored ash on the walls of a furnace in which coal containing high levels of (coal-bound) calcium is burned, comprises adding an iron compound to the coal prior to burning the coal, burning the coal, and producing calcium ferrite, thereby improving heat transfer in furnaces and resultant plant efficiency without adverse environmental consequences.

Abstract: Coal beneficiation is achieved by suspending coal fines in a colloidal suspension of microscopic gas bubbles in water under atmospheric conditions to form small agglomerates of the fines adhered by the gas bubbles. The agglomerates are separated, recovered and resuspended in water. Thereafter, the pressure on the suspension is increased above atmospheric to deagglomerate, since the gas bubbles are then re-dissolved in the water. During the deagglomeration step, the mineral matter is dispersed, and when the pressure is released, the coal portion of the deagglomerated gas-saturated water mixture reagglomerates, with the small bubbles now coming out of the solution. The reagglomerate can then be separated to provide purified coal fines without the mineral matter.

Abstract: A method, for inhibiting accumulation of light-colored ash on the walls of a furnace in which coal containing high levels of (coal-bound) calcium is burned, comprises adding an iron compound to the coal prior to burning the coal, burning the coal, and producing calcium ferrite, thereby improving heat transfer in furnaces and resultant plant efficiency without adverse environmental consequences.

Abstract: A method, for inhibiting accumulation of light-colored ash on the walls of a furnace in which coal containing high levels of (coal-bound) calcium is burned, comprises adding an iron compound to the coal prior to burning the coal, burning the coal, and producing calcium ferrite, thereby improving heat transfer in furnaces and resultant plant efficiency without adverse environmental consequences.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a process for forming a sorbent-metal complex. The process includes oxidizing a sorbent precursor and contacting the sorbent precursor with a metallic species. The process further includes chemically reacting the sorbent precursor and the metallic species, thereby forming a sorbent-metal complex. In one particular aspect of the invention, at least a portion of the sorbent precursor is transformed into sorbent particles during the oxidation step. These sorbent particles then are contacted with the metallic species and chemically reacted with the metallic species, thereby forming a sorbent-metal complex. Another aspect of the invention is directed to a process for forming a sorbent-metal complex in a combustion system. The process includes introducing a sorbent precursor into a combustion system and subjecting the sorbent precursor to an elevated temperature sufficient to oxidize the sorbent precursor and transform the sorbent precursor into sorbent particles.

Abstract: An aqueous, coal dust suppression fluid comprising one or more surfactants and at least one high terpene-containing natural oil. The coal dust suppression fluid can be used in a formulation of water dosed with the aqueous dust suppression fluid for the abatement of coal dust. A method is described for the abatement of coal dust using the formulation.

Abstract: An aqueous dust suspression and dewatering fluid comprising one or more surfactants and at least one high terpene-containing natural oil. The fluid can be used in a formulation of water dosed with the aqueous dust suspression and dewatering fluid for the abatement of dust and dewatering of particulate material. Methods are described for the abatement of dust and dewatering of particulate material using the formulation.

Abstract: An ultra-fine coal particle fraction forms a coal product with particles that are dilatant due to the mechanical stripping of the clay contaminates from the coal surface and the subdividing of the clay to clay platelets which are peptized to maintain discreetness in an aqueous slurry. The coal particles are unflocculated and can produce an aqueously permeable barrier on a sieve. The ultrafine coal product has an increase of 100-150 BTU per pound and when combusted reduced Nox production of 20-40% is realized. In a 15.times.0 micron coal fraction, the sulphur content is significantly reduced.

Abstract: The invention relates to electrostatic separation of coal from toxic and pyritic elements and ash compounds. More particularly this invention relates to separation of coal from refuse material by imparting opposite electrostatic charges to coal and refuse particles, passing them between oppositely charged electrodes and mechanically separating the electrostatically attracted diverging coal and refuse particles. The electrostatic attraction and divergent separation process is maximized by performing the charging and separation functions within a continuously vacuum reduced atmosphere. The use of a vacuum exhaust to continuously remove water and water vapor can prevent charge dissipation of the coal particles through charge transfer to water and water vapor. Additionally, the vacuum reduced atmosphere can prevent impairment of electrostatic influence due to gas turbulence.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a fuel coal processing system having a centrifugal type coal pulverizer and an electrostatic type coal purifier and an optional fuel coal size classifier all combined into one integral, cooperatively acting fuel coal preparation device in one embodiment, and a centrifugal type coal pulverizer and fuel coal size classifier combined in a second embodiment. The centrifugal type coal pulverizer may be a counter rotating cup and ring assembly for breaking apart the coal particles and impurities. The coal particles and impurities leave the pulverizer in flat, radiating, sheet pattern which passes through the electrostatic purifier or separator. The electrostatic separator has a pair of plates which are oppositely charged and arranged next to the pulverizer. The top plate is negatively charged to attract the positively charged pure coal particles and repel the negatively charged pyritic particles.

Abstract: An improved process is described for agglomerating ground coal in which a bridging oil is used as the agglomerating vehicle. This bridging oil is a mixture of a heavy gas oil obtained from coal/oil coprocessing and a heavy hydrocarbon oil, such as bitumen or heavy oil, preferably mixed in the proportion of about 23-40% heavy hydrocarbon oil and 60-77% heavy gas oil. The agglomerated product is mixed with additional heavy oil or bitumen and it becomes the feedstock to a coal/oil coprocessor, with heavy gas oil being formed as one of the product streams. At least part of this heavy gas oil product stream is recycled to the agglomeration stage as the heavy gas oil component of the bridging oil. This agglomeration procedure has the advantage of providing an agglomerate of excellent quality, while carrying out the agglomeration in a short time at ambient temperature and using less than 10% by weight of bridging oil.

Abstract: An aqueous, coal dust suppression fluid comprising one or more surfactants and at least one high terpene-containing natural oil. The coal dust suppression fluid can be used in a formulation of water dosed with the aqueous dust suppression fluid for the abatement of coal dust. A method is described for the abatement of coal dust using the formulation.

Abstract: A process for reducing the sulfur and ash content of coal. Particulate coal is introduced into a closed heated reaction chamber having an inert atmosphere to which is added 50 mole percent NaOH and 50 mole percent KOH moist caustic having a water content in the range of from about 15% by weight to about 35% by weight and in a caustic to coal weight ratio of about 5 to 1. The coal and moist caustic are kept at a temperature of about 300.degree. C. Then, water is added to the coal and caustic mixture to form an aqueous slurry, which is washed with water to remove caustic from the coal and to produce an aqueous caustic solution. Water is evaporated from the aqueous caustic solution until the water is in the range of from about 15% by weight to about 35% by weight and is reintroduced to the closed reaction chamber.

Abstract: Fine particle coal is beneficiated in specially designed dense medium cyclones to improve particle acceleration and enhance separation efficiency. Raw coal feed is first sized to remove fine coal particles. The coarse fraction is then separated into clean coal, middlings, and refuse. Middlings are comminuted for beneficiation with the fine fraction. The fine fraction is deslimed in a countercurrent cyclone circuit and then separated as multiple fractions of different size specifications in dense medium cyclones. The dense medium contains ultra-fine magnetite particles of a narrow size distribution which aid separation and improves magnetite recovery. Magnetite is recovered from each separated fraction independently, with non-magnetic effluent water from one fraction diluting feed to a smaller-size fraction, and improving both overall coal and magnetite recovery.

Abstract: A process for the selective removal or chemical modification of minerals contained in carbonaceous materials, comprising treating with an aqueous solution of a compound selected from ammonium salts, polyhydroxy alcohols, organic acids, organic complexing agents and polysaccharides. The process may be used to increase coal recovery, improve coal quality and enhance coal ash fusion characteristics.

Abstract: A continuous fluidized-bed combustion process for particulate carbonaceous feedstock of high ash content. The feedstock fuel is prepared from culm or mine tailings washed in a dense media and crushed to yield a fuel product having an ash content in a range of about 30 percent to about 50 percent, by weight. The feedstock fuel is mixed with fine particles of scavenging material, such as limestone or dolomite, and the resulting feedstock mixture is burned in a circulating fluidized-bed combustion chamber. A portion of the ash remaining after combustion is discharged out the bottom chamber, the remainder being carried with the combustion gases through a hot cyclone and heat exchangers for generating power. The ash within these gases is separated and recirculated through the fluidized bed, and the combustion gases are discharged.

Abstract: In the present invention, iron sulfate is added in the form of an aqueous wash solution to coal agglomerates after separation of ash from the agglomerated coal. As the agglomerates remain in a continuous water phase, a good dispersion of the iron sulfate solution throughout the agglomerate matrix occurs. At this stage an unexpectedly strong adsorption of Fe ions onto the coal surfaces occurs without any adverse effects on agglomerate integrity and the ability to separate it selectively by floatation. Furthermore, this good dispersion also results in over 94% of the iron sulfate in the wash solution being transferred to the agglomerates. This manner of addition of iron sulphate to coal has been shown to elevate advantageously the lowest temperature at which coke formation occurs during coprocessing.

Abstract: A process of selectively agglomerating coal in an aqueous environment while leaving the mineral matter dispersed has been developed. This process is autogenous for hydrophobic particles in that neither an agglomerating agent nor an electrolytic coagulant is needed. It is based on the finding that hydrophobic particles are pushed against each other by the surrounding water structure. This process, which is referred to as selective hydrophobic coagulation, is driven by the so-called hydrophobic interaction energy, which is not included in the classical DLVO theory describing the stability of lyophobic suspensions. The relatively small coagula formed by the selective hydrophobic coagulation process can be readily separated from the dispersed mineral matter by several different techniques such as screening, elutriation, sedimentation and froth flotation.

Abstract: A selectively-sized, raw, low-rank coal is processed to produce a low ash and relative water-free agglomerate with an enhanced heating value and a hardness sufficient to produce a non-decrepitating, shippable fuel. The low-rank coal is treated, under high shear conditions, in the first stage to cause ash reduction and subsequent surface modification which is necessary to facilitate agglomerate formation. In the second stage the treated low-rank coal is contacted with bridging and binding oils under low shear conditions to produce agglomerates of selected size. The bridging and binding oils may be coal or petroleum derived. The process incorporates a thermal deoiling step whereby the bridging oil may be completely or partially recovered from the agglomerate; whereas, partial recovery of the bridging oil functions to leave as an agglomerate binder, the heavy constituents of the bridging oil. The recovered oil is suitable for recycling to the agglomeration step or can serve as a value-added product.

Abstract: The use of electrostatic demulsification methods to separate fine particulates of differing surface characteristics is disclosed. In one example, particles of hydrophobic coal and hydrophilic kaolin clay, each of nominal 3.5 micron mass mean particle diameter, were separated from a variety of stable water-in-oil emulsions. 50/50 blends of coal of 4% ash and kaolin clay of 86.5% ash were used in the experiments. A variety of oils, water concentrations, solids concentrations, and emulsifiers have been used in this work. Externally applied electrostatic fields up to 1.2 kV/cm were used. Greater than 90% rejection of kaolin particles into the separated water phase was achieved with virtually complete recovery of the coal particles uniformly suspended in the oil phase.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for magnetically beneficiating a raw sample, such as coal or lunar soil is disclosed. The beneficiation is achieved using a novel of fractionating the sample into components of different magnetic susceptibilities. The results of the fractionation may be used to determine the type of magnet to be employed for large scale operations, as well as the appropriate fraction or fractions to be recovered for further processing.

Abstract: In a process for reducing the sulfur and ash contents of coal, coal is sequentially contacted with fused alkali metal caustic, wash water, and acid. Contacting the coal with the caustic produces water-soluble compounds. Sufficient wash water is used to reduce the temperature of the caustic treated coal and dissolve the bulk of the water-soluble compounds before the water-soluble compounds convert to water-insoluble compounds that precipitate on the caustic-treated coal. Caustic removed from the coal by the water is recovered as anhydrous caustic for again contacting coal.

Abstract: In a process for reducing the sulfur and ash contents of coal, coal is sequentially contacted with fused alkali metal caustic, water, carbonic acid, and a strong acid. Caustic removed from the coal by the water and the carbonic acid is recovered as anhydrous caustic for again contacting coal.

Abstract: A low-rank coal oil agglomeration process. High mineral content, a high ash content subbituminous coals are effectively agglomerated with a bridging oil which is partially water soluble and capable of entering the pore structure, and usually coal derived.