Abstract: Carbon dioxide and air reactivity reactions occurring during carbon electrode use, can be minimized by the use of quench water treated with phosphoric acid following calcination of the coke used to make the electrode.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for improving the strength properties of partially desulfurized coke, especially petroleum coke, and in such a way that it is then suitable as raw material for electrodes, in particular anodes for the fused salt electrolytic production of aluminum by the Hall Heroult process. The process according to the invention comprises an after-treatment of the partially desulfurized coke at an elevated temperature for a duration of at least 30 minutes, as a result of which the strength of the coke increases.

Abstract: A method for enhancing solubilizing mass transport of reactive agents into and out of carbonaceous materials, such as coal. Solubility parameters of mass transfer and solvent media are matched to individual peaks in the solubility parameter spectrum of coals to enhance swelling and/or dissolution.Methanol containing reactive agent carriers are found particularly effective for removing organic sulfur from coals by chlorinolysis.

Abstract: Carbonaceous material such as petroleum coke is calcined in the upper part of an air-injected vertical shaft kiln, and steam injected into the lower part of the kiln reacts with hot coke below the combustion zone to produce hydrogen and carbon monoxide. A product gas stream rich in hydrogen and low in nitrogen is withdrawn from a level below the combustion zone in the kiln. High sulfur coke can be desulfurized in the process by maintaining the temperature in the calcining zone above 1400.degree. C.

Abstract: Peat, lignite, coal, many forms of biomass (land or marine) and solid wastes may have from 1/2 to 30 times as much water associated with the dry solids. Some of this water may be chemically bound or otherwise may be practically inseparable by mechanical means. The solids may be partially oxidized by oxygen or air in the first chemical reactions of a Wet Air Oxidation (WAO) taking place in the presence of the large amount of water at temperatures of 175.degree. C. to 325.degree. C. and pressures of 10 to 100 atmospheres-preferably 240.degree. to 300.degree. C. and 70 to 100 atmospheres. All sulfur in high sulfur coal is oxidized selectively to the sulfate radical; and heat to bring the combustible up to the necessary temperature is supplied by burning part of the combustible itself. The sulfur free coal may be used as conventionally. Residual solids (now 70 to 95% of the original fuel) have a higher heating value on a dry basis, and are mechanically separated from all but 1/2 to 2 pounds of water.

Abstract: Methods of treating coal to remove sulfur and ash are provided which involve the steps of preconditioning coal particles in the presence of an aqueous solution of an oxidizing agent, washing said pretreated coal with water, contacting said coal with an aqueous solution of an oxidizing agent until an exothermic reaction between the coal and oxidizing agent peaks and the pH drops to the range of 2 to 3, removing the coal from the oxidizing agent, contacting the coal with a passivating agent until the temperature of the coal drops and the pH rises into the range 3 to 5, neutralizing the coal up to a pH of about 9, washing said coal with water and drying said coal.

Abstract: A method of desulfurizing coal is described in which chlorine gas is bubbled through an aqueous slurry of coal at low temperature below 130 degrees C., and at ambient pressure. Chlorinolysis converts both inorganic and organic sulfur components of coal into water soluble compounds which enter the aqueous suspending media. The media is separated after chlorinolysis and the coal dechlorinated at a temperature of from 300 degrees C. to 500 degrees C. to form a non-caking, low-sulfur coal product.

Abstract: Pyrite is removed from coal by crushing, air classification and organic heavy medium separation. A superior method is taught wherein only a fraction of the total coal treated need be treated with organic media separation.

Abstract: Sulfur is removed from carbonaceous material by contacting the material with a metal carbonyl or a low valent complex of the transition metals and water under alkaline conditions to form a reaction mixture, and then heating the mixture for a sufficient period of time to obtain sulfur removal from the carbonaceous material.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved method of chemically treating coal to remove sulfur and ash. It is especially adapted for use on high sulfur, refuse coal. In practice the coal is treated with hydrochloric acid and hypochlorous acid in the presence of ferric and ferrous sulfate to convert the iron pyrites to other sulfur compounds. These are then converted to various salts of calcium through neutralization with lime.

Abstract: The emission of halogens and sulfur dioxide and the formation of water-soluble compounds of heavy metals are suppressed in the pyrolysis of waste in a carbonization zone at a temperature in the range from 300.degree. to 600.degree. C. by adding a fine-grained basic material to the waste prior to completion of the pyrolysis of the waste in the carbonization zone.

Abstract: Pyritic sulfur, organic sulfur and elemental sulfur are removed from coal by subjecting an aqueous slurry of coal to flotation for removal of most of the pyritic sulfur after which the coal obtained from the flotation is treated with dilute nitric acid which oxidizes any remaining pyritic sulfur and most of the organic sulfur, thus solubilizing the sulfur and reducing the sulfur content thereof. This coal can be filtered, washed and dried, if desired. Further reduction of organic sulfur is obtained by chemical treatment with unsaturated hydrocarbons which bind the organic sulfur thus lowering the sulfur content of the coal sufficiently so that the final product meets all requirements for use for power plants as well as for the metallurgical industry.

Abstract: A process for reducing the sulfur and ash content of coal comprising the steps of: (1) contacting coal particles containing ash and iron pyrite mineral matter with a promoting amount of at least one conditioning agent, said conditioning agent having a ferrous component maintained at a pH of from about 5.5 to 11.0 and being capable of modifying or altering the existing surface characteristics of the pyrite under conditions to effectuate alteration of modification of at least a portion of the contained pyritic sulfur; (2) agglomerating the coal particles while said pyrite surfaces are altered or modified in an aqueous medium with hydrocarbon oil to form coal-hydrocarbon oil agglomerates; (3) separating said coal-hydrocarbon oil agglomerates from pyrite mineral matter and ash to recover coal-hydrocarbon oil agglomerates wherein the coal exhibits reduced sulfur and ash content.

Abstract: A process for removing sulfur from coal using a ferric solution wherein iron loss by precipitation of insoluble iron compounds is controlled by regulation of the hydrogen ion concentration of the reaction slurry. The pH or other measurable condition at which the process is at least self-sustaining with respect to ferric ions is determined for a particular coal sample. The reaction slurry is monitored for changes in the chosen condition which signal a loss of iron from solution, and acid is automatically added as needed to prevent iron precipitation or to return precipitated iron to solution.

Abstract: Low sulfur calcined coke having an adequate density value for industrial consumers is produced from high sulfur raw coke by treating the coke in three heating stages under controlled conditions, one of the stages being in the presence of added hydrogen.

Abstract: A process for treating solid particles (66) of a raw carbonaceous fuel (62) such as coal having an original sulfur content comprises producing (at 68) a slurry (74) of a quantity of the raw fuel particles and a liquid medium (70) comprising water, at least one alkali metal compound including a substantial amount of sodium or potassium sulfide or polysulfide or a combination thereof, and a catalytic agent (72) comprising calcium or magnesium oxide or carbonate, or dolomite. The slurry is subjected (in 78) for an effective period of time to elevated temperature and pressure effective with the alkali metal compounds and water to cause the medium to penetrate the microscopic structure of the particles and to chemically and physically incorporate a substantial amount of the catalytic agent into the structure. The readily separable medium is separated (at 84) from the fuel particles and the particles are washed (at 84,106) to produce a particulate fuel product (88,110) containing the incorporated catalytic agent.

Abstract: A process and apparatus are disclosed for purification of petroleum coke to produce an economical low sulfur product suitable for electrode production. Finely ground green coke is treated on an enclosed circular grate apparatus and subjected to sequential treatments in which hot gases are passed through a deep permeable bed of coke on the grate in a series of separate treating zones including a preheat zone, a heating and calcining zone, a desulfurizing zone in which hydrogen rich gas is passed through the heated bed, a reduction gas generation zone in which hydrocarbon and steam pass through hot coke to form hydrogen, and a cooling zone.Adequate temperatures for calcination and desulfurization are achieved and the proper heating rate is obtained without overheating the metal parts of the hearth by use of radiant and hot gas heating means in the calcining zone and in the desulfurizing zone and by introducing the air and/or fuel gas near the bottom of the coke bed.

Abstract: A process for the production of synthetic crude oil, alcohols, semi-coke (chars), and cokes which are obtained during the production of low temperature coal tars and are derived by careful temperature control during the carbonization of various carbon containing material such as bituminous coals, peat, lignite, trash, and other solid wastes.

Abstract: Solid carbonaceous material, especially coal or coal char, is desulfurized by sequential treatment with steam, hydrogen, and steam. The partially desulfurized char from the first steam treatment zone is used to remove hydrogen sulfide from the effluent gas from the hydrogen treatment zone. Both the treated effluent gas and the spent char are recycled, thereby providing an efficient process for desulfurization.

Abstract: A method of reducing the sulfur content of coal, reduced to dust, by means of its own or external thermal energy and by means of rapid coking and/or rapid partial destructive distillation of the coal. The coal dust, which has been ground to less than 0.1 mm and, if necessary, preoxidized in 1 to 4 seconds at 350.degree. to 450.degree. C., is brought to a reaction temperature of 700.degree. to 1100.degree. C. This reaction temperature may be reached directly, either by means of carrier or heating gas heated to over 1000.degree. C., or by means of the partial combustion of the coal with air or oxygen, at heating rates greater than 20,000.degree. C./min. This reaction temperature may also be reached indirectly, at heating rates of less than 20,000.degree. C./min, by means of gaseous, liquid, or turbulent heating carriers. The coal dust is allowed to stand for 1 to 6 seconds at a pressure of 1 to 15 bar until the coke dust and gas which are produced separate from one another.

Abstract: A single retort and accumulator structure includes two heating zones for successively removing volatile material from dried crushed coal so that the resultant calcined char has less than about 7 weight percent volatile material and is suitable as a raw material for producing formcoke. In the first zone (carbonizing zone) heat carrying solids are introduced with crushed coal to heat the powdered coal to a temperature in the order of about 800.degree. F. to 1000.degree. F. and produce a carbonized char containing about 10% to 20% by weight of volatile material. The resultant carbonized char is fed onto a trommel, or rotating cylindrical or tapered screen, and the char passes through the screen into a calcining fluidized bed zone. The fluidized bed is maintained by upwardly directed jets of an oxygen containing gas and steam. The temperature of the fluidized bed zone is in the vicinity of about 1200.degree. F. to 1600.degree. F.

Abstract: After pulverizing to minus 200 mesh, a mixture of coal and pyrite particles is passed through an A.C. silent corona discharge in the presence of a reactant gas. Simultaneously, the particles are de-agglomerated and an electrical or magnetic difference between them is enhanced. Thereafter, the pyrite is separated from the coal. The effectiveness of the pulverizing step in separating pyrite particles from the coal matrix, especially small-size particles approximately 50 micrometers and less, is enhanced by pretreating the coal with a chemical comminutant. One example is a solution of ammonia, used to presoak the coal for a short time, at, for example, atmospheric pressure and ambient temperature.

Abstract: A method of generating gas and coke dust by means of rapid degasification and rapid vaporization, with simultaneous extensive desulfurization, of coal ground into dust. In a first step, one portion of coal is subjected to complete or partial vaporization. In a second step, which immediately follows the first step, another portion of coal is subjected to degasification in the same or in associated reaction chambers. In the degasification, the solid and gaseous products obtained during the vaporization which are at a higher temperature level than that of the degasification step, transfer heat directly to the coal introduced into the degasification step, thus for covering the heat required for the degasification.

Abstract: Coal is oxidized by NO.sub.x in the presence of a liquid in which NO.sub.x is soluble. Oxidized sulfur species are removed by washing with water and dilute sulfuric acid. NO.sub.x is not consumed in the process and is recycled. More than 70% of sulfur in coal is removed.

Abstract: A process for treating sulfide ores to reduce the sulfur content or recover the metal content therefrom comprises the use of enzymatic action to solubilize the sulfur and metal content.A nutrient, such as a saccharide, is used along with yeast spores which feed on the sugar and produce enzymes which act on sulfur in the sulfide ore to cause the sulfur to go into solution and to dissolve those metals which are soluble in strongly acidic solution. Sulfuric acid can be formed from the sulfide ores or from free sulfur by reaction with water, with evolution of hydrogen sulfide gas. Oxidation of at least a portion of the hydrogen sulfide can be achieved to regenerate sulfuric acid.

Abstract: A process for reducing the sulfur and ash content of coal comprising the steps of:(1) contacting coal particles containing ash and iron pyrite mineral matter with a promoting amount of at least one conditioning agent capable of modifying or altering the existing surface characteristics of the pyrite under conditions to effectuate alteration or modification of at least a portion of the contained pyritic sulfur;(2) agglomerating the coal particles while said surfaces are altered or modified in an aqueous medium with hydrocarbon oil; and(3) recovering coal hydrocarbon oil agglomerates wherein the coal exhibits reduced sulfur and ash content.

Abstract: Solid carbonaceous fossil fuels such as coal, lignite and peat are treated with an aqueous medium containing a novel catalyst to remove undesirable constituents and produce valuable products. The catalyst is prepared by steps including admixing a water soluble alkali metal silicate with an aqueous medium containing carefully controlled amounts of dissolved water soluble substances which are sources of calcium ion and magnesium ion, reacting the same to produce an aqueous colloidal suspension of the reaction product, admixing a micelle-forming surfactant with the aqueous medium, and agitating the aqueous medium containing the colloidal particles and surfactant to form catalyst-containing micelles. In one variant, particles of a fossil fuel containing metal values are treated with an aqueous medium in the presence of the catalyst, and thereafter the treated particles are separated from the aqueous medium and extracted with an aqueous leach solution in which the metal values are soluble.

Abstract: A process for reducing the amount of pyritic, organic and sulfate sulfur in coal and other carbonaceous materials by contacting sulfur-containing coal or carbonaceous material with hydrogen, transition metal salts and a buffer under increased temperature and pressure. Pyritic sulfides are reduced to ferrous sulfides and organic sulfides are converted to metal sulfides; the sulfides are, then, leached from the coal or carbonaceous material utilizing an acid solution. Alternatively, a metal compound may be added to the acid solution to promote the formation of hydrogen sulfide.

Abstract: A process for reducing the sulfur content of coal comprising:(1) contacting an aqueous slurry of coal-oil agglomerates at elevated temperature with oxygen; and(2) recovering coal-oil agglomerates wherein the coal has reduced sulfur content.

Abstract: A process for the removal of pyrite from coal which comprises preparing an aqueous slurry containing finely-divided coal particles; adding to the slurry an alkali metal hydroxide selected from the group consisting of sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide and lithium hydroxide, as well as mixtures thereof, in amounts sufficient to continuously maintain the pH of the slurry at a value of below about 8; agitating the slurry while treating the slurry with oxygen or an oxygen-containing gas to convert the pyrite in the coal to a soluble alkali metal sulfate; reacting lime with the so-formed alkali metal sulfate to regenerate the alkali metal hydroxide and then recycling the hydroxide for use in the process.

Abstract: A dry coke quenching process comprises the steps of preheating coke from a coke oven to a temperature of not lower than 1200.degree. C. by way of burning over its layer a combustible gas mixed with heated air, cooling the coke first to a temperature of not lower than 700.degree. C. with a mixture of hydrocarbons and water vapor, and then with an inert gas to a temperature of from 200.degree. to 250.degree. C.In the course of operation, coke, heated to a temperature of not lower than 1200.degree. C., is passed to the middle part of a chamber wherein a flow of a gas-steam mixture heated to a temperature of up to 700.degree. C. is introduced in countercurrent relation to the flow of coke. Resulting from the process of conversion of hydrocarbons with water vapor is gas containing hydrogen and carbon monoxide. The blast-furnace coke with a temperature of not lower than 700.degree. C. is passed from a middle part of the chamber to a lower part thereof wherein it is cooled to a temperature of 200.degree. to 250.

Abstract: Sulfur compounds are removed from coal during preparation of the coal for pipeline transport and during pipeline transport of the coal by preparing the coal in particles sufficiently fine for transport as an aqueous slurry, mixing the coal particles with oxygenated water and a basic chemical substance, transporting the coal as a slurry in a pipeline, separating the coal from water containing soluble sulfur compounds and from sludge-containing insoluble sulfur compounds.

Abstract: A process and apparatus are disclosed for purification of petroleum coke to produce an economical low sulfur product suitable for electrode production. Finely ground green coke is treated on an enclosed circular grate apparatus and subjected to sequential treatments in which hot gases are passed through a deep permeable bed of coke on the grate in a series of separate treating zones including a preheat zone, a heating and calcining zone, a desulfurizing zone in which hydrogen rich gas is passed through the heated bed, a reduction gas generation zone in which hydrocarbon and steam pass through hot coke to form hydrogen, and a cooling zone.Adequate temperatures for calcination and desulfurization are achieved and the proper heating rate is obtained without overheating the metal parts of the hearth by use of radiant and hot gas heating means in the calcining zone and in the desulfurizing zone and by introducing the air and/or fuel gas near the bottom of the coke bed.

Abstract: A process for reducing the pyritic sulfur content of coal comprising the steps of:(1) contacting an aqueous slurry of water, an alkaline earth metal base and pyrite-containing coal at elevated temperature with oxygen, said alkaline earth metal base being present in an amount at least equal to the stoichiometric amount of pyrite, and said aqueous slurry being maintained at a pH of from about 5.0 to about 12.0; and(2) recovering coal particles of reduced pyritic sulfur content.

Abstract: Coke is desulphurized by sequentially heating the coke to desulphurization temperatures, and maintaining the coke at desulphurization temperatures to effect desulphurization thereof, the coke reaching a temperature of at least 1000.degree. C. (preferaby at least 1100.degree. C. and, more preferably at least 1200.degree. C.) during desulphurization, and cooling being effected by direct countercurrent contact with a gas and, all or a portion of the heating being effected by direct countercurrent contact with the gas, with the heat released from the coke during cooling being recuperated by the gas and employed to provide most of the heating to bring the coke to desulphurization temperature. The coke and/or gas is heated between the cooling and heating steps to maintain the gas at a temperature below the coke during cooling and at a temperature above the coke during heating.

Abstract: An apparatus for heating a carbonaceous material to produce a gas in which the carbonaceous material and a heated inert heat exchange medium are passed into a reactor vessel for mixing and for transferring the heat from the heat exchange medium to the carbonaceous material to produce gas. An outlet opening is provided through the reactor vessel for discharging the gas and an impingement plate is disposed in the interior of the vessel and extends across the outlet opening in a spaced relation thereto in the path of the gas. As a result the gas impinges against the plate before discharging from the outlet opening to separate solid particles from the gas.

Abstract: A process for reducing the pyritic sulfur content of coal comprising the steps of:(1) contacting an aqueous slurry of water and pyrite-containing coal particles at elevated temperature with oxygen, the contacting of step 1 being such that without step 2 the aqueous slurry would have a pH of less than 5.5;(2) maintaining the aqueous slurry of step 1 at a pH of from about 5.5 to 12.0; and(3) recovering coal particles of reduced pyritic sulfur content.

Abstract: This invention covers a process for reducing the sulfur content of coal and coal char and the ignition temperature of coal char. Coal is converted into char at temperatures not in excess of about 1600.degree. F. The char is introduced into a caustic system which is maintained at a temperature between about 500.degree. F. to about 750.degree. F. Intimate contact is maintained between the caustic and the char for a period of about 2 to 30 minutes to leach the sulfur from the char. The desulfurized char is thereafter separated from the caustic and washed.

Abstract: A process for reducing the sulfur content of coal and the like by treatment with an aqueous solution of sodium chloride and hydrogen peroxide.

Abstract: Raw coal is improved by reacting it with a metal containing compound selected from the group consisting of organic iron containing compounds which exert sufficient vapor pressure, with iron as a component in the vapor, so as to bring the iron into contact with the impurity at the reaction temperature, organic iron containing compounds in solution at the injection temperature, solid organic iron containing compounds capable of being directly mixed in solid form at the mixing temperature with the coal, and ferrous chloride, ferric chloride, and alkyl aluminum compounds, in order to enhance the magnetic susceptibility of certain impurities, e.g., pyrite and ash-forming minerals contained in the raw coal, thereby permitting the removal of these impurities by magnetic means.

Abstract: A process for reducing the sulfur content of coal comprising the steps of:(1) contacting coal particles with(i) a silicate selected from the group consisting of alkali metal silicates, alkaline earth metal silicates and mixtures thereof, and(ii) a promoter material capable of oxidizing or reducing equilibrium sulfur reaction products formed by the contacting to non-equilibrium reaction productsin an aqueous medium to reduce the sulfur content of coal; and(2) recovering coal particles of reduced sulfur content.

Abstract: Coal may be effectively comminuted and the ash and sulfur content thereof reduced by contacting the coal with a hydrogen halide such as HF.

Abstract: The sulfur content of coal can be significantly reduced by leaching the coal with an aqueous solution of sodium sulfite.

Abstract: The pyritic sulfur content of coal can be significantly reduced by contacting the coal with an aqueous solution of a salt which increases the dielectric constant of the solution.

Abstract: In a continuous process for recovery of values from a solid carbonaceous material, the carbonaceous material is pyrolyzed in the presence of a particulate source of heat to yield a particulate carbon containing residue of pyrolysis and volatilized hydrocarbons while simultaneously the volatilized hydrocarbons are hydrogenated. The particulate source of heat is formed by oxidizing carbon in the solid residue to heat the particles. Hydrogen for hydrogenation is obtained by reacting at least a portion of the hot particulate carbon containing residue of pyrolysis with steam prior to feeding the hot particulate residue to the pyrolysis reaction zone. Steam and/or carbon dioxide can be introduced into the pyrolysis reaction zone to interact with carbon containing residue contained therein. The particulate source of heat can be introduced to the pyrolysis reaction zone over an overflow weir.

Abstract: Inorganic and organic sulfur are removed from coal by contacting the coal with gun blueing solution, namely an aqueous solution of sodium nitrate, sodium nitrite and sodium hydroxide.

Abstract: Low sulfur calcined coke is produced from high sulfur raw coke without substantially lowering its bulk density by heating the coke at a first temperature such that no more than about 70 wt.% of the volatile matter is removed therefrom and then heating the partially devolatilized coke at a higher temperature sufficient to effect calcination and desulfurization.

Abstract: A process for reducing the pyritic sulfur content of coal comprising:(1) contacting coal particles with an aqueous solution of iron complexing agent, and an oxidant; and;(2) recovering coal particles of reduced sulfur content.

Abstract: This invention covers an improved hydrodesulfurization process which significantly reduces the organic sulfur content of char by first magnetically or electrostatically removing iron sulfides and precursors of iron sulfides from char and then hydrodesulfurizing the remaining char.

Abstract: A process for reducing the sulfur content of coal comprising the steps of:(1) contacting coal particles with a silicate selected from the group consisting of alkali metal silicates, alkaline earth metal silicates and mixtures thereof in an aqueous medium to reduce the sulfur content of the coal; and(2) recovering coal particles of reduced sulfur content.