Abstract: This invention discloses processes for the treatment of coal and coal derivatives in order to remove contaminates to produce a high purity coal product. The processes generally comprise a sequential acid leaching in which a hydrofluoric acid leach is followed by a hydrochloric acid leach. The pyrite and other heavy metals from the coal are removed by physical separation, either gravity or magnetic separation. The leached coal is then treated either by a washing and drying step or by a heat treatment to remove volatile halides. The HF acid and the HCl acid leachates are recovered for regeneration of the respective leachates and are recycled for use in the leaching steps. In additional processing, the coal may be pre-treated by a mild HCl acid leach and by pre-drying or physical beneficiation of the coal feedstock.

Abstract: Chemical beneficiation of coal and other carbonaceous solids utilizing hydrofluoric acid and ammonium chloride.