97/03546 Fiber reinforcement of coal logs

Abstract

The Coal Log Pipeline (CLP) is a novel technology based on the concept that coal ran be compacted into circular cylinders (coal logs), and transported by water or slurry flowing through an underground pipe. There are many advantages of the Coal Log Pipeline. Since 1992, the CLP technology has been the subject of intensive research and development at the Capsule Pipeline Research Center (CPRC), University of Missouri, Columbia. Many detailed studies have been accomplished in these years and the CLP technology is rapidly approaching commercialization. The commercial applications of the CLP depend, to a large extent, on the ability of coal logs to sustain limited wear and damage during pipeline transportation over a long distance. Therefore, a most important task for the development of the CLP is to develop economical processes that produce high strength, wear-resistant coal logs. The researchers at the CPRC have completed extensive research on the coal log manufacturing processes. Two main methods of coal agglomeration have been investigated: extrusion and compaction. Many promising processes of coal log fabrication have been developed and documented to facilitate the commercialization of the CLP technology. The purpose of this research is to determine whether adding a small amount of low-cost,more » combustible fiber can improve the wear resistance of coal logs. For this purpose, a review of literature concerning the fiber reinforcement of brittle materials was conducted first; Then the effect of fiber reinforcement of coal log on its wear resistance was studied. The results from this study showed that coal log wear resistant capability was increased to some extent under some compaction conditions.« less