Coal desulfurization by low temperature chlorinolysis. Final report for Phase I, July 6, 1977--Nobvember 6, 1977

Abstract

The final report for Phase I of the Coal Desulfurization by Low Temperature Chlorinolysis Project carried out by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory is presented. The Phase I program consisted of: (1) Laboratory testing of twelve coals, including 9 bituminous, 2 sub-bituminous, 1 lignite, 1 high organic sulfur and 1 high pyritic sulfur coal, selected with consultation and approval of the United States Bureau of Mines. (2) Preliminary design and equipment specifications for bench-scale (batch) and mini-pilot plant (continuous flow) coal desulfurization that included immersion testing of reactor construction materials. Laboratory testing was carried out on 100-gram samples of +200 mesh coal using laboratory glassware. Major process steps included: chlorination, hydrolysis and dechlorination. Parameters tested included time, temperature, solvent, water-to-coal ratios, chlorine rate and steam-to-coal ratios. Sulfur removal data scatter is extensive. Average sulfur removals for PSOC-219 are: organic sulfur--50 to 60%, pyritic sulfur--60 to 70%, total sulfur--60 to 70%. Of the remaining 11 coals, three had an organic sulfur reduction of less than 20%, four had an organic sulfur reduction of 71 to 83%, and the remaining coals had intermediate organic sulfur removals. The total sulfur reduction for 3 of the 11 coals is less than 34%. The remaining coals had total sulfur reduction of 37 to 78% with accompanying pyritic sulfur removals of 13 to 99%.