Coal-Oil Agglomeration and Combustion Studies for a Bituminous Coal Pond Tailing

Abstract

Abstract The poor quality of coal tailings used as one of the feeds in a coal-power generation station can lead to combustion problems. A coal-oil agglomeration technique has been tested as a possible option to treat the feed in order to improve the quality. The recovered coal from this agglomeration / flotation treatment had a significantly reduced ash content and increased calorific value. Char reactivity was determined using thermogravimetry and results show no difference in reactivity between the raw and treated coal tailings feed. Evolved gas analysis performed during the thermo-gravimetric runs also showed no significant difference in the evolved gases except for an increase in volatile hydrocarbon release. The final product would lead to improved flame stability and reduced mechanical and ash-handling problems.