Comparative coal transportation costs: an economic and engineering analysis of truck, belt, rail, barge and coal slurry and pneumatic pipelines. Volume 1. Summary and conclusions. Final report

Abstract

This study, an extension of our previous work in the area of coal transportation, is the comparative costing of competing transport modes. A wide range of costs and aspects of costs are dealt with in terms of engineering - economic analyses of the cost of the components which make up the facility and operating system descriptions of each coal transport mode. The project is divided into two main sections: (1) long distance coal transport; and (2) gathering and distribution systems. Within each section, economic and technological comparisons of the available modes are used as the basis for comparisons among the modes. Inter-modal compatibility is studied with respect to both mixed trunk line shipment and with respect to feeder to trunk line and trunk line to distribution systems. The engineering and technological data form the bases for the costing and economic analyses. The cost basis includes all necessary processing, loading and unloading facilities needed for transport by each mode. Emphasis is placed on cost optimality and the ability to increase capacity. Specific studies are made of unit trains, barge, and coal slurry pipelines. The advantages and limitations of each system are analyzed.