Feasibility Comparison of Drying and Briquetting Processes Using Palm Oil Residue Based on a Pilot-scale Test with Indonesian Low-rank Coal

Abstract

ABSTRACT The feasibility of drying/briquetting and simple drying processes for an Indonesian low-rank coal are quantitatively compared, based on a 15 t pilot-scale experiment. Palm acid oil was applied, via the CUPOTM process, as the coating agent after drying and as a binding agent for briquettes, tested at ratios of 0.0%, 0.5%, and 1.0%. Sales prices and operating costs are based on current Indonesian government regulations and market conditions. The PT Ganda Alam Makmur coal mine, in East Kalimantan, Indonesia, was chosen for the case study. A briquetted sample dried using 0.5% palm acid oil performed better than other treatments. Abbreviations: ASTM: American Society of Testing and Materials; BCB: Binderless coal briquette; BCM: Bank cubic meter (earth volume before digging); BPPT: Badan Pengkajian dan Penerapan Teknologi,(Indonesian Agency for the Assessment and Application of Technology); CapEx: Capital expenditure; CPO: Crude palm oil; CUPO: Coal upgrading with palm oil; CV: Calorific value; DAB: Drying and briquetting process; DAF: Dry ash free basis; FOB: Free on board; GAM: PT Ganda Alam Makmur, a coal mine in Indonesia; GAD: Air dried basis; GAR: As received basis; HRC: High rank coal; IM: Inherent moisture; LRC: Low rank coal; PAO: Palm acid oil, a POR, obtained from oily residue from a CPO mill; POR: Palm oil residue; STD: Steam tube dryer; TM: Total moisture; UBC: Upgraded brown coal