Reconstitution of Fine Coal

Abstract

The production of fine coal in America's mines and coal preparation plants is increasing. A fraction of this coal can be blended with the larger-size clean coal and shipped to the user. However, a convenient means to handle, store, transport, and use the balance must be devised. Coal reconstitution, encompassing briquetting, disk pelleting, extrusion pelletization and roller-and-die pelletization, is a means frequently proposed for this service. This paper presents a review of the state-of-the-art of coal reconstitution. Processes best suited to treating coal fines from coal floatation, true-heavy liquid cyclones, and oil agglomeration processes are discussed. Experience gained at Battelle is presented. In addition, initial results of new work at Battelle to produce coal pellets from ultra-fine, ultra-clean coal that can be readily formulated in coal-water fuels are also presented.