Coal Users Research Articles

97/03581 Pelletize to reduce fuel costs and emissions

Electric utilities and other companies that burn coal as a beat source are responding to increasing competitive pressures by pursuing all possible ways to reduce fuel costs, the primary cost of generating electricity. One cost saving measure that is gaining popularity is to supplement traditional coal supplies with waste byproducts from other industries. Such byproducts include fees, sawdust, wood chips, various types of sludge, and food wastes. Although many of these byproducts are available at little or no cost, the coal users are limited in their abilities to use the byproducts because their facilities were designed to handle coal that has different chemical and physical properties than the byproducts. However, by contracting with a third party to combine the waste byproducts with coal and pelletize them into a coal-like fuel, these coal users can achieve a fuel savings without the capital expense for retrofitting existing coal handling and combustion systems. CQ Inc. currently provides such a fuel to a Westvaco facility in Tyrone, Pennsylvania. This paper reviews current technologies for producing coal like fuel from waste byproducts and coal fines. It presents some economics for stoker and pulverized coal-fired boilers. It also summarizes the emissions reduction potential for boilers thatmore » utilize waste byproducts in a coal-like fuel.« less

Health Effects of Cooking Air Pollution Among Women Using Coal Briquettes in Hanoi

Women using coal briquettes exhibited more cough symptoms than electricity users, and showed more symptoms on carbon monoxide exposure (dizziness, concentration difficulties, headaches). Eye irritation while cooking was significantly more common among coal users. The peak expiratory flow rate was strongly associated with age and weight but not directly with fuel use. Women using coal briquettes were exposed to somewhat higher levels of pollution (respirable particulates and CO) than electricity users, though the background level of pollution was high for both groups, and the differences in exposure was not statistically significant. Coal users were worse off with respect to infrastructure and socioeconomic conditions. They were also more concerned about environmental problems, especially related to air pollution and indoor conditions. The prevalence of non-cough respiratory symptoms (breathing difficulties etc.) was not different between coal and electricity users. This may be due to high ambient pollution for all groups and relatively short duration of coal use. Thus, the study does not show that coal use is unambiguously associated with respiratory health impairment. Higher prevalences of eye irritation while cooking and cough among coal users may, however, be considered a warning against further promoting this fuel in Hanoi, especially since the groups likely to use coal are disadvantaged economically and socially. Infrastructural improvements in the urban environment as well as structural improvements of the kitchen are suggested as ways to improve the conditions associated with the health outcomes studied.

96/05536 Global warming policy, energy, and the Chinese economy

Abstract China is the world's largest user of coal and therefore a major generator of greenhouse gases. This paper addresses the issue of whether the country can reconfigure its energy structure without hindering its future economic development. We construct a dynamic linear programming model of the Chinese economy and use it to simulate five alternative strategies to stabilize CO2 emissions at 20% of projected year 2000 baseline levels. Our results, under more optimistic assumptions, indicate this goal can be achieved with no growth penalty. However, if major technological changes relating to energy conservation and coal displacement, as well as vastly increasing availabilities of clean fuels, are not forthcoming, China could suffer a significant decline in its rate of economic growth.

The distribution of heavy metals in a transect of the three states the Netherlands, Germany and Poland, determined with the aid of moss monitoring

The use of moss analyses to determine possible metal pollution in a three-country transect consisting of the Netherlands, Germany and Poland is described. In the countries involved, samples of Pleurozium schreberi, Scleropodium purum, Hypnum cupressiforme and Hylocomium splendens were collected at a total of 806 sampling points and analyzed for Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb, V and Zn. The results are presented in the form of coloured contour maps using the Geographic Information System (GIS) ARC-Info. With the aid of moss monitoring it was possible to characterize most of the different industrial locations and sources of pollution within the transect. Moreover, the results documented the level of technological development in the western and eastern states when these were compared. The differences became very apparent in the form of steep west-east concentration gradients, especially for the elements iron, vanadium and lead; in the case of the eastern parts of the transect they reflect sources of emissions that are typical of the area. In the main these are the primary users of coal as an energy source and the low technical standard in respect of measures to minimize emissions. In some cases, the maps also indicate possible pollution across international borders and thus situations that do not only result from sources within a specific country. With regard to the methods of sampling and analysis, any element-specific and systematic differences can be made visible on the summarized element maps and thus permit a final check.

Global warming policy, energy, and the Chinese economy

China is the world's largest user of coal and therefore a major generator of greenhouse gases. This paper addresses the issue of whether the country can reconfigure its energy structure without hindering its future economic development. We construct a dynamic linear programming model of the Chinese economy and use it to simulate five alternative strategies to stabilize CO 2 emissions at 20% of projected year 2000 baseline levels. Our results, under more optimistic assumptions, indicate this goal can be achieved with no growth penalty. However, if major technological changes relating to energy conservation and coal displacement, as well as vastly increasing availabilities of clean fuels, are not forthcoming, China could suffer a significant decline in its rate of economic growth.

Geochemistry and Mineralogy of some British Coals

In Britain there has been a dramatic decline in the amount of coal mined. The coal supplied to the power generators, the major users of coal, has fallen from the 1992 level of 65 rot, to 40 mt in 1993 and to 30 mt in 1994. An important factor in the decline is the composition of the coal and the high S content in particular. Elsewhere in the world, especially in India and China, the amount of coal being used for power generation is increasing and coal will continue to play a significant role as a key source of world energy for the foreseeable future. In order to reduce the environmental impact of coal combustion information on the distribution and origin of minerals and elements in coal is required. Trace elements are known to be enriched in coal ashes, mainly from the pioneering work of Goldschmidt (reviewed in 1954). These are mainly the chalcophile elements, which may be present at concentration levels greatly in excess of those recorded for normal mudrocks. Some elements, for example Ge, are sufficiently enriched for the coal ashes to be considered as a potential source. In more recent years the interest in trace elements in coals has been concerned more with environmental considerations (Raask, 1985). Goldschmidt (1954) also made major contributions in this area,

Industry/University/Government Cooperative Research Program for Disposal and Utilization of Coal Combustion Residues from Illinois Basin Coal Users (DUCCR)

Industry/University/Government Cooperative Research Program for Disposal and Utilization of Coal Combustion Residues from Illinois Basin Coal Users (DUCCR)

The Big Smoke: A History of Air Pollution in London since Medieval Times by Peter Brimblecombe

TECHNOLOGY AND CULTURE Book Reviews 155 the radius or circumference of a circle swept out by the tail-pole of a mill in tangible language, but such definitions hardly indicate that the grant showed “personal delight in the new technology” (p. 183). And did Eilmer of Malmesbury really fly, glide, or even use “flapping transit” (whatever that might be) for 600 feet? There were true pioneers—the promoters of windmills. These were the millwrights who put them up and first had to persuade landlords to have them erected. But of these men, it seems, we still know nothing. Alf.x Kf.ller Dr. Keller teaches the history of science and technology at the University of Leicester. The Big Smoke: A History ofAir Pollution in London since Medieval Times. By Peter Brimblecombe. London and New York: Methuen, 1987. Pp. xiv + 185; illustrations, tables, notes, bibliography, index. $39.95. In The Big Smoke Peter Brimblecombe, lecturer in atmospheric chemistry at the University of East Anglia, traces the history of air pollution in London from early medieval times to the present. He notes evidence that the earliest dwellers suffered from poor ventila­ tion of smoke from their household fires and also from excessive effluvia produced by lime kilns, blacksmith forges, and other users of sea coal, a soft and highly polluting variety imported into London. By the 14th century, the smoke nuisance was sufficient to provoke investigations and remedial legislation. Food shortages and the Black Death subsequently brought a decrease in the size of the city and an attendant decrease in the use of fuel, but by the 17th century the smoke problem was back, increased greatly by the growth of industry in the metropolis and by the use of sea coal as a household fuel. Air pollution thereafter increased steadily, until by the 19th century the oppressive “black fogs” of London had become commonplace. Brim­ blecombe discusses the effect of the various pollutants of coal fires on human health, buildings and furniture, vegetation, and even litera­ ture and art. He gives an account of the efforts of reformers to arouse public awareness of the dangers of smoke and to generate legislation to curb the evil, culminating in the clean-air legislation passed after the Second World War. Among the strengths of the book is Brimblecombe’s concentration on air pollution in London, a megalopolis whose affairs always are topics of interest in themselves. A rather awkward style of writing is offset partially by the use of anecdotal material and by numerous illustrations. The author’s expertise in the chemistry of atmospheric pollution is put to use throughout the book, although these technical portions may slow the pace for the general reader. The volume helps fill a scholarly void in that, apart from E. Ashby and M. Anderson, The Politics ofClean Air (1981), there is no other book-length treatment of the subject of air pollution. 156 Book Reviews TECHNOLOGY AND CULTURE The principal weakness is the treatment of the political and legal factors behind the movement for smoke abatement and also the tech­ nical problems of abatement, matters that complicated the picture for reformers throughout the movement. Brimblecombe’s treatment of these essential components of his story is skimpy and sometimes er­ roneous. Omitted from his bibliography are two relevant articles from Technology and Culture. The book therefore is not the final word on the subject, even for London, but it is nevertheless an interesting and welcome contribution to the history of atmospheric pollution. Carlos Flick Dr. Flick teaches in the Department of History at Mercer University. The Mexican Colonial Copper Industry. By Elinore M. Barrett. Albu­ querque: University of New Mexico Press, 1987. Pp. xi + 143; tables, notes, bibliography, index. $22.50. This is a useful and interesting little book, dealing with a topic that is outside the mainstream of industrial history. During the period considered, 1540—1809, Mexico has generally been recognized as a producer of silver, but the history of the development of its copper industry in the period following the Spanish conquest is not widely known. Elinore Barrett’s work is based mainly on a study of government documentation from archives in Mexico City and Seville, notably the...

Buying is marketing too—Japan's influence on the Australian coal trade

The Australian-Japan coal trade represents one of the largest single commodity trade flows in the Oceanic basin. The marketing functions of the three principal institutions (producer, trading house, user) are described. The theory of power and conflict in distribution channels is then used to help interpret the behavior of channel members. This analysis suggests that coal users and the Japanese trading houses understand and implement modern marketing strategy more effectively than Australian producers.

West Virginia Geological and Economic Survey's Coal Sourcing Program: Helping Consumers Find the Right Coal: ABSTRACT

West Virginia's 62 minable coal seams exhibit diverse quality, providing the coal user with a choice of grades to meet specifications for various applications. The West Virginia Geological and Economic Survey maintains a growing computer data base of quality information on these coals. They used the data base to develop computer-generated regional coal quality maps (scale, 1:500,000). Geostatistical analysis of coal quality data using semi-varigrams and kriging helps us determine whether sufficient geographic control is available for mapping. The data base has been used to search for samples meeting specifications provided by potential customers for West Virginia coal. These specifications are either analytical parameters in the data base or parameters that can be calculated from the data base. The result is a listing of samples, with areas and seams that meet the specifications. Target-point maps can be computer-generated, showing the locations of samples meeting specifications.

Computer Mapping of Coal-Quality Data in West Virginia--an Aid in Finding the Right Coal for an Application: ABSTRACT

In 1907, the first studies of the state's coal reserves were initiated as part of the West Virginia Geological and Economic Survey's statewide geological mapping program. Since then, extensive work has been conducted to map and characterize the state's minable seams. This effort has shown that the coals exhibit a wide diversity of quality, and this diversity provides the coal user a choice of grades to meet specifications for varied applications. Approximately 6,000 coal samples have been analyzed, and a computer data base of coal-quality information is now maintained and continues to grow. An extensive mapping project makes this information convenient to use. The objective of coal-quality mapping is to produce a series of contour maps showing the variations in quality for West Virginia coal. Parameters being mapped include sulfur, ash, Btu, fuel ratio, Hardgrove grindability, volatile matter, fixed carbon, and kilocalories per kilogram. This type of information is extremely valuable for someone interested in buying, selling, evaluating, or developing West Virginia coal. The maps are computer-generated at a scale of 1:500,000 and show the trends of quality in the state's coal measures. From these maps, a map can be prepared. (A target area is a particular geographic area where coals meeting a user's specifications are likely to be found. Target areas change in size, shape, and location as the coal specifications change.) These maps are supplemented further by two computer-generated products. One is a map. (A target point is a specific point-location where coal meeting the required specifications has been sampled.) The other computer product is a list of seams and geographic areas within the state in which coal that meets the desired specifications has been sampled. These computer techniques provide a statewide overview and quickly show areas in West Virginia that match the right coal to the desired end-use. End_of_Article - Last_Page 1928------------

Computer Mapping of Quality Data for Coals in West Virginia--An Aid in Matching a Specific Coal Grade to a Specific End Use: ABSTRACT

In 1907, the first studies of the state's coal reserves were initiated as part of the West Virginia Geological and Economic Survey's statewide geological mapping program. Since then, extensive work has been conducted to map and characterize the state's 62 minable seams. This effort has shown that the coals exhibit a wide diversity of quality, and this diversity provides the coal user a choice of grades to meet specifications for varied applications. Approximately 6,000 coal samples have been analyzed and a computer data base of coal-quality information is now maintained and continues to grow. An extensive coal-quality mapping project makes this information convenient to use. The objective of coal-quality mapping is to produce a series of contour maps showing the variations in coal quality for the most important seams. Parameters being mapped include sulfur, ash, Btu, fuel ratio, Hardgrove grindability, volatile matter, fixed carbon, and kilocalories per kilogram. This type of information is extremely valuable for someone interested in buying, selling, evaluating, or developing West Virginia coal. The maps are computer-generated at a scale of 1:500,000 and End_Page 1174------------------------------ show the trends of coal-quality parameters for individual seams. The maps are supplemented by a computer program that searches the data base and generates a printout of geographical areas within the state where coal has been sampled that meets the desired specifications. These computer techniques go a long way in helping the user to find target areas within the state to match the right coal to the desired end use. End_of_Article - Last_Page 1175------------

Some regional costs of a synthetic fuel industry: The case of illinois

The Federal Government's efforts to induce development of a coal-based synthetic fuel industry include direct subsidies, tax concessions, and assurances that it will purchase the industry's output, even if above the market price. In this note it is argued that these subsidies will enable this industry to secure a region's largest and lowest-cost coal deposits and that the costs imposed on other coal users will be substantial. Moreover, because the lowest-cost coal deposits will be committed to synthetic fuels production regardless of the industry's commercial viability, distortions in regional coal markets will develop. If economic efficiency requires that the price of the resource reflect its replacement value, then a State government is justified in imposing a tax on coal destined for subsidized synthetic fuel plants. Amounts of such a tax, based on the higher costs of coal that must be accepted by other users as the result of the subsidized synthetic fuel plants' preempting the largest and lowest-cost deposits, are estimated for the case of Illinois strippable coal.

Distribution Cost Reduction as an Incentive for Coal Conversion

A linear transshipment model was used to determine the extent to which delivered coal prices could be reduced through gains in efficiency in coal transportation and distribution. Aggregate savings for coal users in southern Minnesota of as much as $10.8 million per year were shown to be possible. It was argued that the savings thus obtained would have the same effect as large direct subsidies to potential coal users in encouraging coal use. A program to reduce delivered coal costs would involve less public funding than subsidies in addition to providing coal delivery by truck to industries not able to receive it by rail. Furthermore, the benefits from reduced coal distribution costs would accrue to all local users, not just those selected for public payments.

Coal users look at shipping alternatives

Two cooperatives are being planned in Galveston, Tex., partly to offset the high cost of transporting coal, which has been exacerbated by the U.S. Interstate Commerce Commission's latest decision to increase certain freight rates, and partly to replace natural gas with coal for boiler fuel. CAM Co., a pending joint venture by Union Carbide Corp., Amoco Texas Refining Co., Amoco Chemicals Corp., and Monsanto Co., will manage a 4.6 million lb/yr steam and electric cogeneration plant to provide 3 million lb of process steam to the partners and 100 Mw of electricity to be distributed by Community Public Service Co. The plant will burn coal and lignite, which will be stored on site, at 75Vertical Bar3< efficiency. If the expected approval comes in early 1979, the first steam will be generated in 1984. ORBA Corp. is proposing regional coal stockpiles which will enable small coal consumers to afford the high costs of transportation. According to W. P. Jennings (Slurry Transport Assoc.), coal slurry pipelines will be cost-competitive with railroads, and the transportation rate increases will impede the coal utilization program.