FEED BENEFICIATION FOR COAL CONVERSION SYSTEMS

This paper deals with the role of coal beneficiation (preparation) as it pertains to the conversion of coal to gaseous and liquid fuels. Particularly, the study deals with coal preparation's ability with existing technology to produce a coal enhanced in qualities that would lead to more uniform and efficient conversion reactor operation.;The technical and economic aspects of coal conversion systems were studied in regard to beneficiation and coal qualities. The operating costs of two hypothetical conversion systems were analyzed for various technologic levels of coal preparation and coal qualities achieved at these technologic levels.;The studies indicate that petrologic quality analyses are worthy of inclusion for coal preparation considerations in coal conversion systems. The studies also indicate that coal preparation and the resulting coal characteristics should be considered in analyzing the entire coal conversion system.;Coal conversion feedstock with the proper petrologic characteristics can greatly enhance conversion operations and yield. To observe changes in petrologic qualities along with other coal qualities, coal preparation unit operation products and feed were sampled and analyzed. Washability analyses were conducted on feed samples to determine "predicted" petrologic characteristics. These "predicted" values are then compared to actual characteristics of the coal as produced from the unit operation. The petrologic characteristics include maceral contents and vitrinite mean-maximum reflectance.