Premium coal fuels with advanced coal beneficiation

摘要

Research andpilot planttrials over the last 5 years have shown that a rangeofpremiumquality coal fuels, with ash contents as low as 1%, can be produced economically from a wide range of coals (including coal tailings). This capability can improve both the economic and environmental performance of coal through in creased grade recovery, recovery of saleable coal from existing tailings emplacements, and new higher value products such as a fuel oil replacement in boilers, enhanced coking blends,and for higher efficiency power generation using the direct injection carbon engine(DICE). While a conventional coal preparation plant can be used to produce suitable ultra-lowash coal for these fuels, changes to both the philosophy of coal preparation and operating strategy are needed for achieving the best results. Further improvements are possible via the application of the latest milling and dewatering technologies. These fuels also require are think of the supply logistics. The paper discusses findings from both laboratory and pilots cale trials in Australia, in the context of new export products for DICE and boiler fuels.