COAL AND MINERAL SLURRY DRYING METHOD AND SYSTEM

摘要

The present invention provides methods and systems for reducing moisture in coal and mineral slurries, particularly slurries containing small diameter particles, using a granular drying material. The invention also relates to novel products and intermediates useful in connection with the process. The method and system reduced moisture by contacting the slurry with the granular drying material. The granular drying material is selected to be readily separated from the dried coal or minerals using a size separation technique such as a sieve screen. The granular drying material is the regenerated, preferably using a process involving heat exchange and cross-flow air. The granular drying material is preferably capable of regeneration and recycling in a continuous process with minimal attrition.

主权项

1. A method for reducing the moisture content of a coal or mineral slurry comprising:
(a) contacting the slurry with a granular drying media; (b) transferring moisture from the slurry to the granular drying media to produce a dried product having a reduced moisture content and a wet granular drying media; (c) separating the wet granular drying media from the dried product by difference in particle size; (d) removing moisture from the wet granular drying media by passing the wet granular drying media vertically across heat exchanger plates while exposing the wet granular drying media to a cross-flow of air to produce dried granular drying media; and (e) recirculating at least a portion of the dried granular drying media to step (a).