PRODUCTION OF BENEFICIATED LIGNITE AND BROWN COALS

摘要

PRODUCTION OF BENEFICIATED LIGNITIC AND BROWN COALS This invention relates to a process and apparatus for the beneficiation of lignitic and brown coals, in which water, alkali metals and sulphur contents of the original coal are substantially reduced, the dry basis heating value is increased and the tendency for spontaneous combustion is substantially eliminated. The treatment involves contacting the coals in slurry form with saturated steam for up to one hour, at temperatures between 250 and 374.degree.C at corresponding steam pressures. The product coal is cleaner burning, easier, safer and cheaper to transport, thereby resulting in capital, operating and maintenance cost savings.