Process and apparatus for the thermal treatment of coal

摘要

Coal, particularly ground coal, is thermally treated at a treatment zone by exposing the coal to microwave radiation, preferably at a frequency of from 20 to 3,000 MHz. The treatment zone may be a system for forming the coal into pellets or briquettes. The treatment zone may also be an area between a coal supply bin and a furnace or oven for utilization of the coal, whereby the coal is dried and/or preheated before use in the furnace or oven.