Coal-oxygen process provides CO/sub 2/ for enhanced recovery

A description is given of a process which is based on the production of CO/sub 2/ in electric power plants that burn coal in an O/sub 2/-CO/sub 2/ mixture (not air). The process eliminates the need for flue gas desulfurization and carbon dioxide purification required in more conventional approaches to recovery from flue gases. It is environmentally attractive because CO/sub 2/ is not vented to the atmosphere and because, relative to flue gas recovery, the thermal efficiency of the power plant is improved. The analysis indicates that CO/sub 2/ could be delivered at economically attractive prices from sources within several hundred miles of EOR (Enhanced Oil Recovery) sites. 13 refs.