Application of oil agglomeration technology for coal upgrading

Project objectives were to develop suitable experimental procedures for evaluating the agglomeration behavior of coal; to identify the important process variables and their influence on oil agglomeration; and to develop suitable equipment for testing the recovery of bridging liquids from agglomerates. Eleven coal samples were selected, representing different rank, geographical origin, and source. Batch and bench experimental procedures were used to study the agglomerating behavior of coal and to produce bulk samples of coal agglomerates for further evaluation. Work was also performed on a high-sulfur, low-rank coal and the fines from a coal-cleaning plant. The final samples tested, through funding by Public Service Electric Gas, were of tar-contaminated soil. Results are discussed. 15 refs., 26 figs., 57 tabs.