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Clean Utilization and Conversion Technology of Coal

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A special issue of Energies (ISSN 1996-1073). This special issue belongs to the section "H: Geo-Energy".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (1 July 2021) | Viewed by 15677

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Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Marek Sciazko

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Guest Editor

Institute for Chemical Processing of Coal, 1 Zamkowa, 41-803 Zabrze, Poland
Interests: energy; biomass and coal pyrolysis; gasification; kinetics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Aleksander Sobolewski

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Guest Editor

Institute for Chemical Processing of Coal, 1 Zamkowa, 41-803 Zabrze, Poland
Interests: coal processing; coking process; waste utilization

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Coal is recognized worldwide as an essential component of the energy mix required for modern lifestyles because it provides a widely distributed, secure, and reliable source of energy that is relatively easy to obtain. The long-term forecasts claim that coal will remain a major fuel in global energy systems, accounting for almost 40% of electricity generation. However, it is responsible for more than 40% of energy-related carbon dioxide emissions. Clean coal technology is expected to increase the efficiency of coal use for both energy and chemical production. It the context of the challenges associated with coal utilization, this Special Issue seeks to contribute to the Clean Utilization and Conversion Technology agenda through enhancing scientific and multi-disciplinary knowledge of this topic. We therefore invite papers on innovative technical developments, reviews, case studies, analytical works relevant to more sustainable coal-based systems. We invite all of you interested in coal research in relation to process optimization to deliver up-to-date knowledge for a broad audience besides coal users.

Prof. Dr. Marek Sciazko
Dr. Aleksander Sobolewski
Guest Editors

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Keywords

coal geochemistry coal processing (pyrolysis, gasification, and combustion) gaseous and liquid chemicals active carbon and new coal tar-based materials high-efficiency and low-emission technologies carbon dioxide capture, utilization and storage co-firing and co-gasification with biomass or wastes

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Editorial

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3 pages, 152 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Special Issue [Energies] “Clean Utilization and Conversion Technology of Coal”

by Marek Sciazko and Aleksander Sobolewski

Energies 2021, 14(15), 4502; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14154502 - 26 Jul 2021

Viewed by 1312

Abstract

Clean Utilization and Conversion Technology of Coal has at least 40 years of history, beginning with the USA-born Clean Coal Technology program and at the same time the European Thermie research and development program was started [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clean Utilization and Conversion Technology of Coal)

Research

Jump to: Editorial

23 pages, 3179 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Concept of Optimal Compaction of the Charge in the Gravitation System Using the Grains Triangle for Cokemaking Process

by Andrzej Mianowski, Bartosz Mertas and Marek Ściążko

Energies 2021, 14(13), 3911; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14133911 - 29 Jun 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1086

Abstract

Two isomorphic sets of grains, small and large, were analysed—without specifying their dimensions—under the acronym CMC (Curve of Maximum Compression) and taking into account the effects of segregation CMCS. The proposal is particularly valuable for optimal blend preparation in the gravity system in cokemaking. The main advantage of this work is the proposal of using the grains triangle, which limits the values calculated by the relations: bulk density-share of coarse/fine grains, for different levels of moisture content. Each system of changing shares of coarse grains is characterised by a constant C, but there is no need to determine it. Compliance of the calculated value with the experimentally determined value means that the given arbitrary grain set has reached its maximum density called the “locus”. The grains triangle practically covers the vast majority of laboratory and industrial test results, and geometrically or computationally indicates the ability of a given particle size distribution to reach maximum bulk density. This paper presents analysis of the results of tests on crushing, coal briquettes, and grinding coal blend in selected mechanical systems. Results of tests on coke quality (CRI, CSR) in connection with the grain size triangle are discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clean Utilization and Conversion Technology of Coal)

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13 pages, 2233 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Carbon Footprint for Mercury Capture from Coal-Fired Boiler Flue Gas

by Magdalena Gazda-Grzywacz, Łukasz Winconek and Piotr Burmistrz

Energies 2021, 14(13), 3844; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14133844 - 25 Jun 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1964

Abstract

Power production from coal combustion is one of two major anthropogenic sources of mercury emission to the atmosphere. The aim of this study is the analysis of the carbon footprint of mercury removal technologies through sorbents injection related to the removal of 1 kg of mercury from flue gases. Two sorbents, i.e., powdered activated carbon and the coke dust, were analysed. The assessment included both direct and indirect emissions related to various energy and material needs life cycle including coal mining and transport, sorbents production, transport of sorbents to the power plants, and injection into flue gases. The results show that at the average mercury concentration in processed flue gasses accounting to 28.0 µg Hg/Nm³, removal of 1 kg of mercury from flue gases required 14.925 Mg of powdered activated carbon and 33.594 Mg of coke dust, respectively. However, the whole life cycle carbon footprint for powdered activated carbon amounted to 89.548 Mg CO_2-e·kg⁻¹ Hg, whereas for coke dust this value was around three times lower and amounted to 24.452 Mg CO_2-e·kg⁻¹ Hg. Considering the relatively low price of coke dust and its lower impact on GHG emissions, it can be found as a promising alternative to commercial powdered activated carbon. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clean Utilization and Conversion Technology of Coal)

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16 pages, 12154 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Influence of Freezing on the Course of Carbonization and Pyrolysis of a Bituminous High-Volatile Coal

by Valentina Zubkova and Andrzej Strojwas

Energies 2020, 13(24), 6476; https://doi.org/10.3390/en13246476 - 8 Dec 2020

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1255

Abstract

The course of thermal behavior of a fresh bituminous high-volatile coal during carbonization and pyrolysis was compared to that of this coal thawed after storage. The research was carried out using the following techniques: X-raying, thermogravimetry/Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (TG/FT-IR), extraction, Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Fourier Transform Spectroscopes (DRIFT), Attenuated Total Reflectance (ATR), and SEM. The increase in range of the viscous-liquid state and a decrease in temperature of its appearance were stated along with the formation of a more compact residue at the re-solidification stagtablee for the thawed coal during its carbonization. There is a fourfold reduction in the charge volume. The leakage of bitumen that contains 87 At % of C atoms from swollen grains and a fourfold increase in the yield of the material extracted from these grains are the proof of a greater plasticization of thawed coal. During the pyrolysis of thawed coal, the yield in volatile products of pyrolysis increases, and the composition of these products changes. The contribution ratio of saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons, CO₂, alcohols, and phenols decreases in the composition of volatile products of thawed coal. It is suggested that the use of freezing during the storage of a freshly mined coal that has a poorer caking ability can improve its plasticization during carbonization. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clean Utilization and Conversion Technology of Coal)

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16 pages, 2099 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Predictive Model for Coal Coking Based on Product Yield and Energy Balance

by Marek Sciazko, Bartosz Mertas, Ludwik Kosyrczyk and Aleksander Sobolewski

Energies 2020, 13(18), 4953; https://doi.org/10.3390/en13184953 - 21 Sep 2020

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3969

Abstract

A series of experimental coal pyrolysis studies were conducted to define the parameters of a kinetic model to enable complete mass and energy balances by identifying basic process products. The developed model determines the chemical enthalpy of pyrolytic reactions, making it possible to determine the share of exothermic conversions in the coking process. To validate the model, a series of experimental pyrolysis tests of coking coals used in the coke plant and their blends were conducted, including TGA, retort, and industrial coke oven scale. Despite significant differences in the chemical composition of various coal types, element balancing allowed detection of the difference in product composition and the heat effects of the chemical conversion of such a complex substance as coal. Analysis of the heat effects of pyrolytic coal decomposition indicates substantial variability. In the first coking period, there are endothermic reactions; in the second, exothermic reactions occur. Average heat effect of the pyrolytic reaction for whole coking period is exothermic and, depending on the coal type, ranges from −5 to −50 kJ/kg. The model herein can be used to analyze many other pyrolytic processes because it also takes into account the heating rate. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clean Utilization and Conversion Technology of Coal)

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15 pages, 1595 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Experimental Study on Coal Gasification in a Full-Scale Two-Stage Entrained-Flow Gasifier

by Guangyu Li, Luping Wang, Chaowei Wang, Chang’an Wang, Ping Wu and Defu Che

Energies 2020, 13(18), 4937; https://doi.org/10.3390/en13184937 - 21 Sep 2020

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2113

Abstract

In this paper, coal gasification characteristics in the reductor were investigated in a full-scale two-stage pressurized entrained-flow gasifier, which has been seldom conducted previously. The present study aimed at elucidating the effects of gasifying agent concentration, coal input rate, and operation period under full reductor load on the performance of a utility two-stage pressurized entrained-flow gasifier for the first time. When the steam input in the combustor was raised from 3318 kg/h to 5722 kg/h, the total outputs of H₂, CO, and CO₂ were increased by 1765 Nm³/h and 2063 Nm³/h, respectively, while the CH₄ output was decreased by 49 Nm³/h. The coal conversion rate was minimal at low steam input. In addition, more coal gasified in the reductor could increase the output of CH₄, while CH₄ could reach 1.24% with the coal input in the range of 8000–10,000 kg/h. The present work can offer a further understanding of the gasification performance in the reductor of the full-scale two-stage pressurized entrained-flow gasifier, and motivates the potential for clean utilization of coal resource. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clean Utilization and Conversion Technology of Coal)

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24 pages, 31317 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Simulation Study of the Formation of Corrosive Gases in Coal Combustion in an Entrained Flow Reactor

by Maximilian von Bohnstein, Coskun Yildiz, Lorenz Frigge, Jochen Ströhle and Bernd Epple

Energies 2020, 13(17), 4523; https://doi.org/10.3390/en13174523 - 1 Sep 2020

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2221

Abstract

Gaseous sulfur species play a major role in high temperature corrosion of pulverized coal fired furnaces. The prediction of sulfur species concentrations by 3D-Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation allows the identification of furnace wall regions that are exposed to corrosive gases, so that countermeasures against corrosion can be applied. In the present work, a model for the release of sulfur and chlorine species during coal combustion is presented. The model is based on the mineral matter transformation of sulfur and chlorine bearing minerals under coal combustion conditions. The model is appended to a detailed reaction mechanism for gaseous sulfur and chlorine species and hydrocarbon related reactions, as well as a global three-step mechanism for coal devolatilization, char combustion, and char gasification. Experiments in an entrained flow were carried out to validate the developed model. Three-dimensional numerical simulations of an entrained flow reactor were performed by CFD using the developed model. Calculated concentrations of SO₂, H₂S, COS, and HCl showed good agreement with the measurements. Hence, the developed model can be regarded as a reliable method for the prediction of corrosive sulfur and chlorine species in coal fired furnaces. Further improvement is needed in the prediction of some minor trace species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clean Utilization and Conversion Technology of Coal)

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