Patent ID: 7537622
Filing Date: 2009-05-26
Classification: C10L

Abstract:
1. A multistage process for drying coal, comprising the steps of: (a) charging coal to a first fluidized bed reactor, charging air to said first fluidized bed reactor at a velocity of from about 5 to about 8 feet per second, subjecting said coal to a first temperature of from about 300 to about 550 degrees Fahrenheit, and removing from about 40 to about 60 weight percent of the water in said coal from said coal, wherein: (b) feeding said first, partially dried coal into a second fluidized bed reactor, feeding air into said second fluidized bed reactor at a velocity of from about 8 to about 12.2 feet per second, subjecting said coal to a second temperature of from about 450 to about 650 degrees Fahrenheit, and removing water from said dried coal until no more than about 1 weight percent of water remains in said coal, wherein said second temperature is at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit greater than said first temperature.