Patent ID: 8460407
Filing Date: 2013-06-11
Classification: C10L,Y02E,Y10T

Abstract:
1. An improved form of coal particles made by a process comprising: a) providing coal solids having a maximum diameter of approximately 3 inches or less; b) optionally adjusting the moisture content of the coal solids as provided before further comminution; c) optionally removing air from the coal solids; d) optionally providing a grinding aid; e) providing steam at a temperature of at least 350° F. at a velocity of at least 1340 ft/s; f) directing the steam from a plurality of nozzles within an interior chamber defined by a housing to form a shear field and vortexes; g) entraining the coal solids and if present the grinding aid within the steam that forms the shear field and vortexes; h) allowing the solids to remain in the shear field and vortexes until they are comminuted to particles having a maximum diameter of 40 microns or less; and i) removing all but 0.05-7.0 mass % water by weight relative to the coal by