Patent ID: 9034061
Filing Date: 2015-05-19
Classification: C10J,C10L,F23K,F23L,Y02E

Abstract:
1. A process for preparing a free-flowing agglomerated particulate low-rank coal feedstock of a specified particle size distribution, the process comprising the steps of: (a) selecting a specification for the particle size distribution of the free-flowing agglomerated particulate low-rank coal feedstock, the specification comprising (b) providing a raw particulate low-rank coal feedstock having an initial particle density; (c) grinding the raw particulate low-rank coal feedstock to a ground dp(50) of from about 2% to about 50% of the target dp(50), to generate a ground low-rank coal feedstock; (d) pelletizing the ground low-rank coal feedstock with water and a binder to generate free-flowing agglomerated low-rank coal particles having a pelletized dp(50) of from about 90% to about 110% of the target dp(50), and a particle density of at least about 5% greater than the initial particle density, wherein the binder is selected from the group consisting of a water-soluble binder, a water-dispersible binder and a mixture thereof; and (e) removing all or a portion of from the free-flowing agglomerated low-rank coal particles to generate the free-flowing agglomerated low-rank coal feedstock.