COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION - Request for Council assent and consultation of the ECSC Committee, pursuant to Article 55 2 c) of the ECSC Treaty, concerning a draft Commission decision on the granting of financial aid for technical coal research projects

COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION

Request for Council assent and consultation of the ECSC Committee, pursuant to Article 55 2 c) of the ECSC Treaty, concerning a draft Commission decision on the granting of financial aid for technical coal research projects

THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 55 thereof,

After consultation of the ECSC Consultative Committee and with the assent of the Council,

Whereas:

(1) Article 55, paragraph 2, subparagraph (c) of the ECSC Treaty offers, for the promotion of research, the possibility of using funds arising from the levy in accordance with Article 50.

(2) The Commission has laid down a programme of action in the field of technical coal research in its document "Medium-term Guidelines for Technical Coal Research" [1];

[1] OJ C 67 of 4.3.94.

(3) The Commission published an invitation to submit collaborative project proposals on certain specific topics for the 2000 ECSC Technical Coal Research Programme [2];

[2] OJ C 195 of 13.7.99.

(4) On the basis of the criteria laid down in the aforementioned Medium-term Guidelines and invitation to submit proposals, the most deserving projects have been selected, particular importance being given to improving the competitive position of coal, the rational utilization of Community resources and, above all to the efficient protection of the environment.

(5) By its Decision No. 2787/99/ECSC of 8 December 1999 [3] drawing up the ECSC operating budget for the budgetary year 2000, it has established a total of 25 000 000 EUR for coal research (heading 3.2.),

[3] OJ L 336 of 29.12.99.

HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:

Article 1

A sum of 24 367 500 EUR shall be granted as financial aid to the coal research projects listed in Annexe I. This sum and the amounts referred to in subsequent Articles shall be charged to heading B.3.2. of the ECSC operating budget for the budgetary year 2000.

Article 2

A sum of 632 500 EUR may be used to cover the additional costs associated with the research and, in particular, those associated with the dissemination of information by all appropriate means, and with the costs of taking out and maintaining patents.

Article 3

Credits totalling 25 000 000 EUR shall be set aside to cover the cost of the aid granted to the projects listed in Annexe I and the additional costs mentioned in Article 2.

Article 4

Financial aid may be granted to the projects listed in Annexe II insofar as reallocated or supplementary appropriations may become available during the current budgetary year.

Article 5

Financial support granted by the Community must not affect conditions of competition in such a way as to be incompatible with the provisions of the Treaty.

Done at Brussels,

For the Commission

L. DE PALACIO Vice-President of the Commission

ANNEX I

to the Commission Decision on

TECHNICAL COAL RESEARCH 2000

under the terms of Article 55 2 c) of the ECSC Treaty

Main Programme

This annex contains the research projects classed in priority I. The selection of projects was made by the Commission's services after consultation with members of the ECSC coal research programme's expert committees and the ECSC Coal Research Committee.

In making the selection, the Commission's services were guided by the broad general aims of the technical coal research programme, as laid down in the Medium-term Guidelines for Technical Coal Research [4], i.e.,

[4] OJ C 67 of 4.3.94.

-Efficient protection of the environment and improvement of public understanding of the role of coal as an energy source;

-Improving the competitive position of coal;

-Rational utilization of Community resources;

-Improving occupational health and safety in the coal industry,

as well as by the general criteria of the Medium-term Guidelines and the terms and conditions of the invitation to submit project proposals for the 2000 research programme [5] under which, in particular, the Commission asked for proposals for international collaborative projects on certain specific topics.

[5] OJ C 195 of 13.7.99.

Questions of health, safety and improved working conditions in mines have been taken into consideration and the environmental aspect of coal mining and utilization has been given particular prominence : in the following table of priority I projects, research projects relating to health and safety in mines are marked with the letter "S", and those relating to the environment with the letter "E".

(see p. 1 ff in separate annex)

ANNEX II

to the Commission Decision on

TECHNICAL COAL RESEARCH 2000

under the terms of Article 55 2 c) of the ECSC Treaty

Supplementary Programme

This annex contains the research projects classed in priority II. These are considered to deserve financial support, but are judged to be of lower priority than the projects of the main programme. The supplementary programme therefore represents a reserve list from which projects can be financed later in the year with the aid of supplementary or residual budgetary means.

The projects comprising the supplementary programme were selected in accordance with the same procedures and criteria as those adopted for the main programme. The order in which the projects are listed reflects their technical content and does not indicate an order of priority.

(see p. 8 ff in separate annex)

TECHNICAL DOCUMENTATION

RELATING TO

THE 2000 ECSC TECHNICAL COAL RESEARCH PROGRAMME

Article 55 2 c) of the ECSC Treaty

1. MAIN PROGRAMME

-Mining Engineering

-Product Upgrading and Utilization

2. SUPPLEMENTARY PROGRAMME

3. LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

3.

1. MAIN PROGRAMME

MINING ENGINEERING

7220-PR090 (AITEMIN et al.)

Improvement of safety, reliability, and operational life of electrical and electronic equipment used in hazardous explosive atmospheres

Objectives : To improve the safety, reliability, and service life of electrical and electronic equipment used in hazardous explosive atmospheres, through the adaptation of technologies applied in other fields and the adoption of new repair standards.

Summary : The objectives will be achieved by investigating the use of novel power and traction technologies (high energy-density batteries and Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS)), and by developing new test instruments and maintenance/repair procedures that will make it possible to install and keep in good condition both existing and new explosion-proof certified equipment.

7220-PR091 (DMT et al.)

Improved understanding of reinforcement behaviour/testing

Objectives : Improved understanding of reinforcement behaviour/testing of rock bolting and injection technology to decrease planning risks through reliable testing and numerical prediction and risk assessment, to decrease operating costs and to increase safety with regard to roof failure & falls.

Summary : Reinforcement systems have been used in ECSC mining for many years. However, there is still a gap between the application of different reinforcement systems (rock bolting and injection technology) and the understanding of their behaviour in relation to strata deformations.

An improved understanding of the reinforcement behaviour of rock bolting and injection technology with

*improved non-destructive testing;

*improved instrumentation, risk assessment techniques, numerical calculations and tests of high-strength and flexible rock bolts;

*bonding methods with filled mortar and

*benchmark definition for injection products (resins and their substitutes)

will lead to the most efficient and safest reinforcement system for the use of rock bolting in high stress zones under high deformation.

7220-PR092 (RMT et al.)

Advanced geotechnical instrumentation for detecting rock failure and monitoring support loads

Objectives : To develop geotechnical/geophysical instrumentation and techniques which will significantly enhance the ability of mine operators to detect failing/failed rock and high support loads and to control rockbursts and related phenomena.

Summary : The project will examine various candidate physical principles with a view to developing instrumentation and application techniques suited to achieving improved coal mine ground control. The ground control problems to be addressed include safe extended cut-out by continuous miners, improved monitoring of rock reinforcement and overstress of rock leading to rockbursts. The physical principles to be investigated include acoustic response, seismic transmission imaging, microseismic monitoring, electromagnetic and ultrasound emissions, thermal imaging and strain measurement by vibrating wires, strain gauges and fibre optics. Success will result in improved safety and productivity.

7220-PR093 (Rheinbraun et al.)

Reduction of energy consumption in coal mining through optimised belt conveyor systems

Objectives : The project will focus on the optimisation of relevant key components and operational conditions of commercial-scale belt conveyor equipment which offer reasonable potential for the reduction of overall energy consumption.

Summary : Research will be performed on the drive stations, on the belt/idler/garland arrangement and on the chutes at belt conveyor transfer points.

The major tasks include the collection of extended representative operational data, the identification, development, improvement and verification of particular design tools and design specifications as well as the identification of on-site control measures.

Appropriate design and demand-oriented dimensioning of the conveyor belt drives will reduce investment costs. Lower energy losses positively affect the overall power consumption, resulting in energy-saving and thus in reduced operating costs.

7220-PR094 (DMT et al.)

Fire fighting systems

Objectives : To combat mine fires with fire fighting systems based on new water spray technology and fire warning systems.

Summary : Water-mist spray technology has been developed in recent years as a new method of extinguishing fires. It is already used in some areas of mining technology, but there are opportunities to extend its application to, e.g., conveyor belts, fire control during methane capture, the quenching of fires and gas explosions and fire fighting in reduced cross sections. Water-mist systems need to be adapted to each application to guarantee success, and new fire warning systems to trigger such systems need to be developed and tested.

The project will produce recommendations for the planning and installation of water-mist spray extinguishing systems on the basis of half- and full-scale tests under realistic conditions and will optimise the technique with respect to minimisation of the amount of water required to guarantee successful results.

7220-PR095 (IMCTS et al.)

Assessment and sustainable reclamation of mine sites for post-mining use

Objectives : To devise an integrated, cost-effective methodology for the audit, assessment and monitoring of post-mining sites, together with the identification of possible alternative commercial uses for the mine and its infrastructure.

Summary : The work will focus on sites in Poland, France, Spain and the United Kingdom but will have direct relevance across all EU Member and Associate States. The central focus will be on developing a suite of advanced tools which will have value in allowing post-mining liabilities to be systematically assessed, prevailing risks and hazards to be identified, and appropriate methods of rehabilitation and land restitution to be implemented. Variable-scale assessment techniques will be developed, covering the range from regional definition down to individual mines which are approaching decommissioning. To complement this, sustainable alternative commercial uses for previous mine land and infrastructure will be defined.

7220-PR096 (IMCTS et al.)

Assessment of hazardous gas emissions to the surface over former mine areas

Objectives :The aim of the research is to gain a better understanding of mine gas emissions to the surface, the evaluation of their risks and the development of methods for their detection, measurement and control.

Summary : The closure of collieries across the EU and associated countries has led to an increased risk of uncontrolled emissions of dangerous gases to the surface. The principal gases to be considered are methane, carbon dioxide, oxygen and radon. This project will address the problem by creating methods for identifying areas of risk and developing techniques for the detection of gases and assessing their emission rates. The project will investigate the use of control techniques and assess their effectiveness in providing protection. The project will further provide an economic assessment of the utilization of mine gas for power generation.

PRODUCT UPGRADING AND UTILISATION

7220-PR097 (DMT et al.)

Characterisation of coal-wash slurries and their impact on fine coal preparation

Objectives : To improve the efficiency of fine coal preparation, to develop on-line instruments for the measurement of particle size distributions and zeta-potential in coal slurries, to use the additional information to build models of wash water circuits, and to improve control strategies.

Summary : The efficiency of fine coal preparation depends critically on information about the treated slurries that is not available today. Therefore, key-parameters of the process need to be made accessible to on-line measurement. The development of on-line instruments to measure particle size distributions and zeta-potentials that are able to work under coal-preparation conditions will partially fill the existing gap. Additional modelling of slurry-circuits based on data already available and new technologies will provide further information to be built into operation and control strategies.

7220-PR098 (CIEMAT et al.)

Advanced demineralisation of high-sulphur coal by bioleaching and bioflotation

Objectives : The aim of this project is to increase the quality and reduce the sulphur content of the final products obtained in conventional coal processing using heap biodesulphurisation and biomodification of middlings and of fines destined for flotation.

Summary : Conventional preparation methods are ineffective for the removal of pollutants finely dispersed in coal. Recent work shows that newly-isolated micro-organisms naturally present in different coal samples have the ability to reduce inorganic and organic sulphur content. Another approach is to use micro-organisms to induce suppress the floatability of pyrite by changing its hydrophobicity. The project will study the feasibility of applying these biotreatments (bioleaching and biomodification) to middlings and fines. This will be done through mathematical modelling, and leaching, flotation and combustion experiments in laboratory and pilot plants to evaluate the benefits obtained in terms of quality and reduction of pollutants after biotreatment in relation to combustion results with the parent coal products.

7220-PR099 (U. Loughborough et al.)

Advanced demineralisation of coal

Objectives : The overall aim is to contribute to cleaner coal technologies through an investigation of novel chemical and physical techniques for coal demineralisation on the laboratory and pilot scales. A subsidiary aim is to ascertain the effects of the demineralisation on coal utilization for power generation.

Summary : A range of bituminous coals and lignites will be cleaned to various levels, either chemically, using, for example, acid or acid gas, or by physical extraction of the mineral matter. In both the laboratory scale and pilot scale processing one important consideration will be the feasibility of industrial applications. The influence of the nature and type of coal and its associated mineral matter will be determined and the clean coals will be characterised to ascertain the full effects of the cleaning process and tested to determine their performance in coal combustion, particularly with regard to deposit formation.

7220-PR100 (CPL et al.)

Improved manufacture of coke for non-ferrous applications with environmental, operational and market benefits

Objectives : To develop new feedstock coal blends giving improved quality of coke for use in the production of chemicals and non-ferrous metals, reduced emissions of PAHs, VOCs and PM10/PM2.5 suspended dust to atmosphere during coke making and reduced coking pressures.

Summary : A variety of coals and novel coal blends will be evaluated as feedstocks for the production of improved cokes for non-ferrous applications and for reduced emissions of PAHs, VOCs and PM10/PM2.5 particulate matter during coke production. Work will be conducted on the laboratory, pilot and commercial scales and will encompass measurement of atmospheric emissions, comprehensive evaluation of coke quality and determination of carbonization pressure. The research will provide a sound basis for extending markets for coke by upgrading quality to meet specific market needs, whilst reducing coking emissions and extending oven life.

7220-PR101 (DMT et al.)

Development of measures and tools for improvement of coke oven operation related to aspects of carbon deposits

Objectives : The objective of the project is to derive a comprehensive solution to all aspects of the problem of carbon deposits in coke ovens.

Summary : The project brings together research establishments and industry which will combine laboratory work on different aspects of formation of carbon deposits. The partners will collaborate on the following main topics to solve the problem of carbon deposits in coke ovens:

*mechanism and conditions of formation;

*methodologies for minimisation of formation;

*methodologies to control the detrimental effect of the carbon deposits on emissions;

*tools for removal of deposits and repair of oven damage.

7220-PR102 (CPM et al.)

*Super Coke 2000

Objectives : The objective of the research is to define which coals, blends and carbonization conditions are necessary to achieve the required coke quality for blast furnaces with high coal injection rates.

Summary : Blast furnace with high coal injection rates requires high quality cokes with high mechanical strength after reaction.

The coal origin, blending practice, carbonization conditions and carbonization process will be studied in relation to coke quality. For coal blends, the coking properties will also be evaluated with regard to weathering. For coke quality, special attention will be given to coke secondary fissuring and to coke strength after reaction.

The work is divided into four tasks :

*definition of coke quality;

*selection of blends for the study;

*effect of blending and carbonization;

*changing rheological properties of coal.

7220-PR103 (ICSTM et al.)

The safe and effective preparation of coal and biomass for furnace combustion (COBIFLASH)

Objectives : To improve solid-fuel characterisation methods and size reduction equipment design to minimise the risk of fires and explosions during the milling of solid fuels, emphasising efficient biomass co-utilization for reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

Summary : As public concern about the "greenhouse potential" of coal continues to grow the co-firing of coal with biomass is being promoted as a partial solution. Fuel preparation, through the safe and effective milling of biomass fuels is an important issue, especially because of fuel variability. This project addresses the problem at several levels combining novel fuel characterisation techniques, mathematical modelling of mill fluid dynamics, and a review of the mechanical design of existing mills.

7220-PR104 (RWE et al.)

Experimental, numerical and theoretical investigation of pressurised pulverised coal combustion

Objectives : Pressurised pulverised coal combustion (PPCC) is a promising technique for the realisation of highly efficient coal-fired power plants. The combustion of different coals (anthracite, bituminous coal, and lignite) under a maximum pressure of 12 bar will be investigated to derive basic data for the realisation of a PPCC combined cycle.

Summary : Combined gas and steam turbine processes with pressurised pulverised coal combustion offer a promising means of achieving net efficiencies above 50 %. Before such processes can be realised on the commercial scale, problems of pressurised coal combustion under slagging conditions, including dust filtration and emission control, need to be solved. A laboratory-scale test rig with a thermal power of 400 kW operating at temperatures between 1400 and 1500 °C and pressures up to 12 bar, equipped with laser-based measuring techniques is available at Aachen, University of Technology. Experiments with various types of coal are planned, taking into consideration the influence of pressure. Physical models and computational procedures will be developed, implemented and validated in order to establish design procedures for PPCC processes.

7220-PR105 (CRE Group et al.)

On-line measurement of particle size in fine coal transport systems

Objectives : To identify and test suitable techniques for the on-line measurement of particle size in coal transport systems in conjunction with the development of appropriate reference and quality control procedures in order to enhance power plant control methodologies.

Summary : Stringent environmental regulations and competition with other fuels requires power generators to optimise combustion efficiency continually and to control environmental emissions. Coal particle size plays a critical role in this respect; monitoring particle size on-line would facilitate closer control of burners and provide indications of the condition and performance of coal mills.

The project will evaluate and develop several techniques for measuring particle size on-line in conjunction with rigorous quality control methodologies to ensure accuracy.

Effective, widespread uptake of successfully developed technology would demonstrate that coal fired power generation has a continuing, significant role within Europe.

7220-PR106 (CRE Group et al.)

Improved coal utilization strategies by standardisation and wider use of drop tube furnace evaluation methods

Objectives : Reduction of operating costs through improved coal selection and utilization strategies by standardisation and wider adoption of the use of drop tube furnace evaluation methods.

Summary : Drop tube furnace evaluation methods can be used to evaluate coal properties and provide data for prediction of behaviour in pulverised fuel-fired boilers. The equipment used varies in construction and operating practices as well as in the range of test conditions. The effects of these variables on the results obtained for key parameters using a range of representative coals will be determined. Data from pilot and full scale testing of selected coals will be used for validation of drop tube furnace measurements. This will provide users with the information they need in order to interpret data from drop tube furnace measurements.

7220-PR107 (SNET-CERCHAR et al.)

Upgrading treatments of solid residues arising from co-combustion - manufacture of a calcic sulphoaluminate cement as an alternative to disposal

Objectives : This project will be devoted to calcium-containing residues arising from clean coal and secondary fuel technology using a desulphurisation process. At the present time, no direct effective utilization for such materials exists and their disposal cost will increase to an economic limit.

Summary : A selective hydration of quick lime is beneficial to calcium-containing solid residues for civil engineering applications, but the problem arising from high sulphate content is still unsolved. The project will investigate the possibilities offered by other specific treatments to modify favourably the solid residue properties by :

*reducing solubility and toxicity of pollutants through different methods of utilization and storage,

*enhancing basic properties that are required for traditional civil engineering applications or for new specific utilization possibilities,

and satisfying the following criteria :

to operate on a continuous basis,

to be competitive for a large range of residues arising from clean co-combustion of coal and secondary fuels.

7220-PR108 (AUTH et al. )

Emission minimisation in coal/solid waste co-combustion by primary measures

Objectives : Minimisation of toxic emissions of dioxins and furans in coal-solid waste co-combustion by in-furnace and pre-combustion measures, such as the use of special toxic gas-preventing compounds, in addition to conventional optimisation of combustor performance.

Summary : The project will address the co-combustion of coal-solid waste mixtures in pilot and full scale combustors, with emphasis on monitoring of toxic chlorinated hydrocarbon emissions, and on in-furnace and pre-combustion measures for their minimisation. These, apart from the obvious, classical optimisation of combustion conditions, will include the addition of certain dioxin-preventing substances to the raw fuel, the study of the mechanisms by which formation of toxic compounds can be suppressed, and the examination of possible effects of the selected conditions and inhibitors on combustor operation, flue gas cleaning system performance, potential emission of other gases and toxics distribution in the ashes.

7220-PR109 (MBEL et al.)

Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from utility-scale circulating fluidised bed boilers

Objectives : To investigate N2O emissions from circulating fluidised bed combustors (CFBC) over a range of plant scale, methods for reducing N2O emissions and the implications for the design of large utility plant employing supercritical steam cycles, offering high efficiency and low CO2 emissions.

Summary : Emissions of the greenhouse gas N2O remain a potential problem for CFBC boilers. This and CO2 emissions need to be addressed, particularly in the design of utility CFBC boilers. The project will examine the effect of operating parameters, fuel type and scale on N2O emissions from CFBC, through measurements taken on 125 MWe and 250 MWe commercial plant and test work on pilot plants. It will study methods of N2O reduction by downstream fuel injection. The design of CFBC boilers using supercritical steam conditions to reduce CO2 and gas injection to reduce N2O will be considered.

7220-PR110 (INERCO et al.)

Efficiency, plant damage and NOx optimisation for power plants operating with variable loads and coals (VAR-OPT PROJECT)

Objectives : Development and validation of an integrated advisory system (VAR-OPT) for performance, availability and emissions optimisation in large pulverised coal power stations during variable operation (load changes, start-ups, shutdowns and different coal supplies).

Summary : The situation of the European electricity market has brought about a need for highly flexible operation in many coal power stations. Conventional methodologies for performance assessment and optimisation are no longer useful in this new scenario. This causes an almost "blind" operation of such plants, which significantly affects their present and future competitiveness.

The project aims to solve these problems by the development of an integrated adaptive adviser, designed to accomplish, specifically during transient operations, the following tasks:

*adequate monitoring of component and overall performances;

*definition of optimised general operation strategies;

*identification of operational problems and recommendations for corrective actions.

7220-PR111 (INERCO et al.)

Cost optimisation in coal power plants by the development of an integrated advisor for operation improvement of air preheaters (PREADVISOR PROJECT)

Objectives : Cost optimisation in coal power stations by the development of an integrated adaptive adviser for improvement of air preheater (APH) operation and maintenance.

Summary : Cost reductions to be achieved in coal power plants via optimisation of APH operation are comparable to those achieved through more efficient combustion. Optimisation is an intricate task, since diverse performance parameters, availability, maintenance costs and effects on other equipment need to be considered. Existing instrumentation, cleaning devices and procedures are not able to cope with the main cause for efficiency loss - acid deposition and subsequent blockage and corrosion.

It is intended to develop an integrated adaptive adviser for the improvement of air preheater operation (optimisation of performance and availability). The adviser will be a software tool which can be implemented in any coal power plant, and which will aid the operator in the management of APH by defining better strategies for non-steady state operation.

7220-PR112 (PG et al.)

Decreasing the cost of power generation by improved utilization of low volatile coals

Objectives : To reduce the cost of electricity production by allowing a wider range of potentially low-cost, lower volatile coals to be burned in conventional power station systems.

Summary : The project will explore techniques for optimising the utilization of coals with low volatile content by operational optimisation and/or equipment modification. It will examine the effect of improved coal preparation, blending, combustion optimisation and burner redesign to improve the combustion of fuels traditionally regarded as marginal or unacceptable for commercial boilers. The results will be obtained on both full-scale boiler plant and in closely-controlled combustion rigs. The analysis of the results obtained will be underpinned by advanced coal analysis and mathematical modelling. The findings will be reviewed to provide generic guidelines for the optimal commercial utilization of low volatile coals.

7220-PR113 (U. Newcastle et al.)

The abatement of environmentally unfriendly species in combustion and gasification processes

Objectives : To identify and optimise adsorbent materials for the abatement of environmentally unfriendly heavy metal and volatile organic compound emissions from combustion processes.

Summary : The introduction of co-combustion of coal with waste residues has led to an increase in emissions of heavy metals and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The use of additional gas clean-up systems is required in order to carry out the process in an environmentally acceptable manner. The use of low-cost, adsorption based gas cleaning systems allows pollutant levels to be reduced below that detectable by analytical methods. The project focuses on the development of carbon adsorbents for the removal of VOCs and heavy metals, in particular, mercury from flue gases. The key factors to be considered are the adsorbent retention capability, regeneration characteristics and adsorption dynamics.

7220-PR114 (ICSTM et al.)

Atmospheric impact of particulate matter from solid fuel combustors (PANAMA)

Objectives : To develop a model to predict the final trajectory of all fine particulates generated from solid fuel (coal and biomass co-utilization) combustion which encompasses both primary formation (in-combustion) and secondary formation (post-combustion).

Summary : There is mounting concern with regard to the deleterious health impact from the emission of fine particulate matter directly from combustion, or as a result of secondary formation mechanisms beyond the flame. In order to predict the trajectory of such emissions, it is proposed to develop a mathematical model applicable to coal and biomass co-fired combustors. A secondary formation sub-model will be developed and, along with a primary sub-model, incorporated into an existing computational fluid dynamics combustion code. The developed sub-model will subsequently be incorporated into an atmospheric dispersion model and validated against data from various combustion technologies to assure it accuracy.

2. SUPPLEMENTARY PROGRAMME

1. (DMT et al.)

Performance of coalface operations through computer aided planning

Objectives : The aim is to reduce the cost of coal extraction in longwall faces and the surrounding working area, and to develop unified generic modelling approaches in order to plan more effectively, evaluate and improve coal face systems and face transfer operations.

Summary : The project will undertake an examination of advanced technologies associated with alternative retreat longwall geometries as practised in Europe and around the world and will evaluate their merits and potential for high productivity coal winning. These issues will be addressed through the development of computer-aided modelling and visualisation.

Available data and new added databases will form the input for the integrated overall cost and performance calculation of the coal extraction working point. This new planning method will adapt processes, equipment and work organisation to the specific conditions, improve the quality and safety of the process and give more reliability to operations.

2. (ARMINES et al.)

Improvement of efficiency, health and safety in rock bolting

Objectives : The aim is the reengineering of the entire roof bolting process. This will lead to cost reduction and safety improvement through investigation of each organisational and technical aspect in all interdependent areas and processes.

Summary : Roof bolting technology comprises rock mechanics, monitoring, machinery and bolt equipment. Furthermore close (economic and safe) interdependencies exist between bolting and other mining processes such as tunnelling or coal extraction.

The investigation of the entire roof bolting process will start with the analysis of weak points in each area and the identification of significant potentials for cost reduction. The results, in combination with the detection of production-limiting factors, will form the basis for the reengineering work, which will help to reduce costs and improve safety.

3. (DMT et al.)

Detection and monitoring of mine fires

Objectives : The primary aims of the research are to develop novel and improved procedures and systems for the early detection of mine fires.

Summary : It is intended to improve response time in order to give earlier warning of fires, and to provide better information on their localisation and extent, including inaccessible goaf heatings, whilst at the same time ensuring a low probability of false alarms. The faster and more efficient fire fighting which will then be possible will cut costs due to lost production and reduce the risks to the workforce arising from hazardous environments.

Particular value is attached to designing procedures for both the general conditions of use underground and the different practical circumstances prevailing in European hard coal mining.

4. (Geocontrol et al.)

Analysis of the stress state in unfavoured planning situations in underground coal mines

Objectives : The aim of the project is to establish a new methodology that will facilitate, through numerical calculation methods, the analysis of the stress concentration in the proximity of roadways and coal faces, in order to detect and decrease the number of hazardous situations in coal mines.

Summary : The research will be directed towards:

*improving geomechanical data input methodology;

*comparing the performance of numerical and other empirical methods, such as microseismic measurements, used to predict risk conditions in coal mines.

*contrasting the capability of calculation programmes by comparing the theoretical results with measurements obtained from real situations in underground coal mines.

5. (DSK et al.)

Monitoring of subsidence over mined areas (MONS)

Objectives : The principal aim is to evaluate, compare and establish new measuring techniques for monitoring the subsidence of large mining-areas. The favourable techniques must meet high requirements for precision, availability, cost effectiveness and safety.

Summary : Underground coal mining causes subsidence on the surface. The resulting ground movements can have a permanent negative effect on the environment.

New methods of aerial photogrametry, remote sensing, radar interferometry and laser technology may serve to monitor mining-areas with high precision and great efficiency.

The principal aim of this project is to evaluate and compare these techniques with respect to their suitability for monitoring subsidence over large mining areas

6. (U. Nottingham et al.)

Fine coal recovery utilizing landfill-derived liquids

Objectives : To assess the merits of utilising landfill-derived liquids in fine coal recovery.

Summary : The liquid effluents that arise from the landfilling of municipal waste can substitute for some, or all, of the chemical additions necessary in froth flotation and oil agglomeration for coal recovery. These effluents (gas condensate and leachate) are treated by the waste management industry prior to their discharge to the environment. They are available at no charge or come with a payment for their disposal. Investigations will include flotation, selective agglomeration and dewatering. Product marketing, customer acceptance and environmental liability will be addressed.

7. (CSFTA et al.)

Influence of the ash % mineral and chemical composition on the operation of thermal plants through experiments in a laboratory slag test apparatus

Objectives : To achieve a more reliable and realistic description of the slagging and fouling propensities of pulverised coal than is currently available and to reduce the cost and time required for testing at full scale by developing a pilot scale test apparatus.

Summary : The project is aimed at developing a fuel testing apparatus capable of rapidly predicting the slagging and fouling tendencies of fuels before combustion in a boiler. Several advanced techniques will be implemented for characterising ash and deposits and studies of deposit formation mechanisms in relation to fuel characteristics and real-scale firing conditions will be carried out. The apparatus will serve as part of a general monitoring system for the pre-determination of the relation between coal quality and operational rules for minimising ash-related problems.

8. (PG et al.)

Modifying the treatment and combustion of coal to minimise the emission of trace elements during pulverised fuel combustion

Objectives : To identify potential options for the control of trace element emissions during pulverised fuel combustion through fuel cleaning, combustion modifications and sorbent injection. To investigate further the behaviour of trace elements during biomass co-combustion. To investigate, specifically, the role of selenium during combustion by preparation and characterisation of model compounds.

Summary : The project seeks to improve understanding of potential methods for the reduction of trace element emissions from coal combustion processes by a combination of :

*laboratory scale studies to characterise the occurrence and cleanability of trace elements in industrially-relevant coals and to better understand the behaviour of one particular element, selenium;

*pilot-scale combustion testing to evaluate the effect on trace element emissions of combustion conditions, sorbent injection and biomass co-firing;

*full-scale plant tests to verify the validity of the pilot-scale tests.

9. (AICIA et al.)

Gas conditioning demonstration plant for ESP cost reduction. cost assessment and reactor improvement (CORESP)

Objectives : The technical and economic assessment of a new process for lowering fly ash electrical resistivity and improving the electrostatic precipitators (ESP) in power plants, without increasing their size when converting to low sulphur coal.

Summary : Demonstration plant for gas conditioning by means of flue-gas SO2 conversion to SO3 (GASOX Project 7220-ED/066) was built and operated at Puertollano power plant. The unit produces the necessary amount of SO3 to decrease fly ash resistivity with a view to using low-sulphur coals without the need to increase ESP size. This is a very important economic factor, but the economy of the process depends largely on the catalyst performance over a long period of 3-4 years at least, and this has not been accomplished during the time available in project 7220-ED/066. In addition, improvement of the catalyst used would allow reduction of the reactor size.

10. (NP et al.)

Low volatile blends for pulverised fuel combustion

Objectives : The aim is to improve the prediction of combustion and environmental performance for blends of low and medium volatile coals for down-fired plant. Power station data, test rigs and modelling will be used to achieve this.

Summary : Low volatile fuels are used for power generation in the UK and Spain and there are many other users worldwide. Two major EU generators will improve prediction models for combustion of blends of these fuels with other coals. This is important with new sources/qualities of fuel, competitive pressures in the power markets and the need to satisfy increasingly stringent environmental legislation. The improved predictive ability from the power station, test rig and laboratory work will result in higher efficiency, lower costs and reduced emissions through improved understanding of blend performance.

11. (CRE Group et al.)

Stockpile to burner - a unified approach to coal blending

Objectives : To develop an integrated scientific approach to coal blending by understanding the relationships between coals which promote good handling characteristics, consistent grinding performance and optimal combustion behaviour when blended.

Summary : Blending of multi-source coals is now an accepted method for meeting environmental constraints and economic targets. The blend can comprise components from two or more sources of either indigenous or imported coals. The composition is often dictated by the resultant mean chemical analysis as an indicator of combustion performance. However, the behaviour in upstream equipment, notably the handling system and the pulveriser, is often given cursory attention. This project will undertake an integrated approach to understanding the relationships between coals that promote good handling characteristics, consistent grinding performance and optimal combustion behaviour when blended.

ECSC Technical Coal Research 2000 - MAIN PROGRAMME

ANNEX I

>TABLE POSITION>

ANNEX II

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3. LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

Abbreviation // Country // Proposer

AICIA // ES // Asociacion de Investigacion y Cooperacion Industrial de Andalucia

AITEMIN // ES // Asociación para la Investigación y Desarrollo Industrial de los Recursos Naturales

ALSTOM // DE // ALSTOM Energy Systems GmbH

ARBK // DE // Apparatebau Rothemühle, Brandt + Kritzler GmbH

ARMINES // FR // Association pour la recherche et le Developpement des Méthodes et Processus Industriels

AUTH // HE // Aristotle University of Thessaloniki

BS // UK // British Steel

CIEMAT // ES // Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnologicas

CINAR // UK // CINAR Ltd.

CMI // PO // Central Mining Institute (GIC)

CPL // UK // CPL Industries Limited

CPM // FR // Centre de Pyrolyse de Marienau

CRE Group // UK // CRE Group Ltd.

CSFTA // HE // Centre for Solid Fuels Technology and Applications of Greece

CSIC // ES // Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas

CSIC-ICP // ES // Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas-Instituto de Catálisis y Petroleoquímica

CSIC-INCAR // ES // Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas -Instituto Nacional del Carbón

DHMS // DE // Deilmann-Haniel Maschinen- und Stahlbau GmbH

DMT // DE // Deutsche Montan Technology GmbH

DSK // DE // Deutsche Steinkohle AG

ECN // NL // Netherlands Energy Research Foundation - ECN

EDF // FR // Electricité de France

ENDESA // ES // ENDESA S.A.

ENEL SRI // IT // ENEL SRI, S.p.A.

EVN // AT // EVN AG

FZUG // DE // Forschungszentrum für Umwelt und Gesundheit GmbH - GSF

GEOCONTROL // ES // Geocontrol S.A.

H & SE // UK // Health & Safety Laboratory

HBL // FR // Houilleres du Bassin de Lorraine

HDN // ES // Hulleras del Norte, S. A.

HVL // ES // Hullera Vasco Leonesa S.A.

ICSTM // UK // Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine

IMCG // UK // IMC Geophysics Ltd.

IMCTS // UK // IMC Technical Services Limited

IMS // ES // Ingenieros de Minas Consultores, S.A.

INERCO // ES // Ingenieria Energetica y de Contaminacion, S.A.

INERIS // FR // Institut National de l'Environnement Industriel et des Risques

INETI // PT // Instituto Nacional de Engenharia e Tecnologia Industrial

ISSeP // BE // Institut Scientifique de Service Publique

IST // PT // Instituto Superior Técnico

MBEL // UK // Mitsui Babcock Energy Limited

MI // UK // Malvern Instruments

MO // UK // The Meteorological Office

NP // UK // National Power plc

NTUA // HE // National Technical University of Athens

PG // UK // PowerGen UK plc

PPC // HE // Public Power Corporation

Rheinbraun // DE // Rheinbraun AG

RJB // UK // RJB Mining (UK) Ltd.

RMT // UK // Rock Mechanics Technology Ltd.

RWE // DE // RWE Energie AG

RWTH // DE // Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen

SNET-CERCHAR // FR // Société Nationale d'Electricité et de Thermique - SNET-CERCHAR

TU Braunschweig // DE // Technische Universität Braunschweig

U. Aston // UK // University of Aston-in-Birmingham

U. Birmingham // UK // University of Birmingham

U. Bologna // IT // University of Bologna

U. Delft // NL // Technische Universiteit Delft

U. Edinburgh // UK // University of Edinburgh

U. Essen // DE // Universität GH Essen

U. León // ES // University of León

U. Loughborough // UK // Loughborough University

U. Newcastle // UK // University of Newcastle upon Tyne

U. Nottingham // UK // University of Nottingham

U. Strathclyde // UK // University of Strathclyde

U. Stuttgart // DE // University of Stuttgart

U. Teesside // UK // University of Teesside

UA Madrid // ES // Universidad Autonoma de Madrid

UFG // ES // Union Fenosa Generación

UPM // ES // Universidad Politécnica de Madrid

USB-P // IT // Università degli Studi della Basilicata-Potenza

VTTCT // FI // VTT Chemical Technology

WA // UK // Wardell Armstrong