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COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES
C 0 M ( 8 3 )  1 0 9  f i n a l  
B r u s s e l s ,  7 M arch  1 9 8 3
MEMORANDUM
C O N C E R N IN G  T H E  IM P L E M E N T A T IO N  A N D  E X E C U T IO N  O F  A C O A L R E S E A R C H  
PRO G RAM M E W IT H  A V IE W  T O  O B T A IN IN G  F I N A N C I A L  A I D  U N D E R  T H E  
T E R M S  O F A R T IC L E  5 5  §  2 c ) OF T H E  EC S C  T R E A T Y
( B u d g e t a r y  y e a r  1 9 8 3 )
( s u b m i t t e d  t o  t h e  C o u n c i l  b y  t h e  C o m m i s s i o n )
C 0 M ( 8 3 )  1 0 9  f i n a l

MEMORANDU  H
CONCERNING THE IMPLEMENTATION AND EXECUTION OF A COAL RESEARCH PROGRAMME 
WITH A VIEW TO OBTAINING FINANCIAL AID UMBER THE TERMS OB1  
ARTICLE 99 § 2 c) OF THE K.C.B.C. TREATY
(Budgetary year 1983)
I. INTRODUCTION
Support for research and development projects as well as for other actions 
in the energy sector (energy saving, production and utilization of various 
energy sources including coal, etc.) forms part of the Community’s energy 
strategy and of the energy policies of the Member States,
The Commission has, on many occasions, stressed the importance of coal 
research as one of the means of contributing towards the attainement of 
the energy objectives set by the Community, particularly that of reducing 
the Community's dependence on oil. Moreover, the Commission attaches the 
highest value to Community research.
In its Communication to the Council "The role for coal in Community energy 
strategy"*, the Commission made several clear statements about coal research 
emphasising the active role that should be played by the Community in 
promoting R&D activities in that field (production, upgrading, and safety 
in mines).
*0.J. No. C105 of 26.4.1982

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To ibis end, it will, strive to maintain and, if possible increase R&D 
expenditure aimed at raising the level of productivity in mines and 
iipgrading the products of the coal industry.
The E.C.S.C. operational budget has financed, with convincing results, 
a Community effort to aid research into ways of achieving more economic 
production and better utilization and upgrading of the coal industry’s 
products. This aid to coal research and the efforts undertaken should be 
continued.
In preparing the Framework Programme for the Community’s scientific activities 
(1984-1937 ) f the Commission judged that R&D actions relating to the 
production and upgrading of coal should remain in the current E.C.S.C. 
programme, and that the latter should be integrated into the Framework 
Programme in a coherent manner.
The Energy Ministers of the Community's Member States, meeting in Copenhagen on 
16 December 1932 to discuss the rôle of solid fuels in the context of a 
Community energy strategy aimed at diversifying energy supplies and ration­
alizing energy use, laid stress on the development of R&D programmes on the 
production and utilization of solid fuels to be carried out on a joint 
basis.
The coal research programme (budgetary year 1933) which forms the subject 
of the present memorandum and which concerns, on the one hand, mining 
engineering and, on the other hand, the beneficiation of the products of 
the coal industry, attempts to respond to the desiderata and requirements 
that have been formulated and requested.
The present document lists, by domain, the projects that make up the coal 
research programme fox the budgetary year 1933» and which have formed the 
subject of requests for aid under the terms of Art. 55 § 2 c) of the E.C.S.C. 
Tre a ^ V" «
*C0i;(82)  865 final of 21.12.1982
/
•  *  f ·  *

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The selection of these projects to form the 1933 programme was made by 
the Commission's services with the aid, on the one hand, of experts' 
committees and, on the other hand, of the Coal Research Committee (external 
evaluation).
In the evaluation exercise for the projects presented, priority was given 
to: those that corresponded most closely to the criteria defined in the 
Medium-Term Guidelines for Technical Coal Research ( 1981-1985)*, whose 
overall objectives are:
— to improve output and productivity;
— to improve the upgrading and utilization of the products and 
by-products of coal mining;
— to improve the working environment, safety and environmental protection.
The fields of application covered by the 1933 programme are, for mining 
engineering:
- Development work in coal and stone;
- Methane studies, ventilation control and mine climate;
- Rock pressure and supports;
- Methods of working and techniques of coalgetting;
- Outbye operations underground and modern management techniques;
and, for product beneficiation:
- Mechanical coal preparation and coal trasnport;
- Coking of coal
- Combustion of coal and new techniques for coal utilization;
- Coal chemistry and phj^sics and development of processes.
*
In making the selection, account was also taken of the Community character 
of the projects, which gives an extra dimension to the programme, although the 
topics in question form part of actions undertaken at the national, private 
or Community level.
* 0 .J . Ro. C 94 o f 17./1.190O

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In any case, the projects selected are financed only in part by the 
C oraiu i ss i on ( 6ofo maximum ).
The research projects forming the I 9O3 programme and its sub-programmes which 
are related to the fields mentioned above form a complement to current 
Community or national programmes and will be carried out in collaboration, 
and according to their competence and specialisation, by the following 
institutes and undertakings:
- The National Coal Board, London (NGL)
- The Steinkohlenbergbauverein, Essen (StBV )
- The Centre d’Etudes et Recherches des Charbonnages de Prance, Paris (CERCHAR
- The Institut National des Industries Extractives, Liège (iNIEX)
- The Institut d’Hygiène des Mines, Hasselt (IHM)
- The Westfälische Berggewerkschaftskasse, Bochum (WBK)
- The Acciaierie di Piombino
- The Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels (ULB)
- The University of Thessaloniki
- Hie University of Salford
- The Ente Nationale d’Elettricitâ, Pisa Laboratory, (ENEL)
- Lurgi Kohle und Mineralöltechnik GmbH, Frankfurt (Lurgi)
II. RESEARCH PROGRAMME (budgetary year 1983)
The Technical Coal Research Programme (budgetary year 1983) comprises 
two main sections:
- A. The programme on mining engineering
- B. The Programme on product beneficiation
Each of these programmes is divided into sub-programmes in accordance with 
the research topics considered.
The sub—programmes are formed from the research projects selected, a list 
of which is annexed, and whose duration does not exceed 5 years.

-  5 -XVI1/16/83-EN
A.  MINING ENCIPHERING 
AI. Development work in coal and stone
This sub-programme contains 7 projets with a total cost of 4 943 000 ECU.
Faster and more efficient roadway drivage is of particular importance for 
the opening of new mines, the extension of existing ones and for normal 
coalwinning operations. The main aims of the projects are, on the one 
hand, the mechanization, automation and integration of individual operating 
techniques and, on the other hand, the development of an improved support 
and hence improved stability of roadways and shafts. The proposed research 
will thus lead to both higher heading rates and improved operating results as 
well as to improvement of working conditions and mine safety.
1. Mechanization of shotfiring
Proposer: StBV 
Budget: 1 800 500 ECU
Continuation of current work on the improvement of shotfiring with emphasis on 
boring techniques (percussive and rotary boring, auxiliary equipment) and 
mechanization of the time-consuming and demanding work of support setting 
(auxiliary supports, back filling techniques, sprayed concrete techniques).
2. Alignment and profile guidance of roadheaders
Proposer: NCB 
Budget: 976 000 ECU
Development of a low-cost, laser-based alignment and profile guidance system 
for roadheaders. Increased machine availability, improved roadway stability, 
lighter supports and improvement of working conditions are anticipated. Two 
systems will be developed and tested.

-  6 -
3· Automation of coul heading
Proposer: I1CB
Budget:  1 038 000 ECU
Development of automatic control for the in-seam miner including a load­
monitoring system, automatic horizon control (radia.tion measurement and 
microprocessor) and a steering system for the machine. The aim is to improve 
machine availability and to achieve higher heading rates.
4. Automatic steering of a drum shearer for correct, face profile cutting
Proposer: IlilEX 
Budget: 130 500 ECU
Various manually-controlled machines are available for profiling the roadway 
cross section in heading in the face line. This project concerns automation 
of one such machine (programmed control with 2 or 4 degrees of freedom) to 
make correct profile cutting possible.
5· The investigation and development of a mechanized strata control and 
roadhead support system for face line ripping techniques
Proposer: 1TCB 
Budget: 432 500 ECU
This project is aimed at full utilization of the potential of face line ripping, 
better roof control at the face/roadway intersection and better working 
conditions on the face itself by development of a universal strata control 
system for headings with special drum shearers and boom machines.

-  7 -
6.  High-pressure water jots as an additional cutting tool
Proposer:  CERCHAR 
Budget: 337 000 ECU
Work on increased output, improved working conditions and reduction of costs 
in roadway drivage as well as improved roadway stability by means of a 
combination of picks and high-pressure water jets on boom rippers. Comparative 
tests on various machines and determination of the most important parameters 
for machine design are planned.
7. Thermal effects during in situ concrete lining of sha.fts
Proposer: IfCB 
Budget: 228 500 ECU
Basic study of thermal effects which can lead to damage to concrete supports, 
the backfilling or the neighbouring rock in freezing and thawing, and thus 
to hazards and. high costs.
AT.I.  Methane studies, ventilation control arc! mine climate
The sub-programme comprises 3 projects (of which 2, Nos. 9 and- 10» form 
a joint project) with a total cost of 1 011 500 ECU.
Research in this field is of prime importance for mine safety, working conditions 
and unhindered conduct of operations. The projects concentrate on the 
improvement of special ventilation and mine climate. In addition to the benefits 
already mentioned, cost reductions may also be expected if, for example, 
expensive air cooling can be avoided through the use of other techniques for 
control of the climate.
8.  Optimisation of combined special air conditioning installations by 
means of equipment for the monitoring and control of conditioning
Proposer: StBV 
Budget: 371 000 ECU
Development of installations for special ventilation in roadways, that either

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do not permit the desired, safety limits to be exceeded or that keep on 
running after reaching these limits and thus permit a rapid return to normal 
conditions (selective disconnection). The equipment to be developed for 
monitoring, control and regulation will be tested on the surface and 
underground.
9· Study of climatic conditions in cooled and uncoolcd workings at great 
depth
Proposer: IHM 
Budget: 312 5OO ECU
Tliis project is concerned with the adaptation of a German computer program 
for climatic prediction to different conditions to facilitate more reliable 
planning and maximum utilization at the lowest cost of the cooling installations 
that will be required in the future.
10. Study of climatic conditions underground ~ prediction for new mines
Proposer: CERCHAR 
Budget: 328 000 ECU
The German program will also be modified and utilized in this project with 
the aim of o.voiding or delaying the use of cooling in future new workings 
by the application of other measures (quantity of air, arrangement of airways, 
etc.).
AIII. Rock pressure and supports
There are 7 projects (including a five-part joint project) in this sub-programme, 
whose total cost is 2 819 500 ECU.
The research in this field is significant in two respects. In the first place, 
as depth increases only an adequate control of rock pressure and associated 
phenomena can guarantee the safety of mine workings. In the second place, 
face and roadway supports are a major factor in the conduct of mining operations 
and the economic results of mining. The proposed projects take these facts 
into account and will lead to positive results with respect to safety, conduct 
of operations and. cost.

- 9 - ;
11 .  Control of dynamo phenomena
Proposer: CERCHAR 
Budget: 505 000 ECU
Continuation of promising research on avoidance of the danger of rock hursts 
and similar phenomena. Emphasis is on determination of the cauees of rock 
bursts and yield zones and development of preventive measures (special supports, 
special boring equipment, seismoacoustics, etc.).
12. Evaluation of observations on rocks in connection with the design of a 
simplified operational measuring installation for advance déterminâtion 
of rock properties
Proposer: StBV 
Budget: 254 500 ECU
Further testing and measurement with a previously-developed rmilti-point measuring 
device for advance measurement of rock properties and yield zones is planned. It 
is also planned to simplify the measuring device and to deduce the causes of 
deformation and other rock behaviour.
13. Control of soft floor conditions at face ends and in gateroads
Proposer: 1ICB 
Budget: 130 000 ECU
Determination of the causes of rock deformation resulting from soft floor 
conditions in the particularly dangerous axea of the intersection between 
face and roadway, as well as in the gateroads. Conclusions will be drawn 
from the measurements about optimisation of supports, reduction of maintenance 
costs and improved working safety.

-  10  -
14· The influence of pack design on gateroad stability under differing 
geological conditions and mining methods
Proposer: I'TCB 
Budget: 195 500 ECU
Instrumentation and geological testing of suitable working areas to obtain 
data for the development of a universal support system (pack and support).
The system will make possible greater roadway stability, lower maintenance 
costs, improvement in safety, reduced support losses and a wider application 
of retreat mining.
15·  Further development of support technology for roadways and faces
Proposer: StBV 
Budget: 1 175 000 ECU
Development of new immediate support systems for main and in-seam roadways 
and faces. Emphasis is on the improvement of yielding arch supports, the 
development of new bolting techniques, the improvement of packing, spraying 
and backfilling techniques, and on the use of de-stressing chambers or slots 
(in the floor to avoid bulging).
16. Roadway management under difficult conditions
Proposer:  CERCHAR 
Budget: 329 500 ECU
This project is aimed at the optimisation of supports and the management of 
roadways in difficult rock conditions. It is planned to develop a suitable arch 
support in conjunction with the relaxation of the rock by means of large 
boreholes. Tests on the integrated use of anhydrite and other materials in 
,  linings and packs and the development of a combined support (steel support, 
bolting, linings, injection) will also be included.
.. j  ·. ·

-  11  -
17 ·  Increased roadway· stability by bolting and combined sun ports
Proposer: I2TIEX 
Budget: 230 000 ECU
Avoidance of damage to supports and expensive repairs in circular roadways 
with concrete supports. Study of bolting of panels in rock, increased flexibilty 
of rings, better connection between supports and rock (bolting and injection), 
investigation of various types of supplementary support to improve flexibility 
and load-bearing capacity.
AIV.  Methods of working and techniques of coalgetting
This sub-programme contains six projects with a total cost of 5 774 5^0 ECU.
Despite all previous achievements in the field of coalwinning itself, extensive 
work on the optimisation, automation and integration of the various components 
of the face system is still needed. In this connection, unfavourably disposed 
or faulted parts of coal deposits must be made accessible to mechanized winning 
in order to achieve better management of reserves. Hie proposed research 
addresses these questions and will thus lead to improved operating results and 
working conditions as well as to a more intensive exploitation of available 
deposits.
18. Diagnosis of operations to improve the level of utilization of ploughs
Proposer: StBV 
Budget: 496 000 ECU
Hie project concerns the further optimisation of stripping winning and 
its extension to thinner seams with unfavourable characteristics. After the 
development of a tehenique for measurement and diagnosis for ploughs 
(instrumented picks, transducers, transmission and recording equipment) the 
data obtained will be evaluated and the consequences examined.
•A

-  12  -
19. Alternative methods of coal production from remnant or urban districts
Proposer: IiCB
Budget :  1 4^4 000 ECU
Viinning techniques will be developed for parts of seams which, because of 
their form of situation, are not suited to recovery by the conventional 
longwall face technique. The selection of suitable techniques (e.g. combinations 
of roadheading and shortwall faces) and machines, the design and testing of 
systems including their automation, remote control and monitoring, and 
finally their installation underground are envisaged.
20. Planning and conduct of operations near geological disturbances in c.oal
Proposer :  3tBV 
Budget: 740 500 ECU
Continuation of current work on the early detection of geological disturbances 
ahead of the coal face to avoid interruption of operations. Extensive available 
information will be assembled to form a catalogue of practice, and recommendatinns 
for operating procedures will be developed.
21. Development of methods and equipment for traversing faults
Proposer: StBV 
Budget: 1 035 000 ECU
Techniques caid equipment for traversing favdt^ in +he fsrp will bp developed
O i l  b i i O  Ucu»-» J . O  U  J. w  rJ.l. -L J . Ci A U  cLu> u. ^  a. a. O  cuu. &  ^ ~  ^  .a. _ · · · · ' · *  *
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c u o  b U U i u  c U  JtA U  C . j i X i X  iX O  >·'j  s- w ,0   ~   w
stress involved, and to develop special machines.

-  1 3  -
22. External drive for propulsion of winning machines
Proposer: SiBV 
Budget: 69O 000 ECU
Widening the range of application of winning machines (thinner and steeper 
seams) by placing the drum shearer propulsion drive unit in the gateroad.
The relevant parameters will be investigated, control equipment will be 
developed for the traction system (chain) and suitable drive systems will be 
selected.
23. Further development of a vertical guidance system for shearers
Proposer: 1'TCB 
Budget: 1 349 000 ECU
The existing System 70 000 for vertical guidance of drum shearers will be 
developed further with the aim of widening its range of application (possibly 
without roof coal) and increasing machine performance. It is planned to use 
a microprocessor system^to adapt the machine's control equipment, to test 
suitable transmitters and to integrate the equipment with the MIDAS monitoring 
system.
AV. Ont'bye operations underground
The sub-programme comprises six projects with a total cost of 2 429 000 ECU.
With increaseing distances, increasing quantities of material and increasing 
equipment weight, all aspects of transport- and supply technology are 
acquiring special importance for the further rationalisation of underground 
operations. Moreover, the installation of higher output mining machinery 
makes necessary the replacement and improvement of power- and supply technolog:/. 
The projects proposed will contribute towards the solution of these problems 
and will also have a beneficial effect on mine safety and working conditions.

24· Uninterrupted 'trackless transport in roadways and shafts
Proposer:  StBV 
Budget: 905 500 ECU
1’ .
An uninterrupted system for trackless transport from the surface to the work 
area will be developed as a prerequisite for the introduction of specialised 
vehicles and a simplification of material transport. This involves the 
development of load units adapted to vehicles and shafts, mechanization of shaft 
delivery, construction and testing of a vehicle for use in main roadways, 
mechanization of transfer, and the planning of supply and delivery.
25.  Study of the improvement of measurement costs and reliability in the 
monitoring of shaft control equipment, and of the avoidance of breakdown 
and damage to transport equipment
Proposer: WBK 
Budget:  603 500 ECU
An available inertial measuring device (similar to an inertial navigational 
system) will be further developed for measurement in shafts with simultaneous 
measurements on shaft control equipment. In addition to improved certainty of 
measurement and greater safety in shaft winding operations, a drastic reduction 
should be achieved in the time required to carry out these routine measurements.
26. Testing of seals
Proposer: NCB 
Budget: 100 500 ECU
Extensive testing of mechanical seals on mining machinery with the aim of 
increasing their working life and reliability. Determination of the operating 
life of existing seals, determination of the influence of various parameters, 
testing of dirt-shedding shields and labyrinths, and design of new seals.

-  1 5  -
27* Testing of specimen roars to provic3e test data
Proposer: NCB 
Budget: 158 000 ECU
Systematic test rig studies of the behaviour and operational life of gears 
for mining machinery. On the basis of the results, recommend at ions will 
be drawn up for the choice of materials, reduction of noise levels, dimensions 
and costs, and increase in reliability.
28. Improvement of electrical supply technology by faster reactive current 
compensation
Proposer: StBV 
Budget: 229 000 ECU
Development, construction and testing of a flameproof, thyristor-controlled 
reactive current compensation unit to reduce the load on the supply network 
and to improve the start—up characteristics of asynchronous motors, particularly 
by reducing voltage drop and power losses.
29. Earth fault discrimination
Proposer: NCB
Budget: 432 500 ECU
After an investigation of available processes for detecting earth faults and 
the determination of requirements a new earth fault discrimination system 
will be developed and tested. The system v;ill make it possible to avoid the 
switching-off of healthy equipment as a consequence of a fault in another part of 
the system.
AVI.  Modern management techniques
The sub—programme contains six projects (including a four—part joint project,
Nos. 30 to 33) and has a total cost of 4 115 5^0 ECU.

-  16  -
As the eoinplexity of mining operations has increased, it has "become essential 
to apply the most up-to-date regulation, control, monitoring and information 
technology. In addition to further improvement of methods for data collection, 
transmission and evaluation, the development of microprocessor technology opens 
up new possibilities that will be utilized in the proposed projects. The latter 
will have a favourable influence on working conditions and mine safety, as well 
as contributing to well-conducted operations and reductions in cost.
30. Management information systems (secondary computers)
Proposer: HCB 
Budget: 1 289 500 ECU
Available information systems will be made more flexible and more universal 
through the application of the most up-to-date technology. To this end, 
the required interface and peripheral equipment, the necessary Software and 
new devices and techniques for data collection and information processing 
will be developed.
31. Development of underground switchgear
Proposer: ITCB 
Budget: 7 05 000 ECU
Development, construction and testing of remotely-controlled protection devices 
and control and monitoring equipment (sensors and transmitters, data trans­
mission to existing networks, improved earth leakage lockout system) that can 
be used for rapid reconnection of safety- and production equipment after the 
correction of faults.
32. Components for an integrated control and monitoring system
Proposer: StBV 
Budget: 383 500 ECU
Continuation of current work on the development of a compfehen; i:ve, integrated 
control- ord monitoring system with a hierarchical structure for mining oper­
ations, further development of existing data transmission units with respect to 
feeder systems and local and long-di stance cables, and underground, testing are 
planned.
. .  /· .

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33· Computer-aided sub-stationa
Proposer: StBV 
Budget: 259 000 ECU
The project is concerned with the development of a sub-station for the 
"integrated control and monitoring system". This unit which is subordinated to 
the process management level, will make possible the computer processing of 
all the relevant data, the display of information on a TV screen, control 
by dialogue with the display, and the management of operations.
34· Data-gathering techniques
Proposer: NCB 
Budget: 692 500 ECU
A simple, universal system for data gathering and processing in connection 
with investigations on mine machinery will be developed with the aim of 
maintaining the efficiency of underground equipment. After the determination of 
specifications, a prototype system will be tested and modified, equipment for 
data processing will be acquired and the necessary software will be developed.
35· Spine belt control system
Proposer: NCB
Budget: 731 000 ECU
A computer-based control system based on the MINOS system will be developed for 
a highly complex spine conveying system (two central belts with 11 bunkers).
In particular, rules for bunker discharge will be determined, and the 
software for belt control, mineral segregation control and system to prevent 
belt overloading and spillage will be developed.

-  1 8 -
B , PRODUCT filTIEEI.CIATION
331 e  Mechanical coal preparation and coal transport
The sub-programme comprises 5 projects whose total cost is 1 259 000 ECU.
The principal aim of Community research in coal preparation is to enable the 
mining industry to maintain and improve the quality of its products in the 
face of changes in the quality of run—of-mine coal (increasing proportions of 
water, dirt and fine material) resulting from the application of modern 
mining technology.
The sub-programme will contribute towards a reduction in the cost of cleaning 
fines, and also to improvements in the efficiency of coal preparation in 
general. It will thus help the coal industry to supply improved products at 
lower prices.
36. Crushing and de—ashing of coal
Proposer: INIEX 
Budget: 129 000 ECU
Investigation of the fine crushing and cleaning of coal for use in coal/liq\iid 
mixtures to replace oil in boiler firing, and research into the combustion of 
coal/oil and coal/water mixtures using adapted oil burners. The combustion of 
pulverized coal and solid residues from coal hydropyro^sis will also be 
studied.
37· New techniques for upgrading fine slurries
Proposer: CERCIIAR 
Budget: 269 000 ECU
Investigation aimed at defining a sequence of treatments that will make it 
possible for fine coal (less than 0.5 mm) to be used directly as an industrial 
fuel, thus avoiding the need for drying. The research covers three aspects 
of the problem: the cleaning and dewatering of fines, coal cr ishing, and a 
preliminary economic evaluation of the overall treatment.

-19 ~
38. Do-ashing of particulate coals by dry magnetic separation techniques
Proposer: University of Salford 
Budget: 84 500 ECU
Evaluation of the relative effectiveness of two magnetic separation techniques 
for the removal of ash and reduction of the pyritic sulphur content of a range 
of coals.
39· Study of the classification and dewatering of European coals by the 
Otisca process
Proposer: StBV 
Budget: 431 500 ECU
Application to European coals of a separation technique, developed in the USA, 
employing a heavy organic medium (trichlorofluoromethane) which gives a 
sharp separation of fines and improved dewatering.
40. Nucleonic methods for the measurement of coal and ash
Proposer: NCB 
Budget: 345 000 ECU
The aim of the project is to improve the efficiency of coal preparation through 
Better monitoring of the mineral content of coal. The research involves the 
testing of a number of on-line monitoring devices whose performance will he 
studied in the laboratory, on a test installation and under operational 
conditions.
BII.  Coking of coal
The total cost of this sub-programme, which contains 9 projects amounts 
to 4 149 000 ECU.
The projects are related to the main objectives of Community research on 
carbonization, i.e. improving the performance of coke ovens, widening the range 
of coals that can be carbonized, maintaining or improving coke quality, and 
solving pollution problems associated with coking plant. The importance of 
research in this field lies principally in the fact that the cost and quality 
of blast furnace coke are significant factors in determining the cost of 
production of pig iron, and hence the competitiveness of the steel industry.

-  20  “
41. Influence of alkalis ori the therrno-mcchnnioal size stability of bulk coke
Proposer: RGB 
Budget: 917 000 ECU
Study of the effect of alkalis on the quality of coke of the size charged tp 
blast furnaces aimed at specifying coal blends and carbonizing conditions for 
the production of coke that is stable and resistant to alkali attack.
42. Coal oxidation
Proposer: CERCHAR 
Budget: 1 56 500 ECU
Development of a test to detect low levels of oxidation in coking coals in 
order to avoid undesirable repercussions during carbonization. In addition, 
the mechanism of coal oxidation will be investigated, the use of additives 
to counteract the effects of oxidation will be studied on the laboratory 
scale, and pilot-scale investigations of the effects of oxidation on coke 
quality will be carried out.
43« Mechanical properties of coke under simulated blast furnace conditions
Proposer: StBV 
Budget: 278 500 ECU
Further development of a method of characterizing coke in relationship to 
its behaviour in the blast furnace. Correlation of structural parameters 
of coke With mechanical properties. Consideration of the effect of 
carbonization and coking conditions. Tests will be carried out on coke of the 
size used in the blast furnace rather than on the small material normally 
used in laboratory tests.

-21.’  -
44·  Sturdy of preheated and compacted blends for charging into industrial coke 
ovens at industrial rates
Proposer: CERCHAR 
Budget: 244 500 ECU
Study aimed at developing blends to achieve consistent metallurgical coke 
production under industrial conditions over long periods of time and at 
reducing the consumption of high-quality coking coal by the combined use of 
preheating and compaction of the coal charge. The project is a continuation 
of joint Franco-German research on this topic.
45· Partially-pelletized composite coal mixtures for coke ovens
Proposer: Acciaierie di Piombino 
Budget: 492 500 ECU
Confirmation on the industrial scale of laboratory- and pilot-scale results on 
the application of partial pelletization of the coal charge as a means of 
improving coke quality and increasing coke oven productivity.
46. Material balances in carbonization
Proposer: CERCHAR 
Budget: 406 000 ECU
Detailed mass balances on modern coke ovens under normal operating conditions 
and using the most up-to-date charge preparation techniques. The influence 
of oven height, charging frequency, environmental protection systems, etc,., 
will be studied. The results will lead to the. elimination of product losses 
and the improvement of pollution control.

47* Measurement of temperature in coke oven healing flues
Proposer: StBV 
Budget: 172 500 ECU
Further development and practical application of a temperature probe, developed 
in an earlier project, for measuring the vertical temperature profile in coke 
oven heating flues to aid the optimization of heating in carbonization. 
Equipment for measuring the emissivity of refractorise at high temperature 
will also be developed and tested.
48.  Process coupling between a recuperatively-heated coke oven and coal 
preheating
Proposer:  StBV 
Budget: 1 O 91 000 ECU
Utilization of heat from coke oven flue gases to preheat the coal charge 
in order to improve the thermal efficiency of coke oven operation (This 
development is linked to an existing project using coke ovens with recuper­
ative heating in place of the normal regenerators).
49. The thermal technology of coke ovens II
Proposer: StBV 
Budget: 390 500 ECU
Further development of research aimed at reducing the energy consumption 
of coke ovens by optimizing oven heating. A mathematical model of the 
behaviour of the oven charge will be developed and tested. This model 
will be coupled to another, developed in an earlier project, which describes 
the"heating of the oven.

-23 -
Bill. Combustion of coal and new techniques for coal utilization
The sub-programme contains 7 projects and has a total cost of 2 478 5^0 ECU.
The aims of the research work in this field are: first, to encourage the 
wider use of coal in industry as a substitute for other fuels by improving 
the economy, convenience and environmental acceptability of coal as a boiler 
fuel in this potentially large market; secondly, to alleviate the problem 
of disposal of waste material from coal mining which, in addition to its 
environmental repercussions, imposes a financial burden on the Community's 
mining industry.
50. Fluidised bed combustion of low-grade fuels
Proposer: INIEX 
Budget:  1 84 000 ECU
Research into the utilization of the residual energy in low-grade materials, 
such as washery tailings and spoil tips, with the particular aim of 
recovering aluminium or other metals by means of gas/solid reactions, rather 
than by more conventional treatment with acids.
51. Developing a measure of coal handlability applicable to industrial equipment
Proposer: NCB 
Budget: 709 500 ECU
Development of tests to give an index of coal handlability as an aid to 
the design of improved equipment for coal storage, recovery and handling 
in industry. The investigation will include assessment of existing laboratory 
tests and development of new ones where necessary and the development of a range 0 
reference equipment for standard tests.

- 24 -
52. Utilization of washery tailings in civil engineering
Proposer: StBV 
Budget: 351 500 ECU
Continuation of the development and testing of equipment and processes for the 
manufacture of materials for use in building and civil engineering from 
washery tailings (e.g., materials for road construction or back-filling, 
etc. underground, concretes, porous building blocks, mortar, etc). Optimi­
sation of materials developed in earlier projects.
53. Trace element emission from fluidised bed combustion units
Proposer: NCB 
Budget: 301 000 ECU
Study of the fate of selected trace elements in coal on combustion in both 
atmospheric pressure fluidised bed combustors and stoker firing, with 
particular emphasis on stack emissions, to assess possible risks to the 
environment.
54· Minimisation of emissions in pressurised fluidised bed combustion
Proposer: StBV 
Budget: 310 500 ECU
The aim of the project is to obtain data that will enable full-scale 
pressurised fluidised bed combustors to be designed with optimum environmental 
acceptability. Factors influencing the emission of oxides of sulphur and 
nitrogen, products of incomplete combustion and volatile halogen compounds will 
be investigated over a range of pressures, temperatures, coals and sulphur­
absorbing additives.
•. ! * ·

- 25 -
55· Study of· pollution from fluid bed boilers
Proposer: CERCHAR 
Budget: 183 500 ECU
Study aimed at improving knowledge of pollution problems associated with 
fluidised bed combustion of coal at atmospheric pressure, and thus at improving 
the ability of equipment manufacturers to overcome these problems. The work 
will include bibliographic and theoretical studies, development of methods of 
sampling and analysis for various pollutants, and measurements on a range 
of laboratory and demonstration-scale combustors.
56. Study of organic trace pollutants discharged from coal-fired power 
stations
Proposer: ENEL 
Budget: 438 500 ECU
polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons) resulting from incomplete combustion in 
coal-fired power stations. The mechanism of formation of such compounds will 
also be studied with a view to preventing their formation by optimizing combu­
stion conditions.
BIV. Coal chemistry and physics and development of processes
The total cost of the 0 projects in this sub—programme is 6 994 000 ECU.
The emphasis of the sub-programme is on the conversion of coal to gaseous 
or liquid products that can replace oil-derived fuels and chemicals. However, 
it covers a very wide range of basic studies relating to a variety of 
coal upgrading processes, and includes some work on solid products and 
by-products. As in other sub-programmes, while some of the topics covered are 
new, others involve continuation of work that has received support in the past 
and has yielded encouraging results.

-  2 6  -
57· Fluidised, bed Acidification for low- and medium calorific value gases
Proposer: UCB 
Budget: 1 769 000 ECU
Further development of promising research on a two-stage process for fluidised 
bed gasification and combustion of coal. The present project is aimed at 
examining aspects of the process for which more information is needed for 
design purposes, and at studying further industrial applications of the 
process.
58. Investigation of the reaction behaviour of coal in moving bed gasification 
reactors 
Proposer: Lurgi 
Budget: 274 500 ECU
Development of a method to facilitate reliable prediction of the reaction 
behaviour of different types of coal in commercial-size reactors. The project 
includes bench-scale gasification studies to obtain information about coal and 
char behaviour and product yields, development of a mathematical model and 
correlation of experimental results with data from commercial- or pilot- 
scale gasifiers.
59* Study of coal conversion processes
'Proposer: CERCHAR 
Budget: 509 500 ECU
This project is concerned with the conversion of coal to liquid or gaseous 
products, and with some of the solid and liquid by-products of the conversion 
processes in question. Rapid hydropyrolysis of coal by injection into a 
molten metal or salt bath will be investigated on a scale of up to several 
kg/hr. The project will also include studies of pitch-like materials and 
their use as binders in carbonization, and of the characteristics of solid 
residues from coal liquefaction and pyrolysis.

_ 27 _
60. Physical and chemical npgradin'·; of coal and coal Try-products
Proposer:  CEIfCILUR 
Budget: 165 000 ECU
Laboratory studies aimed at improving the conversion of coal into desirable 
liquid and gaseous products. This project includes some fundamental work 
on rapid hydropyrolysis. It is also concerned with the investigation of 
coal liquefaction under hydrogen pressure with a view to simplifying and, 
improving the process, and with the upgrading of coal by-products. Both 
the development of new processes and the adaptation of existing techniques 
from the oil industry will be considered.
61. Physical and chemical valorisation of coal
Proposer:  StBV 
Budget: 2 328 500 ECU
Further development of a wide range of basic studies related principally to ■  
coal liquefaction, carbonization and the upgrading of carbonization by-products.
— Basic studies of coal liquefaction by existing and new techniques
— Research on the character and upgrading of liquid and solid products 
and by-products from coal
— Petrographic studies and investigation of maceral behaviour
— Studies related to carbonizatin of coal and co&l/binder mixtures
— Miscellaneous topics: organic sulphur compounds in coal; reactions of 
coal/water suspensions under extreme conditions; properties of fluidised, 
bed combustion residues.
/• · / · ·

- 28 -
62.  Devolati 1 isation of coal under hydrogen pressure
Proposer: l)LB 
Budget: 681  000 ECU
Study of the devolatilisation of coal under hydrogen pressure aimed at 
determining the parameters affecting the degree of gasification the yield 
of liquid and gaseous products, the degree of desulphurisation and the 
reactivity of the residual char. The mechanism of degradation of the 
primary devolatilisation products will also be investigated.
63. Direct conversion of coal to chemical feedstocks
Proposer: HUB 
Budget: 816 500 ECU
The aim of the project is to find more effective means of obtaining chemical 
feedstocks (light hydrocarbons and heavy tars) from coal by pyrolysis and 
subsequent treatment of the vapours obtained. Investigations at both low 
and high pressures will be concerned with increasing product yields, 
decreasing the severity of reaction conditions and widening the range of coals 
that can be processed.
64. Catalytic gasification of lignite for synthetic fuels
Proposer: University of Thessaloniki 
Budget:  450 000 ECU
Laboratory studies of catalytic gasification and rnethanation aimed at 
improved utilization of indigenous resources in an environmentally acceptable 
manner by conversion into synthetic fuels. The research will include 
characterisation of raw materials, selection, preparation and testing of 
catalysts, and improved modelling of gasification and rnethanation to aid process 
evaluation and selection.

- 29 -
III. ABSTOAOTJUC AM) TRAUSLATIOIT 0E THE TECHNICAL LITERATURE ON COAL OF 
EASTERU EUROPE, SCANDINAVIA,  THE MIDDLE EAST AND THE FAR FAST
On four occasions since 1962, the Commission has granted a credit of 100 000 ECU 
for this action which involves:
- the systematic abstracting of the technical literature, limited to certain 
subjects of current interest, and the preparation of analytical summaries.
The technical literature on coal in the so-called "difficult" languages
is thus monitored.
- the summaries are distributed to research workers by the documentation 
centres in the Community’s coal-producing countries. Translations are then 
requested by the researchers as the need arises.
The texts analysed and the translations are regularly exchanged among the 
Community’s coal research institutions.
This action makes it possible for the development of coal technology in countries 
with "difficult" languages to be followed. Moreover, it has been possible, 
through this mechanism, to apply, within the Community, technology used elsewhere. 
Examples are provided by shield supports, ventilation control, prevention of 
rockbursts, etc.
Aid amounting to 150 000 ECU is judged necessary and appropriate for the 
continuation of the action.
IV. RESEARCH RESULTS
The E.C.S.C. Experts’  Committees which are competent to cover the realisation 
of the work in the various fields of the programme will supervise and keep under 
review the execution of the research workihat forms the subject of the proposals.
The agreements to be concluded with the beneficiaries of the aid will define the 
rights and obligations of the contracting parties. They will be designed 
primarily to ensure that the research results will be made available to all 
concerned in the Community, in accordance with Art. 55 of the E.C.S.C. Treaty.

- 30 -
V. CONCLUSIONS
In view of the importance and interest of the planned research programme, the 
granting of financial aid "by the E.C.S.C. for the implementation of the projects 
that it comprises is judged to he appropriate and justified.
The total cost of the projects amounts to 35 973 500 ECU and the Commission 
proposes to grant aid totalling 21 5$4 100 ECU to cover a part of the research 
costs. A sum of 64 300 ECU is reserved for the dissemination of results and 
associated costs. In addition, 150 000 ECU are earmarked for the abstracting 
and translation of the technical literature on coal of Eastern Europe, Scandin­
avia, the Middle East and the Far East.

APPENDIX - TABLE OF RESEARCH PROJECTS
-  -  -  -  -- ---
Proposed research Financial aid
Project
Ho.Project title
hyBudget ECU 
(30.11.82)di1 °Amount ECU 
(30.11 .32)
A. MINING ENGINEERING
AI. Development work in coal and stone
1
2
3
4
5
6
7Mechanization of ihetfiring
Alignment and profile guidance of roadhtaders
Automation of eoal heading
Automatie steering of a drum shearer for correct face profile cutting
The investigation and development of a mechanized strata control  
and roadhead support system for faoe line ripping techniques
High-pressure water Jets as an additional cutting tool
Thermal effeots during in situ generate lining of shaftsStBV
NCB
NCB
INIEX
NC3
CERCHAR
NCB1 8oo 500 
976 000 
1 033 000 
130 500 
432 500
337 000
228 50060
60
60
60
60
60
601 080 300 
5S5 600 
622 800 
78 300 
.  259 500
202 200 
137 100
SUB-TOTAL AI4 943 000 2 965 600
AÏÏ. Methane studies, ventilation eentrol and mine climate
SOptimisation ©f ©©shined special air eonditioning installations by means  
of equipment f@r tfee seniherinf and eontrol of conditioningStBV 371 000 60 222 600
9
1©Ituâÿ §f ©lisati© g©ndiii@n§ in geeled and unecoied workings at  
great depth
itudÿ §f ©lisati© esndiiisns nnâêrp©und = prediction for new minesI KM
CERCHAR312 500 
328 00060
60187 500 
196 300
SUB-TOTAL All 1 011 500 606 900

Proposed research Financial 'aid
Project
Ko.Project title ^yBudget ECU 
(30.11.82)%Amount ECU 
(30.11.32)
AIII Rock pressure and supports
11 Control of dynamic phenomena CERCHAR 505 000 60 303 000
12 Evaluation of observations on rocks in connection with the design 
of a simplified operational measuring installation for advance 
determination of rock properties StBV 254 500 60 152 700
13 Control of soft floor conditions at face ends and in gateroads NCB 130 000 60 73 000
14 The influence of pack design on gatejoad stability under differing 
geological conditions and mining methods NCB 195 500 60 117 300
15 Further development of support technology for roadways and faces StBV 1 175 000 60 705 000
16 ; Roadway management under difficult conditions CERCHAR 329 500 60 197 700
17 Increased roadway stability bjr  bolting and combined supports INIEX 230 000 60 133 000
SUB-TOTAL AIII 2 819 500 1 691 700
AIV Methods of working and techniques of coalgetting
18 Diagnosis'.of operations to improve the level of utilization of ploughs StBV 496 000 60 297 600
19 Alternative methods of coal production from remnant or urban districts NCB 1 464 000 60 87S 400
20 Planning and conduct of operations near geological disturbances in coal StBV 740 500 60 444 300
21 Development of methods and equipment for -traversing faults StBV 1 035 000 60 621 000
22 External drive for propulsion of winning machines StBV 690 000 60 414 000
23 Further development of a vertical guidance system for shearers NCB 1  349 000 60 809 400
SUB-TOTAL AIV 5 774 500 3 464 700

Project
Ilo.Propos>ed research kinanoic.l-aid j
Project title
by3udget ECU 
(30.11. 82)- aAmount ECU 
(30.11.32)
AV Outbye operations underground i
24 Uninterrupted trackless transport of materials in roadways 
and shafts StBV 905 5OO60 543 300
25 Study of the improvement of measurement costs and reliability in the 
monitoring of shaft control equipment, and of the avoidance of 
breakdown and damage to transport equipment WBK 603 5OO60 362100
26 Testing of seals NCB 100 500 60 60 300
27 Testing of specimen gears to provide test data N CB 158 000 60 94 800
23 Improvement of electrical supply technology by faster reactive current 
compensation StBV 229 000 60 137 400
29 Earth fault discrimination 1TCB 432 500 60 259 500
SUB-TOTAL AV 2 429 000 1 457 A00
AVI Modern Management techniques
30 Management information systems (secondary computers) NCB 1 289 500 60 773 700
31 Development of underground switchgear NCB 705 000 60 423 000
32 Components for an integrated control- and monitoring system StBV 383 500 60 233 1C0
33 Computer-aided sub-stations StBV 259 000 6° 155 400
34Bat a-gathering techniques NCB 692 500 60 415 500
35Spine belt control system (Selby) NCB 781 000 60 468 600
SUB-TOTAL AVI 4 115 500 2 469 300
TOTAL A 21 093 000 12 655 300
I

Project 
No.Proposed research Financial aid
Project titleby B 
(udget ECU 
30.11.82)1 °Amount ECU 
(30.11.82)
B. PRODUCT BENEFICIATION
BI Mechanical coal preparation and coal transport
36 Crushing and de-ashing of coal INIEX 129 000 60 77 400
37 New techniques for upgrading fine slurries CERCHAR 269 000 60 161 400
38 De—ashing of particulate coals "by dry magnetic separation techniques Univ. of 
Salford84 500 60 50 700
39 Study of the classification and dewatering of European coals "by the 
Otisca process StBV 431 500 60 258 900
40 Nucleonic methods for the measurement of coal and ash NCB 345 000 60 207 000
SUB-TOTAL BI 1 259 000 755 400
BII Coking of coal
41 Influence of alkalis on the thermo-chemical size stability of bulk coke NCB 917 000 60 550 200
42 Coal oxidation CERCHAR 1p6 500 60 93 900
43 Mechanical properties of coke under simulated blast furnace conditions StBV 278 500 60 167 100
44 Study of preheated and compacted blends for charging into industrial coke 
ovens at industrial rates CERCHAR 244 500 60 146 700
45 Partially pelletized composite coal mixtures for coke ovens Acciaiere
di
Piombino492 500 60 295 500
46 Material balances in carbonization CERCHAR 406 000 60 243 600
47 Measurement of temperature in coke oven heating flues StBV 172 500 60 103 500

project
No.Proposed research Fir1  ·  ' V
uncial aid
Project titleBudget ECU
(30.11.82)% Amount ECU 
(30.11.62)
Process coupling between a recuperatively-heated coke oven and 
coal preheating StBV 1 091 000 60 654 600
49 The thermal technology of coke ovens II StBV 390 500 60 234 300
SUB-TOTAL BII 4 149 000 2 489 400
Bill Combustion of coal and new technioues for coal utilization
50 Fluidised bed combustion of low-grade fuels INIEX 184 000 60 110 400
51 Developing a measure of coal handlability applicable to industrial
equipment NCB 709 500 60 425 700
52 Utilization of washery tailings in civil engineering StBV 351 500 60 210 900
53 Trace element emission from fluidised bed combustion units NCB 301 000 60 180 600
54 Minimisation of emissions in pressurised fluidised bed combustion StBV 310 500 60 186 300
55 Study of pollution from fluid bed boilers CERCHAR 183 500 60 110 100
56 Study of organic trace pollutants discharged from coal-fired power 
stations ENBL 438 500 60 263 100
SUB-TOTAL Bill i  478 500 1  487 100
3IV Coal chemistry and physics and development of nrocesses
57 Fluidised bed gasification for low- and medium calorific value gases NOB 1 7 8 t ©©© 6© 1 ©61 4©©
53 Investigation of the reaction behaviour of coal in moving bed 
gasification reactors g©© 80 184 7©© S
59 Study of coal conversion processes m m & i ; i© | §09 80 m ?©© i
60 Physical and chemical upgrading of coal and coal by-products QSROgAR H g  ©©© 8© ig  ©©© !

Project
No.Proposed research*  V '■ r
Financial aid
Project titleBudget ECU
(30.ll. 32)r S>° Amount nCU 
(30.11.82)
61 Physical and chemical valorisation of coal StBV 2 323 500 60 1 397 100
62 Devolatilisation of coal under hydrogen pressure ULB 681 000 60 403 600
63 Direct conversion of coal to chemical feedstocks NCB 816 500 60 439 900
64 Catalytic gasification of lignite for synthetic fuels Univ. of 
Thessa­
loniki450 000 60 270 000
SUB-TOTAL BIV 6 994 000 4 196 400
TOTAL B 14 880 500 8 923 300
TOTAL A + B 35 973 500 21 584 100
Abstracting and translation of the technical literature on coal of 
Eastern Europe, Scandinavia, the Middle East and the Par East 150 000 100 150 000
Dissemination of results and associated charges 64 800 100 64 800
GRAND TOTAL 36 188 300 21 798 900