The Study on Characteristics Upgraded Low Rank Coal (Lignite-IBC) by Changed Temperature and Particle Size

Abstract

Recently, a coal price is suddenly risen from $53 per ton-coal used in thermal power plant on March 2007 to $129 per ton on March 2008. In present time, it is imported at more than $200 per ton in the steam supply power generation. The low rank coal price is equivalent to one third of present coal, which is difficult to use as generating fuel for two reasons: high moisture, and instability. This study made progress with the aim of using low rank coal by changing it into generating fuel in a dewatering way. As dewatering parameter of this study: temperature and particle size - optimum temperature deduced from TGA results, dividing two part: heating condition and isothermal condition. Along with particle size less than 3 mm, this study was under way on a experiment as divided three sections. 0.3-1 mm, 1-1.18 mm, and 1.18-2.8 mm. According to the study along with different temperatures, moisture content was changed low up to 80°C, but conspicuous up to 150°C. After that, it was nothing noticeable. According to different particle size, in the beginning about five minutes, it seemed a little differences in change of moisture content. After 30 min experiment, it showed no visible differences. Through this progress, it can be found that tendency of variation of moisture content is identical; furthermore, it also indicated that pore structure changed after dewatering. The alteration is shown by means of SEM. © Springer 2010.