Studies on the Utilization of Non-Coking Coal after Beneficiation for Pulverized Coal Injection

Pulverized Coal Injection (PCI) is a process that involves injecting large volumes of fine coal particles into the raceway of a blast furnace (BF). This provides not only a supplemental carbon source but also speeds up the production of liquid iron besides reducing the need for metallurgical coke for reactions in the blast furnace. About 30% of coking coal can be saved by injecting fine coal particles into the blast furnace. Non-coking coals, being cheaper than the others, is mostly preferred for blast furnace injection for cost saving by reducing coke rate. About 20-25% of the Indian non-coking coal reserves constitute less than 30% ash. They are mostly being fed to thermal plants, some of these coals may be beneficiated to obtain clean coal of less than 10% ash for use for pulverized coal injection. This will not only help in conserving the scarce coking coal reserves but also help to save considerable foreign exchange. This paper presents the detailed laboratory investigations in terms of characterization and washabiliy carried out on typical coal sample from Eastern Coalfields and suggests the concept of beneficiation for the improvement in the quality of run-off-mine (ROM) coal. The characterization studies of the clean coal strongly support its use as pulverized coal injection in steel making. The clean product also meets the other specifications of PCI like low to medium volatile content, very low phosphorous and sulfur and suitable grindability index