Precombustion removal of hazardous air pollutant precursors. Technical progress report, October 1, 1995--December 31, 1995

This project involves the development of an optimized, bench-scale processing circuit capable of efficiently removing trace elements from, run-of-mine coals. The optimized circuit will be developed using characterization data obtained from detailed washability studies and release analyses tests conducted with several eastern U.S. coals. The optimized circuit will incorporate a variety of conventional and advanced coal cleaning processes which are believed to be the most cost-effective and commercially viable. The coal products from the optimized circuit will be further treated with complexing agents specifically designed to extract organometallic trace elements that are difficult to remove by physical cleaning operations. Finally, innovative bioremediation schemes will be investigated as a means of controlling the release of trace elements from the process waste streams. Emphasis has been placed on the development of a processing circuit which (1) maximizes the rejection of trace elements, (2) minimizes the production of coal fines which are costly to process and less marketable, and (3) minimizes the downstream impacts of the process waste streams on the environment. During the past quarter, the project work plan and all associated technical/management reports were successfully completed. In addition, three coal samples have been selected for use in the proposed test program based on input provided by the industrial project participants. Formal requests to ship the coal samples to the testing facility have also been made. Steps have also been undertaken to prepare the coal receiving areas for crushing, sizing and storing of the procured coals. Work is now under way to complete the coal acquisition and sample preparation activities and to initiate the proposed trace element characterization studies and bench-scale test work