Evaluation, engineering and development of advanced cyclone processes. Quarterly technical progress report No. 14, January 1994--March 31, 1994

The project goal is to develop an advanced coal beneficiation technology that can achieve high recovery of the parent coal`s calorific value, while maximizing pyritic sulfur removal. Coal cleaning is to be accomplished by physical means incorporating an advanced form of cycloning or gravimetric process. Evaluation of different media types and their attendant systems for recovery, concentration, and regeneration is to be completed. Phase 1, Media Evaluation, now completed, involved a paper study and a number of laboratory tests to eliminate all but the best media options. Phase 2, Media Testing, involved detailed testing of the more promising media and separators in a closed-loop pilot facility. In the final phase, Phase 3, it is proposed to test individual components of the process using the optimum medium, separator, and medium recovery system(s) selected in the prior phases. Major activities during this reporting period are as follows: Hot water wash experiments were performed in the laboratory with filter leaf tests to determine whether hot water would recover significantly greater amounts of calcium nitrate than previously obtained and thereby lower process costs. No significant improvement in recovery of calcium nitrate was found, but there was some questions concerning the results. Triple S Corporation has fabricated and delivered the structural steel for the Bench Scale Circuit (BSC). Steel remaining to be delivered includes the platework, chutes, sumps and tanks. While BSC construction is no longer planned, approximately half of the steel can be used to construct a test stand for the planned Component Test program