Sulfur reduction potential of the coals of the United States

Abstract

The results are presented of a washability study of 455 raw coal channel samples with special emphasis on sulfur reduction. These raw coals contained on the average 14.0% ash, 1.91% pyritic sulfur, and 3.02% total sulfur. The complete washability data are presented for each sample processed. A statistical evaluation is included for the coalbeds from which more than 10 samples were collected and for the geographical coal-producing regions. A graphical summation is presented for the coal-producing regions and selected coalbeds. Finally a similar statistical evaluation is included showing composited data interpolated at Btu recovery levels of 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, and 100%. Graphical summations are presented for the various coal-producing regions. Generally, significant sulfur reduction is achieved if the coals are crushed to a finer size and the higher specific gravity increments are removed. If a 50% Btu recovery was acceptable, then 32% of the samples tested could be upgraded to meet the current Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standard of 1.2 pounds of SO/sub 2/ emission per million Btu when crushed to 14-mesh top size and separated gravimetrically. (auth)