SBIR-STTR Award

This research project will demonstrate the technical and economic feasibility of a magnetic separator for operation on pulverized coal. A theoretical comparison of the separator with work published on open gradient magnetic separation by the Oak Ridge National Laboratory indicates that the separator will have high levels of ash cleaning. This is because of its countercurrent principle of operation, the high gradient magnetic field occurring in the narrow gap through which the coal is transported, and the limited movement necessary to effect separation. Low processing cost and high levels of pyritic sulfur removal are expected. The separator can be linearly and economically scaled to handle many tons per hour.Anticipated Results/Potential Commercial Applications as described by the awardee: Success in Phase I and Phase II will lead to the development of a magnetic separation technique to produce low ash, low sulfur coal that will facilitate improved use of coal by preventing ash deposition in combustion equipment and release of sulfur dioxide to the atmosphere. Economic and environmentally acceptable cleaned coal fuel will allow substitution of coal for imported oil and natural gas, resulting in cost savings to energy consumers, reduced dependence on foreign oil, and improved balance of trade while reducing acid rain.Topic 20: Coal Utilation and Conservation