Low-rank Coals for Power Generation, Fuel and Chemical Production

Low-Rank Coals for Power Generation, Fuel and Chemical Production provides a thorough introduction to lignite (brown coal) and subbituminous coals and explores how they can be used efficiently and economically in place of hard coal. The book examines the undesirable characteristics of low-quality coals, such as high moisture content, low calorific value, and aggressive ash characteristics, and the resulting refinements to standard technologies and practices required for successful combustion, gasification, and pyrolysis. The first part of this book provides a comprehensive and systematic review of the properties of low-rank coals and corresponding preparation methods, such as drying, cleaning, and upgrading. Power generation from low-rank coals is the focus of Part 2, with chapter topics ranging from high efficiency pulverized coal combustion and circulating fluidized bed combustion to emerging areas such as chemical looping and oxyfuel combustion. The final contributions address the important subjects of coal-to-liquids,polygeneration and coke production using low-rank coals, as well as the critical issue of carbon capture and storage. This book is a valuable resource for power generation engineers and researchers seeking to maximize the opportunities provided by these cheaper coal feedstocks for efficient and environmentally compatible power generation.

Presents the most in-depth treatment of low-rank coals availableAddresses both power generation and fuel productionIncludes coverage that spans pulverized coal combustion and emerging technologies, such as CFBC, UCG, CLC, and oxyfuel combustion

1. Introduction to low rank coals: Types, resources and current utilization 2. Properties of low rank coals and resulting challenges in their utilization 3. Drying technologies for low rank coals 4. Stabilisation, cleaning and upgrading technologies for low rank coals 5. High efficiency PCC power generation using low rank coals 6. Co-combustion of low-rank coals with biomass 7. CFBC and BFBC of low rank coals 8. Underground gasification of low rank coals 9. DICE, Direct Carbon Fuel Cells, and other advanced methods for power and chemicals production from low rank coals 10. Coal-to-liquids  and polygeneration  using low rank coals  11. Coke production from low-rank coals 12. Production of activated carbon and other carbon products from low-rank coals 13. Role of oxycombustion in utilisation of low rank coals