Entrained-bed carbonization of bituminous coal; tests on an Australian coal

Describes continuous, entrained-bed carbonization of an Australian bituminous coal containing 5.5 percent moisture and 12.6 percent ash in an 8-inch-diameter reactor at 960/sup 0/ to 1,300/sup 0/F and at air-to-coal ratios of 6.74 to 13.16 standard cubic foot per pound of moisture- and ash-free coal charged. Carbonization rates from 138 to 287 pounds per hour (as-carbonized basis) were achieved without prior oxidation of the coal or char recirculation. Yields of char ranged from 60.2 to 68.5 percent of coal charged (as-carbonized basis), and yields of tar plus light oil ranged from 11.3 to 16.1 percent of coal charged (as-carbonized basis). Volatile matter in the char produced ranged from 8.7 to 17.9 percent.