Coal Processing

RPM Solutions brings a deep wealth of mining and machining experience to every coal processing project.When it comes to coal processing, our operators at RPM Solutions bring a deep wealth of mining and machining experience to every project. Coal processing is where raw coal from the mine is cleared using different physical processes, with or without any chemical reagents, to get a product which can be sold in the market or can be used for different purposes such as power generation. Once the coal has been mined it needs to be processed. First, the coal goes to a preparation plant where it is washed or cleaned to remove contaminants. The cleaning removes impurities like rock, ash, sulfur and other substances. A high amount of rock and clay particles reduces the quality and heating value of coal and usually means a lower price for coal. Some coal is crushed and mixed with water and transported through pipelines.

Coal processing involves crushing, screening and beneficiation. Processing is where coal is converted from run-of-mine (ROM) coal to a product that meets the customer’s requirements. Mined coal can include lumps. Crushing to a manageable size is required. Coal crushing can include a two stage process, dependent on deposit size. Coal is crushed in a feeder breaker, a chain conveyor that breaks the biggest lumps. Coal size is further reduced through a sizer. Screening is used to separate different sizes of crushed coal. In this process, coarse and fine coal is separated to accommodate specific markets and industrial usage. Screened coal is ideal for burning in horizontal kilns. Coarser coal is required by customers who burn coal in grate-fired applications. During beneficiation, coal is processed to remove impurities, reducing ash and Sulphur, thereby improving the market value of the coal. Beneficiation can improve the quality of contaminated coal that would otherwise be wasted. Most cleaning processes involve washing coal in order to separate coal particles from stone particles. Coal can be charred, a process wherein hydrogen and oxygen are removed from coal to make it a purer form of carbon.

Typical steps in coal preparation include:

  • Crushing
  • Screening into different size factions
  • Physical, chemical or mechanical processes to remove undesired impurities
  • Dewatering
  • Thermal drying
  • Blending
  • Agglomeration

Reasons for cleaning coal are to:

  • Remove inorganic material (ash) – thus reducing ash handling in coal plants
  • Increase the heating value of coal
  • Reduce the transportation cost per unit weight of coal
  • Meet customers’ specifications

Why coal processing is important:

  • Remove extraneous, non-combustible material
    • Ash reduction
    • Lower particulates
    • Reduced ash handling at power station
    • Sulfur reduction
    • Carbon emission reduction
  • Reduced transportation costs per unit of heat
  • Guaranteed consistent heat value
    •  Improved plant efficiency

RPM Solutions, based in Lexington, Kentucky, has the ability to provide superior solutions through our vast knowledge of the coal industry combined with our strength and expertise in the minerals processing industry. Our aim is to deliver superior coal process solutions for our clients, big or small, regardless of the location. We differentiate ourselves through our advanced skills and preparation. RPM Solutions’ commitment to detail is the most important component of our success. For more information about putting the services of RPM Solutions to work regarding effective coal processing, contact us at www.RPMSolve.com