National Technical Reports Library

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Removal of Pyrite from Coal by Heap Leaching.

PB83238758

Publication Date	1983
Personal Author	Cathles, L. M.; Breen, K. J.
Page Count	286
Abstract	The feasibility of leaching pyrite from coal heaps is analyzed by adapting a model of the heap-leaching process developed in the copper industry. Parameters in the model are first determined through literature review and direct measurement. The model is then used to predict how coal fragments will leach in reaction kettles containing ferric sulfate solution, in columns through which air is circulated, and in actual heaps. Model parameters are verified and refined by kettle and column experiments. Removal of pyrite from coal utilizing such a process is economically attractive. A heap-leaching operation capable of depyritizing 1 million tons of coal per year has a positive net present value at discount rates up to 16% (base case) to 33% (best case).
Keywords	Pyrite Mathematical models Coal preparation Leaching Economic analysis Desulfurization Sulfur dioxide Reaction kinetics Chemical analysis Air pollution Air pollution abatement Acid rain
Source Agency	Bureau of Mines
NTIS Subject Category	68A - Air Pollution & Control 68D - Water Pollution & Control 99 - Chemistry
Corporate Authors	Pennsylvania State Univ., University Park. Coll. of Earth and Mineral Sciences.; Bureau of Mines, Washington, DC.
Supplemental Notes	Sponsored in part by Bureau of Mines, Washington, DC. Grant G1115427.
Document Type	Technical Report
Title Note	Open file rept. (Final) 30 Sep 79-31 Dec 82.
NTIS Issue Number	198322

Removal of Pyrite from Coal by Heap Leaching.

Removal of Pyrite from Coal by Heap Leaching.
PB83238758

Publication Date	1983
Personal Author	Cathles, L. M.; Breen, K. J.
Page Count	286
Abstract	The feasibility of leaching pyrite from coal heaps is analyzed by adapting a model of the heap-leaching process developed in the copper industry. Parameters in the model are first determined through literature review and direct measurement. The model is then used to predict how coal fragments will leach in reaction kettles containing ferric sulfate solution, in columns through which air is circulated, and in actual heaps. Model parameters are verified and refined by kettle and column experiments. Removal of pyrite from coal utilizing such a process is economically attractive. A heap-leaching operation capable of depyritizing 1 million tons of coal per year has a positive net present value at discount rates up to 16% (base case) to 33% (best case).
Keywords	Pyrite Mathematical models Coal preparation Leaching Economic analysis Desulfurization Sulfur dioxide Reaction kinetics Chemical analysis Air pollution Air pollution abatement Acid rain
Source Agency	Bureau of Mines
NTIS Subject Category	68A - Air Pollution & Control 68D - Water Pollution & Control 99 - Chemistry
Corporate Authors	Pennsylvania State Univ., University Park. Coll. of Earth and Mineral Sciences.; Bureau of Mines, Washington, DC.
Supplemental Notes	Sponsored in part by Bureau of Mines, Washington, DC. Grant G1115427.
Document Type	Technical Report
Title Note	Open file rept. (Final) 30 Sep 79-31 Dec 82.
NTIS Issue Number	198322