Article
Energy & Fuels
Allan Kolker, Clint Scott, Liliana Lefticariu, Maria Mastalerz, Agnieszka Drobniak, Annie Scott
Summary: The study aimed to investigate the behavior of trace elements during coal preparation and provide current coal quality data for active mining operations in the Illinois Basin. The efficiency of cleaning was shown by reduction of ash yield, increase in heating values, and a pronounced shift in the proportion of sulfur forms.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF COAL GEOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Energy & Fuels
Barbara J. Arnold
Summary: With the increasing focus on recovering critical elements from various coal-related sources, evaluating coal preparation technologies for their role in recovery or rejection of these elements is crucial. Past studies on trace element removal from coal, including those considered hazardous air pollutants in the past, need to be reviewed. The mode of occurrence of these elements in coal plays a significant role in their recovery or rejection during coal preparation processes. Future work should consider element partitioning with coal macerals and comprehensive evaluations of hydrometallurgical principles for element recovery.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF COAL GEOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yan Xiong, Zengping Ning, Yizhang Liu, Mario Gomez, Tangfu Xiao
Summary: Long-term combustion of low-quality coal can release hazardous elements into the environment, especially in the Three Gorges Region of Southwest China. This study investigated the emission of toxic elements during combustion of inferior coals and provided guidance for reducing pollution.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2022)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Peijun Jiang, Jian Chen, Yang Li, Xiuli Li, Xiaowei Qi, Jiayi Wang, Ping Chen, Wenzhong Liu, Ruwei Wang
Summary: Coal-fired power plants in China have significant negative effects on the environment and human health due to carbon emissions and pollution. A study in Hefei City, China investigated the impact of these power plants and found that fly ash contained high concentrations of trace elements, while slag had enrichment of a few elements. The size of fly ash particles influenced the fraction of volatile trace elements. The study also evaluated the potential for rare earth element recovery from coal combustion by-products, but found them to be unpromising candidates in this case.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Katlego Mphahlele, Ratale Henry Matjie, John Reginald Bunt
Summary: This study investigates the pyrolysis of South African partially oxidized fine-coal reject (FCR) and explores the effects of mineral matter (MM) on the process. The addition of reactive oxides and a hydrated oxide composite increases the activation energy of FCR, leading to higher carbon conversion rates. However, the formation of minerals and the presence of oxygen interfere with the pyrolysis reactions. The findings contribute to a better understanding of the utilization of coal waste and its potential benefits.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Mufang Hu, Bo Zhao, Linbo Qin, Geng Chen, Wangsheng Chen, Jun Han
Summary: The fine particles and trace elements from coal combustion have a severe negative effect on the environment and human health. This study investigated the particle size distribution and trace element release during the combustion of blended coal. The results showed that blending coal can reduce PM formation and lower the emission of As, Se, Pb, and Cd. The reduction efficiency of trace elements varied for different particle sizes. Overall, blending coal combustion can effectively reduce the environmental and health risks.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Brooke A. Davis, Sandra Rodrigues, Joan S. Esterle, Ai D. Nguyen, Alexander J. Duxbury, Suzanne D. Golding
Summary: Apatite in coal seams of the Late Permian in the Bowen Basin shows varied origins, including pore-apatites, fracture-apatites, detrital-apatites, and encrusting-apatites. Despite different modes of occurrence, the apatites analyzed in this study are predominantly fluorapatite, with minor variation in trace-element chemistry by mode of occurrence. Further investigation is needed to verify the geothermal source of apatite formation and isotopic composition analysis may provide important insights.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF COAL GEOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Yong Wei, Guijian Liu, Biao Fu, Ruwei Wang, Yuan Liu, Xuan Xue, Mei Sun
Summary: This study evaluated the distribution and partitioning behavior of Pb in size-resolved fine PM collected from an industrial circulating fluidized bed power plant. The mechanism of Pb enrichment in supermicron particles was mainly controlled by surface adsorption reaction, while gas-film transfer or heterogenous condensation might represent the deposition mechanism for submicron particles. Additionally, the emission of fine SiO2-bearing particles should be limited due to their potential harm to the respiratory system.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Ulung Muhammad Sutopo, Erda Rahmilaila Desfitri, Yukio Hayakawa, Shinji Kambara
Summary: The study found that all mineral oxides had good correlations with arsenic, boron had good relationships with aluminum, calcium, and magnesium, chromium had good correlations with potassium and calcium, and interactions of fluorine with Fe2O3, K2O, and Al2O3 were predicted. The effects of mineral oxides on selenium partitioning were not observed. The inhibition order of trace elements by mineral oxides was determined. These results will be useful for controlling trace element emissions.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Faustyna Wieronska-Wisnewska, Dorota Makowska, Andrzej Strugala
Summary: The research presented in the paper focused on determining the content and mode of arsenic occurrence in Polish commercial coal, finding that arsenic in coal is mainly associated with mineral matter. The study also showed that the amount of arsenic passing to gas during combustion is influenced by the parameters of the combustion process and the chemical composition of the coals. Statistical analysis indicated that the presence of arsenic in coal, mainly in association with disulphides, carbonates, and sulphates, significantly influences the amount of Asgas in the flue gas.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Beilei Sun, Fangui Zeng, Tim A. Moore, Sandra Rodrigues, Chao Liu, Guoquan Wang
Summary: Prospecting for trace and rare earth elements is expected to increase in the future as the world adopts sustainable energy and digital technology. This study investigates the distribution of trace elements, especially lithium, in coal beds in Shanxi Province, China. The research finds that trace elements, including lithium, are associated with the inorganic portion of the coal seams.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF COAL GEOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Ariane Andreola, Daniely Neckel Rosini, Mari Lucia Campos, Josieli Pietro Biasi, Vanilde Citadini-Zanette, Roseli Lopes da Costa Bortoluzzi, Davi Jose Miquelutti, Edilane Rocha Nicoleite
Summary: Mineral coal extraction in Santa Catarina State in Brazil has caused degradation to the local ecosystem, limiting its use. The uncontrolled disposal of waste and sterile mining with high concentrations of pyrite has led to the formation of acid mine drainage, which poses a threat to water resources, soil, and biodiversity. This study characterizes the heavy metal content in the mining waste and tailings, as well as the presence of fern and lycophyte species in the area. The results show that some fern species demonstrate resistance to degraded and contaminated environments, making them potential candidates for monitoring and environmental recovery.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Yeney Lauzurique, Silvio Montalvo, Ricardo Salazar, Veronica Garcia, Cesar Huilinir
Summary: This document explores the potential use of fly ash as an additive to enhance anaerobic digestion processes, reviewing its impact on methane production and biodegradation. The importance of trace elements for methanogenic archaea, possible mechanisms for improving anaerobic digestion, and the limitations and prospects of using fly ash on an industrial scale are also discussed.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Xiaojin Guo, Yunhan Xiao, Lifeng Zhao, Lei Shi, Xiaoyong Xue, Xiquan Li, Zhenyu Liu
Summary: Through studying the combustion behaviors of coal and chars using different methods, the combustion process can be divided into different temperature regions, and the roles of different covalent bonds in the combustion process, as well as how to choose more suitable methods to prepare chars as alternative feeds, can be understood.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yuegang Tang, Xiaoshuai Wang, Harold H. Schobert, Cortland F. Eble, Tengda Ma, Yufei Su, Chengwei Yang, Kaiyu Xu
Summary: In this study, the cleaning potential of selected Chinese bituminous coals in southern Shanxi, China was evaluated based on coal quality, cleaning grade, and cleanability. Distribution maps were prepared to show different cleaning potential characteristics, with a total area of approximately 410 million m(2) and total reserves of about 1460 million tonnes. A cleaning potential gradient and equation for calculating it were proposed, and the necessity of processing raw coal of good quality considering economics was emphasized.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Jinhe Pan, Behzad Vaziri Hassas, Mohammad Rezaee, Changchun Zhou, Sarma V. Pisupati
Summary: A sequential chemical roasting, water leaching, and acid leaching process was developed for the recovery of REEs from coal fly ash. Adding NaOH and Na2CO3 proved to be effective in converting the glassy phases in the ash into water or acid soluble phases, enhancing the recovery of REEs.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Thermodynamics
He Yang, Sarma Pisupati, Haoquan Hu
Summary: The study modified a previous model to predict the N2 adsorption specific surface area of high-volatile bituminous char and analyzed the relationship between char surface area change and particle swelling.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMBUSTION INSTITUTE
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yuegang Tang, Xiaoshuai Wang, Harold H. Schobert, Cortland F. Eble, Tengda Ma, Yufei Su, Chengwei Yang, Kaiyu Xu
Summary: In this study, the cleaning potential of selected Chinese bituminous coals in southern Shanxi, China was evaluated based on coal quality, cleaning grade, and cleanability. Distribution maps were prepared to show different cleaning potential characteristics, with a total area of approximately 410 million m(2) and total reserves of about 1460 million tonnes. A cleaning potential gradient and equation for calculating it were proposed, and the necessity of processing raw coal of good quality considering economics was emphasized.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Shuangni Wang, Jianzhong Liu, Sarma V. Pisupati, Dedi Li, Zhihua Wang, Jun Cheng
Summary: This study addresses the difficulty in treating high-concentration organic waste liquids by using xanthan gum to prepare waste liquid coal water slurry (WCWS). The addition of 0.08 wt% xanthan gum resulted in a stable dispersion of the mixed waste liquid with an apparent viscosity of 921.1 mPa.s. Xanthan gum introduced steric hindrance interaction energy into the WCWS system, enabling stable dispersion.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Aditi B. Khadilkar, James R. Kennedy, Peter L. Rozelle, Sarma Pisupati
Summary: This study discusses a unique agglomeration modeling methodology based on binary collisions to analyze the effects of heterogeneity in ash chemistry and granular physics. By utilizing methods such as population balance and thermodynamic equilibrium calculations, changes in particle size distribution (PSD) in fluidized beds were determined. The results show that ash agglomeration is most effective at temperatures below 850 degrees C when the binder content is low.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
He Yang, Yahui Yang, Sarma V. Pisupati, Lijun Jin, Yang Li, Haoquan Hu
Summary: The trend of changing N-2 adsorption specific surface area during pyrolysis is significantly affected by coal rank and the arrangement of planar polycyclic aromatic structures in char. Two exponents introduced in the model can predict the specific surface area of various coals and a correlation between the fraction ratio of crosslinked metaplast to volatile yield and the order degree of aromatic structure arrangement is proposed. The model can also predict transition characteristics of subbituminous coal based on temperature and heating rates.
JOURNAL OF ANALYTICAL AND APPLIED PYROLYSIS
(2021)
Review
Metallurgy & Metallurgical Engineering
Peter L. Rozelle, Maureen D. Feineman, Timothy S. White, Nicholas A. Crescenzo, Lee R. Kump, Alan R. Larson, Sarma V. Pisupati
Summary: The Mercer Clay bed in central Pennsylvania has been categorized as a critical mineral in the USA, leading to renewed production opportunities. New research on the deposit as a polymetallic resource has found high lithium contents, with alumina content ranging from 32 to 34 wt%, and total rare earth concentrations somewhat lower than in other regions. Further work is needed to identify the mineral hosts for lithium and rare earths and to determine the extent of enriched alumina, lithium, and rare earth concentrations.
MINING METALLURGY & EXPLORATION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Behzad Vaziri Hassas, Mohammad Rezaee, Sarma Pisupati
Summary: Studies have shown that by adjusting the pH of the solution and adding specific chemicals during AMD treatment, efficient precipitation and recovery of rare earth elements and other elements can be achieved, improving the sustainability of the treatment process. Additionally, research on the impact of different ions and ligands has revealed that the recovery of most REEs can be achieved under specific conditions.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
James R. Kennedy, Aditi B. Khadilkar, Sankar Bhattacharya, Sarma Pisupati
Summary: This work models the influence of operating conditions on agglomeration rate in a chemical-looping combustion fluidized bed reactor using coal as fuel. Factors such as type of oxygen carrier, coal ash composition, temperature, gas velocity, and ratio of ash to oxygen carrier were investigated. The type of oxygen carrier was found to have a significant impact on the rate of agglomeration, while the ratio of ash to oxygen carrier had a high impact on the rate of agglomeration.
INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Xiaojing Yang, Peter L. Rozelle, Sarma Pisupati
Summary: The study found that treatment with caustic soda can enhance the efficiency of extracting rare earth elements from coal overburden, especially for low-concentration REE phosphates. Experimental results showed that after caustic soda treatment, high recovery rates, particularly for Nd and Pr, can be achieved using diluted HCl and citric acid.
MINERALS ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Xiaoshuai Wang, Tengda Ma, Yuegang Tang, Rajender Gupta, Harold H. Schobert, Junying Zhang
Summary: This study investigates the thermal behavior of different structural types of coal pyrite and their influence on combustion products. The formation stages of coal pyrite are deduced from its structural types. Different behavior is observed among samples containing different types of pyrite during tube furnace combustion. The disappearance of pyrite peaks occurs at lower temperatures for samples with syngenetic and diagenetic pyrite compared to samples with epigenetic pyrite. The presence of different pyrite types affects slagging behavior differently.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Xiaoshuai Wang, Tengda Ma, Yuegang Tang, Rajender Gupta, Harold H. Schobert, Junying Zhang
Summary: The behavior of 12 trace elements associated with pyrite during heat treatment was investigated. Nickel, Cu, Zn, Cr, and Cd were found to be enriched in samples containing syngenetic pyrite, while other elements were more enriched in samples containing epigenetic pyrite. The volatilization of highly volatile elements like Hg and As was complete at high temperatures, while other elements showed different levels of volatilization in different samples. The elements were classified into low, medium, or high volatility groups based on their volatilization behavior.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Akshay Gharpure, Randy L. Vander Wal, Sarma Pisupati
Summary: This study evaluates the potential of obtaining graphitizable precursors from domestically available coal as a solution to the declining availability of high-quality precursors and growing demand for synthetic graphite in the US. A new solvent extraction process is used to obtain a coal-derived synthetic pitch, which is compared with a commercially available petroleum pitch. The process offers advantages of lower temperature, pressure, and hydrogen addition requirement, resulting in an upgraded aromatic pitch with better graphitic quality.
C-JOURNAL OF CARBON RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Yingna Du, Chen Huang, Wei Jiang, Qiangwei Yan, Yongfei Li, Gang Chen
Summary: In this study, anionic surfactants modified hydrotalcite was used as a flow improver for crude oil under low-temperature conditions. The modified hydrotalcite showed a significant viscosity reduction effect on crude oil. The mechanism of the modified hydrotalcite on viscosity and pour point of crude oil was explored through characterization and analysis of the modified hydrotalcite and oil samples.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Mohammad Saeid Rostami, Mohammad Mehdi Khodaei
Summary: In this study, a hybrid structure, MIL-53(Al)@MWCNT, was synthesized by combining MIL-53(Al) particles and -COOH functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT). The hybrid structure was then embedded in a polyethersulfone (PES) polymer matrix to prepare a mixed matrix membrane (MMM) for CO2/CH4 and CO2/N2 separation. The addition of MWCNTs prevented MIL-53(Al) aggregation, improved membrane mechanical properties, and enhanced gas separation efficiency.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Yunlong Li, Desheng Huang, Xiaomeng Dong, Daoyong Yang
Summary: This study develops theoretical and experimental techniques to determine the phase behavior and physical properties of DME/flue gas/water/heavy oil systems. Eight constant composition expansion (CCE) tests are conducted to obtain new experimental data. A thermodynamic model is used to accurately predict saturation pressure and swelling factors, as well as the phase boundaries of N2/heavy oil systems and DME/CO2/heavy oil systems, with high accuracy.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Morteza Afkhamipour, Ebad Seifi, Arash Esmaeili, Mohammad Shamsi, Tohid N. Borhani
Summary: Non-conventional amines are being researched worldwide to overcome the limitations of traditional amines like MEA and MDEA. Adequate process and thermodynamic models are crucial for understanding the applicability and performance of these amines in CO2 absorption, but studies on process modeling for these amines are limited. This study used rate-based modeling and Deshmukh-Mather method to model CO2 absorption by DETA solution in a packed column, validated the model with experimental data, and conducted a sensitivity analysis of mass transfer correlations. The study also compared the CO2 absorption efficiency of DETA solution with an ionic solvent [bmim]-[PF6] and highlighted the importance of finding optimum operational parameters for maximum absorption efficiency.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Arastoo Abdi, Mohamad Awarke, M. Reza Malayeri, Masoud Riazi
Summary: The utilization of smart water in EOR operations has gained attention, but more research is needed to understand the complex mechanisms involved. This study investigated the interfacial tension between smart water and crude oil, considering factors such as salt, pH, asphaltene type, and aged smart water. The results revealed that the hydration of ions in smart water plays a key role in its efficacy, with acidic and basic asphaltene acting as intrinsic surfactants. The pH also influenced the interfacial tension, and the aged smart water's interaction with crude oil depended on asphaltene type, salt, and salinity.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Dongao Zhu, Kun Zhu, Lixian Xu, Haiyan Huang, Jing He, Wenshuai Zhu, Huaming Li, Wei Jiang
Summary: In this study, cobalt-based metal-organic frameworks (Co-based MOFs) were used as supports and co-catalysts to confine the NHPI catalyst, solving the leaching issue. The NHPI@Co-MOF with carboxyl groups exhibited stronger acidity and facilitated the generation of active oxygen radicals O2•, resulting in enhanced catalytic activity. This research provides valuable insights into the selection of suitable organic linkers and broadens the research horizon of MOF hybrids in efficient oxidative desulfurization (ODS) applications.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Edwin G. Hoyos, Gloria Amo-Duodu, U. Gulsum Kiral, Laura Vargas-Estrada, Raquel Lebrero, Rail Munoz
Summary: This study investigated the impact of carbon-coated zero-valent nanoparticle concentration on photosynthetic biogas upgrading. The addition of nanoparticles significantly increased microalgae productivity and enhanced nitrogen and phosphorus assimilation. The presence of nanoparticles also improved the quality of biomethane produced.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Yao Xiao, Asma Leghari, Linfeng Liu, Fangchao Yu, Ming Gao, Lu Ding, Yu Yang, Xueli Chen, Xiaoyu Yan, Fuchen Wang
Summary: Iron is added as a flocculant in wastewater treatment and the hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) of sludge produces wastewater containing Fe. This study investigates the effect of aqueous phase (AP) recycling on hydrochar properties, iron evolution and environmental assessment during HTC of sludge. The results show that AP recycling process improves the dewatering performance of hydrochar and facilitates the recovery of Fe from the liquid phase.
Article
Energy & Fuels
He Liang, Tao Wang, Zhenmin Luo, Jianliang Yu, Weizhai Yi, Fangming Cheng, Jingyu Zhao, Xingqing Yan, Jun Deng, Jihao Shi
Summary: This study investigated the influence of inhibitors (carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and heptafluoropropane) on the lower flammability limit of hydrogen and determined the critical inhibitory concentration needed for complete suppression. The impact of inhibitors on explosive characteristics was evaluated, and the inhibitory mechanism was analyzed with chemical kinetics. The results showed that with the increase of inhibitor quantity, the lower flammability limit of hydrogen also increased. The research findings can contribute to the safe utilization of hydrogen energy.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Zonghui Liu, Zhongze Zhang, Yali Zhou, Ziling Wang, Mingyang Du, Zhe Wen, Bing Yan, Qingxiang Ma, Na Liu, Bing Xue
Summary: In this study, high-performance solid catalysts based on phosphotungstic acid (HPW) supported on Zr-SBA-15 were synthesized and evaluated for the one-pot conversion of furfural (FUR) to γ-valerolactone (GVL). The catalysts were characterized using various techniques, and the ratio of HPW and Zr was found to significantly affect the selectivity of GVL. The HPW/Zr-SBA-15 (2-4-15) catalyst exhibited the highest GVL yield (83%) under optimized reaction conditions, and it was determined that a balance between Bronsted acid sites (BAS) and Lewis acid sites (LAS) was crucial for achieving higher catalytic performance. The reaction parameters and catalyst stability were also investigated.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Michael Stoehr, Stephan Ruoff, Bastian Rauch, Wolfgang Meier, Patrick Le Clercq
Summary: As part of the global energy transition, an experimental study was conducted to understand the effects of different fuel properties on droplet vaporization for various conventional and alternative fuels. The study utilized a flow channel to measure the evolution of droplet diameters over time and distance. The results revealed the temperature-dependent effects of physical properties, such as boiling point, liquid density, and enthalpy of vaporization, and showed the complex interactions of preferential vaporization and temperature-dependent influences of physical properties for multi-component fuels.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Yuan Zhuang, Ruikang Wu, Xinyan Wang, Rui Zhai, Changyong Gao
Summary: Through experimental validation and optimization of the chemical kinetic model, it was found that methanol can accelerate the oxidation reaction of ammonia, and methanol can be rapidly oxidized at high concentration. HO2 was found to generate a significant amount of OH radicals, facilitating the oxidation of methanol and ammonia. Rating: 7.5/10.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Radwan M. EL-Zohairy, Ahmed S. Attia, A. S. Huzayyin, Ahmed I. EL-Seesy
Summary: This paper presents a lab-scale experimental study on the impact of diethyl ether (DEE) as an additive to waste cooking oil biodiesel with Jet A-1 on combustion and emission features of a swirl-stabilized premixed flame. The addition of DEE to biodiesel significantly affects the flame temperature distribution and emissions. The W20D20 blend of DEE, biodiesel, and Jet A-1 shows similar flame temperature distribution to Jet A-1 and significantly reduces UHC, CO, and NOx emissions compared to Jet A-1.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Jiang Bian, Ziyuan Zhao, Yang Liu, Ran Cheng, Xuerui Zang, Xuewen Cao
Summary: This study presents a novel method for ammonia separation using supersonic flow and develops a mathematical model to investigate the condensation phenomenon. The results demonstrate that the L-P nucleation model accurately characterizes the nucleation process of ammonia at low temperatures. Numerical simulations also show that increasing pressure and concentration can enhance ammonia condensation efficiency.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Shiyuan Pan, Xiaodan Shi, Beibei Dong, Jan Skvaril, Haoran Zhang, Yongtu Liang, Hailong Li
Summary: Integrating CO2 capture with biomass-fired combined heat and power (bio-CHP) plants is a promising method for achieving negative emissions. This study develops a reliable data-driven model based on the Transformer architecture to predict the flowrate and CO2 concentration of flue gas in real time. The model validation shows high prediction accuracy, and the potential impact of meteorological parameters on model accuracy is assessed. The results demonstrate that the Transformer model outperforms other models and using near-infrared spectral data as input features improves the prediction accuracy.