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Lignite and sub-bituminous coals from western U.S. contain high amounts of moisture (sub-bituminous: 15%-30%, lignites: 25%-40%). German and Australian lignites (brown coals) have even higher moisture content, 50% and 60%, respectively. The high moisture content causes a reduction in plant performance and higher emissions, compared to the bituminous (hard) coals. Despite their high-moisture content, lignite and sub-bituminous coals from the western U.S. and worldwide are attractive due to their abundance, low cost, low NO x and SO x emissions, and high reactivity. A novel low-temperature coal drying process employing a fluidized bed dryer and waste heat was developed in the U.S. by a team led by GRE (Great River Energy). Demonstration of the technology was conducted with the U.S. Department of Energy and GRE funding at Coal Creek Station Unit 1. Following the successful demonstration, the low-temperature coal drying technology was commercialized by GRE under the trade name DryFining TM fuel enhancement process and implemented at both units at Coal Creek Station. The coal drying system at Coal Creek has been in a continuous commercial operation since December 2009.

This 11th quarterly Technical Progress Report for the Lignite Fuel Enhancement Project summarizes activities from January 1 st through March 31st of 2007. It summarizes the completion of the Prototype testing activity and initial full-scale dryer design, Budget Period 2 activity during that time period.

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