Predicting changes in the sulfur content during steam coal preparation and the level of sulfur dioxide emissions when its combustion

Abstract

Purpose. Development of a method and forecast estimation of sulfur dioxide emission reduction during combustion of steam coal by regulating its quality during coal preparation. Methodology. Study on sulfur content in coal using sieve, fractional analysis, analysis of ash and total sulfur content. Forecasting of sulfur content in concentrate according to the developed calculation method. Production tests at the coal preparation plant. Forecasting of the level of SO2 emissions during pulverized coal combustion according to the developed calculation method. Findings. The distribution of sulfur content of Ukrainian steam bituminous coal by size classes depending on ash content is investigated; the proximity of sulfur content to the linear dependance on the ash content of the run-of-mine coal, rock-free substance, rock and concentrate is proved. The calculations of the level of SO2 emissions during pulverized combustion of coal and its cleaned products taking into account their elemental composition is performed, and the linear dependence of the level of SO2 emissions on the total sulfur content to lower heating value (LHV) ratio is proved. Based on the obtained results, methods are developed for determining the expected sulfur content in the concentrate and the forecasted level of SO2 emissions during its combustion; the optimal depth of preparation for the coal from various mines is determined by the criterion of compliance of the SO2 emission level with the current environmental standards. Originality. Proximity of the sulfur content to the linear dependence on the ash content of the run-of-mine coal, rock-free substance, rock and concentrate is proved. The linear dependence of the level of SO2 emissions on the ratio of the total sulfur content to LHV during pulverized combustion of coal and its clean products is proved. Practical value. A method has been developed for determining the expected sulfur content in the products of coal preparation by jigging, taking into account the allowable content of the high-density fraction in the concentrate and adding dense slimes to the coal preparation products. A method has been developed for determining the predicted level of SO2 emissions during their combustion. The optimal depth of the coal preparation for coal from various mines has been determined by the criterion of compliance of the level of SO2 emissions with the current environmental standards.