In order to address the low thermal efficiency of low-rank
coal
combustion and the accompanying serious environmental issues, formed
coke was prepared using a carbonization consolidation method with
low-rank coal semi-coke. The test for briquetting and carbonation
consolidation conditions revealed that the optimal parameters were
a briquetting pressure of 93.63 MPa, moisture content of 16%, Ca(OH)2 binder amount of 10%, and a CO2 concentration
of 30% at 20 °C. Under these conditions and a carbonation consolidation
time of 60 min, high-quality formed coke was produced, exhibiting
a compressive strength of 1256.2 N/a, redrying strength of 286.2 N/a,
and a dropping strength of 10.6 number/a. The combustion characteristics
of the prepared formed coke were investigated, revealing that ignition
temperatures (345.39 °C), burnout temperatures (495.57 °C),
and peak of the maximum weight loss rate temperatures (437.93 °C)
are slightly higher than those of bituminous coal. The low calorific
value of the briquette was 20.4 MJ/kg. During the combustion process,
the emission concentrations of SO2, NO
X
, and solid particles from the formed coke were significantly
lower than those of bituminous coal, indicating that it is a cleaner
energy source. Moreover, adding Ca(OH)2 effectively reduced
SO2 emissions and achieved sulfur fixation and emission
reduction.