US3762886A - Formed carbon fuel briquets - Google Patents
Formed carbon fuel briquets Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US3762886A US3762886A US00152605A US3762886DA US3762886A US 3762886 A US3762886 A US 3762886A US 00152605 A US00152605 A US 00152605A US 3762886D A US3762886D A US 3762886DA US 3762886 A US3762886 A US 3762886A
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- water
- process according
- carbon aggregate
- employed
- parts
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C10—PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES; TECHNICAL GASES CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE; FUELS; LUBRICANTS; PEAT
- C10L—FUELS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NATURAL GAS; SYNTHETIC NATURAL GAS OBTAINED BY PROCESSES NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES C10G, C10K; LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS; ADDING MATERIALS TO FUELS OR FIRES TO REDUCE SMOKE OR UNDESIRABLE DEPOSITS OR TO FACILITATE SOOT REMOVAL; FIRELIGHTERS
- C10L5/00—Solid fuels
- C10L5/02—Solid fuels such as briquettes consisting mainly of carbonaceous materials of mineral or non-mineral origin
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C04—CEMENTS; CONCRETE; ARTIFICIAL STONE; CERAMICS; REFRACTORIES
- C04B—LIME, MAGNESIA; SLAG; CEMENTS; COMPOSITIONS THEREOF, e.g. MORTARS, CONCRETE OR LIKE BUILDING MATERIALS; ARTIFICIAL STONE; CERAMICS; REFRACTORIES; TREATMENT OF NATURAL STONE
- C04B18/00—Use of agglomerated or waste materials or refuse as fillers for mortars, concrete or artificial stone; Treatment of agglomerated or waste materials or refuse, specially adapted to enhance their filling properties in mortars, concrete or artificial stone
- C04B18/02—Agglomerated materials, e.g. artificial aggregates
- C04B18/021—Agglomerated materials, e.g. artificial aggregates agglomerated by a mineral binder, e.g. cement
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C10—PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES; TECHNICAL GASES CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE; FUELS; LUBRICANTS; PEAT
- C10L—FUELS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NATURAL GAS; SYNTHETIC NATURAL GAS OBTAINED BY PROCESSES NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES C10G, C10K; LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS; ADDING MATERIALS TO FUELS OR FIRES TO REDUCE SMOKE OR UNDESIRABLE DEPOSITS OR TO FACILITATE SOOT REMOVAL; FIRELIGHTERS
- C10L5/00—Solid fuels
- C10L5/02—Solid fuels such as briquettes consisting mainly of carbonaceous materials of mineral or non-mineral origin
- C10L5/06—Methods of shaping, e.g. pelletizing or briquetting
- C10L5/10—Methods of shaping, e.g. pelletizing or briquetting with the aid of binders, e.g. pretreated binders
- C10L5/22—Methods of applying the binder to the other compounding ingredients; Apparatus therefor
Definitions
- ABSTRACT Formed fuel briquets of reduced reactivity are prepared with the use ofa binder contributing little, if any, green strength.
- the fuel is suitable for such purposes as industrial and metallurgical applications and for domestic heating. Briquets possessing high green strength, and high shatter and compressive strength in the cured state, are produced even while employing a rapid compacting operation, such as roll briquetting.
- Carbon aggregate, of controlled particle sizing, and preferably of a specified type, is an essential ingredient employed in the making of the formed fuel.
- a hydraulic setting cement binder such as Portland cement
- which reduces the reactivity of the formed briquets is also an integral part of the process, as are also a compacting step and a curing step, and the employment of closely controlled conditions particularly with respect to the use of water in each of these steps.
- the present invention relates to the field of formed fuel, such as briquets suitable for industrial and metallurgical applications and domestic heating purposes.
- the briquets produced herein possess high shatter and compressive strength, high hot strength, and reduced reactivity, are water resistant, are readily ignited under the conditions of, their intended use and burn evenly and relatively slowly. Upon burning they also leave a controlled amount of ash which is below the acceptable limits in the particular field of use involved and typically evolve low quantities of smoke.
- the process utilizes low cost binder and also employs low cost processing steps to prepare the final product.
- the formed fuel and/or the process(es) of the present invention are superior to, or advantageous over, formed fuels prepared by using different binders and/or by using different processing techniques, because of differences in one or more of the foregoing described product properties, and/or because of beneficial differences in the processing conditions employed in preparing the respective formed fuels.
- Prior art briquets are typically made employing forming pressures equivalent to no more than I to 1.2 metric tons force per centimeter of roll face in roll briquetting, and correspondingly low pressures such as less than 0.18 metric tons per square centimeter in other types of compacting operations. Pressures higher than these are not typically employed because this causes breakage of grains of the carbon material being bonded. This is avoided because it leads to carbon particle surfaces inadequately covered with binder, thus producing weak briquets. Heating of the mixture prior to and/or during pressing is also often required in preparing such prior art briquets, as is also heating of the briquets after they have been formed.
- An object of the present invention is to produce a formed fuel which is very suitable for industrial and metallurgical applications and/or domestic heating purposes because ofits possessing the following properties:
- Another object of the present invention is to produce a competitive formed fuel for industrial and metallurgical applications and/or for domestic purposes, employing low cost binder material, i.ie., hydraulic cement which, on reacting with water, hydrates forming a stone-like mass, and the achievement of a process which entails a minimum of expense.
- low cost binder material i.ie., hydraulic cement which, on reacting with water, hydrates forming a stone-like mass
- Another object of the present invention is to provide a commercially attractive outlet for conventional solid carbon materials, such as delayed coker and fluid coker petroleum cokes, (raw and/or partially devolatilized and/or calcined), coal tar pitch coke, anthracite, charcoal, bituminous coal as such, or partially devolatilized (char), or calcined and/or mixtures of these materials, particularly the fractions of said solid carbon materials which are of a relatively fine particle size and have low economic value.
- solid carbon materials such as delayed coker and fluid coker petroleum cokes, (raw and/or partially devolatilized and/or calcined), coal tar pitch coke, anthracite, charcoal, bituminous coal as such, or partially devolatilized (char), or calcined and/or mixtures of these materials, particularly the fractions of said solid carbon materials which are of a relatively fine particle size and have low economic value.
- Another object of the present invention is to produce a formed fuel, industrial, metallurgical or domestic, having competitive properties by means of a highvolume, low cost, efficient process which includes a compacting operation which may be rapid and wherein sufficient pressure is used during forming to fracture the grains in the mix.
- Another object is the attainment of an optimum forming and curing technique whenever hydraulic cement is employed as a binder for a carbon aggregate to prepare a formed fuel.
- the basic process comprises: The preparation of a mixture comprised of parts by weight (dry basis) of carbon aggregate of controlled sizing, (such as is achieved by mechanically crushing the aggregate in an impact mill to at least 92 percent minus A inch and no more than 35 percent minus 200 Mesh), about 3 to 15 parts by weight of hydraulic setting cement binder per 100 parts of dry carbon aggregate and about 3 to about 14 parts by weight of water per 100 parts of dry carbon aggregate, the parts of water being inclusive of any water or moisture derived from one or more of the ingredients making up said mixture, but being inadequate to fully satisfy the water sorption of the carbon aggregate and the water required for the hydraulic setting of the cement (in the body to be formed from this mixture); forming this mixture into a firm mass of adequate green compressive strength for post-forming handling and curing operations and of desired size and shape in a compacting operation, while simultaneously fracturing the carbon aggregate, employing a pressing force of at least 1.4 metric ton per centimeter of face contact in case of roll briquetting or the equivalent of at least about 0.18
- the carbon aggregate employed is selected from the group of carbon materials previously specified. it must also possess a size distribution pattern characteristic of a carbon material such as has been mechanically crushed in an impact mill to at least 92 percent minus A inch and no more than 35 percent minus 200 mesh. If the carbon material is soft, i.e., is easily fractured in the compaction step, and possesses the necessary size, that is, is already at least 92 percent minus A inch, and also if its moisture content is not too high, then it may be used directly in the mixture to be compacted. However, if the carbon material is hard and does not fracture easily in compaction, it will be necessary to size it, such as by crushing and selective screening, to obtain the desired size distribution necessary to produce a firm green mass upon compaction.
- the sizing will typically be carried out by means of conventional grinding and/or milling operations in conjunction with selective screening, although it may sometimes also be advantageous and possible to accomplish this by means of compacting the aggregate, such as in a briquetting press in order to crush the larger particles. lf initially of the desired moisture content, then sizing alone may be necessary; or, if initially of the desired sizing, then drying alone may be necessary; however, as aforesaid, typically it will be both dried and sized. (These various procedures and possible alternatives for mix preparation are indicated in the drawing, the typical procedures by the solid lines and blocks and the possible alternatives by dotted lines).
- the prepared mix is compacted in commercially available roll, static or extrusion presses (referred to more fully hereinafter) producing a green formed fuel body of the desired strength, size and shape.
- the hydraulic cement in the green formed fuel body is then hydrated to a stone-like mass in the curing step.
- Curing is always accomplished by adding water in some form to the green bodies within 120 minutes after forming and may be carried out by techniques such as by spraying the bodies with water, keeping them damp or wet, or submerging them in water, typically at room or ambient temperature.
- the water for curing may be provided in other ways, such as by using steam or hot water, provided that in all cases of curing adequate amounts of water are used so as to make water available for proper cement hydration to permit satisfactory hydraulic setting of the cement.
- the water used in the curing step may contain some lime.
- the carbon aggregate employed in the forming step must be such that after pressing it will possess a uniform particle size distribution so that it will result in firm compacts containing minimum voids.
- the particle size distribution of the aggregate after pressing must meet certain specifications such that in a screen analysis in which the screens are arranged so that the maximum size openings of the top screen in the screens employed is in the range of 3 to 6 millimeters, and the screen with the smallest size openings possesses openings of no less than 0.074 millimeter, (200 mesh) and in which each successive screen after the top screen has openings one-half the size of the preceding screen, substantially all of the aggregate or to parts would pass through the screen having the maximum size openings and substantially equal amounts of about 13 parts by weight of the aggregate, varying by no more than about 4 parts, would be retained on each successive screen having openings one-half the size of the immediately preceding screen.
- the following table shows their application
- a moisture determination of the briquets is made at C and 5 to l0 briquets are weighed and placed in a bucket and covered with cold tap water containing 1 gram of Dow Separan 2610 per 2.25 liters (a very effective flocculating agent).
- the material in the bucket is immediately stirred to disintegrate and slurry the briquets.
- the slurry is strained over a 200 mesh screen.
- the plus 200 mesh carbon aggregate is retained on the screen and should be thoroughly washed with cold tap water. The retained carbon aggregate is then dried and a screen analysis is made.
- the material passing through the 200 mesh screen and wash water containing cement and minus 200 mesh aggregate is placed in a beaker or cylinder and allowed to stand until the solids are well settled to the bottom (about one-half hour). The supernatant water is then siphoned off or decanted carefully, avoiding loss of solid material. The small amount of material floating or suspended in the water is negligible.
- the solids are then evaporated to dryness at 130 C and weighed.
- the residue consists of cement and minus 200 mesh carbon aggregate. As the percent cement used and moisture content of the briquets were previously determined, the amount of cement in the weighed residue can be calculated.
- the balance of the weight of the residue represents the minus 200 mesh carbon aggregate which generally is to 30 percent of the total carbon aggregate.
- the weight of the aggregate retained on each screen from the screen analysis along with the weight of the calculated minus 200 mesh is then expressed in cumulative weight percent and plotted on a graph such as The Tyler Standard Screen Scale Form No. L6. From this graph the percent retained on each successive screen having one-half sized screen openings is obtained.
- the means of securing the desired size distribution in the formed fuel depends on the hardness of the carbon aggregate and the amount of crushing occurring in the sizing, mixing and pressing steps.
- One of the features of the present invention is the use of higher pressures during pressing to promote fracturing of the carbon aggregate grains during pressing. in processes of the prior art, which typically use non-cement type binders, fracturing of grains during pressing is avoided as these binders do not have the expansion and growth characteristics of hydraulic cements. As a result of this, fractured grains when using other binders are not properly covered with the binder and this results in poor strength briquets.
- the carbon aggregate consisting of raw petroleum coke of 104 Hardgrove hardness (ASTM Method D 409-51) ground in an impact mill to minus 3 millimeter, the aggregate as charged to the press and after forming at 3.9 metric tons per centimeter of roll face possessed the following particle sizings:
- the forming step after mixing the components in high intensity mixers known in the art such as mixrnullers, can be and preferably is carried out in a rapid compacting operation employing a pressing time of no more than 2 seconds, such as by means of a roll briquetting operation using a briquetting machine in which the feed (mixture) is subjected to high pressure between two rolls rotating counter to each other.
- the outer surfaces (faces) of these rolls possess recesses which define the desired shape and volume of the briquets to be produced.
- the pressure applied by the rolls forces the grains of the feed together thus making it possible to obtain a coherent and dense formed coke.
- the roll faces may possess any given or desired number of opposing rows of pockets which shape the'briquets, such as 4 rows or 8 rows: etc., depending upon the design of the machine and/or the desired production capacity.
- a pressing force of at least about 1.4 and preferably between about 2.0 and 5.0 metric tons, and generally no higher than 6 metric tons, per centimeter of roll face is employed in the forming step.
- the particular amount of higher pressure selected and used in the process and type of carbon aggregate employed, with reference to its hardness, are regulated to assure that the weaker grains of the carbon aggregate are crushed or fractured making for grain interlocking thus bringing the grains into very close contact and using the forces of adhesion, compaction and cohesion more efficiently to contribute to green strength and final product strength.
- the amount of fracturing necessary, of the carbon particles in the forming step is a variable, depending upon a number of factors, such as the initial sizing of the particles, green strength required or desired, etc.
- the formed fuel can also be produced by means of static pressure with a plunger pressing on the carbon aggregate-cement-water mixture inside of a mold.
- static pressure When using 8 to 12 parts of water in the mixture, during the first 250 PS static pressure there is typically a volume reduction of slightly over 16; of the original volume after initially compacting at 1 P816 pressure.
- the formed fuel thus produced has insufficient physical strength and can not be further processed (cured).
- static pressure On increasing the static pressure to 2,500 PSlG (0.18 metric tons per square centimeter) the total volume reduction is typically about 45 percent and firm green formed fuel is produced which on 3-day moist curing will typically possess a compressive strength of about 500 PS16 when using 7 parts of cement.
- the compressive strength of the green, formed fuel directly affects the final cured strength. This is so since green compressive strength measures the degree of compaction as a result of pressure, sorption forces, grain packing and grain interlocking.
- green compressive strength measures the degree of compaction as a result of pressure, sorption forces, grain packing and grain interlocking.
- roll briquetting for each particular type of carbon aggregate mix there is a maximum roll face pressure which, if exceeded, produces split briquets.
- the maximum permissible roll face pressure is a function of the amount of moisture in the mix and the hardness, sorption characteristics and particle size distribution of the carbon aggregate used.
- Example illustrates the effect of the amount of water in a mix on permissible roll face briquetting pressure used in the forming step and the resulting green compressive strengths of briquets, when using a petroleum coke carbon aggregate screened to essentially minus V4 inch (8 percent above V4 inch) having a Hardgrove hardness of 104.
- the green compressive strengths of the formed fuel were determined by means of a Rimac L860 Spring Tester which measures the pressure exerted between two parallel plates on a dial scale which is also equipped with a pointer for reading the maximum pressure exerted. The formed fuel, typically of a pillow shape, is placed horizontally between the plates and pressure evenly applied until a sudden reduction of pressure occurs. No further pressure is then applied and the maximum pressure recorded by the pointer is reported as compressive strength).
- EXAMPLE 1 Green Compressive Strength, pounds Parts Water in Mix at Forming Briquetting Pressure, metric tons per Example 1 illustrates that the maximum green strength, which indicates the optimum balance of sorption forces, grain fracture, particle packing, grain interlocking and compaction, occurs at a pressure of 4.3 metric tons per centimeter of roll face and at 6 parts of water in the mix, when using an aggregate of 104 Hard grove hardness.
- green compressive strengths as high as 15 pounds, irrespective of the number of parts water used in the mix.
- the final bonding after curing is of a matrix type which depends for its effectiveness on imbedding the carbon aggregate in a more or less continuous matrix of cement.
- the required moisture or water for proper curing must be supplied to the formed briquets promptly after pressing to prevent crusting and sponginess.
- promptly is meant within minutes of completion of the forming step and preferably within 30 minutes.
- diminishing moisture in the capillaries of the fresh briquets causes the development of significant capillary forces which, aside from producing undesirable internal stresses, causes migration of moisture along with the calcium hydroxide produced in the initial hydraulic setting of cement, and produces an undesirable layered system within the briquet which is of greater density at the surface, with crumbly aggregate internally.
- some limited period, preferably of at least 3 minutes and not exceeding 30 minutes, for setting" of the green briquets before adding the water required for curing is beneficial.
- the forming step may be carried out using several types of compacting devices. Typical devices that might be employed are described in an Article entitled Agglomeration by Jon E. Browning in the Dec. 4, 1967 edition of Chemical Engineering", pages 147-170, and in addition to roll briquetting machines particularly include Tableting and Extrusion Devices as are described in that Article.
- a substantially ambient forming temperature is also typicallyand preferably employed in this step.
- the customary temperature during any particular season of the year at the site of the forming apparatus, be it in a heated or non-heated building or enclosure.
- the process does not depend upon preheating the mixture to be formed or upon a heated forming device. (However, the forming temperature of the mixture is affected somewhat by heat generated in the pressing and mixing steps). This results in cost advantages over other processes which require heating of the binder or external heating prior to or during pressing.
- the carbon aggregate employed will contain some water or moisture.
- the source of this water or moisture may be traceable to the fact that the carbon aggregate has been exposed to rainy or snowy weather, etc. Even in dry weather the carbon aggregate contains water or moisture due to sorption from the atmosphere.
- this carbon material is typically dried, which facilitates obtaining the desired particle sizing of the aggregate by grinding and selective screening operations. Selective screening may sometimes be dispensed with simply by employing a predetermined proper mill or grinder setting and/or by precompacting the aggregate before the mixing step.
- the particular carbon material to be employed in the process possesses the desired particle size distribution as received so that it will give the necessary particle size distribution after pressing to formed fuel (which particle sizing can also be possessed by some carbon aggregate fines of low economic value), then such steps as drying, grinding, compacting and/or selective screening may be unnecessary. in either case, undried or dried, the carbon material will generally not have sufficient water as is required to achieve the desired results in the forming step, i.e., sufficient to produce a firm mass having a green compressive strength adequate for postforming and curing operations and preferably of at least 15 pounds.
- Example I is demonstrative of these as pects of the invention, it being realized that the absolute number of parts of water foroptimun results will vary depending upon a number of factors such as the particular type of carbon aggregate, its hardness and porosity and particle sizing, etc.
- the mixture prepared for forming contains from about 3 to about 14 parts by weight of water per 100 parts of carbon aggregate. More typically the mixture will contain between about 4 and about 12 parts of water. If an amount of water in these ranges fails tp provide adequate green strength in the briquetting step, then this typically will be an indication that the carbon aggregate possesses inadequate porosity to provide adequate hydrophilic attraction by means of adsorption between the carbon particles. If this occurs, then an agent to promote or increase the green strength of the formed fuel may be added to the mixture before it is formed.
- agent or promoter if employed, will typically be used in amounts varying between about l0 percent and about percent by weight, based upon the weight of the hydraulic cement employed in the process, and will preferably be selected from the group consisting of hydrated lime, bentonite, sodium silicate, non-swelling clays, molasses, tar, starch and sugar. Higher percentages of agent or promoter such as up to about 200 percent by weight of the cement may also be employed but it is generally disadvantageous to do so because of cost factors and marginal improvement in strength over that obtained by using much lower quantities.
- an agent or promoter of the inorganic type may be added, even if not necessary for the purpose of increasing the green strength, in order to modify the ash chemistry of the formed fuel and of the resultant slag.
- an agent or promoter of the inorganic type may be added, even if not necessary for the purpose of increasing the green strength, in order to modify the ash chemistry of the formed fuel and of the resultant slag.
- a blast furnace generally a high percentage of CaO is desired in the slag while in grey iron cupolas the reverse, i.e., an acidic slag is desired.
- Factors such as these which, for example, indicate a choice between hydrated lime or active silica would control the particular inorganic promoter employed if any.
- the aforesaid 3 to 14 or 4 to 12 parts by weight of water per 100 parts of carbon aggregate is the amount of water which is always used before the briquetting step to provide for the aforesaid hydrophilic attraction, albeit that a green strength promoter may sometimes also desirably be employed in conjunction with the water in order to develop the desired amount of green strength upon forming and/or improve upon same.
- the particular amount of water which is employed in the briquetting step should never be sufficient to fully satisfy the water sorption of the carbon aggregate. This sorption by the carbon aggregate is inclusive of moisture or water taken up an held by the carbon aggregate by both adsorption and absorption.
- the formed fuel or briquet Upon being formed, the formed fuel or briquet possesses good green strength, amply suitable for handling and transfer operations which precede the curing step.
- Green strength refers to the compressive strength of the formed fuel immediately after forming but before completion of the curing step.
- the formed body, possessing green strength is rendered permanently strong and water-resistant by a curing step wherein water is provided after a limited time to the formed body in an amount sufficient to prevent evaporation of water from its surface and thus inhibit water migration due to the capillary action of the carbon aggregate and also in an amount necessary to permit the hydraulic setting of the cement.
- Carbonaceous aggregates absorb l to over 20 percent by weight of water depending on type and conditions, i.e., porosity, capillary action and the manner in which moisture is provided. For instance with petroleum coke spread out in a thin bed the moisture content may be 1 to 3 percent; if stored in an open pile in dry weather, 5-8 percent; and if soaked in water may be over 16 percent.
- the amount of water employed within the 3 to 14 parts of water range in preparing the mixture for forming is selected so as to satisfy only so much of the water sorption characteristics of the aggregate as to provide strong hydrophilic attraction.
- the use of 14 parts of water might exceed the water sorption characteristics of some particular carbon aggregate (A) but not of another particular type of carbon aggregate (B).
- less than 14 parts of water would be used with aggregate (A) while as much as 14 parts of water might be employed with aggregate (B).
- additional water must always be added after the forming step in order to prevent this evaporation which causes undesirable water migration.
- the additional water must also be added to satisfy the water sorption of the carbon aggregate and also to supply the additional water, (over and above the carbon aggregate water sorption requirements), necessary to permit the hydraulic setting of the cement.
- the necessary amount of water required to fulfill all of the foregoing requirements should not be mixed with the carbon aggregate and the cement binder before the forming step because as has been previously indicated, if this is done, the fuel after the forming step will not possess optimum green compressive strength (i.e., of at least l5 pounds) and generally will not even be a firm mass or possess sufficient green compressive strength for the necessary further handling and transfer operations, even if a green strength promoter is used and/or an extraordinary amount of care is exercised in such operations.
- optimum green compressive strength i.e., of at least l5 pounds
- the formed fuel is maintained or set under ambient room conditions, i.e., normal humidity and temperaturefor no more than 45 minutes and preferably no more than 30 minutes followed by maintaining a water wet surface either by spraying the formed fuel with water or submerging it in water for several hours up to seven days and then air drying.
- ambient room conditions i.e., normal humidity and temperaturefor no more than 45 minutes and preferably no more than 30 minutes followed by maintaining a water wet surface either by spraying the formed fuel with water or submerging it in water for several hours up to seven days and then air drying.
- a green strength promoter such as hydrated lime
- a gas such as carbon dioxide can be provided in the curing step to accelerate the cure of the formed fuel and to also improve the strength of the cured product.
- the formed fuel is for a metallurgical process in which an acidic slag is desired, such as in cupolas, then pozzolanic cements, with possible additions of sand or active silica such as sodium silicate or fly ash may be used in bonding; and the curing might best be carried out using technique 5, i.e., high pressure steam to obtain a cured product of high strength and other desired properties.
- the total amount of water employed in fulfilling the requirements of both the initial preparation for forming step, and the final curing step will generally vary between about 4 and about 16 parts and more typically between about 5 and about 14 parts per 100 parts of carbon aggregate.
- the optimum total amount and individual amounts of water employed in any given case will, of course, vary depending upon a number of factors especially the particular carbon aggregate being processed and its hardness, porosity, sorption characteristics and particle size, the amount and type of cement binder being employed and its hydraulic (or water of hydration) requirements for setting, the use or non-use of a green strength promoter, and the amount of pressing force employed in the forming or roll briquetting operation.
- the delayed coker and fluid coker petroleum cokes may be raw and/or calcined and/or partially devolatilized and/or mixtures of these materials. Delayed coker raw petroleum coke will generally possess a volatile matter (VM) content between about 8 percent and about 20 percent, with -13 percent being typical; fluid coker raw petroleum coke will generally possess a volatile matter content between about 4 percent and about 8 percent with 5 percent being typical.
- the pitch coke employed may also be either calcined or uncalcined or both. Uncalcined pitch coke will generally possess a volatile matter content between about 8 percent and about percent with 12 percent being typical.
- the VM of charcoal will generally be between about 18 percent and about 26 percent with 23 percent being typical of charcoal fines.
- the VM of anthracite is generally between about 2 percent and about 8 percent, with 6 percent being typical.
- Semi-anthracite intended herein to be included under the term anthracite will generally have a VM between about 8 percent and about 14 percent with 12 percent being typical.
- the bituminous coal employed includes coals of the low volatile, mid-volatile and high volatile matter types, possessing VM contents typical for these types. In addition, chars from these coals are included. By .char.
- VM content has been reduced, for example, to below 10 percent from a substantially higher initial VM content, e.g., of from 16 to percent.
- the carbon aggregate employed may sometimes also consist of a mixture of coals as described, including anthracite coal, and petroleum coke or a mixture of charcoal and petroleum coke.
- the pe-- troleum coke in these instances designates either delayed coker petroleum coke or fluid petroleum coke, either of these being raw and/or calcined.
- calcined is meant to connote a material which has been subjected to a post-production heating step such that its VM content has been substantially reduced, for example, to below 3 percent from a substantially higher initial VM content, (e.g., from about 8-20 percent as in the cases of pitch coke and raw, delayed coker petroleum coke, or from a VM content of about 4-8 percent as in the case of raw fluid petroleum coke).
- the carbon aggregate employed possess an average VM content between about 4 percent and about 23 percent.
- a VM content less than 4 percent leads to a product which is more difficult to ignite and more difficult to maintain burning whereas a VM content above 23 percent can lead to excessive evolution of smoke and/or tarry material on combustion.
- the process of the present invention is dependent to some extent upon the porosity of the particles of the carbon aggregate being bonded as well as their particle size distribution and also their shape.
- the carbon aggregate, on pressing possesses inadequate porosity to provide adequate hydrophilic attraction, or there is inadequate grain interlocking and cohesion, adequate and/or optimum compressive green strengths will not be achieved. in such cases a suitable agent added to the mixture before the mixture is formed will frequently be capable of increasing the green strength of the formed fuel to the desired level(s).
- the carbon aggregate have a relatively specific particle size distribution after forming.
- particle sizing of the carbon aggregate after forming will generally be realized ifbefore forming it has an average particle size distribution such that no more than about 20 percent of same would be retained on a l.5 millimeter screen, at least about 25 percent and no more than about percent would be retained on a 0.5 millimeter screen, and at least about 40 percent and no more than about percent would be retained on a 0.2 millimeter screen.
- the particle size distribution of the carbon aggregate before forming is coarser or finer than the foregoing then typically the particle size distribution after forming, desired for optimum strengths, is not obtained, the green compressive strength on pressing is substantially below 15 pounds, and the green formed coke may not even 1possess adequate strength for subsequent handling and curing. Under these conditions the cured formed coke has a low compression and shatter index.
- the amount of hydraulic setting cement binder employed in the process must be between about ,3 and about 15 parts by weight per parts of carbon aggregate. Less than 3 parts of cement binder provide inadequate amounts to provide sufficient matrix and asa re suit the cured formed colce has low compressive strength and low shatter index. More than 15 parts of cement binder contributes to higher strength butalso results in excessive ash which is undesirable for both metallurgical and domestic fuel and generally also for industrial purposes.
- hydraulic cement or hydraulic setting cement employed in the present invention is intended to include any cement which has the characteristic of hydrating with water to a stone-like mass.
- Hyraulic cement includes Portland cement, blends of Portland cement and natural cement, air-entraining Portland ,cement, hydraulic limes, grappier cements, pozzolan .cements, natural cements, aluminous cement, oil wellcement, white Portland cement, anti-bacteria cement, masonry cement, blends of Portland cement and blast furnace cement, and like materials.
- Pozzolan cements include slag cements made from slalted lime and granulated blast furnace slag.
- These cements typically are mixtures of lime, silica, and alumina, or of lime and magnesia, silica and alumina and iron oxide (magnesia for example may replace part of the lime, and .iron oxide a part of the alumina).
- Portland cement is preferred among the hydraulic cements. Howevenbecause the art of cements recognizes hydraulic cements as a definite class, and because results of value maybe obtained with any member'of that class, it is desiredto include all hydraulic cements which harden, i.e., hydrate to a stone-like mass, upon the addition of water. In addition to the ordinary construction grades of Portland cement or other hydraulic cements, modified hydraulic cements and Portland cements designated as high-early-strength cement, heat-resistant cement, and slow-setting cement may also be used in the present invention.
- EXAMPLE III One hundred parts by weight of petroleum coke calculated on a dry basis, 7 parts by weight Type III Portland Cement and water (added in such an amount that the total water of the mix before forming was 5.6 parts per I parts by weight of petroleum coke) were mixed for 10 minutes in a Simpson Mix-Muller. The mixture was pressed on a one meter diameter briquetting press at a pressure of 3.2 tons per centimeter of roll face. The compressive strength of the green briquets was 32 pounds and the briquets after curing, had a compressive strength of 250 pounds and withstood four six-foot drops on a steel plate before shattering.
- the petroleum coke employed had a VM content of l 1.2 percent and a particle size distribution before and after forming as follows:
- Curing was carried out by permitting the green formed bodies to remain in air for 15 minutes and then immersing them in 60 F water for 1 minute and storing the wet briquets under soaking wet kitchen paper towels for 3 days in a closed 5 gallon can.
- the final water content of the cured briquets was 7.0 percent.
- EXAMPLE IV One hundred parts by weight of dry carbon aggregate consisting of 75 percent of petroleum coke (VM 9.2 percent) and 25 percent charcoal (VM l9.l percent) were hammer milled to minus 3 millimeters containing 5.3 percent oversize and placed in a mix muller. 10 parts by weight of Type Ill Portland Cement and 7.5 parts by weight of water were added and the mixture was mixed for l5 minutes. The mixture was pressed on a one meter diameter briquetting press at a pressure of 2.8 tons per centimeter of roll face, which pressure also was sufficient to cause fracturing of the carbon aggregate to within the preferred size distribution range. On l0 minutes in air the briquets were moistened and stored for three days. The compressive strength was pounds and the briquets withstood a 6-f0ot drop to a steel plate.
- EXAM PLE V One hundred parts by weight of dry petroleum coke (VM 12.8 percent) minus 6 millimeters from a screening operation were placed in a Simpson Mix Muller. 7 percent Type 1 Portland cement and 8 parts by weight of water were added and the mixture was mixed for 25 minutes. The mixture was then pressed on a 28 inch diameter briquetting press at a pressure of 2.4 tons per centimeter of roll face and sufficient to fracture the petroleum coke particles to the preferred size distribution. The green briquets had a green strength of 34 pounds. On 15 minutes in air the briquets were moistened and stored under water for 3 days. Their final water content was 14.7 percent. The compressive strength was pounds and the briquets withstood several 6-foot drops on to a steel plate.
- test samples For any given aggregate and mix formulation the results obtained on test samples can be graphed and interpolations made to achieve optimum results. It will be noted that these optimum results are achieved when the mixture charged to the forming apparatus or roll briquetting press contains at least 50 percent of the water required for the water sorption characteristics of the carbon aggregate.
- a process for the production of a formed and cured carbonaceous fuel which comprises the following steps:
- a Preparing a mixture of at least three ingredients comprising 100 parts by weight of carbon aggregate of controlled sizing such as is achieved by mechanically crushing the aggregate in an impact mill to at least 92 percent minus A inch and no more than 35 percent minus 200 mesh, about 3 to about parts by weight ofhydraulic setting cement binder per 100 parts of carbon aggregate, and about 3 to about 14 parts by weight of water per 100 parts of carbon aggregate, the parts of water being inclusive of any water derived from one or more of the ingredients making up said mixture;
- a process according to claim 2 wherein the forming step is carried out by means of a roll briquetting press.
- step b is permitted to set for a limited period before the addition of water in the curing step.
- an agent selected from the group consisting of hydrated lime, bentonite, sodium silicate, non swelling clays, molasses, tar, starch and sugar to increase the green strength of the formed fuel is added to the mixture before it is formed.
- step b is carried out at a substantially ambient forming temperature.
- a process for the production of a formed and cured carbonaceous fuel which comprises the following steps:
- a mixture of at least three ingredients comprising 100 parts by weight of carbon aggregate, about 3 to about 15 parts by weight of hydraulic setting cement binder per 100 parts of car bon aggregate, and about 3 to about 14 parts by weight of water per 100 parts of carbon aggregate, the parts of water being inclusive of any water derived from one or more of the ingredients making up said mixture;
- said carbon aggregate being selected from the group consisting of delayed coker petroleum coke, fluid coker petroleum coke, pitch coke, anthracite, charcoal, bituminous coal and mixtures thereof;
- the carbon aggregate after the forming step b also having an average particle size distribution such that when subjected to a screen analysis in which the screens are arranged so that the maximum size openings of the top screen in the screens employed is in the range of 3 too millimeters, and the screen with the smallest size openings possesses openings of no less than 0.074 millimeter, and in which each successive screen after the top screen has openings one-half the size of the preceding screen, substantially all of the aggregate or to parts would pass through the screen having the maximum size openings and substantially equal amounts of about 13 parts by weight of the aggregate, varying by no more than about 4 parts, would be retained on each successive screen having openings one-half the size of the immediately preceding screen.
- step b A process according to claim 12 wherein the formed fuel from step b is permitted to set for a limited period before the addition of water in the curing step.
- a process according to claim 14 wherein the pressing force employed in the forming step is between about 1.4 and about 6.0 metric tons per centimeter of face contact.
- a process according to claim 18 wherein the pressing force employed in the forming step is between about 2.0 and about 5.0 metric tons per centimeter of face contact.
- an agent selected from the group consisting .of hydrated lime, bentonite, sodium silicate, non-swelling clays, molasses, tar, starch and sugar to increase the green strength of the formed fuel is added to the mixture before it is formed.
- step b is carried out at a substantially ambient forming temperature.
- a process according to claim 12 wherein the average volatile matter content of the carbon aggregate is between about 4 percent and about 23 percent.
- a process according to claim 12 wherein the carbon aggregate employed consists of a mixture of calcined petroleum coke and raw petroleum coke.
- a process according to claim 12 wherein the carbon aggregate employed consists of a mixture of charcoal and petroleum coke.
- a process according to claim 12 wherein the carbon aggregate employed consists of a mixture of petroleum coke and bituminous coal.
- a process according to claim 12 wherein the carbon aggregate employed is bituminous coal or partially devolatilized bituminous coal or a mixture of these materials.
Abstract
Description
Claims (31)
- 2. A process according to claim 1 wherein the forming step is carried out employing a pressing time of no more than 2 seconds.
- 3. A process according to claim 2 wherein the forming step is carried out by means of a roll briquetting press.
- 4. A process according to claim 1 wherein the formed fuel from step b is permitted to set for a limited period before the addition of water in the curing step.
- 5. A process according to claim 3 wherein the mixture charged to the roll briquetting press contains at least 4 parts of water and wherein the mixture also contains at least 50 percent of the water required for the water sorption characteristics of the carbon aggregate.
- 6. A process according to claim 1 wherein the addition of water in the curing step is carried out within 30 minutes after the forming step.
- 7. A process according to claim 3 wherein the pressing force employed in the forming step is between about 1.4 and about 6.0 metric tons per centimeter of face contact.
- 8. A process according to claim 7 wherein the pressing force employed in the forming step is between about 2.0 and about 5.0 metric tons per centimeter of face contact.
- 9. A process according to claim 1 wherein the carbon aggregate possesses inadequate porosity to provide adequate hydrophilic attraction by means of absorption to produce a firm mass of the desired green strength and wherein an effective amount of an agent selected from the group consisting of hydrated lime, bentonite, sodium silicate, non-swelling clays, molasses, tar, starch and sugar to increase the green strength of the formed fuel is added to the mixture before it is formed.
- 10. A process according to claim 1 wherein forming step b is carried out at a substantially ambient forming temperature.
- 11. A formed fuel prepared by the process of claim 1.
- 12. A process for the production of a formed and cured carbonaceous fuel which comprises the following steps: a. Preparing a mixture of at least three ingredients comprising 100 parts by weight of carbon aggregate, about 3 to about 15 parts by weight of hydraulic setting cement binder per 100 parts of carbon aggregate, and about 3 to about 14 parts by weight of water per 100 parts of carbon aggregate, the parts of water being inclusive of any water derived from one or more of the ingredients making up said mixture; b. forming the fuel by compacting its ingredients, while simultaneously fracturing some of the carbon aggregate, utilizing sufficient water in the forming step to produce a firm mass having a green compressive strength of at least 15 pounds but less water than is necessary to fully satisfy the water sorption of the carbon aggregate and the hydraulic setting of the cement, a pressing force of at least 1.4 metric ton per centimeter of face contact in case of roll briquetting, or the equivalent of at least about 0.18 metric ton per square centimeter in case of other methods of compacting also being employed in this forming step; and c. curing the formed mixture by adding, within 120 minutes of completion of the forming step, sufficient water to satisfy water sorption of the carbon aggregate and also to permit the hydraulic setting of the cement, thereby producing a strong briquet; said carbon aggregate being selected from the group consisting of delayed coker petroleum coke, fluid coker petroleum coke, pitch coke, anthracite, charcoal, bituminous coal and mixtures thereof; the carbon aggregate after the forming step b also having an average particle size distribution such that when subjected to a screen analysis in which the screens are arranged so that the maximum size openings of the top screen in the screens employed is in the range of 3 to 6 millimeters, and the screen with the smallest size openings possesses openings of no less than 0.074 millimeter, and in which each successive screen after the top screen has openings one-half the size of the preceding screen, substantially all of the aggregate or 95 to 100 parts would pass through the screen having the maximum size openings and substantially equal amounts of about 13 parts by weight of the aggregate, varying by no more than about 4 parts, would be retained on each successive screen having openings one-half the size of the immediately preceding screen.
- 13. A process according to claim 12 wherein the forming step is carried out employing a pressing time of no more than 2 seconds.
- 14. A process according to claim 13 wherein the forming step is carried out by means of a roll briquetting press.
- 15. A process according to claim 12 wherein the formed fuel from step b is permitted to set for a limited period before the addition of water in the curing step.
- 16. A process according to claim 14 wherein the mixture charged to the roll briquetting press contains at least 4 parts of water and wherein the mixture also contains at least 50 percent of the water required for the water sorption characteristics of the carbon aggregate.
- 17. A process according to claim 12 wherein the addition of water in the curing step is carried out within 30 minutes after the forming step.
- 18. A process according to claim 14 wherein the pressing force employed in the forming step is between about 1.4 and about 6.0 metric tons per centimeter of face contact.
- 19. A process according to claim 18 wherein the pressing force employed in the forming step is between about 2.0 and about 5.0 metric tons per centimeter of face contact.
- 20. A process according to claim 12 wherein the carbon aggregate possesses inadequate porosity to provide adequate hydrophilic attraction by means of adsorption to produce a firm mass of the desired green strength and wherein an effective amount of an agent selected from the group consisting of hydrated lime, bentonite, sodium silicate, non-swelling clays, molasses, tar, starch and sugar to increase the green strength of the formed fuel is added to the mixture before it is formed.
- 21. A process according to claim 12 wherein forming step b is carried out at a substantially ambient forming temperature.
- 22. A process according to claim 12 wherein the average volatile matter content of the carbon aggregate is between about 4 percent and about 23 percent.
- 23. A process according to claim 22 wherein the carbon aggregate employed is delayed coker raw petroleum coke.
- 24. A process according to claim 22 wherein the carbon aggregate employed is fluid coker raw petroleum coke.
- 25. A process according to claim 12 wherein the carbon aggregate employed is calcined petroleum coke.
- 26. A process according to claim 12 wherein the carbon aggregate employed consists of a mixture of calcined petroleum coke and raw petroleum coke.
- 27. A process according to claim 12 wherein the carbon aggregate employed is charcoal.
- 28. A process according to claim 12 wherein the carbon aggregate employed consists of a mixture of anthracite and petroleum coke.
- 29. A process according to claim 12 wherein the carbon aggregate employed consists of a mixture of charcoal and petroleum coke.
- 30. A process according to claim 12 wherein the carbon aggregate employed consists of a mixture of petroleum coke and bituminous coal.
- 31. A process according to claim 12 wherein the carbon aggregate employed is bituminous coal or partially devolatilized bituminous coal or a mixture of these materials.
- 32. A formed fuel prepared by the proCess of claim 12.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US15260571A | 1971-06-14 | 1971-06-14 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US3762886A true US3762886A (en) | 1973-10-02 |
Family
ID=22543614
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US00152605A Expired - Lifetime US3762886A (en) | 1971-06-14 | 1971-06-14 | Formed carbon fuel briquets |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US3762886A (en) |
Cited By (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4078902A (en) * | 1976-02-26 | 1978-03-14 | Acme Sales Corporation | Coke briquette |
US4093451A (en) * | 1977-09-28 | 1978-06-06 | Cardd, Inc. | Coke agglomerate and method of utilizing same |
US4585475A (en) * | 1980-06-25 | 1986-04-29 | Inland Steel Company | Method for recycling oily mill scale |
US4661119A (en) * | 1984-03-26 | 1987-04-28 | Rockwool Aktiebolaget | Coke briquettes |
US4773919A (en) * | 1984-11-15 | 1988-09-27 | Metallgesellschaft Ag | Fixed bed gasification process |
US20040148851A1 (en) * | 2003-01-30 | 2004-08-05 | George Montgomery | Method for converting coal to coke |
EP1462507A1 (en) | 2003-03-25 | 2004-09-29 | Philippe Wautelet | Process for the production of combustible agglomerates |
US20080146734A1 (en) * | 2006-11-30 | 2008-06-19 | Youngblood Jeffrey P | Stimuli-responsive polymeric surface materials |
US20090317621A1 (en) * | 2006-11-30 | 2009-12-24 | Youngblood Jeffrey P | Stimuli-Responsive Polymeric Surface Materials |
US20160039715A1 (en) * | 2010-09-11 | 2016-02-11 | Alter Nrg Corp. | Carbonaceous bricks for use in carbon beds of gasification reactors and methods of making carbonaceous bricks |
-
1971
- 1971-06-14 US US00152605A patent/US3762886A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Cited By (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4078902A (en) * | 1976-02-26 | 1978-03-14 | Acme Sales Corporation | Coke briquette |
US4093451A (en) * | 1977-09-28 | 1978-06-06 | Cardd, Inc. | Coke agglomerate and method of utilizing same |
US4585475A (en) * | 1980-06-25 | 1986-04-29 | Inland Steel Company | Method for recycling oily mill scale |
US4661119A (en) * | 1984-03-26 | 1987-04-28 | Rockwool Aktiebolaget | Coke briquettes |
US4773919A (en) * | 1984-11-15 | 1988-09-27 | Metallgesellschaft Ag | Fixed bed gasification process |
US20040148851A1 (en) * | 2003-01-30 | 2004-08-05 | George Montgomery | Method for converting coal to coke |
EP1462507A1 (en) | 2003-03-25 | 2004-09-29 | Philippe Wautelet | Process for the production of combustible agglomerates |
US20080146734A1 (en) * | 2006-11-30 | 2008-06-19 | Youngblood Jeffrey P | Stimuli-responsive polymeric surface materials |
US20090317621A1 (en) * | 2006-11-30 | 2009-12-24 | Youngblood Jeffrey P | Stimuli-Responsive Polymeric Surface Materials |
US20160039715A1 (en) * | 2010-09-11 | 2016-02-11 | Alter Nrg Corp. | Carbonaceous bricks for use in carbon beds of gasification reactors and methods of making carbonaceous bricks |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
Eisele et al. | A review of binders in iron ore pelletization | |
US4219519A (en) | Method for agglomerating carbonaceous fines | |
US3762886A (en) | Formed carbon fuel briquets | |
US2865731A (en) | Iron ore briquette with paper pulp binder | |
US4389218A (en) | Production of solid fuel shapes from coal fines | |
US3684465A (en) | Fuel briquets and their method of manufacture | |
US4015977A (en) | Petroleum coke composition | |
US2417493A (en) | Metallurgical briquette and method of making same | |
JPS61163152A (en) | Manufacture of artificial lightweight aggregate | |
JPH08506144A (en) | Slag defoaming composite material | |
US27401A (en) | Improvement in solidified fuel from coal-dust | |
US4419186A (en) | Process for making strong metallurgical coke | |
US4336218A (en) | Method for recovering residual matter accumulated in the production and machining of steel | |
US2729570A (en) | Lightweight aggregates and method of making same from clay residues | |
EP0155439B1 (en) | Coke briquettes | |
GB2211512A (en) | Briquetting process | |
US2382154A (en) | Synthetic stone and process of making it | |
US2724656A (en) | Lime-brick and method for its production | |
US2420863A (en) | Dry press insulating fire brick | |
US1990948A (en) | Fuel briquette | |
US2085137A (en) | Abrasive article | |
US2956868A (en) | Method of making carbonized briquettes | |
JPS60228622A (en) | Production of charcoal powder briquette | |
CA1256699A (en) | Combustible briquettes | |
US2138829A (en) | Manufacture of bonded abrasive articles |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: MANUFACTURERS HANOVER TRUST COMPANY A NY CORP. Free format text: SECURITY INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:GREAT LAKES CARBON CORPORATION, A DE CORP;REEL/FRAME:004376/0430 Effective date: 19850228 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: MANUFACTURERS HANOVER TRUST COMPANY, AS CO-AGENT Free format text: SECURITY INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:GREAT LAKES CARBON CORPORATION;REEL/FRAME:005016/0550 Effective date: 19890112 Owner name: CHASE MANHATTAN BANK, N.A., THE, AS CO-AGENT Free format text: SECURITY INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:GREAT LAKES CARBON CORPORATION;REEL/FRAME:005016/0550 Effective date: 19890112 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: MANUFACTURERS HANOVER TRUST COMPANY AS ADMINIST Free format text: SECURITY INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:GREAT LAKES CARBON CORPORATION, A CORP. OF DE F/K/A GREAT LAKES CARBONHOLDING CORPORATION;REEL/FRAME:006240/0607 Effective date: 19911231 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: GREAT LAKES CARBON CORPORATION, NEW YORK Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:CHASE MANHATTAN BANK, THE;REEL/FRAME:009297/0453 Effective date: 19980522 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: BANKERS TRUST COMPANY, NEW YORK Free format text: SECURITY INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:GREAT LAKES CARBON CORPORATION;REEL/FRAME:009586/0001 Effective date: 19980522 |