UPGRADING OF NON-CAKING COAL TO COKING BLENDABLE TYPE

Chemical transformation of non-caking coal to coking/blendable type was carried out by incipient hydrogenation with the objective of minimum hydrogen consumption and maximum yield of upgraded solid product. The required hydrogenation was achieved through the use of a hydrogen donor prepared by catalytic hydrogenation of a coal tar fraction. Tetralin was also used as a model H-donor for comparative study. The caking index could be increased from less than 5 of the original coal to 20-25 of the final product (Hy-coal) with about 85% yield. Carbonization studies on laboratory scale showed that although the Hy-coal was not of prime coking nature, it has the potential for substituting prime coking coal in blends with other coals. Product inspection, hydrogen consumption and the advantages of the method of operation are reported.