Utilization of Fine Coal Waste as a Fuel Briquettes

This article presents the results of a pilot plant study on fine coal processing to produce alternative fuel. Fine-grained waste generated in the processing plant of a coal-processing plant in eastern Poland (Lublin Coal Basin) was used to obtain briquettes using the roll press briquetting method. The study included material homogenization, the selection of suitable parameters for the roll press unit, and an analysis of briquette quality. Strength and waterproof testing of briquettes and a study of the heat of combustion as well as ash and dust emissions were performed. Based on the results, the production processes were developed for three types of coal-based fuel briquettes with additional components, such as potato starch, molasses, and wood biomass. Briquettes made with starch met the minimum quality requirements, but use of a cheaper binder (molasses) did not provide good quality briquettes. The addition of biomass in an amount not exceeding 20% by weight did not significantly affect the pollution emissions in the combustion tests. The fuel obtained had a suitably high-energy value (22-24MJ center dot kg(-1)) and may be used as an alternative fuel for combustion in industrial and domestic boilers.