Process for upgrading lignitic-type coal as a fuel

Abstract From the Canadian patent

Abstract of the Disclosure, A process for upgrading lignitic-type coal including brown coals, lignite and subbituminous coals to render it more suitable as a solid fuel in which the moist lignitic-type coal in an as-mined condition is subjected to an autoclaving treatment at a controlled elevated temperature and under high pressure for a period of time to convert the moisture and a portion of the volatile organic constituents therein to a gaseous phase and to effect a controlled thermal restructuring of the chemical structure thereof. In accordance with a preferred practice, the autoclaved upgraded carbonaceous product during or after cooling is contacted with the gaseous phase to effect a …