Process for heat treatment of coal

Abstract From the Canadian patent

There is provided a process for the heat treatment of coal which comprises heating and drying low grade coal such as subbituminous coal and brown coal containing less than 80% of carbon and more than 33% of volatile matter (dry mineral matter-free basis) and having a high moisture content and a particle diameter smaller than 2 inches with, a high-temperature gas containing less than 5% of oxygen in a fluidized bed for 2-10 minutes until the coal temperature reaches 180-400°C, and subsequently cooling the coal by spraying water in a fluidized bed for 2-10 minutes until the coal temperature decreases to 60°C or below at which the coal holds the maximum moisture given by wetting. The heating …