Solvent-based fine particle dewatering and upgrading process
This technology is a two-stage process for cleaning and drying fine coal particles that are difficult to process with conventional methods. In the first stage, hydrophobic (water-repelling) particles are caused to clump together in a mixture of oil and water, which pulls them away from unwanted mineral contaminants. In the second stage, those clumps are transferred into a pure oil environment, which releases the trapped water and leftover impurities. The result is a cleaner, drier coal product that is also treated with CO2 to reduce the risk of it spontaneously catching fire during storage and transport.
What you could build
A processing system or licensed process for coal preparation plants that upgrades low-rank, high-moisture coals into a stable, higher-energy product ready for direct sale or export; buyers would be coal mining and preparation companies seeking to monetize fine coal waste streams or improve the quality of sub-bituminous and lignite reserves.
Who in Virginia should care
Virginia has an active coal mining industry in the southwestern part of the state; coal preparation plant operators and Virginia-based mining companies would be the most direct potential licensees or partners.
Readiness: Lab validated
Concept — described but not yet demonstrated. Lab validated — supported by experimental results in the patent. Prototype likely — the text describes a built, working embodiment.
Readiness is inferred from the patent text, not from a lab visit.
The record
- Inventors
- Roe-Hoan YOON
- Granted
- October 29, 2019
- Status
- Granted patent
- Patent number
- 10457883
Ready to talk?
Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties handles licensing for this technology. Email us for an introduction prosim@harbor.capital.
Prosim summaries are generated from public patent text and are not legal advice.