Fine-particle coal separation and dewatering system
This technology is a two-stage chemical process that cleans and dries low-quality coal particles. First, the coal is chemically treated to make its surface water-repellent, then mixed with an oily liquid under high agitation so the coal particles clump together while impurities and water get pushed out. In the second stage, those clumps are transferred into a different oily liquid, which causes the remaining trapped water and mineral contaminants to release, effectively dewatering and purifying the coal in one continuous workflow. The result is upgraded coal with lower moisture and ash content, making it more energy-dense and suitable for combustion or further processing.
What you could build
A modular coal-beneficiation system sold or licensed to coal mining and preparation companies seeking to upgrade low-rank or fine-particle coal to meet fuel specifications; buyers would be coal producers, blending operations, or export terminal operators needing to hit moisture or ash targets.
Who in Virginia should care
Virginia has active coal mining and preparation operations in the southwestern coalfields (Buchanan, Tazewell, Wise counties); coal preparation plant operators or regional energy companies there would be the natural first conversation.
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
- February 9, 2021
- Status
- Granted patent
- Patent number
- 10913912
Ready to talk?
Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties handles licensing for this technology.
Prosim summaries are generated from public patent text and are not legal advice.