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The microbial desulfurization of coal
1Geoengineering and Environmental Technologies Department, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy, anralaba@alice.it.
Advances in Biochemical Engineering/Biotechnology
|April 12, 2013
Summary
This study reports successful microbial removal of pyritic sulfur from coal. A pilot plant achieved 90% pyrite removal, offering a cost-effective solution for cleaner coal production.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Biotechnology
- Geochemistry
Background:
- Coal contains inorganic (pyritic) and organic sulfur, impacting its environmental footprint.
- Traditional methods for pyritic sulfur removal are often economically unviable.
- Microbial desulfurization offers a promising alternative for cleaner coal utilization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of a semi-commercial pilot plant for microbial pyritic sulfur removal from coal.
- To assess the economic feasibility of the developed microbial desulfurization process.
- To report on the operational performance and key parameters of the pilot plant.
Main Methods:
- Operation of a 1-year semi-commercial pilot plant utilizing five stirred tank bioreactors.
- Processing coal at a 40% solids suspension.
- Monitoring pyrite removal efficiency and pyritic iron solubilization rates.
Main Results:
- Achieved 90% pyrite removal efficiency.
- Recorded a pyritic iron solubilization rate of 36 mg dm(-3) h(-1).
- Estimated overall costs between 25 to 30 € per tonne of dry coal.
Conclusions:
- Microbial desulfurization is a viable and potentially cost-effective method for pyritic sulfur removal from coal.
- Significant progress has been made, though microbial organic sulfur removal remains challenging.
- The pilot plant operation demonstrates the practical application of biotechnological approaches in coal processing.
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