v>EPA
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Industrial Environmental Research
Laboratory
Research Triangle Park NC 27711
EPA-600/7-79-073b
June 1979
Environmental
Assessment of Coal
Cleaning Processes: First
Annual Report; Volume I.
Summary
Interagency
Energy/Environment
R&D Program Report
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RESEARCH REPORTING SERIES
Research reports of the Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency, have been grouped into nine series. These nine broad cate-
gories were established to facilitate further development and application of en-
vironmental technology. Elimination of traditional grouping was consciously
planned to foster technology transfer and a maximum interface in related fields.
The nine series are:
1. Environmental Health Effects Research
2. Environmental Protection Technology
3. Ecological Research
4. Environmental Monitoring
5. Socioeconomic Environmental Studies
6. Scientific and Technical Assessment Reports (STAR)
7. Interagency Energy-Environment Research and Development
8. "Special" Reports
9. Miscellaneous Reports
This report has been assigned to the INTERAGENCY ENERGY-ENVIRONMENT
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT series. Reports in this series result from the
effort funded under the 17-agency Federal Energy/Environment Research and
Development Program. These studies relate to EPA's mission to protect the public
health and welfare from adverse effects of pollutants associated with energy sys-
tems. The goal of the Program is to assure the rapid development of domestic
energy supplies in an environmentally-compatible manner by providing the nec-
essary environmental data and control technology. Investigations include analy-
ses of the transport of energy-related pollutants and their health and ecological
effects; assessments of, and development of, control technologies for energy
systems; and integrated assessments of a wide range of energy-related environ-
mental issues.
EPA REVIEW NOTICE
This report has been reviewed by the participating Federal Agencies, and approved
for publication. Approval does not signify that the contents necessarily reflect
the views and policies of the Government, nor does mention of trade names or
commercial products constitute endorsement or recommendation for use.
This document is available to the public through the National Technical Informa-
tion Service, Springfield, Virginia 22161.
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EPA-600/7-79-073b
June 1979
Environmental Assessment of Coal
Cleaning Processes: First Annual Report;
Volume I. Executive Summary
by
A. W. Lemmon, Jr., S. E. Rogers, G. L. Robinson,
V. Q. Hale, and G. E. Raines
Battelle-Columbus Laboratories
505 King Avenue
Columbus, Ohio 43201
Contract No. 68-02-2163
Task No. 11
Program Element No. EHE623A
EPA Project Officer: James D. Kilgroe
Industrial Environmental Research Laboratory
Office of Energy, Minerals, and Industry
Research Triangle Park, NC 27711
Prepared for
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Office of Research and Development
Washington, DC 20460
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FOREWORD
Many elements and chemical compounds are known to be toxic to man and
other biological species. But, our knowledge concerning the levels and
conditions under which these substances are toxic is extremely limited.
Little is known concerning the emission of these pollutants from industrial
processes and the mechanisms by which they are transported, transformed,
dispersed, or accumulated in our environment.
Portions of the Federal Clean Air Act, the Resource Conservation
Recovery Act, and the Federal Water Pollution Control Act require the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to identify and regulate hazardous
or toxic substances which result from man's industrial activities. Industrial
pollutants are often identified only after harmful health or ecological
effects are noted. Remedial actions are costly, the damage to human and
other biological populations is often irreversible, and the persistence of
some environmental contaminants may endanger future populations.
EPA's Office of Research and Development (ORD) is responsible for health
and ecological research, studies concerning the transportation and fate of
pollutants, and the development of technologies for controlling industrial
pollutants. The Industrial Environmental Research Laboratory, an ORD
organization, is responsible for development of pollution control technology
and conducts a large environmental assessment program. The primary objectives
of this program are:
• The development of information on the quantities of
toxic pollutants emitted from various industrial
processes—information needed to prioritize health
and ecological research efforts.
• The identification of industrial pollutant emissions
which pose a clearly evident health or ecological
risk and which should be regulated.
• The evaluation and development of technologies for
controlling pollution from these toxic substances.
The coal cleaning environmental assessment program has as its specific
objectives the evaluation of pollution and pollution control problems which
are unique to coal preparation, storage, and transportation. The coal
preparation industry is a mature yet changing industry and in recent years
significant achievements have been made in pollution abatement.
In focusing on the effectiveness and efficiency of coal cleaning processes
as methods of reducing the total environmental impact in the use of energy
derived from coal, this report describes the progress made on all facets
of this program during the first year of its existence. The information
derived from the studies performed will be used to evaluate the overall
desirability of expanding the use of coal cleaning as a means of mitigating
environmental impacts caused by the burning of coal.
ii
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ABSTRACT
Battelle's Columbus Laboratories is performing an environmental assessment
of coal cleaning processes under Contract No. 68-02-2163 with the Industrial
Environmental Research Laboratory [Research Triangle Park (IERL/RTP), North
Carolina] of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This report
describes progress on this program during the first year of work. A strong
base of engineering, ecological, pollution control, and cost data is being
established through data gathering and systems analysis efforts.
In addition to program management, three task areas have been defined.
These technically-oriented functions are: system studies, data acquisition,
and general program support.
Systems studies have specifically focused on three subtasks. The devel-
opment of information on coal cleaning process technology has been emphasized
in the first of these subtasks, while the second has been concerned primarily
with defining the technological and cost status of the control of pollutants
from coal cleaning and refuse disposal operations. The third subtask relates
to the establishment of criteria for meeting environmental goals. Substantial
progress was made on these three subtasks and early availability of draft
reports of accomplishments is anticipated. But effort on a fourth subtask
designed to acquire process data was terminated to avoid duplication of the
effort of another EPA contractor.
Data acquisition subtasks have been directed at the planning needed as
the forerunner of the anticipated environmental field testing programs. Progress
has been made in: developing and describing the overall environmental test
program, developing the rationale for selection and selecting the evaluation
sites, specifying the experimental testing techniques to be used, and developing
the master site test plan. Based on a statistical rationale, ten unique site
categories have been specified for testing; experimental techniques are based
on accepted U.S. EPA and open literature methods.
iii
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General program support has consisted of: obtaining background environ-
mental data in the vicinity of and refining a computer simulation model for
use in studying the performance of the demonstration coal cleaning facility
near Homer City, Pennsylvania; operating the coal cleaning information center;
providing support for a sulfur emissions study for the Organization for Economic
Cooperation and Development; participating in the USSR-US technical information
exchange program; and studying and evaluating physical coal cleaning as an
S02 emission control strategy. A draft report on the latter physical coal
cleaning evaluation has been submitted to the Office of Air Quality Programs
and Standards.
This first annual report consists of two volumes: Volume 1 - Executive
Summary and Volume 2 - Detailed Report. It covers the period from July 2, 1976,
through September 30, 1977.
iv
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CONTENTS
Pages
FOREWORD ii
ABSTRACT ill
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS viii
INTRODUCTION 1
CURRENT PROCESS TECHNOLOGY BACKGROUND 5
Process Information 5
Schedules 7
Status 7
Priorities for Further Studies 8
CURRENT REGULATORY/ENVIRONMENTAL BACKGROUND 11
Standards and Criteria 11
Potential Pollutants and Impacts to the Environment 14
Dose/Response 20
ENVIRONMENTAL OBJECTIVES DEVELOPMENT 21
Bioassay Criteria 22
Methodologies Being Developed 22
Source Analysis Models 24
ENVIRONMENTAL DATA ACQUISITION 25
Existing Data for Each Process 25
Sampling and Analytical Techniques 27
Test Development Program 28
Preoperational Environmental Monitoring 31
v
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CONTENTS
(Continued)
Pages
CONTROL TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT 35
Air Pollution Control Technology 35
Water Pollution Control Technology 39
Solid Waste Control Technology 42
ENVIRONMENTAL ALTERNATIVES ANALYSIS 46
Pollutant Ranking 46
Modification of Computer Models for Evaluating
Process Technology 47
TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER 50
Newsletter Status Reports 50
Coal Cleaning Information Center (CCIC) 51
Other Activities 52
FUTURE EFFORTS 56
Current Process Technology Background 56
Current Environmental Background 56
Environmental Objectives Development 57
Environmental Data Acquisition 57
Control Technology Assessment 59
Control Technology Development Status 60
Environmental Alternatives Analysis 60
Technology Transfer 61
vi
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LIST OF TABLES
Pages
Table 1. Relationship of Organization of Battelle's
Program for Environmental Assessment of
Coal Cleaning to EACD Annual Report Categories 3
Table 2. Generic Types of Coal Preparation Plants 9
Table 3. Proposed Priority I Pollutants for Coal
Cleaning Processes 16
Table 4. Classification Variables and Associated
Levels Used to Define Site Categories 29
Table 5. Recommended Sequential Sampling Design
for Coal Cleaning Plants 30
Table 6. Dust Collector Characteristics and
Application Chart 37
Table 7- Summary of Applications for Particulate
Control Equipment 38
Table 8. Estimated Costs of Air Pollution Control
Equipment for Coal Cleaning Plants 40
Table 9. Estimated Costs of Water Pollution Control
Equipment for Selected 1000 tph Coal Cleaning Plants .... 43
vii
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Although this first annual report was actually written by the stated
authors, this document could not have been prepared without the completed
and continuing contributions of the numerous researchers who are involved.
These include: David P. Ambrose, Wayne E. Ballantyne, Donald P- Brown,
Ronald Clark, Barney W. Cornaby, Robert A. Ewing, Frederick K. Goodman,
Henry M. Grotta, Elton H. Hall, R. E. Heffelfinger, Robert D. Igou, Jane
H. McCreery, Seongwoo Min, David W. Neuendorf, David A. Sharp, Shirley J.
Smith, Ralph E. Thomas, Duane A. Tolle, and Bruce W. Vigon of the Battelle
staff. One of the authors, Dr. G. E. Raines of Raines Consulting, Inc.,
is a consultant to Battelle. Also, the contributions of the Program Manager,
Mr. G. Ray Smithson, Jr., are gratefully acknowledged.
This study was conducted as a part of the Battelle's Columbus Labor-
atories' ongoing program, "Environmental Assessment of Coal Cleaning Processes",
which is supported by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Industrial
Environmental Research Laboratory, Research Triangle Park (IERL/RTP), North
Carolina. The advice and counsel of the EPA Project Officer, Mr. James D.
Kilgroe, and other IERL/RTP staff members were invaluable in performance of
this work.
viii
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INTRODUCTION
Battelle's Columbus Laboratories has contracted (Contract No. 68-02-
2163) with the Industrial Environmental Research Laboratory, (Research
Triangle Park [IERL/RTP], North Carolina) of the U.S. Environmental Pro-
tection Agency (EPA) to perform an environmental assessment of coal
cleaning processes. The broad objective of Battelle's program with EPA
is to perform a comprehensive assessment of the environmental pollution
which results from transportation, storage, cleaning (physical and chemi-
cal), and refuse disposal of coal. In addition, combined techniques to achieve
environmental goals, such as coal cleaning combined with stack-gas scrub-
bing to reduce the pollution potential of coal-fired power plants, will
also be assessed. Increased use of both physical and chemical coal
cleaning techniques for the removal of sulfur and ash-forming constitu-
ents is extremely important in an era of growing dependence on coal as a
major domestic source of energy. The advantage of coal cleaning processes
is the removing of portions of sulfur, ash, and a variety of other unwanted
materials from the raw coal prior to any oxidation or reduction reactions.
In order to optimize the overall control of emissions from plants
that use coal, it is necessary to assess the pollution potential of coal
cleaning processes, allied operations, and in certain cases the end uses
of coal. This optimization process will also include an economic evalua-
tion of the benefits derived from coal cleaning, e.g., reduced cost of ash
transportation, simplified boiler design, less boiler downtime, increased
boiler capacity, smaller dust collectors and ash-disposal systems, and
reduced costs for S02 control.
The broad goals of this program are to establish a strong base of en-
gineering, ecological, pollution control, and cost data which can be used
to determine which coal cleaning processes are most acceptable from both
an environmental and economic viewpoint. This information could be used
also to identify needs for the development of pollution control technology.
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The program is organized into three major task categories: (1) sys-
tem studies, (2) data acquisition, and (3) general program support. The
program is further divided into subtasks which correspond to technical
directives received from the EPA Project Officer.
The following substasks were active during the year and were desig-
nated by the three-digit numbers as indicated.
Systems Studies
• Technology Overview (211)
• Detailed Process Descriptions (222)
• Process Data Acquisition (232)
• Develop Assessment Criteria (241)
Data Acquisition
• Develop Environmental Test Program (411)
• Select Evaluation Sites (421)
• Develop Experimental Techniques (431)
• Test Plan Development (451)
General Program Support
• Coal Cleaning Demo Planning (813)
• Coal Cleaning Information Center (821)
• OECD Support (831)
• US-USSR Information Exchange (841)
• Evaluation of Physical Coal Cleaning as an S09 Emission
Control Strategy (851)
The activities for these various subtasks are described in sections of
the two volumes, "Executive Summary" and "Detailed Report", as indicated by
Table 1.
In addition to completion of the ongoing tasks listed above, future
activities in the remaining 21 months of the contract are planned for the
following subtasks. These efforts are briefly described in the Future
Efforts chapter of this report.
Systems Studies
• Pollution Control Trade-Off Studies (251)
• New Control Technologies (271)
• Revised Process Descriptions and Impact Assessments (281)
• Revised Technology Overviews (291)
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TABLE 1. RELATIONSHIP OF ORGANIZATION OF BATTELLE'S PROGRAM FOR
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT OF COAL CLEANING TO EACD*
ANNUAL REPORT CATEGORIES
Subtask Number**
Category in Management Summary
and Detailed Report
Systems Data General Program
Studies Acquisition Support
211 222 241 411 421 431 451 813 821 831 841 851
Current Process Technology Background
Process Information
Status
Schedules
Priorities for
Further Studies
Current Environmental Background
Potential Pollutants and
Impacts in All Media
Federal and State Standards
and Criteria
Other Regulatory Requirements
Occupational Health/
Epidemiological Data
Dose/Response Data
Transport Models
Establishment of Permissible
Media Concentrations
Define Emission Goals
Non-Pollutant Impact Goals
Bioassay Criteria
Decision Criteria for
Prioritizing Pollutants
Methodologies Being
Developed
Source Analysis Models
a
o
nts
Enviroi
le
X
iment
X
-
al Ob
X
X
X
X
X
X
ectii
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
/es E
evelo
iment
Environmental Data Acquisition
Existing Data for Each
Process
Sampling and Analytical
Techniques
Test Program Development
Preoperational Environ-
mental Monitoring
MEG Pollutant List and
Recommended Additions
for Consideration
Control Systems and
Disposal Option Information
Control Process Pollution
and Impacts
Control Technology Assessment
X
X
Control Technology Development Status
(no activity)
Environmental Alternatives Analysis
Pollutant Ranking
Modification of Computer
Models for Evaluating
Process Technology
Newsletter Status Reports
Information Centers
Other Reports Issued
X
X
X
Technology Transfer
X
X
X
X
X
* EPA Energy Assessment and Control Division, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.
** Task 232 is utilized for input to Task 222 and, thus, is not reported separately.
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Data Acquisition
• Test Support Development (441)
• Testing (461)
• Data Reporting (471)
General Program Support
(as authorized by EPA).
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CURRENT PROCESS TECHNOLOGY BACKGROUND
A technology overview study has been performed to review the objec-
tives and U.S. methods for coal cleaning process technologies and related
environmental control. A technology overview report*, based on this study,
provides a background against which the requirements can be established
for development of coal cleaning technology and the control of the associ-
ated pollutants evolved from these processes and related activities. Also,
the physical and chemical properties of coal important to coal preparation
have been described, and the pertinent literature on washability of many
U.S. coals compiled.
Process Information
Coal preparation processes can be considered as encompassing all
activities between the mining of coal and the end use of cleaned coal.
These activities include coal sizing, cleaning, transportation, storage,
and refuse disposal.
The principal coal cleaning processes used today are oriented toward
product standardization and ash reduction, with increased attention being
given to sulfur reduction. Coal preparation in commercial practice is
currently limited to physical processes. In a modern coal cleaning plant,
the coal is typically subjected to (1) size reduction and screening, (2)
separation of coal from its impurities, and (3) dewatering and drying.
In a modern coal cleaning plant, the crushed coal is often divided
into coarse, intermediate, and fine sizes; and separation of ash and py-
rite from the coal is then accomplished with a variety of devices for the
* Min, S., Tolle, D. A., Holoman, V. L., Grotta, H., and Minshall, C. W.,
"Technology Overview of Coal Cleaning Processes and Environmental Controls",
Review Draft Report (unpublished) to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
Contract No. 68-02-2163, Battelle Memorial Institute, January, 1977.
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three individual size groupings. In coarse coal circuits, the coal is
cleaned with one or a combination of gravity separation equipment such
as jigs, launders, or heavy-medium vessels. The intermediate-size coals
are usually cleaned with concentration tables or heavy-medium cyclones.
In cleaning of fine-size coal, froth flotation or hydrocyclones are often
employed. Following the wet cleaning process, the product requires de-
watering or complete drying depending on the ultimate use and transportation
systems being utilized.
As a result of stream pollution regulations and the coal industry's
desire to improve fine coal recovery, recirculation and treatment of wash
water are integral parts of the operation of a modern coal cleaning plant.
In particular, closed water circuits have grown in popularity because they
eliminate discharge to streams, reduce make-up water, and allow for recovery
of coal. Since closing the circuit results in the build-up of slimes, it
is necessary to remove a certain portion of these fine solids. Standard
equipment generally applied in a closed water circuit consists of thick-
eners, cyclones, filters, and/or solid bowl centrifuges.
The disposal of coal cleaning plant waste is a worldwide problem of
increasing magnitude. Coal refuse consists of waste coal, slate, carbon-
aceous and pyritic shales, and clay associated with a coal seam. It is
estimated that about 25 percent of the raw coal mined is disposed as waste.
Coal refuse disposal involves two quite separate and distinct materials—
a coarse refuse (+28 mesh) and a fine refuse (-28 mesh). The coarse refuse
is normally disposed in an embankment by dumping either from an aerial
tramway or from trucks. The fine refuse is normally removed from the
preparation plant water circuit as a thickener underflow and impounded
into nearby settling ponds.
Transportation of coal from the mines or preparation plants to the
point of consumption is one of the most important factors affecting coal
utilization because transportation costs frequently account for between
one-third and one-half of the delivered price of coal.
In conjunction with transportation and storage of coal, a wide vari-
ety of materials handling operations is needed. These include loading and
unloading, stacking and reclaiming, and transferring coal in a plant. As
.the amounts of coal to be handled have grown, the material handling sys-
tems have become more mechanized and equipped with more automatic and
integrated control devices.
6
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Schedules
More than 450 commercial, physical coal cleaning plants are in opera-
tion in the United States, primarily for reducing the ash content of coals.
An advanced concept, multi-stream coal cleaning (MSCC) plant is being con-
structed at Homer City, Pennsylvania. It is the first commercial plant
using physical coal cleaning as a means of complying with S0_ power plant
emission standards. In the interim configuration since mid-summer of 1977,
this plant is operating at a capacity of 900 T/hr of ROM coal; the clean
coal product is being used in existing utility boilers to meet an S0_ emission
requirement of 4.0 Ib SO /million Btu. In the final configuration, this
plant will operate at a capacity of 1200 T/hr of ROM coal. The deep-cleaned
coal product will be used in a new boiler to meet an S09 emission regulation
of 1.2 Ib SO /million Btu; the middling coal product will then be used for
the existing units.
Chemical coal cleaning is an emerging technology. The most advanced
process is exemplified by a pilot plant of the Meyers process built by
TRW and funded by EPA. The facility processes up to 8 metric tons per day.
Initial operation began in July, 1977-
Status
Conventional Physical Coal Cleaning
Physical coal cleaning is a proven technology for upgrading raw coal
by physical removal of associated impurities. There are over 450 physical
coal cleaning plants located in the U.S. which handle over 400 million tons
of raw coal per year. The commercial practice of coal cleaning is currently
limited to the gravity methods together with minor application of the froth
flotation methods. Jigging still handles the largest portion of coal
cleaning, but dense-medium processes and concentrating tables are becoming
more popular; froth flotation is starting to play an important role.
Sulfur reduction by physical cleaning varies widely. Physical cleaning
is capable of removing, on the average, about 50 percent of the pyritic sul-
fur and 30 percent of total sulfur. The result depends on the washability
of coal, unit processes employed, and separating density.
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In order to provide a systematic assessment of environmental impacts,
coal preparation has been classified into four levels according to the coal
sized being washed. The coal preparation plants are then categorized into
nine generic types based on coal cleaning processes employed. These levels
of preparation and types of plants are summarized in Table 1.
New Physical Coal Cleaning Processes
Physical cleaning of coal in current practice can remove only a por-
tion of the pyritic sulfur content. The percentage that is removed by any
given technique depends, not only on the technique, but also on the size and
distribution of pyrite grains within the coal. In some cases, where the
pyrite exists in large relatively discrete crystals, a high degree of separ-
ation is easily obtained. On the other hand, if the pyrite consists of small
grains mixed intimately through the coal matrix, separation by physical means
can be extremely difficult.
A number of new techniques for physical coal cleaning have been
investigated to improve the separation of pyritic sulfur from fine coals.
Among them are magnetic separation, two-stage froth flotation, oil agglom-
eration, heavy liquid separation, and chemical comminution. These processes
are only in the experimental stage and need considerably more work to deter-
mine their full potential.
Priorities for Further Studies
Increasing demand for coal as a primary energy source combined with
the stringent regulations for sulfur dioxide emissions from coal combustion
results in increased pressure to expand coal preparation operations. There
are still, however, many technical and/or economic uncertainties which must
be overcome before more extensive commercialization of coal cleaning as a
method of SC>2 emission control can be realized. Major areas which require
additional research, development, and demonstration activities are as
follows:
(1) Development of improved techniques for accurately predicting
the cleanability of raw coals
8
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TABLE 2. GENERIC TYPES OF COAL PREPARATION PLANTS
Level
1
2
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
Plant
Type
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
Coal Size and
Coarse
(3 x 3/8 in.)
CS
CS + J/DMV + MD
CS + J/DMV + MD
CS + J/DMV + MD
CS + J/DMV + MD
CS + J/DMV + MD
CS + J/DMV + MD
CS + J/DMV + MD
CS + J/DMV + MD
Unit Operation
Medium Fine
(3/8 in x 28 M) (28 M x 0)
f. AT
'v Al ^
( • WT 1- MTt v
\ jJriL. T nu t
WT + MD HC + MD +
WT + MD F + MD +
DMC + MD HC + MD +
DMC + MD F + MD +
TD
TD
TD
TD
Legend:
Level 1 - Crushing and Sizing
Level 2 - Coarse Size Coal Beneficiation
Level 3 - Medium Size Coal Beneficiation
Level 4 - Fine Size Coal Beneficiation
CS - Crushing and Sizing Devices
J - Jigs
DMV - Dense-Medium Vessels
DMC - Dense-Medium Cyclones
AT - Air Tables
WT - Wet Concentrating Tables
HC - Hydrocyclones
F - Froth Flotation Units
MD - Mechanical Dewatering Devices
TD - Thermal Dryers
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(2) Development of improved techniques for quality control of
coal cleaning processes to produce cleaned coal of consis-
tent sulfur content
(3) Development of improved and economical techniques for lib-
erating and removing fine-size pyrite
(4) Development of improved and economical techniques for de-
watering and drying fine coal
(5) Development of commercially viable techniques for removal
of organic sulfur
(6) Development of improved methods and expanded capacity for
coal transportation
(7) More complete determination of the environmental impacts
and economic costs of coal cleaning.
10
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CURRENT REGULATORY/ENVIRONMENTAL BACKGROUND
Standards and Criteria
Federal laws constituting the principal regulatory authority for
emissions from coal cleaning, transportation, storage, and handling, are:
• Clean Air Act Amendments of 1970 and 1977
• Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972.
The major Federal regulations which are applicable to coal activities
as related to environmental pollution are concerned with air and water pol-
lution control. In addition, health standards for the workplace environment
have been promulgated to regulate exposure to various airborne contaminants.
Solid wastes generated from coal preparation are generally subject to land
disposal. Federal guidelines for land disposal of solid wastes, accepted
or excluded, are nonspecific in terms of definite quantities which can or
cannot be disposed. Pursuant to Section 211 of the amended Solid Waste
Disposal Act, the guidelines are mandatory for Federal agencies and are
recommended to state, interstate, regional, and local governmental agencies
for use in their solid waste disposal activities. Other regulations per-
taining to solid waste disposal are the Federal Water Pollution Control
Act, the Comprehensive Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) of
1976 (P.L. 94-580), and regulations for the disposal of waste from coal
preparation and handling operations on the surface of land associated with
underground mining established by the Geological Survey of the U.S. Depart-
ment of the Interior.
Air Pollution Regulations
The Clean Air Act Amendments of 1977, enacted August 7, 1977, have
significantly modified the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1970, as amended
June, 1974; some of these modifications will interact with coal cleaning.
11
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One of the most important is the amendment of Section 111, covering
new source standards of performance. From the previous basis of an absol-
ute limitation on criteria pollutants (e.g., 1.2 Ib SC>2/10 Btu) for
fossil-fuel-fired stationary sources, the amendment regulates a combina-
tion of a maximum emission limitation and a percentage reduction in
emissions from the level which would have resulted from the use of fuels
not subject to treatment prior to combustion. Any cleaning of the fuel
after extraction and prior to combustion may be credited toward compliance
with the above standards of performance.
The actual values to be achieved have not yet been specified and
are currently under consideration to evaluate technical and economic con-
straints. There are indications that the percentage reduction of sulfur
may fall in the range of a 90 percent reduction, paired with a 0.2 Ib SO /
f\ f\
10 Btu minimum and a 1.2 Ib SO./10 Btu maximum emission limitation.
Although reductions in allowable emissions of NO and particulates are also
probable, these should have only a minor impact on the cleaning of coal. The
revised standards of performance are to be promulgated in the fall of 1978.
The atmospheric emission of several potentially hazardous air pollutants
found in coal (beryllium and mercury) is already regulated. The establishment
of regulations governing arsenic emissions is now under consideration, with
a decision anticipated early in 1978. Other hazardous pollutants under
consideration include polycyclic organic matter (POM) and lead, with uncer-
tain decision dates.
Depending somewhat upon the SO regulations finally promulgated, these
amendments are likely to influence significantly the role of coal cleaning
in the utilization of coal. They may preclude the sole use of cleaning as
a method of compliance with federal SO emission regulations. In other
instances, such as non-attainment areas, combinations of cleaning and stack
gas scrubbing both may be required to meet severe emission limitations.
Water Pollution Regulations
There have been no major new Federal acts affecting water pollution
since the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972 (P.L. 92-
500). New regulations have, however, been proposed under this Act which
will affect coal cleaning plants. Recently proposed new source performance
12
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standards would permit discharge of process wastewater from coal cleaning
plants which recycle waste water.
The establishment of effluent limitations for approximately 129 toxic
pollutants is under investigation; most of these are organic compounds
which would not be present at significant concentrations in effluents from
coal cleaning plants. Similarly, nearly 100 toxic substances are being
evaluated relative to the establishment of Federal water quality criteria.
If any of these are adopted they would affect primarily state regulations.
This program is not yet sufficiently advanced to predict the nature and
extent of impacts upon coal cleaning.
Solid Waste Disposal Regulations
A number of the components of the Resource Conservation and Recovery
Act of 1976 (RCRA) will affect coal cleaning operations, in ways not yet
determinable, since several years will be required to fully implement the
provisions of the Act. Like its predecessor, the Solid Waste Disposal Act,
RCRA will leave the promulgation of governing regulations and their enforce-
ment to the individual states; there will not be specific Federal limitations.
The Federal role is to consist of financial and technical assistance and
leadership in the development, demonstration, and application of new and
improved methods of waste management.
Section 8002 of the Act calls for a detailed and comprehensive study
on solid wastes from active and abandoned surface and underground mines,
the scope of which will presumably include coal preparation. The report
of the study (no publication date is specified) shall include recommenda-
tions for Federal and non-Federal actions concerning environmental effects.
The findings of this study may influence disposal procedures for coal ref-
use.
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Potential Pollutants and Impacts
to the Environment
Potential Pollutants
Many different pollutants have been identified as being associated
with raw coal or with some segment of the coal industry. Over 800 com-
pounds have been identified from the coking of coal (an oxygen-deficient
regime). A number of lists from various sources, containing hundreds of
elements and compounds, have been compiled. However, the original inves-
tigations were performed by different investigators, so that there are
major differences in the manner and format in which the results were pre-
sented. In some cases, the approach was mineralogical; individual minerals
and classes were identified. In others, where wet chemical analyses were
performed, results were variously reported as oxides or in some other ana-
lytical convention, or, often, on an elemental basis. Trace element
analysis results, by either emission spectrography or by spark source mass
spectrography (SSMS), are reported as the element, giving no Indication
of the chemical form(s) present.
Examination of this basic problem led to the conclusion that the list
of pollutant boundaries for this study had to be narrowed to eliminate
pollutants which result from coking-type reactions. Most of the selected
compounds will be present in minute quantities, in gases from oxidizing
combustion, such as is encountered in thermal coal dryers or in coal-fired
power plants.
The pollutants associated with the cleaning of coal are primarily
inorganic compounds associated with the ash fraction. Water will be the
principal receptor of these pollutants. Largest air emissions will include
fugitive dust from coal handling and transfers, and particulates and combus-
tion products from coal dryers.
For the first phase, a list of 75 substances was chosen from among
those which already have been identified as pollutants of concern and
whose presence in finite concentrations in coal cleaning processes is
known or suspected. The Priority I pollutants for this study were drawn
from a number of sources, including:
• EPA criteria pollutants for air
• Pollutants identified by effluent guidelines for
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coal mining and coal preparation
• Substances included in EPA "Quality Criteria for
Water"
• Toxic and hazardous pollutants listed by EPA
which may be associated with coal cleaning.
In addition to these specific pollutants, a number of more general
non-chemical pollutants and aggregated pollutant parameters were included
in the list. The proposed list, shown in Table 3, includes 49 elements
and 23 chemical substances or aggregated pollutant parameters. Substances
on the list were chosen as a function of priority on a number of factors,
including their recognition by EPA as pollutants to be regulated, their
elemental group, their abundance in coal, and the availability of informa-
tion on toxicity, abundance, fractionation factors, etc. Existing and
proposed standards and criteria, judged to have application to coal cleaning
processes are indicated on Table 3.
Although the Priority I list satisfies the requirement of a manage-
able list containing the important pollutants expected from coal cleaning
processes, there appeared to be a need for an even more abbreviated list
suitable for preliminary testing of some of the concepts and approaches to
environmental assessment. To meet this need, an abbreviated "short list"
has been proposed, which includes the following chemical pollutants:
Arsenic Manganese
Beryllium Selenium
Cadmium Sulfate sulfur
Iron Sulfur dioxide
Mercury Nitrate nitrogen
Lead Nitrogen oxides
This list, which includes both air and water pollutants, will be used to
evaluate chemical and physical transport models, as well as estimated emis-
sions and permissible concentrations.
Future work will include the selection of a list of Priority II pollu-
tants. Analysis of these Priority II pollutants probably will result in
the upgrading of a few to the Priority I group, with the rest assigned to
a category of less important pollutants.
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TABLE 3. PROPOSED PRIORITY I POLLUTANTS
FOR COAL CLEANING PROCESSES
Specific Pollutant Specific Pollutant
Limitations** Limitations**
Elements ABODE F G Groupings A B C D E F G
Aluminum Alkalinity
Antimony X Ammonia X
Arsenic X XX Cyanide X
Barium X XX Chlorides
Beryllium X X Nitrates
Boron X X Sulfides
Bromine X Sulfates
Cadmium XXX SO XX
Calcium X NO* XX
Carbon Total Suspended
Cerium Solids (TSS)
Cesium Total Dissolved
Chlorine X X Solids (TDS)
Chromium X* X X Chemical Oxygen
Cobalt X* Demand
Copper X* X Total Suspended
Fluorine X Particulates (TSP) X
Gallium Carbon Dioxide X
Germanium Carbon Monoxide X X
Indium Hydrocarbons X
Iodine X Photochemical
Iron X X Oxidants X
Lanthanum Oil and Grease
Lead X X Phenols X
Lithium Organic Sulfur
Magnesium Compounds
Manganese X XX Organic Nitrogen
Mercury X XXX Compounds
Molybdenum X Polycyclic Organic
Nickel X X Materials (POM's)
Niobium Carbon Chloroform
Nitrogen Extract (CCE)
Oxygen
Phosphorus X
Potassium
Rubidium
Selenium X X
Silicon
Sodium
Strontium
Sulfur
Tellurium X
Thorium
Tin
Titanium X
Uranium X
Vanadium X
Zinc XXX
Zirconium X
X
X
XXX
X
X X
X
X
X
X
X X
X
* Column headings are defined as follows:
A. National Primary and Secondary Ambient Air Quality Standards
B. OSHA Standards for Workroom Air Contaminants
C. National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants
D. New Stationary Source Performance Standards (Coal Preparation Plants)
E. Drinking Water Regulations (EPA and PHS)
F. EPA Toxic Pollutant Effluent Standards (Proposed)
G. EPA Water Quality Criteria (Proposed-not regulations)
** Metal fume standard.
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Estimation of Emission Concentrations
Determination of the amounts of the Priority I substances in the coal
and their distribution through the coal cleaning and utilization processes
is a key component of the environmental assessment. In order to evaluate
the effect of coal cleaning on removal of potentially harmful major and
trace elements in coal, it is necessary to determine the distribution of
these elements in raw coal, cleaned coal, refuse, and waste discharges.
These fractionation factors are estimated from experimental data and from
theoretical approaches. Using estimated material balances and a simple
computer model, several exploratory simulations have been performed. This
work is to be continued and expanded as more and better data become avail-
able. These values of emission concentrations are required as input to
dispersion models to permit the calculation of ground level concentrations
(GLC) for air pollutants and surface water concentrations for water pol-
lutants.
Impacts to the Environment
Pollutants from coal cleaning processes are released as airborne
gases and particulates, waterborne ions and compounds (including dissolved
and suspended substances), and elements and compounds associated with solid
refuse piles. The ecological impacts of these pollutants are broken down
in the following review according to their effects on human health, aquatic
biota, terrestrial biota, and entire ecosystems.
Human Health. Many pollutants associated with coal cleaning and burn-
ing are known to be toxic to humans. Air pollutants, probably the greatest
health hazard, are known in addition to their primary direct toxic effects,
to cause secondary effects by aggravating existing disease conditions.
However, the quantity of certain pollutants, such as metals, and metal com-
pounds, may also be of great concern in the water effluents, due to the poten-
tial for leaching these toxic trace elements from coal refuse and storage piles,
In assessing the potential health impacts of toxic pollutants, occu-
pational health and epidemiological data were summarized in the form of
threshold limit values (TLV's) relevant to the major and minor elements
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found in coal and coal ash. The TLV's were used in the calculation of
estimated permissible air concentrations, since they are one of the best
sources of toxicologic data for humans in regard to industrial pollutants
in the air. The TLV's have been developed by the American Conference of
Governmental Industrial Hygienists and are based on animal toxicology data
and on measured effects produced on humans working in a specific atmosphere.
No attempt has been made to summarize any other industry-related health or
epidemiological literature.
TLV's were found for only 37 of the 80 elements known to occur in
coal and coal ash. These values permitted the calculation of estimated
permissible concentrations (EPC's) in air for those 37 elements.
Aquatic Biota. Of the wide variety of toxic chemicals that are known
to be associated with coal and coal preparation activities, the metals are
of great environmental significance. Metals are often introduced into
aquatic ecosystems as byproducts of acid mine drainage residues. Metals
are highly toxic to aquatic organisms, especially fish, and some are
highly bioaccumulative. The drainage of acid waters from coal storage
and refuse piles poses a serious threat to the aquatic environment because
of the ensuing change in pH. Overall, the effects of acid drainage on
aquatic communities include a reduction in diversity and density of organ-
isms and a dominance by pollution-tolerant organisms. Suspended solids
can affect aquatic biota by several mechanisms, e.g., blanketing and abras-
ive action. These environmental effects can severely affect aquatic biota
by endangering the integrity of community structure through alterations of
the food chain.
Terrestrial Biota. Air pollutants which stress vegetation can cause
reduced growth or death. Pathways of the coal cleaning associated pollu-
tants to terrestrial animals include:
(1) Inhalation of gases, aerosols, and particulates
(2) Ingestion of contaminated water
(3) Ingestion of vegetation covered with particulates and/or
vegetation which has absorbed pollutants from the soil
(4) Ingestion of contaminated animals
(5) Absorption of pollutants through the eyes or skin
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Effects of these toxic trace elements include organ system injury,
carcinogenicity, genetic and neonatal toxicity, and immunological injury.
However, caution must be used in assessing the effects of pollutants on
terrestrial animals, since much of the available information on effects
involves the investigation of single pollutant effects on laboratory ani-
mals. Much more research is needed on the synergistic (or antagonistic)
effects of the combination of pollutants released from coal cleaning and
burning on terrestrial animals.
Ecosystems. Ecosystems are the basic fundamental units of "nature"
in which the organisms and nonliving environment are interrelated. These
dynamic units may be conceived and studied in a variety of sizes, such as
a small pond, a large lake, or a tract of forest. Generally, the larger
and more diverse ecosystems are more stable and more independent of adja-
cent systems.
Pollutants emitted from coal cleaning processes can both accumulate
and disperse, in both a physical and a biological sense, depending upon
the characteristics of the pollutant and the environmental compartment.
Activity was initiated recently to develop simplified models for both the
physical and biological transport of key pollutants. Models for physical
transport will apply to air, water, and porous media (soils and geologic
formations).
Literature is currently being searched for specific data on the phys-
ical and biological transport of the key pollutants. Simplified model runs
using estimated emission concentrations for the key pollutants from hypo-
thetical Type B and Type I coal cleaning plants will be performed. This
output will assist in the interpretation of environmental impact of such
facilities and serve as trial runs for later, more extensive analysis.
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Dose/Response
Dose/response data for use in calculating estimated permissible water
concentrations (EPC for water) were obtained from the National Institute
for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) registry. In order to calculate
the EPC for water using the formula developed by Handy and Schindler*, it
was necessary to know either the LD ** and LD *** value for oral ingestion
j U LjO
of a given pollutant by rats. However, these oral values were available for
only 3 of the 80 elements (antimony, cobalt, and indium) known to occur in
coal or coal ash which were reviewed to calculate permissible air concen-
trations. If an EPC is desired for all of the potential pollutants from
coal cleaning processes, formulae for calculation of an EPC must be modi-
fied to use other types of dose/response data. However, for several
pollutants known to occur in coal there are no dose/response data in the
NIOSH registry. In these cases, the dose/response value for such an element
can only be approximated by extrapolation from known values for elements
with similar chemical behavior.
* Handy, R. and Schindler, A., "Estimation of Permissible Concentrations of
Pollutants for Continuous Exposure", EPA-600/2-76-155, U.S. EPA, IERL,
Research Triangle Park, North Carolina (June 1976), 136 pp.
** LD . ~ Lethal Dose Fifty. The calculated dose of a pollutant which can be
expected to cause the death of 50 percent of an experimental animal
species population by any route other than inhalation.
*** LDLQ - Lethal Dose Low. The lowest dose of a pollutant, other than LD,.,,,
reported to have caused the death of humans or animals by any
route other than inhalation over any time period and by any number
of individual portions.
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ENVIRONMENTAL OBJECTIVES DEVELOPMENT
Establishment of permissible media concentrations of pollutants is
needed for pollution control development guidance, e.g., for setting pol-
lutant emission goals. Pollutant emission goals can, of course, be set on
the basis of best practicable technology, but from a health/ecological
viewpoint, such standards have the potential of being either too lax or
unnecessarily restrictive.
In view of the state-of-the-art, the permissible media concentrations
are designated as "estimated permissible concentrations" (EPC's), and they
are regarded only as estimates, subject to later revision as more data
become available. The establishment of EPC's is recognized as a critical
area central to the entire environmental assessment. Unfortunately, there
is no accepted method for setting EPC's. A number of approaches have been
suggested, based on various manipulations of TLV, LD , LD values, etc.
ju LO
Many of the original experimental data are in a form not directly usable,
and methods for interconversion and extrapolation are lacking.
Since a multimedia approach is being taken to the environmental assess-
ment of coal cleaning, estimated permissible concentrations are needed for
all three media—air, water, and land—and these will be integral parts
of the multimedia environmental goals (MEG's), which are to be established.
EPC's are especially germane for the air and water media, which man and bi-
ota utilize directly. Because of the heterogenous nature of soils, and the
fact that, normally, there must be at least one transfer before a soil pollu-
tant impacts man, determination of EPC's for soil proves to be a difficult
task.
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Bioassay Criteria
Quantitative toxicological data (e.g. LD,-0, TLV, and others) form the
basis for estimating permissible concentrations in air and water media for
individual substances. However, these data do not provide a basis for
accounting for synergistic and antagonistic interactions between pollutants
in complex mixtures, such as are encountered in effluents from coal cleaning
and other energy processes. To better evaluate the characteristics of such
complex mixtures, a new bioassay protocol is being developed by Battelle
through the EPA/IERL Fluidized Bed Combustion Program (Contract No. 68-02-
2138). This protocol may be used to assess the relative toxicity of an
effluent by some combination of nine biological tests. Three of the nine
biological tests (microbial mutagenicity, cytotoxicity, and rodent acute tox-
icity) are designed to address potential human health effects. The other
six biological tests for ecological toxicity assessment are as follows:
• freshwater algal assay
• acute static water bioassay
• unicellular marine algae bioassay
• marine animals static bioassay
• stress ethylene plant response assay
• soil-litter microcosm tests.
These tests provide a direct measure of toxicity and mutagenicity for which
there are few available data. The procedures, when developed, will be
utilized for the coal cleaning program to assess samples from test sites,
and will also be considered in the development of estimated permissible
environmental concentrations and emission goals.
Methodologies Being Developed
There is a critical need for a sound and rigorous method for converting
toxicological and epidemiological data to permissible environmental concen-
trations, which does not depend upon a number of arbitrary or unsupportable
assumptions for such estimation. Battelle's Columbus Laboratories is at-
tempting to advance the state-of-the-art by developing an improved
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methodology. Achievement of the ultimate goal may be beyond the reach of
the current program, but it is anticipated that significant progress will
be made.
Two specific areas of achievement are (a) review of formulae for esti-
mating permissible concentrations, and (b) development of rationale for
extrapolation from animals to man and other organisms. Battelle has con-
cluded that a formula qualifies as "best" when it is (a) simple, (b)
appropriate for mixtures, (c) utilizes LD TLV, or other quantitative
toxicological measurements, (d) incorporates knowledge of target species,
target organs and biological half-life, (e) considers chemical state of
pollutant mixtures, and (f) has a supporting rationale for the use of
safety or adjustment factors.
Attempting to extrapolate toxicity data from animals to man requires
the development of a systematic approach backed up by research and testing.
The available data encompass a wide variety of test animals and toxicant
administration procedures, and methods are needed to interconvert these
data and to extrapolate them to man. Review of the literature shows there
are two basic methods for extrapolating toxicity responses from animals
to man. In Method I, responses of various species untested by the same
toxicant is projected with the relationship.
Y = aWb,
Where
Y = a response
a = a constant (derived from regression of W, Y data)
W = organism's weight
b = a constant (derived from regression of W, Y data).
In Method II, one equation deals with responses of many different tox-
icants on one animal species; extrapolation proceeds from one animal species
to another.
Battelle plans to use these approaches along with the "best" formulae
to further develop estimated permissible concentrations of selected sub-
stances to humans, other organisms, and ecological systems around coal
cleaning facilities.
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Source Analysis Models
The source analysis model (SAM) basically involves the utilization
of normalized hazard factors determined by computing the ratio of concen-
tration of a substance in a polluted stream to the goal concentration from
the MEG analysis. This approach is being investigated by another contrac-
tor, and no work on it is being conducted at Battelle.
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ENVIRONMENTAL DATA ACQUISITION
Existing Data for Each Process
Published environmental data from coal cleaning processes are essen-
tially nonexistent. The following discussion briefly characterizes the
kinds of data that are anticipated and the variations expected from phys-
ical and chemical cleaning.
Physical Coal Cleaning
Physical coal preparation has been classified into four levels accord-
ing to the coal sizes at washing and categorized into nine generic types
of plants based on coal cleaning processes employed as indicated in Table 2.
Chemical coal cleaning processes constitute another type, but the technolo-
gies are still in the development and testing stages.
The nine physical cleaning plant types represent the majority of coal
preparation facilities throughout the United States, and each type is ex-
pected to produce different environmental consequences of coal preparation
although there are many similarities.
Thus, a spectrum of potential pollutants will yield a wide variety of
kinds of environmental data. The most simple preparation plant consisting
of only crushing and sizing will have solid waste consisting of coarse rock
and tramp iron, air pollution of coal dust and dust from refuse piles, and
water pollution from surface run-off around the facility. As washing or
cleaning circuits are added, a quantity of contaminated process water is
generated, containing acidity or alkalinity, suspended solids, dissolved
solids, iron, ammonia, and sulfates. Sludge and coarse refuse represent
additional solid waste. Processes employing dense media cyclones or other
dense media treatments will result in a small amount of an additive, usu-
ally magnetite, being present in both the waste water and solid waste.
Washing of fine coal results in a fine refuse addition to the solid waste.
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Use of froth flotation introduces additional chemical reagents to both
solid waste and waste waters; first, residual organic and inorganic re-
agents added deliberately to the flotation circuit, and second, the metal
ions and complexes contributed to the aqueous phase due to dissolution by
some of the flotation reagents. Cleaned fine coal, resulting from a wet
process, must be dried. Thermal dryers normally take coal that has been
partially dewatered by mechanical means and remove as much of the remain-
ing water as may be required by a specific market. Emissions from thermal
dryers include carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, hydrocarbons, sulfur di-
oxide, and oxides of nitrogen, particulates, and fly ash.
Chemical Coal Cleaning
The wastes from chemical coal cleaning have not been completely identi-
fied, but all processes produce coarse refuse from crushing and sizing as
in the physical cleaning processes. Subsequent discussion relates specifi-
cally to the Meyers process, which is furthest along in development of the
chemical cleaning processes.
The only positively identified air emission stream from a vent gas
scrubber will be 90 percent oxygen and 10 percent sulfur dioxide plus vola-
tile organic compounds. Solid wastes from the Meyers process include gypsum,
elemental sulfur, and iron sulfates (mixed ferrous and ferric). Liquid wastes
may include sulfuric acid, wetting agents, and agents to control foaming,
depending upon the coal characteristics. It is probable that all of the
sulfuric acid which is not recycled will be neutralized and disposed with
solid waste. In the Meyers process, it may be necessary to add heat to
emissions similar to those produced by thermal dryers, i.e., furnace combustion
products.
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Sampling and Analytical Techniques
Objectives
Applicable methods of sampling and analyses for the purpose of asses-
sing the environmental effects of coal cleaning plants were developed in
the following:
• Selection of sampling methods which are appropriate to
anticipated pollutants from the various media
• Recommendation of accepted or new methods of preservation,
storage, transfer, and preparation of samples for analyses
• Identification of analytical methods which possess the
desired detection and sensitivity limits for the expected
pollutants at the required levels of characterization
• Evaluation of the assessment strategy of the phased versus
the direct approach in regard to convenience, cost, and
utility
• Documentation of the overall desired or recommended
procedures of sampling and analysis.
Development of Experimental Techniques
The phased approach for determining the extent of pollution potential
of a process is divided into three consecutive levels of effort. Level I
is used as a survey tool to identify existing broad problems and to evalu-
ate the possible adverse environmental effects of effluents. As such,
representative sampling is not required and analytical results within a
factor of ±2 or 3 are acceptable. Level II is an extensive qualitative,
semiquantitative program that is intended to identify specific substances
that exist in effluent streams thought to have significant environmental
effects following Level I analysis. Level III is a quantitative study of
the effects of process variables on the emission of specific substances
which were identified by Level II analysis as causes of environmental
effects.
An alternate to the phased strategy is the direct approach. This
approach requires quantitative analyses of one set of representative samples.
This is essentially a Level II procedure and assumes that prior knowledge
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is available as to the nature of emissions of the technology being inves-
tigated. For environmental studies of coal cleaning facilities, Battelle
recommends the direct approach with the assumption that it will be less
costly to avoid repeated sampling trips to any one plant where process ef-
fluent streams are known in advance. The result is that samples may be
taken at Level II intensity, screened at Level I, and followed up with
Level II analysis as needed. Appropriate methods are planned for chemical
analyses, including spark source mass spectrometry for inorganic elements
in solids and liquids, gas chromatography for inorganic gases, and low mol-
ecular weight organic compounds, and gas chromatography, infrared spectros-
copy, and gas mass spectrometry for higher molecular weight organic
compounds after resolution for functional groups and typing by solvent
separation.
Test Development Program
A test program was developed to provide overall guidance for the field
program, identify sources of coal cleaning pollutants, and select the eco-
logical compartments to be evaluated for the environmental effects of those
pollutants.
Site Selection Procedure
The procedure for selecting test sites has been developed to permit
the study of as many variables as possible with a limited number of field
trips. The recommended selection scheme was obtained by applying a statis-
tical rationale for sequential sampling.
Four variables were selected for study. These variables which are
expected to have the greatest influence on the kinds of pollution controls
needed for coal cleaning operations are neutralization potential (N), py-
ritic sulfur (S), annual precipitation (R), and process technology (T)
(Table 4). Based on the low (0) and high (1) potential pollution levels
for each of these variables, 16 types of site categories are possible.
The recommended sequential sampling design for the existing coal clean-
ing plant categories are shown in Table 5. One site from each site category
is to be sampled in the sequence from 0 to 10, as shown in Column 2, with
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TABLE 4. CLASSIFICATION VARIABLES AND ASSOCIATED
LEVELS USED TO DEFINE SITE CATEGORIES
Variable Low Level (0) High Level (1)
N (Neutralization pE >_ 7.5* pH _^ 6.0*
potential)
S (Pyritic £ 1.0% _> 3.0%
sulfur)
R (Average annual <_ 15 in/yr >_ 25 in/yr
rainfall)
T (Coal cleaning Plant Types Plant Types
process technology A and B r p through I^
* pH of soil in the receiving environment. As defined,
low level of N actually refers to a low pollution
potential which is, in fact, a high ability to neutralize
acid streams.
f See Table 2 in "Current Process Technology Background"
for definitions of plant types.
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TABLE 5. RECOMMENDED SEQUENTIAL SAMPLING DESIGN
FOR COAL CLEANING PLANTS
Group Site .... Site Characteristics Geographic
Number CategoryU; (N, S, R, T)(2X3) Regions^)
1 1 (1111) NA
2 (1110) NA
3 (1011) NA
4 (0111) MW
2 5 (1010) NA
6 (0110) NA
7 (0011) MW, SA
8 (0010) MW, SA
3 9 (0001) W
10 (0000) W
(1) One site from each site category is to be sampled in the sequence
from 1 through 10, with site category 1, defined as (1111), sampled
first and site category 10, defined as (0000), sampled last. The
sampling may be terminated after sampling 4 site categories (Option
C), 8 site categories (Option B), or 10 site categories (Option A).
(2) See Table 4 for definitions of low (0) and high (1) levels for
neutralization potential, N, pyritic sulfur, S, average annual
rainfall, R, and coal cleaning process technology, T. The combina-
tion (1010), for example, denotes a site category with N and R
at level 1 and S and T at level 0.
(3) Six additional possible site combinations (1101, 1100, 1001, 1000,
0101, 0100) were excluded from further consideration since no cleaning
plants exist with this combination of variables.
(4) Geographic regions associated with the site categories are denoted
by Northern Appalachian (NA), Southern Appalachian (SA), Midwestern
(MW), and Western (W).
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site category 1, defined at (1111), sampled first; and site category 10,
defined as (0000), sampled last. The sampling may be terminated after
sampling the first four site categories (Option C), after sampling the
first eight site categories (Option B), or after sampling all ten site
categories (Option A).
Once existing coal cleaning plants have been classified into these
site categories, specific sites within each site category can be selected.
The specific sites are intended to yield the maximum information concerning
coal cleaning impacts upon environments from a given limited number of sites.
Published information, telephone contact, and site visits will be used to
provide information on candidate sites.
Test Plan Development
To date, progress in test plan development has primarily involved se-
lection of test components to the master test plan. Site-independent test
elements have been developed for structural geology, water chemistry, air
pollution measurement, air pollution modelling, aquatic and terrestrial
biota, and noise measurement. These common elements are being integrated
into a master test plan. Approximately 15 percent of the work on the
master test plan is complete.
Preoperational Environmental Monitoring
A Site-Specific Analysis
A major environmental monitoring evaluation has been completed in a
study area that included an advanced coal cleaning facility located 2 miles
(3.2 Km) southwest of Homer City, Pennsylvania. The physical coal cleaning
facility is in the final stages of construction at the Homer City Power
Station, jointly owned by Pennsylvania Electric Company (Penelec), a subsid-
iary of General Public Utilities Corporation (GPU), and New York State Electric
and Gas Corporation (NYSEG). Nearly all of Battelle's environmental monitoring
was conducted within a study area that can be approximately bounded by a
circle 4 miles (6.4 km) in diameter with the new coal cleaning facility at
the center.
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During the period from December 1976 through April 1977, a series
of multimedia, grab-sampling campaigns were conducted by Battelle throughout
the study area. The intent of this monitoring was to document the abundance
or concentrations of selected key parameters in order to evaluate the air,
water, and biological quality in the vicinity of the advanced coal cleaning
plant. These pre-operational environmental studies, while not sufficiently
long-term to be a true baseline analysis, were conducted prior to operation
of the cleaning plant as a reference point for future, and more comprehensive,
environmental testing planned during operation of the plant.
Fugitive dust was monitored using high-volume samplers at locations
verified by a multiple source fugitive dust dispersion model. This model
is field-calibrated to the monitoring results and source conditions at the
Homer City Station and is able to predict dispersion levels at various
distances under a variety of meteorologic conditions.
Mass loadings of fugitive dust were highest in the vicinity of the
coal storage pile, especially within 200 meters downwind. However, signifi-
cant dust concentrations were measured as much as 1,200 meters downwind of
the coal pile. At 2,000 meters downwind, which was off the Station property,
the measured levels dropped to levels consistent with a good air quality
index.
The main results of the fugitive dust chemical analysis revealed two
important phenomena. First, there are uncombusted coal dusts 2,000 meters
downwind of the coal cleaning plant that exhibit levels of lead, cadmium,
arsenic, and mercury higher than those present in the whole-coal or disposed
ash. Cadmium and lead values are several orders of magnitude higher than
those in the whole-coal or disposed ash. Beryllium and vanadium were not
found in the coal dusts but are quite evident in the source coals. Second,
it appears that magnification of trace metal compounds may be attributed to
the cleavage of the coal along planes where these metal compounds were concen-
trated. The particles released by fracturing along these planes evidently
tend to become airborne due to wind erosion or movement of vehicles over the
coal pile.
Water quality in each of the basins monitored is a direct reflection of
the types of land uses involved. The five major land uses in the study area
affecting stream water are: agriculture, mining, urban, construction, and
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power generation. For example, water in Two Lick Creek, which receives acid
mine drainage from abandoned strip mines upstream of the study area, is of
poor physical and chemical quality. On the other hand, flows which exhibited
water quality closest to that of the reference stream (i.e., the highest
quality) were the headwater springs discharging to the tributaries north and
south of the refuse disposal area and the west tributary to Wier's Run.
The stream sediments of the study area are heavily laden with metal
compounds. These streams have a high level of oxygen and, were it not for
the pH extremes and suspended solid levels, the streams could begin a rather
rapid recovery. As expected in a coal region lithology, the streams had
sufficiently high levels of various forms of iron, manganese, sulfur, and
calcium to be of some concern.
The aquatic biota reconnaissance involved the sampling of three groups
of organisms indicative of the streams' biological quality. These groups
were attached algae, bottom-dwelling invertebrates, and fish. Sampling was
conducted at 14 locations in eight streams.
The subjective analysis of water quality based on the aquatic biota
observed was in close agreement with the water chemistry analysis. Three
streams, the tributary to Cherry Run north of the refuse area, the west
tributary of Wier's Run, and the upstream portion of the tributary south of
the proposed refuse disposal area, were all considered to have good chemical
and biological quality. Cherry Run was evaluated as having fair chemical and
biological quality. The remaining streams, Wier's Run, the two revines
draining the generating station, and the downstream portion of the tributary
south of the refuse disposal area, were all considered to have poor chemical
and biological quality.
The terrestrial habitats evaluated with a 2-mile (3.2-km) radius of the
coal cleaning plant are quite diverse and support animals common to all
successional stages, especially those wildlife species associated with the
early successional vegetation. Very little wetland habitat exists, and the
streams and ponds which do occur in the area are unsuitable for water birds.
The observation of particulate matter covering vegetation and leaf litter
within 1 mile (1.6 km) of the coal pile suggests that plant biota in that
area may soon begin to show signs of stress.
In summary, the ambient environment in the study area appeared to be
typical of many western Pennsylvania areas which include coal mining and
33
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handling operations. In many cases, stream water chemistry and biological
quality were adversely affected by pollution sources outside of the study
area, especially by acid mine drainage. Power complex operations had a
negative impact on the chemical and biological quality of a few of the
smaller tributaries. Levels of particulates in the air were high in the
vicinity of the coal storage pile, but dropped down to relatively good air
quality levels off of the power station property. Terrestrial vegetation
is presently diverse in the study area. Some of the more sensitive plant
species close to the coal pile, however, may begin to show signs of stress
due to the accumulation of coal dust and other particulates.
34
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CONTROL TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT
An assessment of pollution control technology for coal cleaning processes
must consider control techniques for air pollution, water pollution, and solid
waste.
Air Pollution Control Technology
An evaluation was made of the various air pollution control technologies
to determine their applicability for treating emissions from coal cleaning
processes. Major factors considered in the evaluation of each control tech-
nology are performance, operational constraints and limitations, and costs.
Based on this evaluation, cost estimates are given for most applicable control
technologies for controlling major emissions for two different sizes of coal
cleaning plants: 500 and 1000 tons per hour (tph).
Several types of air pollution control devices are available for appli-
cation to coal cleaning operations. The choice of the control device depends
on the type of pollutant, the properties of the pollutant, and the properties
of the conveying medium. Particulate control devices may be broadly classified
as dry inertial collectors (gravity settlers and cyclones), filters, wet
scrubbers, and electrostatic precipitators. Control devices for the removal
of gases or vapors involve adsorption or absorption in a variety of contacting
devices.
Particulate Control Devices
Dry Inertial Collectors. Dry inertial collection systems utilize either
gravitational or inertial forces to separate the particulates from the gas
stream. The collection systems are characterized by moderate removal efficiencies,
35
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low energy requirements, low capital and operating costs, and an ability to
accommodate high inlet dust loadings and operate at high temperatures.
Cyclones, the most widely used inertial collectors, are chosen for their
simplicity of design, ease of operation, and low maintenance, making them one
of the more trouble-free particulate collectors available. The major disad-
vantage of cyclones is low collection efficiencies of minus 10 micron
particles.
Fabric Filters. Fabric or bag filters are regarded as one of the simplest
and most reliable high efficiency dry collector devices, being capable of
99.9 percent removal of submicron-size particles. They are suitable for a
wide variety of dry particulate removal applications.
Electrostatic Precipitators. Due to the explosive nature of coal dust-
air mixtures, electrostatic precipitators are not used in coal cleaning
plants.
Wet Inertial Scrubbers. The major features that make wet collectors
popular dust control devices are their high removal efficiencies, ability
to remove gaseous pollutants, tolerance of moisture in the gas, and rela-
tively low capital costs. A major disadvantage of wet collectors is high
energy requirements.
The operating constraints and removal efficiencies for each of the
different equipment types are outlined in Table 6. Based on the character-
istics outlined for the three major emissions from coal cleaning unit
operations, and the performance evaluation of the control equipment, those
equipment types most appropriate as control equipment for each major emission
are presented in Table 7.
Gaseous Removal and/or Collection Devices
Gaseous removal and/or collection devices are designed to extract specific
gaseous compounds from a carrier gas stream. Although not practiced to date,
the major potential application for gaseous removal devices in coal cleaning
operations is for the removal of S0~ from thermal dryer off-gases. To this
36
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TABLE 6. DUST COLLECTOR CHARACTERISTICS AND
APPLICATION CHART
Operating
Dust
Collector
Louver
Settling
Chamber
Low-
efficiency
Cyclone
High-
efficiency
Cyclone
Wet
Scrubbers
(Spray tower
and other
scrubber
types)
Fabric
Filters
(unit frame,
bag and
re verse- jet
types)
Venturi
Scrubber
•
Electro-
static
Precipi-
tator
Particle Dust Temperature, Operating
Size Load
30 microns Medium
and up to heavy
20 microns Light to
and up (200 heavy
mesh is
ideal)
1 micron Very light
and up to very
heavy
All Light to
heavy
Minus 200 Light to
mesh medium
All Light to
heavy
Very Light to
fine medium
F
Up to
1,500
Up to
1,500
Up to
1,500
Up to
1,500
Cotton:
175
Wool:
225
Dacron:
275
Fiber-
glass :
550
Up to
1,500
Up to
550
Efficiency
. 45% for 30
microns to 99%
on flyash
75% on all
plus 325 mesh
95% on plus
10 micron
feed
80% in 1 to
10 micron
range
Up to 100%
in 10 micron
range
99%+ in 1 to
10 micron
range
90 to 100
Space
Requirement
Medium
Needs
consid-
erable
'space.
Small
and
compact.
Small
and
compact .
Small
to
medium.
Small
and
compact.
Small
to
medium.
Remarks
Mo moving parts .
Will handle heavy
surge. Coarse sizes
can cause excessive
wear. Good as a
scalping unit.
Usually placed
out of doors
becaus*e of bulk.
No moving parts.
Best on plus 20
micron sizes.
Good for classifying
Can handle heavy
dust loads.
Excessive moisture
will blind fabric.
Good on fumes.
Requires large flow
rate water supply,
up to 1,000 cfm.
Most efficient
system for handling
extremely fine dust
and fumes. Not
suitable for use
on explosive
mixtures.
37
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TABLE 7. SUMMARY OF APPLICATIONS FOR PARTICULATE
CONTROL EQUIPMENT
Typical Appropriate
Emission Source Characteristics of Dust Control
Crushing and Sizing Dry, submicron up to about Cloth filters or
Operations 6 microns in size; light high-energy
dust load, ambient temperature wet scrubbers
Pneumatic Cleaners Dry, submicron up to 48 mesh Primary cyclone-'3'
in size, heavy dust load cloth filter or
(>100 gr/dscf), ambient primary cyclone-
temperature high-energy
wet scrubber
Thermal Dryer High humidity, submicron up Primary cyclone-
to about 100 microns in size, high efficiency
heavy loadings up to 200 gr/ wet scrubber
dscf, temperature 200 to 250 F.
(a) Not considered as emission control equipment but rather as pneu-
matic cleaner or thermal drier process equipment utilized to recover
coal.
38
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end, two major types of gaseous removal processes, dry adsorption and wet
absorption, can be considered for controlling sulfur dioxide emissions.
Carbon adsorption is a high-initial-cost process which may be an acceptable
technique for use in dry absorption systems. Common wet absorption systems
make use of slurries of lime, limestone, or alkalis.
Estimated Plant Costs - Air
Pollution Control Equipment
Costs for air pollution control equipment are presented as installed
capital costs and operating costs for various types of hypothetical 500 and
1000 tph coal cleaning plants with the following levels of coal treatment:
Crushing and Sizing Plant (Level 1)
Medium Size Coal Beneficiation Plant with Air Tables (Level 3)
Fine Size Coal Beneficiation Plant with Thermal Drying (Level 4)
The results of this preliminary analysis are presented in Table 8.
Water Pollution Control Technology
Process and scrubbing water effluents from coal cleaning operations
contain two types of pollutants: suspended materials (solid or liquid) and
dissolved substances.
Control of Suspended Materials
Suspended solids may be removed from liquid streams by mechanical
dewatering methods, sedimentation, or flotation. Each of these methods
produces a solid material which may be processed further in the coal cleaning
plant in the case of a coal-rich material, or disposed of as solid waste.
Mechanical Dewatering. Mechanical dewatering devices applicable for
removing solid materials from water include centrifuges and various kinds of
filters.
The centrifuge has found application as a dewatering device for the
land-destined thickener underflow. As a water treatment device, however, a
centrifuge is useful for roughing purposes and would be followed by sedimentation,
filtration, or some other finishing method.
39
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TABLE 8. ESTIMATED COSTS OF AIR POLLUTION CONTROL
EQUIPMENT FOR COAL CLEANING PLANTS
Plant Type
and Emission
Applicable
Control Equipment
Installed Cost of
Control Equipment,
Dollars (1977) /tph
Annual Operating
Cost of Control
Equipment, (a)
cents/ton
500 tons/hr 1000 tons/hr 500 tons/hr 1000 tons/hr
Type C.F.G.H, or I
(Level 1) :
Dust from crashing
and sizing operation
Type C (Level 3) :
Air tables
operating on
medium-size
coal
Dust enclosures 52 36
with dry bag
collectors
Dust enclosures with 30 20
high-efficiency
wet scrubbers
Primary cyclones 400 360
followed by dry
bag collectors
0.2 0.1
0.2 0.2
2.8 2.8
Primary cyclones
followed by
.high-efficiency
wet scrubbers
220
200
10.0
9.7
Type F.G.H, or I
(Level 4) :
Thermal dryers
associated with
fine size coal
beneficiation
Primary cyclones 270
with high effic-
iency wet scrub-
bers
Primary cyclones 9450
with high-effic-
iency wet scrub-
bers followed by
limestone scrub-
bing
250
9250
12.5
93.8
12.2
93.8
(a)
Excludes capitalization, depreciation, and interest. Based on 180 (2-shift) days.
40
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Vacuum filters are used in the dewatering of fine coal products and fine
refuse from wastewater. Although a drum type of vacuum filter is available,
the disc type has been the traditional choice in coal cleaning plants.
Granular media filters may either be gravity or pressure filters. In
either case the bed of granular filter medium is horizontally oriented; filter
media available for use include silica sand (most common), crushed anthracite,
diatomaceous earth, perlite, and activated carbon. Pressure filters are
generally used in smaller plants where package units are economical or where
the additional pressure in the effluent can replace a pump(s) downstream.
Sedimentation. Sedimentation processes, i.e., settling ponds or lagoons
and thickeners, allow suspended materials to settle to the bottom of a vessel.
Settling ponds and lagoons comprise the simplest and largest capacity
areas to which the wastewaters are routed. Thickeners are available in a
variety of configurations, including rectangular, square, round, and inverted
pyramidal. Flow through the pyramidal unit is upward, with sludge pumped
continuously from the apex (bottom) and clarified effluent overflowing at the
top. Round thickeners use radial horizontal flow and rectangular units use
parallel horizontal flow; the horizontal flow types all have sloping bottoms,
with continuous sediment removal at the lowest point; clarified overflow
leaves the top of the tank through a weir.
Flocculants are often used to promote suspended solids removal. Such
treatment gives best results in screen and filter systems. The efficiency of
sedimentation processes also can be improved by addition of selected floccu-
lating agents to the wastewater.
Control of Dissolved Materials
The most common problem with dissolved substances in coal cleaning waste-
water is excess acidity. Lime neutralization is usually used to control pH.
Applicability of Wastewater Treatment Processes
to Coal Cleaning Process Waste Streams'
Applicable treatment processes are matched with each type of water stream
41
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from different types of coal cleaning plants and evaluated with respect to
anticipated performance, and capital and operating costs. Water pollution
control equipment costs are documented in Table 9 for three types of plants.
Solid Waste Control Technology
Properties of Physical
Coal Preparation Refuse
Coal preparation refuse can be expected to contain all of the inorganic
substances found in the raw coal. Physical coal preparation removes primarily
the inorganic sulfur forms, pyrite and marcasite. These may be present in
quantities from less than 0.1 percent to as much as 7.1 percent by weight.
Trace elements found in coal are not uniformly distributed. A majority of
the trace elements found in coal, including Hg, Zr, Zn, Cd, As, Pb, Mn, Mo,
Si, Al, Ca, and Fe, tend to concentrate in the mineral matter and, therefore,
in the refuse.
Coarse Refuse Disposal. Coarse refuse is considered to be refuse larger
than 28 mesh. It is generated by all levels of coal preparation. There have
been four major methods of coarse refuse disposal. The method selected
depends upon topography, economics, regulations, and other factors.
• Valley-fill dumps
• Side-hill dumps
• Cross-valley fill
• Waste piles.
Fine Refuse Disposal. Fine refuse is considered to be refuse smaller
than 28 mesh. It is generated by Level 3 and 4 preparation plants (Types
C - I). Disposal of fine refuse will be slurry impoundment, dewatering, or
underground disposal.
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TABLE 9. ESTIMATED COSTS OF WATER POLLUTION CONTROL EQUIPMENT FOR
SELECTED 1000 TPH COAL CLEANING PLANTS
10
Plant Type
Crushing and
Sizing with
Dry Screening
and Wet
Beneficiation
Crushing and
Sizing with
Wet Screening
and Wet
Beneficiation
Fine Size Coal
Beneficiation
with Hydroclones
and Thermal
Drying
Quantity,
Effluent gpm
Process Water 3,450
Flow-
Suspended Solids
Dissolved Solids
Process Water 7,650
Flow-
Suspended Solids
Process Water 9,250
Flow-
Suspended Solids
'
Applicable Control
Equipment
Radial flow thickener
lagoon, or
froth flotation
Absorption-activated
carbon treatment
Mechanical dewatering-
hydroclones ,
microscreens, or
pressure filters
Thickener or
lagoon
Radial flow thickener
or lagoon
Installed Cost of
Control Equipment,
(1977 Dollars)
345,000
108,000
33,000, .
1,700, 000 u;
150,000
230,000
310,000
510,000
160,000
560,000
180,000
Annual Operating
Cost of (b)
Control Equipment
cents/ton
0.8
0.6
0.7-1.4
2.0
1.4
1.0
1.8
1.2
0.8
1.3
0.9
(a) Adsorption is not presently used to treat coal cleaning process water, and would not be necessary for treating the
recirculating process water for any plant with a closed water circuit.
(b)
Including depreciation and Interest on capital.
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Potential Problems from Land
Disposal of Coal Preparation Refuse
Generally, the problems caused by land disposal of coal wastes fall into
these categories: aesthetics, blowing dust and debris, gas generation, fire
potential, erosion, leachate, and final land use.
The refuse generated by a coal preparation plant contains considerable
quantities of fine particles, leading to potentially serious fugitive dust
emissions. This problem may be controlled by site selection and use of
crusting agents. As there is a considerable amount of organic matter in the
refuse, fire resulting from spontaneous combustion in the refuse banks is a
matter of continuing concern.
Particle sizes of refuse are such that it is particularly susceptible to
water erosion. Diversion ditches to minimize flow of water over the refuse
surface, as well as siltation basins to capture eroded material, are essential,
Leachate can be expected to exhibit high metal ion concentrations. It is
possible to minimize leachate production from a disposal facility by (1)
diverting away all surface drainage, (2) applying a cover material to prevent
infiltration of rainfall, (3) grading to promote rapid runoff, (4) minimizing
the open area, and (5) applying a vegetative cover upon completion of an area.
Present and Future Limitations
Imposed by State and Federal Laws
The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 (RCRA) authorized
financial and technical assistance to state, regional, and local agencies to
develop comprehensive programs for environmentally disposing of solid waste.
The U.S. EPA is to establish criteria for determining which materials fall
into the category of hazardous wastes. If coal preparation refuse is found
to be hazardous, additional requirements beyond the applicable nonhazardous
waste disposal requirements will be necessary. The principal changes will
be in the management/permit system and in the degree of leachate control
needed.
44
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Reclamation of Waste Disposal Area
It is estimated that the coal waste piles and impoundments accumulated
between 1930 and 1971 in the United States cover approximately 225,000 acres
of land. The most positive approach to preventing pollution from disposal
areas is through reclamation similar to mine spoil bank reclamation.
Costs of Disposal and Reclamation
It is estimated that refuse disposal costs would range from 13 to 39 cents
per ton-mile, spreading and compacting from 4 to 28 cents per ton, and soil
covering and planting from $1,070 to $2,319 per acre. These costs do not
include the cost of installing or operating leachate collection or surface
drainage collection and treatment facilities.
Waste Utilization
Because the potential pollution problems associated with refuse disposal
are so great and because coal refuse offers significant combustion heat
content and other mineral values, serious consideration is being given to its
utilization as a raw material. Some possible uses for coal refuse are: as
construction landfill, as road base material, as a raw material for cement
and bricks, as fuel for thermal drying of coal fines, and as a source for
aluminum and transition metals.
Additional Data Needs
Further data are needed on the amounts of fine coal being disposal with
coarse refuse and in slurry ponds. Leachate characteristics need to be
further determined. More data are needed on physical characteristics of
refuse. In addition, costs should be updated to include refuse drainage
collection and treatment systems.
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ENVIRONMENTAL ALTERNATIVES ANALYSIS
Environmental alternatives analysis is one of the most important re-
quirements in environmental impact assessment. However, it is also one
of the last activities undertaken in a program. Hence, Battelle's activ-
ity in the first year in this area was limited to a preliminary pollutant
ranking and the modification of a computer model for evaluating process
technology.
Pollutant Ranking
When the initial group of approximately 1000 potential pollutants
from coal cleaning processes was identified, it was recognized that all
were not of equal importance and that priorities had to be established.
However, it was also recognized that attempts to rank them serially in
order would be a meaningless academic exercise. Thus, ranking efforts
have sought only to classify pollutants by priority groups. As described
in an earlier section, a Priority I group of about 75 pollutants regarded
as most important was selected (Table 2). The basis of selection of pol-
lutants, which was not a rigorous one, reflected such factors as toxicity,
abundance, classification as a named hazardous substance, and appearance
in environmental standards.
For purposes of developing and testing environmental assessment meth-
odology on actual substances, a "short Priority I list" of 12 pollutants
was drawn from the Priority I group. They are:
Arsenic Manganese
Beryllium Selenium
Cadmium Sulfate sulfur
Iron Sulfur dioxide
Mercury Nitrate nitrogen
Lead Nitrogen oxides
46
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No particular ranking significance is attached to this short list. Twelve was
a convenient number to test, and the pollutants selected possess a spread
of characteristics desirable for testing. They do rank among the most im-
portant pollutants and will rank high on any list of pollutants.
Prioritization of pollutants, on a group basis, can be carried fur-
ther as more data on emissions and estimated permissible concentrations
are developed.
Modification of Computer Models
For Evaluating Process Technology
Introduction
A modeling effort, involving the review and modification of existing
computer programs in the area of coal preparation simulation, was undertaken
to aid in the evaluation of an advanced coal cleaning facility being con-
structed at Homer City, Pennsylvania, and for use in trade-off studies later
in the Coal Cleaning Program. Four computer programs were surveyed:
(1) A U.S. Bureau of Mines coal preparation plant simulation
model, version 4 (CPSM4)
(2) A program to perform complete coal washability and froth
flotation calculations and to plot automatically all wash-
ability curves
(3) Coal cleaning programs developed by PEDCo-Environmental
(4) A computer simulation model for coal preparation plant
design and control.
Each of these programs contained unique features which hopefully will
be available at some future date in a single program. The coal preparation
plant simulation model (CPSM4) was sufficiently flexible to be directly us-
able in the evaluation of the Homer City plant and was, therefore, selected
for modification.
The goal of this research effort was not to simulate a representative
configuration; rather it was to simulate a particular plant - the Homer
City plant. Actual design curves describing the expected performance of
units of equipment in the plant were available. Eventually, actual perfor-
mance curves will also be made available as the plant becomes operational.
47
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The goal set for the program was to generate results which agreed as closely
as possible with the material balance prepared by the design team for the plant
Modifications Made to Program
The modification effort was divided into five phases. The overall purpose
of the first phase was to make the program easily usable on Battelle's Cyber
73 computer. In particular, three types of changes were planned: (1) to
reduce the core requirements of the program; (2) to simplify the logic of
the program; and (3) to develop a notation to aid in the structuring of
input to the program. As a result of this phase, the program runs in
600000 words of core (versus 2020000) and the processes of unit summarization,
8 o
normalization, size bridging, etc., were unified into single routines. Also,
a block diagram notation was developed for describing plant configurations
which greatly simplified structuring the input to the program.
The second phase of the modification effort had as its goal to begin
making the program actually usable for the Homer City application. After
modifications, a set of runs was made for the Homer City plant and the
results of and assumptions made in these runs were reviewed in great de-
tail with the individuals responsible for the design and operation of the
plant.
The objective of the third phase in the modification effort was to
make changes as determined by the above review, so as to model more accurately
the expected performance of the plant. At the end of this phase, another
review was conducted. As a result of this second review, it was concluded that
the present version of the program seemed capable of representing the
plant, and plans were made to make some data modifications and to do ex-
tensive sensitivity runs.
The fourth phase effort for the program modifications started at the
beginning of the task and was completed with the preparation of a user
handbook. Its purpose was to fully describe and document the program and
its logic so that it could be used as an effective and understandable tool.
Initially, a basic description of the mathematical approach to the program
was written and reviewed, then a detailed user handbook and program descrip-
tion was written and distributed to the following along with a program deck
and sample data deck:
48
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(1) Pennsylvania Electric Company, Johnstown, Pennsylvania
(2) New York State Electric and Gas Corporation, Binghamton,
New York
(3) Versar, Incorporated, Springfield, Maryland
(4) U.S. Bureau of Mines, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
To date, no serious problems have been reported by any of the above in
their attempts to make CPSM4 operational on their computers.
The fifth phase effort is continuing to date. Its purpose is to mod-
ify CPSM4 to provide a tool to:
(1) Evaluate effects of coal and equipment variables
on circuit and plant performances, and
(2) Compare alternative coal cleaning systems with
respect to environmental impact, energy recovery,
and cost.
Simulation of Homer City Plant
To date, three input decks which relate to the Homer City plant have been
prepared, run, and reviewed. These are as follows:
(1) The initial plant configuration (for power plant
Units #1 and #2)
(2) The final plant configuration (for power plant
Units #1, #2, and #3)
(3) The material balance flowsheet.
By far the most important of these is the material balance flowsheet run.
A comparison of results from CPSM4 with the plant design material balance
indicated quite similar results.
49
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TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER
Activities relating to the advancement of technology transfer include
(1) preparation of the Monthly Current Events Summary and a quarterly Coal
Cleaning Environmental Review, (2) the implementation, development, and
operation of a Coal Cleaning Information Center (CCIC), (3) support to the
Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), (4) US-USSR
information exchange, and (5) evaluation of physical coal cleaning as an
S0_ emission control strategy -
Newsletter Status Reports
Monthly Current Events Summary
The Monthly Current Events Summary covers the following topics re-
lated to coal cleaning.
(1) Calendar of meetings and short courses
(2) Annotated literature citations
(3) Organizational news
(4) New contract awards
(5) Requests for proposals
(6) Topics of general interest
The first issue of the Monthly Current Events Summary was included in
the monthly progress report for June, 1977, and it is planned that the
preparation of this monthly summary will continue throughout the contract
period.
Coal Cleaning Environmental Review
The Coal Cleaning Environmental Review provides descriptions of current
research results and new developments in (a) coal cleaning processes, (b)
related environmental effects, and (c) applicable pollution control technology.
50
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In addition, the latest calendar of meetings and short courses from the
Monthly Current Events Summary and pertinent items from various sections of
all issues of the Summary during the quarter will be included in the Coal
Cleaning Environmental Review. The first issue of the Coal Cleaning Environ-
mental Review is scheduled for completion by January, 1978.
Coal Cleaning Information Center (CCIC)
The Coal Cleaning Information Center (CCIC) was implemented in September,
1976. The most important functions and services of the CCIC and the work
accomplished during the past 13 months are summarized in the following
sections.
Data Base Development
Data base development for the CCIC was accomplished through searching
of commercial- and government-operated data bases, screening of multiple
information sources, and acquisition of the identified articles and reports.
Logging of new articles and reports, the assignment of accession numbers,
and preparation of a title card and an input processing form for each item
was followed by review for selection of index terms. All information from
the input processing forms and all selected index terms were processed onto
tape and into the CCIC computer data base.
Contacting Organizations Conducting
Ongoing Research
Searches of the SSIE (Smithsonian Science Information Exchange) data base
and the ERDA/RECON data bases provided summary information of many ongoing
research projects of interest to the coal cleaning program. Telephone and
letter contacts with organizations conducting many of these ongoing research
programs has resulted in the acquisition of a number of additional research
reports.
51
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Document Storage and Retrieval
As of September 30, 1977, there had been approximately 900 items processed
into the CCIC data base which are coded as to bibliographic data and index
terms. The actual hard copies of these 900 items are stored in the CCIC in
accession number order, by year of processing.
Identification and retrieval of items of interest can be accomplished
by a search of the CCIC data base via remote terminal. Computer printout
listing all citations identified through the computer search can be prepared.
Preparation of User Guide
for Data Base Searching
In May, 1977, a CCIC On-Line User Guide was prepared. Detailed infor-
mation is provided the user on log-in procedures, query build-up, display of
CCIC records, off-line printing, retrieval/display aids and log-out procedures.
An abbreviated instruction page on the use of the CCIC data base is included.
After completion of the user guide, CCIC user names and passwords were
established for data base searching. Six user names and passwords were
forwarded to the EPA Project Officer and two user names and passwords were
retained for use by BCL project personnel. It is expected that the EPA
Project Officer will allocate CCIC user names and passwords for use within
EPA and to selected EPA contractors.
Other Activities
Support to Organization for Economic
Cooperation and Development (OECD)
In December, 1976, Battelle participated in a workshop on coal desul-
furization organized by OECD and held in Paris. The purpose of this work-
shop was to initiate the preparation of a draft report on coal desulfurization
in western Europe and the United States.
A letter report, dated May 20, 1977, on "Desulfurization of Coal" was
prepared and submitted to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and
Development, Paris, France, for use in preparing a report for its 24 member
52
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countries on "Clean Fuel Supply". The following six topics were addressed
in this report:
(1) Description of technologies available for desulfurization
of coal which can be used between now and 1985
(2) Estimates of capital and operating costs versus plant capa-
city and quantity of sulfur removal for these technologies
for the U.S.
(3) Estimates of the time frame to construct and shakedown coal
desulfurization plants
(4) Estimates of the quantity of coal now being desulfurized in
the United States and the quantity of sulfur that would be
removed in 1985
(6) Constraints preventing or delaying the use of coal desulfuri-
zation technologies.
US-USSR Information Exchange
The exchange of information on coal utilization with the USSR has
been continuing for the last three years. The information which has been
exchanged has been in two general areas—coal preparation and the use of
coal in complex advanced energy generation systems.
Until the most recent meeting, the coal preparation activities have
been concerned primarily with the use of flotation for the removal of py-
ritic sulfur. The transfer of that activity to the Energy Agreement led
to a shift in emphasis on coal preparation at the July, 1977, meeting in
Moscow. The activities now will focus upon the environmental consequences
of coal preparation. It has been proposed that the initial activities be
to conduct a bilateral symposium on "Discharges and Controls for Coal Bene-
ficiation Plants".
The USA and USSR delegations have met on two occasions during the
past year to pursue the exchange of information on the utilization of coal
in complex advanced energy generation systems—in the U.S. during December,
1976, and in the USSR during July, 1977- The principal activity during
both meetings was the exchange of technical material which will be used in
a joint report which will be issued in 1978. The delegations will meet in
November, 1977, and twice in 1978 to finalize the joint report.
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Evaluation of Physical Coal Cleaning
as an S0? Emission Control Strategy
This effort has had two related but separate components. The first
objective was to provide a report to the Office of Air Quality Planning
and Standards (OAQPS) incorporating technical information on coal cleaning
needed by OAQPS in its evaluation of possible revisions in the New Source
Performance Standards (NSPS) for SO . The second component involves a much
broader effort to determine the technological, environmental, institutional,
economic, and social factors which affect the adoption by industries of
physical coal cleaning (PCC) as an S0_ emission control strategy, and to
analyze optional initiatives designed to overcome barriers to PCC commer-
cialization.
Report to OAQPS. The objectives of this portion of the task were: to
define available coal supplies by location and sulfur content for raw and
for physically-cleaned coal, to assess the impact of sulfur variability and
averaging times for determination of compliance on coal availability, to
assess the impact of alternative standards for utility boilers on coal
markets and supplies, and to describe existing and emerging technologies to
abate S02 emissions from coal burning. A draft report was submitted June 30,
1977, and a revised draft was completed October 14, 1977.*
The results of this evaluation indicate the following conclusions:
(1) Physical coal cleaning alone will be of limited value
in meeting optional New Source Performance Standards for
utilities.
(2) Flue gas desulfurization or other control techniques with
comparable higher sulfur-removal effectiveness will be
required, if much more stringent S0_ emission standards
are imposed.
* Hall, E.H., Hoffman, L., Hoffman, J., and Schilling, R.A., "Physical Coal
Cleaning for Utility Boiler S02 Emission Control", Report No. EPA-600/7-78-
034, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, IERL, Research Triangle Park
N.C. (February 1978).
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(3) If the practicality of coal distribution from one region
to another region were ignored, and if it were assumed that
the coal reserves were available for use anywhere in the
United States, compliance with the most stringent regulations
would still be impossible without supplementary flue gas
desulfurization or comparable control techniques.
(4) Since the potential for conversion from oil and gas to
coal would increase the demand-pull for coal by only
6 percent, this by itself would only cause a ripple effect
in the coal availability results.
Initiatives Study. The second portion of the effort is directed toward
the identification of barriers to commercialization of physical coal cleaning
and initiatives for overcoming these barriers. The study involves: assembly
of information on coal supply, demand, reserves, and cleanability; review
of coal cleaning technology and costs; comparative analysis of alternative
sulfur removal options; review of environmental impacts of alternative sulfur
removel strategies; summary of air quality factors and emission control
strategies; identification of barriers: identification of initiative alter-
natives; assessment of environmental, energy, and economic trade-offs; and
impact assessment.
An interim progress report was submitted in September, 1977, which
included progress reports on the several areas under study with respect to
barriers and initiatives. A draft final report will be issued by March,
1978.
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FUTURE EFFORTS
The following sections briefly describe Battelle's currently author-
ized and/or planned efforts for the remainder of the contract period
ending June 30, 1979.
Current Process Technology Background
Technology Overview - Subtask 211
The draft report entitled "Technology Overview of Coal Cleaning Pro-
cesses and Environmental Controls" will be revised to include information
on economics of coal cleaning, potential of coal cleaning technology for
meeting state implementation plans and regulations, limitations of wash-
ability data, and other topics to be determined by EPA.
Revised Technology Overview - Subtask 291
The final report entitled "Technology Overview of Coal Cleaning Pro-
cesses and Environmental Controls", prepared on Subtask 211, will be
revised approximately during the last half year of the program to include
updated information obtained from both the outputs of other Subtasks of
this program and a continuing review of the literature.
Current Environmental Background
Develop Assessment Criteria - Subtask 241
Little further effort is anticipated on identifying additional poten-
tial pollutants; however, some effort will be made in characterizing the
mode of occurrence and transformations of pollutants already identified.
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An updated summary of pollution control regulations related to coal
cleaning processes will be prepared. This effort will involve revising
Appendix A to Battelle's April 8, 1977, preliminary report on "Development
of Environmental Assessment Criteria" to include new regulations proposed
and promulgated since the report was submitted.
The extent of further investigation and compilation of health/epidem-
iological literature and dose/response data will depend upon the results
of the methodology development for estimated permissible concentrations.
It is expected that primary reliance will be on the RTI compilations, with
only limited investigation of a few specific substances, where additional
data may be needed.
Work on transport models will be continued and expanded; this will
include physical transport (including initial dispersion) and biological
transport. Initially, the models will be delineated for the 12 pollutants
on the "short Priority I list". The results from these efforts can be
used to extend the modeling to additional pollutants in the Priority I
group.
Environmental Objectives Development
Develop Assessment Criteria - Subtask 241
The principal objective continues to be to develop an improved meth-
odology for estimating permissible environmental concentrations of pollu-
tants acceptable for the health and well-being of man on the basis of a
long-term continuous exposure. Also necessary to this effort is a paral-
lel development of improved methods for interconverting and extrapolating
a wide variety of animal test results to man for use when the usual LD
values for the rat are absent.
Environmental Data Acquisition
Development of Environmental Test Plan - Subtask 411
The report on this subtask has been submitted for review and all that
remains to be done is final revision following receipt of comments.
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Selection of Evaluation Sites - Subtask 421
Upon approval of the site selection scheme, coal cleaning plants will
be classified into site categories. Information will be gathered on plant
characteristics from literature, government agencies, and site visits to
make site selections. Information on selected sites will be submitted for
site approval before field work begins. A total of ten sites will be rec-
ommended as a prioritized list.
Development of Experimental Techniques - Subtask 431
Future effort on Subtask 431 will be to provide detail on experimental
procedures to be used in the site evaluations. The detail will consist of
work descriptions of procedures or reference to well-known standards, flow
charts showing the sequence of how samples may be divided, and diagrams of
equipment where appropriate. Quality assurance and control aspects of Level
I sampling and analysis will be addressed. Inadequacies in current practices
of sampling and analysis, such as in the determination of leachable materials
in refuse piles, will be indicated and discussed.
Test Support Development - Subtask 441
Appropriate equipment and instruments will be acquired as needed to
conduct the field and laboratory samplings and analyses in the field test
program.
Test Plan Development - Subtask 451
A master test plan, which is now being prepared, and which will en-
compass the general requirements for testing all selected sites and coal
cleaning processes will be submitted. As individual evaluation sites are
selected, specific test plans will be prepared to add the details of samp-
ling location, kinds of samples, etc. that are unique to each site.
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Testing - Subtask 461
As test sites are selected and approved, the field testing program
will be implemented. Sampling, testing, and laboratory analyses will be
carried out in accordance with the test plans prepared in Subtask 451 and
the analytical procedures outlined in Subtask 431.
Data Reporting - Subtask 471
Data will be compiled, analyzed, and reported for each test site as
the programs at that site are completed.
Control Technology Assessment
Detailed Process Descriptions - Subtask 222*
In an effort to secure the previously defined additional information,
required to prepare the final report on "Pollution Control Technology for
Coal Cleaning Processes", visits are being conducted to vendors of pollu-
tion control equipment, engineering consulting firms, and selected coal
cleaning plants.
New Control Technology Studies - Subtask 271
Studies will be undertaken to generate preliminary conceptual designs
for improved pollution control systems for coal cleaning processes. This
task will utilize results from other subtasks including 211 (Technology
Overview), 222 (Detailed Process Descriptions), 232 (Process Data Acquisi-
tion) , 241 (Development of Assessment Criteria), 251 (Trade-Off Studies),
and 461 (Testing).
* Process Data Acquisition - Subtask 232 provides input data for this sub-
task and is not reported separately.
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Conceptual designs of control systems for air pollution, water pollu-
tion, and solid waste will be developed. Advanced control technology will
be examined for possible application to various types of coal cleaning pro-
cesses. The major emphasis will be on control technology for physical coal
cleaning processes, although control technology applicable to chemical coal
cleaning processes also will be addressed. Preliminary consideration will
be given to pollution control for biological coal cleaning processes.
Control Technology Development Status
Battelle-Columbus has no planned contractual activities in this area.
Environmental Alternatives Analysis
Detailed Process Descriptions - Subtask 222
Existing computer programs will be modified for utilization in per-
forming pollution control trade-off studies on Subtask 251. The major
effort in this area will involve further modifications to the U.S. Bureau
of Mines Coal Preparation Simulation Model Version 4 (CPSM4), as previously
modified by Battelle for use in evaluating the advanced coal cleaning facil-
ity at Homer City, Pennsylvania.
The primary types of computer program modifications to be accomplished
for the trade-off studies include providing the capability of (1) modeling
additional equipment types and/or operations, primarily related to pollu-
tion control, coal handling, and end use, (2) analyzing capital and oper-
ating costs for various configurations of coal cleaning plants including
pollution control systems, and (3) comparing alternative coal cleaning sys-
tems, including various pollution control options, with respect to environ-
mental impact, energy recovery, and cost.
Pollution Control Trade-Off Studies - Subtask 251
Studies will be performed to establish cost and performance trade-offs
associated with various pollution control techniques for coal cleaning pro-
cesses. These studies will be used to identify the pollution control
60
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equipment and configurations which provide systems for minimal environ-
mental impact and/or minimal cost in coal cleaning plants.
Using information on existing and projected Federal and state regu-
lations for the control of pollutants from coal cleaning processes, an
assessment will be made of the costs (energy and economic) and effectiveness
of both existing and recently developed applicable pollution control tech-
nologies. Capital and operating costs, equipment life, maintenance require-
ments, and performance will be evaluated for each technology. This information
will be integrated to construct a cost-performance profile as a function of
size for the various control technologies.
Revised Process Descriptions and
Impact Assessments - Subtask 381
A detailed review will be made of information pertaining to perfor-
mance and costs of pollution control technology. Results from other
subtasks, including 251 (Pollution Control Trade-Off Studies), will be
utilized to revise and update process descriptions in the report entitled
"Pollution Control Technology for Coal Cleaning Processes", originally
prepared on Subtask 222. Emphasis will be placed on the relative advan-
tages and disadvantages of each control technology and the trade-offs
related to environmental impact, costs, and energy utilization.
A comprehensive assessment of the environmental consequences of coal
cleaning processes will be provided. This environmental assessment will
be based on the assessment criteria developed on Subtask 241 and the field
test results from Subtask 461.
Technology Transfer
Coal Cleaning Information Center - Subtask 821
Newsletter Status Reports. It is planned that the preparation of
both the Monthly Current Events Summary and the Coal Cleaning Review (Quar-
terly) will continue throughout the current contract period.
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Information Centers. It is anticipated that the routine operations
of data base development, document storage and retrieval, and the con-
tacting of organizations conducting ongoing research, will continue
throughout the current contract period for the Coal Cleaning Information
Center (CCIC).
In addition to the continuation of routine operations of CCIC during
future months, there is the possibility that two additional assignments
will be assumed by the CCIC. These new assignments, which were described
within the draft of Technical Directive (TD) No. C2-2 (822), dated May 18,
1977, are as follows:
If funding is available in future months, it is possible that anno-
tated bibliographies will be prepared for the EPA. It is planned that
these bibliographies will be printed from the CCIC data base in alphabet-
ical order by personal or corporate author.
When resources are available, the service of both manual and computer
searches of the CCIC data base as well as computer searches of commercial-
and govenment-operated data bases can be made available to EPA and to
selected EPA contractors.
Remote terminal access to the CCIC data base is already possible by
EPA and EPA contractors as described in the CCIC On-Line User Guide.
Assignments to perform searches of commercial- and government-operated
data bases could be accepted by CCIC if directed by EPA.
Coal Cleaning Demo Planning - Subtask 813
The U.S. Bureau of Mines CPSM4 program, as modified by Battelle, will
be used in the evaluation of the Homer City coal cleaning plant. The fol-
lowing types of tasks are envisioned in this effort.
(1) Adjust the equipment specifications for the Homer
City configurations as input to program CPSM4 to
obtain agreement with experimental results.
(2) Using data obtained from equipment performance tests
which will be conducted to measure the sensitivity
of that performance to coal properties and operating
variables, further adjust program CPSM4 and/or its
input data to achieve agreement with these results.
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(3) Perform trade-off studies using CPSM4 to identify changes in
operating conditions and coal blends which will maximize Btu
recovery and pyritic sulfur removal and which can be used to
operate the plant for extended periods of time.
(4) Incorporate changes into CPSM4 which would allow the program
to estimate detailed coal washability data given only a limited
number of experimental data values (probably about 20 points).
(5) Using a newly developed cost model within CPSM4 and available
cost data, incorporate a cost component into the trade-off
studies.
US-USSR Information Exchange - Subtask 841
Meetings of US-USSR delegations are anticipated in November, 1977,
and twice during 1978 to finalize a joint report on the utilization of
coal in complex advanced energy generation systems.
Evaluation of Physical Coal Cleaning as an
S00 Emission Control Strategy - Subtask 851
£.
Work on this task is scheduled to be completed with revision of the
draft report on "Initiatives Study" due December, 1977. Some discussions
have been conducted regarding additional modeling work required after
completion of this effort, however, no work has been directed, and none
has been incorporated in future planning at this time.
Other Activities
It is anticipated that a symposium on the environmental aspects of
coal preparation will be planned and held.
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TECHNICAL REPORT DATA
(Please read Inductions on the reverse before completing)
1. REPORT NO.
E PA- 600/7 -79- 07 3b
2.
3. RECIPIENT'S ACCESSION NO.
4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE Environmental Assessment of Coal
Cleaning Processes: First Annual Report; Volume I.
Executive Summary
5. REPORT DATE
June 1979
6. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION CODE
7. AUTHOR(S)
A. W. Lemmon, Jr., S. E. Rogers, G. L. Robinson,
V. Q. Hale, and G. E. Raines
8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NO.
9. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME AND ADDRESS
Battelle-Columbus Laboratories
505 King Avenue
Columbus, Ohio 43201
10. PROGRAM ELEMENT NO.
E HE 62 3 A
11. CONTRACT/GRANT NO.
68-02-2163, Task 11
12. SPONSORING AGENCY NAME AND ADDRESS
EPA, Office of Research and Development
Industrial Environmental Research Laboratory
Research Triangle Park, NC 27711
13. TYPE OF REPORT AND PERIOD COVERED
Annual; 7/76 - 9/77
14. SPONSORING AGENCY CODE
EPA/600/13
15. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTESIERL-RTP project officer is James D. Kilgroe, Mail Drop 61, 919/
541-2851.
is. ABSTRACT
report gives results of the first year's work on an environmental
assessment of coal cleaning processes. A strong base of engineering, ecological,
pollution control, and cost data is being established through data gathering and sys-
tems analysis efforts. In addition to program management, three task areas are
defined: system studies, data acquisition, and general program support. Early avail-
ability is anticipated for draft reports of progress for three subtasks : (a) developing
information on on coal cleaning process technology; (b) defining the technological and
cost status of the control of pollutants from coal cleaning and refusal disposal; and
(c) establishing criteria for meeting environmental goals. (A fourth subtask, acqui-
ring process data, was terminated to avoid duplication. ) Progress has been made on
data acquisition subtasks, aimed at the planning needed as the forerunner of the anti-
cipated environmental field testing program: (a) developing and describing the overall
environmental test program; (b) developing the rationale for selection and selecting
the evaluation sites; (c) specifying the experimental testing techniques to be used;
and (d) developing the master site test plan. (Ten site categories have been specified
for testing. ) General program support includes : (a) obtaining background environmen-
tal data, and (b) operating a coal cleaning information center.
17.
KEY WORDS AND DOCUMENT ANALYSIS
DESCRIPTORS
b.lDENTIFIERS/OPEN ENDED TERMS
COS AT I Field/Group
Pollution
Assessments
Coal Preparation
Waste Disposal
Mathematical Models
Emission
Sulfur
Sulfur Oxides
Pollution Control
Stationary Sources
Environmental Assess-
ment
13 B
14B
081
12A
07B
13. DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT
Release to Public
19. SECURITY CLASS (ThisReport)
Unclassified
21. NO. OF PAGES
72
20. SECURITY CLASS (Thispage)
Unclassified
22. PRICE
EPA Form 2220-1 (9-73)
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