Inventors:
Richard W. Bland - Beckley WV, US
Philip Harsh - Blandon PA, US
Michael Hurley - Lancaster PA, US
Andrew K. Jones - Lancaster PA, US
Vinod K. Sikka - Oak Ridge TN, US
International Classification:
F26B 7/00, F26B 17/00, F26B 9/00
Abstract:
The present invention provides a method and system for drying coal fines using molecular sieves. The method and system dries the coal fines by combining coal fines with the molecular sieves. While in combination, the mixture is agitated to maximize surface contact between the molecular sieves and the coal fines. As the coal fines contact the molecular sieves, the surfactant moisture on the coal fines is then absorbed by the molecular sieves. The molecular sieves allow for the water molecules to pass into the sieves, thus being removed from the coal fines. After a period of agitation, the method and system thereby separates the molecular sieves and the coal fines.