Todd Alan Potas
Engineering at Kimberly Ct, Minneapolis, MN

License number

Louisiana PE.0029958

Issued Date

Feb 5, 2002

Expiration Date

Sep 30, 2018

Professional information

Ehs Manager At Greenway Consulting

Location:

Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

Industry:

Environmental Services

Low-Rank Coal Oil Agglomeration Product And Process

US Patent:

5162050, Nov 10, 1992

Filed:

Jul 12, 1991

Appl. No.:

7/729461

Inventors:

Curtis L. Knudson - Grand Forks ND
Ronald C. Timpe - Grand Forks ND
Todd A. Potas - Plymouth MN
Raymond A. DeWall - Grand Forks ND
Mark A. Musich - Grand Forks ND

Assignee:

University of North Dakota School of Engineering & Mines Foundation
(UND-SEM Foundation) - Grand Forks ND

International Classification:

C01L 502

US Classification:

44592

Abstract:

A selectively-sized, raw, low-rank coal is processed to produce a low ash and relative water-free agglomerate with an enhanced heating value and a hardness sufficient to produce a non-decrepitating, shippable fuel. The low-rank coal is treated, under high shear conditions, in the first stage to cause ash reduction and subsequent surface modification which is necessary to facilitate agglomerate formation. In the second stage the treated low-rank coal is contacted with bridging and binding oils under low shear conditions to produce agglomerates of selected size. The bridging and binding oils may be coal or petroleum derived. The process incorporates a thermal deoiling step whereby the bridging oil may be completely or partially recovered from the agglomerate; whereas, partial recovery of the bridging oil functions to leave as an agglomerate binder, the heavy constituents of the bridging oil. The recovered oil is suitable for recycling to the agglomeration step or can serve as a value-added product.

Methods To Enhance The Characteristics Of Hydrothermally Prepared Slurry Fuels

US Patent:

6053954, Apr 25, 2000

Filed:

Jun 13, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/874963

Inventors:

Chris M. Anderson - Shakopee MN
Mark A. Musich - Grand Forks ND
Michael D. Mann - Thompson ND
Raymond A. DeWall - Grand Forks ND
John J. Richter - Grand Forks ND
Todd A. Potas - Plymouth MN
Warrack G. Willson - Fairbanks AK

Assignee:

Energy & Environmental Research Center - Grand Forks ND

International Classification:

C10L 100

US Classification:

44280

Abstract:

Methods for enhancing the flow behavior and stability of hydrothermally treated slurry fuels. A mechanical high-shear dispersion and homogenization device is used to shear the slurry fuel. Other improvements include blending the carbonaceous material with a form of coal to reduce or eliminate the flocculation of the slurry, and maintaining the temperature of the hydrothermal treatment between approximately 300. degree. to 350. degree. C.