Black coal equivalent (BCE) is an export coal product derived from the

Coldry Process Densified coal is the product of the Coldry Process coal upgrading technology that removes moisture from low-rank coals such as sub-bituminous and lignite/brown coal. The densification process raises the calorific value of low-rank coal to equal ...

, a patented coal upgrading technology operated by Environmental Clean Technologies Limited, in

Victoria Victoria most commonly refers to: * Victoria (Australia), a state of the Commonwealth of Australia * Victoria, British Columbia, provincial capital of British Columbia, Canada * Victoria (mythology), Roman goddess of Victory * Victoria, Seychelle ...

, Australia. The Coldry Process is applied to

brown coal Lignite, often referred to as brown coal, is a soft, brown, combustible, sedimentary rock formed from naturally compressed peat. It has a carbon content around 25–35%, and is considered the lowest rank of coal due to its relatively low heat ...

( lignite) with a typical moisture content of 60 per cent by weight and transforms the coal into a

densified coal Densified coal is the product of the Coldry Process coal upgrading technology that removes moisture from low-rank coals such as sub-bituminous and lignite/brown coal. The densification process raises the calorific value of low-rank coal to equal ...

product of equal or better calorific value (5,800 kcal/kg) to typical export quality

black coal Bituminous coal, or black coal, is a type of coal containing a tar-like substance called bitumen or asphalt. Its coloration can be black or sometimes dark brown; often there are well-defined bands of bright and dull material within the seams. It ...

, with less ash and sulfur content. Black coal equivalent derived from brown coal is ostensibly a 'cleaner' burning coal fuel than most black coals.

Overview

Densified coal as a ''black coal equivalent'' product derived from brown coal was first discovered by R. B. Johns and colleagues at the Organic Chemistry laboratory at Melbourne University following observations made at the

Maddingley Mine Maddingley Mine near Bacchus Marsh Railway Station, Victoria, Australia contains a concentration of a particular brown coal ( lignite) formation called Leonardite. A relatively high altitude formation, Maddingley brown coal is distinguished as ...

near Bacchus Marsh,

. Johns and colleagues identified that a process of low-mechanical shear applied to brown coal mixed with a small amount of moisture would trigger a natural exothermic reaction process within the coal, leading to the expulsion of its moisture content. The process fundamentally alters micro chemical bonds within the coal, naturally reducing moisture content to around 11 per cent; boosting calorific value to around 5800 kcal/kg; and creating a ‘densified coal’ product that is hydrophobic, no longer prone to spontaneous combustion, and readily transportable.

Characteristics

The performance characteristics of black coal equivalent densified coal derived from brown coal is benchmarkedCSIRO: Review data Australian coals 2009 against the comparative burning properties of black coal mined and exported from mining regions in Tarong, Queensland and Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia. Black coal sourced from Tarong and Newcastle constitute the bulk of black coal currently exported by Australia. Black coal equivalent has become an attractive option to coal importers from countries with no or few reserves of domestic black coal.

Overview

Characteristics

Chemical composition

Comparison of calorific values

See also

References

External links