Pyrolysis of coal dust for the production of tar and useful products

Abstract

Coal mining for electricity production at Morupule coal mine in Palapye generates a considerable amount of fines or dust. The fines are generated through coal disintegration during various processes such as drilling, blasting, crushing and grinding. These coal dust fines have built-up over the years and have now become a nuisance and a health and environmental hazard to the community. If this is not dealt with accordingly, it can pose as a serious health threat as mineral dust can possibly cause diseases such as asbestosis and anthracnosis. This work addresses the potential hazards by assessing the feasibility of utilizing the coal through the process of pyrolysis for the production of useful products such as tar/bitumen. Pyrolysis is a viable process as it is a widely used in waste utilization practices including refinery sludge, plastic waste, biomass, rubber from scrap tyres, as well as in metallurgical processes for coke formation. The amount of gaseous emissions (NOx and SOx) and heavy metals are less than those released through other processes. The tar will be produced mainly for the construction of roads and pavements. The benefits of such a project, include the reduction of the health and environment hazard, additionally, there will be socio-economic benefits such as job creation and better roads in the village of Palapye.