Socio-Economic, Subsidence, Transportation and Legal Ramifications of Potential Liquefaction Plant Sitings. Task C. Factors Affecting the Transportation Network for a Coal Liquefaction Plant. Final Report

摘要

Costs associated with the coal liquefaction process are relatively fixed in nature and the system utilized cannot be readily and safely modified to effectively reduce the cost of the product. Therefore, if the cost of the coal liquefaction products is to be reduced in order to make it more competitive, the transportation systems involved need to be made more effective and efficient. Mine mouth costs for coal are relatively low, leaving the transportation of the coal from the source to the plant as the major variable to optimize in order to increase the cost effectiveness of coal liquefaction. Coal arrives at consuming centers via various methods depending on the location of the mine and destination point. Presently, rail, barge, truck, and coal slurry pipelines are the transportation modes available to move coal from one place to another. The criteria used for selecting a particular coal hauler will differ from case to case but some similarities exist. Each of these modes of transportation are influenced by governmental rules and regulations which have effects on the cost of transportation and the capacity of the transportation systems. Therefore, in order to optimize the distance from a coal source that a liquefaction plant can be located and still be within the desired economics spectrum, these transportation systems must be addressed in such a manner as to determine the least expensive alternative for delivery to the plant. The legal and institutional constrains are included in an economic model that is designed to aid in the selection of potential sites for coal liquefaction plants. This model is regional in nature as it is specifically for plant siting in Appalachia, but its principles can be applied in similar siting problems elsewhere. 5 refs., 12 figs., 10 tabs. (ERA citation 11:003697)