Alumina Extraction from Anthracite Culm with Energy Recovery

摘要

The objective of the program was to develop a process to recover alumina and energy from northeastern Pennsylvania anthracite culm. The program located culm banks of sufficient size and quality to support a commercial plant. The method of using a fluidized bed to process the ore for alumina and energy recovery was demonstrated to be technically feasible. The fluidized bed can tolerate large fluctuations in both carbon and ash contents without affecting alumina recoverability. Based on the tests, a conceptual design was prepared and is included in this report. Based upon 1982 values for alumina and electricity, a facility of this magnitude has a marginal economic return. Increases in either the market value of alumina or the sale price of electricity may provide economic justification for the construction of such a facility in the near future.