Process for reducing the water content of coal containing bound water

摘要

An improved process for reducing the water content of coal containing bound water by releasing at least a portion of the bound water by maintaining the coal at a temperature from about 220° to about 500. degree. F. in the presence of water at a pressure sufficient to maintain at least a portion of the water in a liquid phase for a time sufficient to release at least a portion of the bound water wherein the improvement comprises contacting the coal during such treatment with an acidic material selected from the group consisting of carboxylic organic acids containing up to about 6 carbon atoms, phenol, phenolic acids and inorganic acids.