Clean Coal Technologies, Inc., a technology developer, is planning to relocate a test facility from Oklahoma to Wyoming by the end of January. The facility is designed to use a unique coal dehydration technique to turn Powder River Basin coal into a cleaner version that burns with fewer emissions.
Coal-drying technology has been in development since 2007, but has made significant strides over the last five years. CCTI believes it has an improved version of the technology that is not only commercially viable but also scalable – which would make it the first widespread coal dehydration technology in the industry.
Such a development would, in theory, finally produce clean coal that has long been the goal of an industry beset by regulations and environmental concerns.
The project, as of December 14th, 2017, is mothballed at the Oklahoma facility and is planning to be relocated to the Wyoming location, which was originally intended for a 300-mW power plant. It’s not clear how much such a relocation would cost, but CCTI is pursuing capital from investors.
Looking at the Coal-Drying Process
Coal dehydration, or coal drying, works by reducing the moisture content in the coal itself. Reduced moisture helps the coal to burn hotter, which increases the overall energy output of the coal – thus increasing efficiency.
Additionally, coal drying can, in principle, reduce emissions. CCTI is confident that coal refined with its technology can reach the much-desired clean coal standard.
How Coal Dehydration Could Change the Game
Clean coal delivered through coal drying – especially a scalable version like the one promised by CCTI – could change the game for the coal industry by not only overcoming emissions, but also improving efficiency and becoming more competitive.
But if CCTI can come through, the promise for the technology is considerable.
ProcessBarron designs and manufactures material, air, and ash handling equipment for coal plants across the Western Hemisphere. Contact the ProcessBarron team for more information on optimizing a power plant and developing the best equipment today for tomorrow.