US4014104A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Drying of lignite using nonaqueous solvents
Assignee: Consolidation Coal Co
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Filing: 1975-06-23
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Granted: 1977-03-29
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Expires: 1995-06-23
Abstract
Abstract Drying of moist particulate carbonaceous material is facilitated by addition of a nonaqueous solvent having a low heat of vaporization and a low boiling point, such as methanol, to the material followed by application of heat to remove both solvent and water from the material.
Inventors
- 👤 Charles L. Murphy
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 00:40
CPC Classifications
F; F26; F26B; F26B7/00; C; C10; C10F; C10F5/00; F26B5/00; F26B5/005
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
119 words
A process for drying particulate lignite having an interstitial moisture content of at least 38 percent by weight comprising: a. adding a nonaqueous solvent to said particulate lignite, said solvent having a heat of vaporization less than half that of water, a boiling point below 85° C, and being miscible with water, whereby a portion of said interstitial moisture is replaced by said solvent; b. applying heat to said lignite to which said nonaqueous solvent has been added to vaporize water and solvent therefrom with the amount of solvent vaporized being proportionally greater than the amount of water vaporized whereby the ratio of solvent to water in the lignite is reduced by said heating; and c. recovering said solvent.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
119 words
A process for drying particulate lignite having an interstitial moisture content of at least 38 percent by weight comprising: a. adding a nonaqueous solvent to said particulate lignite, said solvent having a heat of vaporization less than half that of water, a boiling point below 85° C, and being miscible with water, whereby a portion of said interstitial moisture is replaced by said solvent; b. applying heat to said lignite to which said nonaqueous solvent has been added to vaporize water and solvent therefrom with the amount of solvent vaporized being proportionally greater than the amount of water vaporized whereby the ratio of solvent to water in the lignite is reduced by said heating; and c. recovering said solvent.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
39 words
The process of claim 1 wherein heat is applied to said lignite to which said nonaqueous solvent has been added until the combined interstitial water and solvent content of said lignite is between 15 and 20 percent by weight.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
21 words
The process of claim 1 wherein said lignite is washed with said solvent and filtered prior to application of heat thereto.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
10 words
The process of claim 1 wherein said solvent is methanol.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1980-03-28 | 1980-09-27 | 1981-03-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-03-28 | 1984-09-27 | 1985-03-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-03-28 | 1988-09-27 | 1989-03-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |