Low temperature carbonization of tunçbilek lignite. Effectiveness of carbonization for desulfurization

Total sulfur and ash sulfur contents as well as gross heating values of the chars obtained by the carbonization of Tunçbilek lignite at 350, 400, 425 and 450°C have been determined as a function of the duration of carbonization. The dependence of desulfurization on the temperature and duration of carbonization were examined. Carbonization at 350°C was ineffective, whereas the carbonization at 425 and 450°C reduced the ratio of combustible sulfur to the heating value by 23 and 35% respectively. In the total removed sulfur, the percentage of sulfur removed as H2S decreased and the percentage removed as organic liquids inceased as the temperature and duration of carbonization increased.