Thermal extraction of coal and derivatives to prepare hot-pressed coal briquette for COREX application

In this study, the thermal extraction of various coal and derivatives by N-methylpyrrolidone was systematically compared and the extract was used as binder to prepare hot-pressed coal briquettes (HPCBs). The results demonstrate the effectiveness of thermal extraction in converting coal to HyperCoal, and the conversion yields varied from 12 to 71%. While the extraction tends to have a linear relationship with hydrogen-carbon ratio of raw coals, this relationship was not directly observed for derivatives due to inherent changes occurring during production. Proximate analysis of the extract reveals a reduction in ash content to below 1% while an increase in volatile matter by more than 8%. XPS and FTIR spectra demonstrate the high efficiency of thermal extraction in extracting hydrocarbons, but poor for compounds such as alcohols, phenols, ethers, and carboxylic acids. The extracts, rich in hydrocarbons, exhibited excellent thermoplasticity, making them suitable binders for HPCBs preparation. Among the extracts, coal derivatives exhibited higher compressive strength compared to coals. Consequently, the extract derived from direct coal liquefaction residue with the highest compressive strength was selected for preparing HPCB. Furthermore, we investigated the application characteristics of the HPCB and identified its great potential for use in COREX melting-reduction ironmaking. The preparation of HPCB is vital for expanding the utilization of bituminous coals while reducing dependence on lump coal and coking coal resources.