COAL CARBONISATION

Hokitika Guardian, 4 October 1929, Page 3

COAL CARBONISATION

• FROM BROWN SLACK. ft , (By Telegraph—Press Association). ~ l WELLINGTON, October 3. Low temperature carbonisation’ coal was the subject of a statement issued to-day by Hon. Mr" Atmore, Minister of Scientific and Industrial Research. “In considering the application of low temperature’ carbonisation in New Zealand,” he said, “the Coal Research Association decided to investigate. first the' brown coals, particularly those of the Waikato, Kaitangata, and ’ Oliai, using a Fischer rotating retort, which takes a charge of 301bs of coal. A bulletin giving the results of the treatment of Waikato ooal is in the press. The yields at ’ a temperature of 600 degrees centigrade, calculated on a per ton basis, are: Carbonised residue, 10.5 cwt; light spirit and tar oil, 17.8 gallons; gas 4,200 cubic feet. The residue has a calorific value of 13,000 'B.T.U. per lb, as against 10,200 for the original coal. It would'' make /an excellent fuel when briquetted. The total yield of light spirit is 3.4 gallons per ton. The only use suggested at present for the remainder of the tar oil is.'as fuel, but its properties are being investigated. 'The results have proved of great' value in checking the extravagant claims that are made by the promoters of some processes, and have greatly, assisted the Waikato coal owners in their selection of the Lurgi process for treating slack. The chief benefit in the Waikato will be the production of a "high grade fuel from slack. The yield of oil is insufficient bo appreciably affect the oil supply of the Dominion. The research .work is being extended to include the low temperature carbonisation of bituminous coals.