INCREASING COAL VALUES

Taranaki Daily News, 4 October 1929, Page 9

INCREASING COAL VALUES

LOW-TEMPERATURE CARBONISING. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. Low-temperature carbonisation of coal was tho subject of a statement issued to-day by the Hon. H. Atmore, Minister in charge of scientific and industrial research. “In considering the application of lowtemperature carbonisation in New Zealand,” he said, “the coal research association has decided to investigate first brown coals, particularly those of Waikato, Kaitangata and Ohai, using a Fischer rotating retort which takes a charge of 301 b. of coal. A bulletin giving results of the treatment of Waikato coal is in the press. “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, 420 cubic feet. “The residue has a calorific value of 13,000 British thermal units per lb., as against 10,200 for ' 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 “The results have proved of great value in’checking the extravagant claims 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 appreciably to affect the oil supply of the Dominions. “The research work is being extended to include low-temperature carbonisation of bituminous coals.”