A plan is now underway, in which Canadian coal is transported in slurry form through a pipeline from the mine site to the shipping port for a distance of about 500 miles over the Canadian Locky Mountains.
Various experiments and operating furnace tests have been prepared, and the presence and site investigation has been raquested to Japan. An investigating mission was accordingly organized with members from six companies related with iron and steel production. This mission has visited Canada and the United States for the purpose of this investigation. This is the roport of an outline of this investigation.
(1) Adjustment and transportation of slurry
Operating results are now already available in the United States as to coal for electricity, and no problem is therefore anticipated in the industrial application.
(2) Dehydration and recovery
The newly developed dehydration technique based on the oil mixing without a thermal dryer is a real novelty and is considered to have very high economic advantages, except for the problem of industrialization left for future study.
(3) Handling of recovered coal
This technology may have undesirable effect on storage, dust, odor and conveyor belt. It would be necessary to carry out tests to avoid conceivable inconveniences.
(4) Coking property
It is necessary to confirm the kinds of slurry to be transported in general, and to conduct suffcient tests of weathering.
(5) Operation of coke ovans
The present test is not sufficient. It is necessary to carry a long-term test.
(6) Economic advantages
Economic advantages of this technology for electric coal have already been proved, but a comprehensive examination is necessary.
In spite of these problems not as yet solved, this project may bring technical and economic merits to Japan, and it is recommendable to push further research and devel-opment positively as part of the Canadian coal development program.
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