Lignite Upgrading Cat-HTR Process Products
Cat-HTR Products
IER's Syncrude
The synthetic crude oil (syn-crude) produced by Cat-HTR from Victorian lignite has similar properties to conventional crude oil and vacuum gas oil (VGO) as illustrated in the table below. IER’s upgrading studies have indicated that the syn-crude is suitable for refining within existing refinery facilities to drop-in fuels, as the hydro-treated products are directly compatible with existing petroleum refinery streams.
Comparison of Oil Characteristics
IER's Micronised Coal
Independent analysis has found IER's micronised coal to be at least comparable to medium-volatility pulverised coal injection (or ‘PCI’) coal. The table below for compares Latrobe Valley lignite with IER's micronized (upgraded) coal and a typical Queensland PCI-type coal. Testing at IER’s pilot plant indicates that the final product has a gross calorific value of c. 7,800 kcal/kg with low ash and low impurities. The coal can, therefore, theoretically be used as a reductant in the production of steel. The micronized coal can also be used to generate electricity more efficiently that existing power plants within the Latrobe Valley and therefore has the potential to emissions from lignite-fired power plants.
Coal Quality Comparison
1. as received, 2. air dried, 3. typical Queensland PCI-type coal
Power Plant Emissions Reduction
By using IER's micronised coal, it is possible to reduce CO2 emissions from brown‐coal‐fired power stations. Using various assuptions, IER has calculated that it is possible to significantly reduce the gross CO2 emissions from existing brown coal fired boilers by using IER's micronised coal instead of lignite.