Coal-to-Products

Coal is used for more than electricity. Coal-to-products refers to the process of converting coal into valuable materials such as fuels, chemicals, and industrial products. Through technologies like gasification and liquefaction, coal can be transformed into synthetic natural gas, diesel, methanol, fertilizers and plastics. With continued investment and innovation, coal can remain a vital part of a balanced and reliable energy future.

Redefining Coal with Thermo-Chemical Processes

The Center for Carbon Capture and Conversion (CCCC) plans to change the perception of coal by transforming it into various valuable products through a coal refinery process. This innovative approach will create new coal markets and contribute to environmental sustainability.

Coal to Products in Action in Wyoming

Building and Construction Materials

The Carbon Engineering Initiative (CEI) and Center for Carbon Capture and Conversion (CCCC) have collaborated to design a building on the University of Wyoming campus to monitor the performance of various coal-derived construction products. The aim is to develop new markets for Wyoming coal by creating sustainable and cost-effective building materials such as char bricks, mortar, plaster, flooring and roofing, insulation, and structural units.

Benefits of Char Bricks

  • Absorbent and Light: These bricks are porous and lightweight, which makes them lighter than traditional clay bricks. This allows for improved insulation and moisture regulation in buildings.
  • Fire Resistant: Char bricks received a “Class A” rating in the ASTM E 84 test for surface burning characteristics, indicating excellent fire protection.
  • Recyclable: These bricks are zero-waste and can be easily recycled throughout their life cycle to minimize residual materials.
  • Economic: These bricks are low-energy and lightweight, reducing production and shipping costs.

Asphalt, Paving, and Roofing Materials

A baseline formulation of coal-derived asphalt has been produced using the extract intermediate yielded from solvent extraction of raw Powder River Basin (PRB) coal. These formulations can be customized to suit the properties required for whole paving or roofing applications.

Agricultural Soil Amendment Products

The Laramie Research and Extension Center at the University of Wyoming is conducting greenhouse studies and field trials throughout Wyoming, evaluating crops such as corn and sugar beet. Additionally, they are establishing a new field experiment for mine reclamation near Gillette, WY. This long-term study will monitor plant establishment, growth, and soil health.

How Coal Can Positively Impact the Soil

The CCCC has created a soil amendment derived from coal to improve soil properties. By using coal char, the soil can retain more water and air while decreasing its bulk density. Preliminary tests have shown that it can lead to sustainable improvements in crop yields, soil fertility, and moisture retention. The research team is studying using coal char as a soil amendment produced from PRB coal.

Additional Reading and Resources

Wyoming Mining Association

University of Wyoming School of Energy Resources Center for Carbon Capture and Conversion

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Carbon Capture, Utilization & Storage (CCUS)

Coal-to-Products

Energy Storage

Hydrogen

Nuclear

Transmission and Pipeline