Abstract:
In this paper; the sulfur compounds in coal, microorganism for bio-desulphurization, microbial action, possible process schemes and economics of coal were outlined. The bioprocess parameters affecting the growth kinetics of BM (Beneficial Microorganisms) such as Sulpholobous brierleyi and Thiobcillus thiooxidans, a recent strain for the removal of organic sulfur from coal, were investigated. In this research the various aspects of coal organic desulphurization and depyritization were discussed. More than 90% of sulphur was removed by mesophilic acidophilus like Thiobacillous ferroxidan, Thiobacillous thiooxidans and Thermophilic sulfolobous brielyei. The archaebacterium, sulfolobous brielyei was found to desulphurize and organic sulfur components of coal without effecting thermo-dynamical properties of Coal. Sulfur emission from coal combustion creates many environmental problems. Biological processes based on degradation of sulfur compounds by microorganisms offer many advantages over the conventional physical and chemical processes. The processes are performed under mild conditions with no harmful reaction products and the value of coal is not affected. The barriers for bio-desulphurization processes to scale up to commercial applications are highlighted with future needs.
Page(s):
315-328
DOI:
DOI not available
Published:
Journal: Mehran University Research Journal of Engineering and Technology, Volume: 25, Issue: 4, Year: 2006