Section III, 1918 [I2i] Trans. R.S.C. 



The Carbonization of Lignites. Part II. Large Scale Laboratory Tests 



By Edgar Stansfield, M.Sc, and Ross E. Gilmore, M.Sc, 



Presented by Dr. Alfred Stansfield, F. R.S.C. 



(Read May Meeting, 1918) 



This paper describes part of a systematic investigation of Can- 

 adian lignites with special reference to their behaviour with regard 

 to carbonization and briquetting. In an earlier paper, Trans. R. S. C. 

 Series III 1917 Vol. XI. p. 85, the general scope of the work was 

 outlined and ^he results of a preliminary series of small scale tests 

 were described. The present paper describes and gives the results of 

 further laboratory tests carried out on a larger scale; but this series 

 of tests is not yet completed. 



In the preliminary tests the yield and calorific value were deter- 

 mined only of the residue left from the carbonization of lignite under 

 specified conditions. In the present series the results determined 

 include the yield and calorific value of the carbonized residue; the yield, 

 composition and calorific value of the gas generated; the yield, calorific 

 value and economic value of the tar oils produced; and the ammonium 

 sulphate yield available. The conditions under which the lignite 

 is carbonized have, in the present series of experiments, so far only 

 been varied to show the influence on the results of the final temperature 

 to which the charge is heated and the rate of heating. It is proposed 

 to follow this up with tests to show the effect of the pressure in the 

 retort and the atmosphere in the retort. 



Apparatus 



The apparatus designed for these tests embodies three important 

 features: — an accurate temperature control; the reduction, as far as 

 possible, of the temperature lag from the walls to the centre of the 

 charge; and the complete removal and easy collection of the tar 

 Vapours. The general layout of the apparatus is shoAvn diagramatic- 

 ally in Fig. 1. 



The temperature control is effected by the use of an electrically 

 heated lead bath, B., with suitable thermal insulation. The bath 



Note. — This investigation was carried out in the laboratories of the Fuel 

 Testing Division of the Mines Branch of the Department of Mines at Ottawa, and 

 is published with the permission of the Director, Dr. E. Haanel. All gas analyses 

 were carried out by Mr. T. W. Hardy, B.Sc, B.E. 



