The optimization of low-rank coal grinding for transport coal gasification by robust design

This study analyzed various significant parameters of the low-rank coal (LRC) grinding process, which involves a hammer mill and prepares coal for the KBR transport gasifier (TRIGTM). In order to decrease product loss, an attempt has been made to optimize the settings of the LRC grinding process. Effective particle sizes for TRIGTM range from 0.043 mm to 1.0 mm. The parameters considered by this study included the aperture size of the screen in the first and second hammer mill, moisture content, and the Hardgrove Grindability Index. The effects of the main parameters and their interactions on the ratio of product loss were investigated using Taguchi’s experimental design methods. The selected parameters significantly affected the ratio of product loss, and all interactions were insignificant. Among the parameters, aperture size of screen in the second hammer mill was the most significant factor.