Thermal solution of coal to obtain binder for refractories. 1. Binder production

Resumo

Experimental coal-based pitch obtained by the controlled action of solvent (a hydrogen donor) on the thermally activated organic mass of coking coal is studied. The basic parameters required for the production of such pitch are determined: the temperature; the duration of the process; and the proportions of the components. The pitch produced matches high-temperature coke-plant pitch in terms of the yield of volatiles, the softening temperature, the content of toluene- and quinoline-insoluble materials, and structure. The maximum conversion and best quality of the pitch (in terms of the traditional characteristics) are obtained when using coal with the maximum vitrinite content and plastic-layer thickness. Pitch produced by the solution of coal is suitable for use as a binder in the production of refractories and its content of carcinogenic benzo(a)pyrene is an order of magnitude less than that of standard coal pitch, since it is obtained directly from coal, without the need for the high temperatures used in coking.