The dynamics of phenol absorption from aqueous solution on AG-3 activated carbon is studied. Breakthrough curves—showing the time dependence of the relative concentration—are determined experimentally for different thicknesses of the immobile carbon layer and flow rates of the phenolic water. The mathematical model proposed to describe these curves is an equation with a hyperbolic tangent. The sorptional equilibrium constant for phenol at activated carbon is found (K = 3.472 × 10–4 m–1). In modeling the dynamic adsorption of phenol, the range of the permissible hypothetical flow rate in the sorption system is determined: 2.9–10.8 m/h. The influence of this factor on the process is demonstrated.

The best available technologies for coke production in Russia and elsewhere are briefly analyzed and the most promising is selected, with a view to producing coke with high coke strength after reaction CSR from batch containing low-value coal. For the example of Severstal coke plant, it is shown that stamp charging of the coal batch increases the hot strength of coke by a factor of 1.14 relative to traditional gravitational charging and permits the use of up to 60% of low-value coal in the batch to produce coke with CSR no lower than 50%.

The ignition of mechanically active coal at different stages of metamorphic development in boilers at thermoelectric power plants is considered. In experiments on coal ignition, a vertical tubular furnace is employed. The reactivity of coal activated in a disintegrator is determined by thermogravimetric analysis. The results indicate that the ignition temperature of mechanically activated coal in a vertical tubular furnace is considerably lower than that of the initial coal. On that basis, the fuel oil generally used for flame ignition may potentially be replaced by coal. The ignition and combustion parameters required for different types of fuel are determined. The components of the flux of gaseous combustion products for different types of coal are detailed, and the characteristics of alternative methods of heat generation are compared. The results may be used in the construction and modernization of power stations.

In order to study the effect of microwave reforming process on the organic functional group structure (the way of organic combination of elements such as C, H and O) and carbon structure (carbon orderliness, microcrystalline structure, etc.) of different coking coals. Pre-treatment of coking coal (100, 200, 300 W) was carried out by 100s radiation treatment at different power, and the temperature was controlled below 200°C to prevent the coking coal from cracking. The functional group structure and carbon structure of coking coal before and after microwave treatment were analyzed using infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy methods. The results showed that with the prolongation of the microwave radiation treatment time, the overall trend of aroma fa first decreased, then increased and then decreased. The variation of DOC, the degree of aromatic ring polymerisation, varied considerably from one coal sample to another, and the ratio of the length of the main chain of the aliphatic chain to the length of the branched chain, A(CH2)/A(CH3), showed a U- or W-shaped variation. The oxygen-containing functional group structural parameter C' shows an overall increasing trend. The peak position difference PG-D between the D and G peaks ended up showing an overall decreasing trend, and the area ratio ID/IG between the D and G peaks showed a decreasing trend or the final result was basically the same as the beginning. The physical and chemical properties of coking coal were elucidated to characterize the reactive carbonaceous base point during the gasification reaction and to provide basic theoretical support for the preparation of low reactivity-high quality coke.

This review of the literature on research into bitumens (waxes and resins) and humic matter in China shows that China has sufficient reserves of lignite suitable for the production of bitumens and humic matter. Most research is devoted to the composition and properties of the waxy component of bitumens (bitumen wax) and the most representative fractions of humic matter (humic and fulvic acids). The resinous component of bitumens (bitumen resin) and the derivatives of humic acids (humous and hymatomelanic acids) have not been studied enough to permit their effective and safe practical application. Data on the composition and properties of Chinese lignite indicate promising applications in cosmetology, medicine, the food industry, and the chemical industry. Convincing evidence shows that humic and fulvic acids are very effective as plant growth stimulators and as reagents for soil reclamation and water treatment, with applications also in animal husbandry. Promising and widely used technologies are noted. Enterprises in the Chinese market are characterized, along with their notable bitumen and humic products. The review indicates that two-step extraction of bitumens and humic matter, with subsequent separation into narrower fractions, makes more complete use of the chemical potential of lignite and is more economical.

Research on coal samples from the Kolchugino series in the Baidaevsk and Belovsk regions of the Kuznetsk Basin confirms that the degree of reduction of coal samples may be quantitatively estimated by reflectogram analysis and the clinkering and coking properties of coal samples with similar technical and petrographic characteristics may be assessed by the same method. This method was developed by VUKhIN specialists for the analysis of very similar coal samples (coal twins) and assessment of batch quality in coke production. It is effective and simple to use.

The influence of oxyethylated alkyl phenol (Neonol AF9–10) on the clarification of coal tar in mechanized settling tanks is considered. Adding Neonol is found to increase the deposition rate of tar sludge. If Neonol is present in the wastewater sent to the biochemical treatment plant, its operation is not significantly affected. The use of Neonol in the separation of water–tar mixtures decreases the content of tarry impurities. Ash removal from tar in mechanized settling tanks may be intensified by adding Neonol, with decrease in the rate at which sediment builds up in tar stores. The stability of water–tar emulsions declines on adding Neonol. On the basis of these results, the use of Neonol may be recommended to stabilize the quality of coal tar.

In considering the dynamics and structure of coal production at the largest Russian mining companies, their financial and economic position is analyzed. Priorities for the development of coal mining in Kemerovo oblast are determined. Problems are also identified, including the industry’s significant environmental impact. The consolidated budget of Kemerovo oblast shows large financial losses. The numerous economic and environmental factors responsible for the poor performance of the coal industry are noted, including decreased coal exports due to international sanctions; significant fiscal support for large coal companies, with low return on the infrastructure projects concentrated in the hands of small and medium companies; and violation of environmental standards for coal mining, with colossal financial penalties to mining companies that lack treatment facilities. A system is proposed for the state support of coal mining in Kemerovo oblast so as to stimulate stable growth of coal output, to introduce innovative projects at state mining enterprises in the Kuznetsk Basin, and to support and manage infrastructure projects in the regional coal industry with an emphasis on risk-oriented technologies.

This research focuses on how steeping with industrial mixtures based on lime affects the oxidative pyrolysis of coal of limited metamorphic development that is inclined to self-ignition. Passivating solutions considered include the filtrate and suspension of a lime solution, which are traditionally used to suppress coal oxidation. Treatment of coal with lime solutions is accompanied both by physical adsorption of calcium ions on the nonuniform coal surface and by chemical reaction with functional groups that are susceptible to oxidation. The fundamental differences in the oxidation of coal of little and moderate metamorphic development with lime solutions are identified. After treatment of coal surfaces with lime solutions, less oxidation is observed.

Methods and instruments for measuring the smokestack emissions of coke oven batteries are analyzed. Pollutant formation in the flue gases of heating systems is described. It is established that organic materials interfere with the accuracy of measurements made by gas analyzers with electrochemical cells. Recommendations are made regarding methods of determining the smokestack emissions of coke batteries.