Evaluation of a new acid mine drainage treatment process

An economic and engineering evaluation of a submerged coal refuse combustion process to convert acid mine water (AMW) to potable water has been made. In this process coal refuse is burned in molten iron to supply energy for distillation or reverse osmosis, and the coal refuse sulfur is trapped in a slag for eventual recovery of sulfur. Laboratory experimentation was conducted on those areas which could profoundly affect the process. These areas were: A laboratory demonstration of slag desulfurization to produce sulfur, the evaluation of slag retention characteristics, slag capability for neutralizing AMW and determination of slag compositions having acceptable fluidities. Engineering studies show that the process has potential for supplying inexpensive energy for distillation and permits the recovery of sulfur so that distilled water is economically produced.