Abstract

CAICEDO PINEDA, Gerardo Andrés; MARQUEZ GODOY, Marco Antonio  and  MORENO HERRERA, Claudia Ximena. Particle size, iron concentration and pH influence in biodesulfurization process of coal - laboratory tests. Rev. colomb. biotecnol [online]. 2011, vol.13, n.2, pp.199-209. ISSN 0123-3475.

Biodesulfurization process for Colombian coal (2.34% total sulfur: 1.34% as pyritic, 0.90% as organic and 0.10% from sulfates) from municipality of Puerto Libertador (Córdoba, Colombia) was carried out. A mixed culture of A. ferrooxidans and A. thiooxidans was used. The study was mainly focused on the influence of pH, and iron concentration in coal leaching pro- cess. Two mineral particle sizes were evaluated: less 8 mesh (-malla 8) and less 60 mesh (-malla 60), Tyler series. Biodesulfurization processes were determined by measuring changes in soluble iron, pH, redox potential and microbial populations approach. The results showed above 50% of pyritic sulphur oxidation after 12 days. Coal type and evaluated conditions influence in leaching process. Less to 1200 ppm of iron concentration and initial pH between 1.5-1.3, were considered to have critical roles in optimizing pyrite dissolution.

Keywords : pirita.; Acidithiobacillus ; biodesulfurization; coal; iron removed; pyrite..

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