Parametric Optimization of Coal Desulfurization Through Alkaline Leaching

Desulfurization of Pakistani coal has been carried out through alkaline leaching. During present experimental investigation, the effect of operating parameters like alkali concentration, time, temperature and particle size has also been analyzed, graphically represented and critically discussed. Parametric optimization of leaching process has been carried out by using response surface methodology (RSM) based on central composite design (CCD). The analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed in order to assess the highest level interactions of variables and three way interactions were observed signifi cant. Further, the optimum value of total sulfur removal was observed as 53% when the operatic conditions fi xed at 10% W/V, 60 min, 80oC and 140 mesh for alkaline concentration, leaching time, temperature and particle size, respectively.