David R Kelland

Title: David R. Kelland: Innovator in Coal Desulfurization

Introduction

David R. Kelland is a notable inventor based in Lexington, MA (US). He has made significant contributions to the field of coal desulfurization, holding a total of 5 patents. His work focuses on innovative methods to reduce sulfur content in coal, which is crucial for environmental sustainability.

Latest Patents

One of his latest patents is a method for desulfurization of coal. This process and apparatus effectively remove sulfur in both inorganic and organic forms by preferentially heating inorganic iron sulfides in coal. The heating converts some of the inorganic iron sulfides from a pyrite form (FeS₂) to a troilite (FeS) or pyrrhotite (Fe₁-xS) form, releasing some sulfur as a gaseous compound. The troilite and pyrrhotite forms serve as convenient catalysts for removing organic sulfur in subsequent steps. The coal is then reacted with chemical agents, such as alcohol, to eliminate organic sulfur as a liquid or gas, like H₂S. The remaining inorganic sulfur is left in the predominantly higher magnetic form of pyrrhotite and is removed using magnetic separation techniques. An organic flocculant may also be added to enhance the removal of non-pyrite minerals during magnetic separation, thereby reducing ash-forming contents.

Career Highlights

David R. Kelland is affiliated with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he continues to advance research in coal desulfurization technologies. His innovative approaches have garnered attention in the field, contributing to cleaner energy solutions.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Kelland has collaborated with notable colleagues, including Makoto Takayasu and Emanuel Maxwell. Their joint efforts have furthered the development of effective methods for coal treatment and environmental protection.

Conclusion

David R. Kelland's contributions to coal desulfurization highlight the importance of innovation in addressing environmental challenges. His patents and research efforts pave the way for cleaner energy solutions and demonstrate the impact of dedicated inventors in the field.