CONCEPT AND PERFORMANCE OF COAL-LOG PIPELINES

The transportation, by water that flows through a pipeline, of coals i n the form of water-impermeable cylinders is discussed ,and shown to h ave distinct advantages over other forms of coal transportation, inclu ding significantly reduced costs for larger throughputs. The descripti on of the concept comprises various aspects of the system, such as met hods for the manufacture of coal logs, their injection into the pipeli ne, the manner in which they are conveyed in the water in the pipe, an d the methods used for their preparation as feed material to electric power stations at the end of the pipeline. It is pointed out that the technology involved in the transportation of coal in the form of logs via pipelines is applicable also to other minerals and commodities.