REACTOR SYSTEMS FOR MICROBIAL DESULFURIZATION OF COAL - AN OVERVIEW

Precombustion microbial desulfurization of coal has significant advant ages over physicochemical processes. Its application on a large scale is still in its infancy. The cost-effectiveness of microbial coal desu lfurization is dependent on the type of reactor system used. The techn icoeconomic feasibilities of various bioreactor systems, such as packe d-bed reactors, agitated aerated bioreactors, airlift recycle bioreact ors, plug-flow bioreactors, and continuous stirred-tank reactors have been reviewed extensively. Few processes are also suggested for effect ive desulfurization of coal.