The Effect of Electromagnetic Field Strength, Timeand Temperature on the Increased Calorific Valueof Lignite with Diesel Oil Solvent

Abstract

Abstract- Coal in Indonesia is dominated by low-rank coal (lignite) with a calorific valueranging from 3500-4500 cal/g, which is under the standard of industry and power plant needs. One way to improve the quality of coal is to use Upgraded Brown Coal (UBC) technology, which is aimed to increase the C/H ratio and calorific value of the coal. This research was conducted using coal from Sekayu and diesel oil as the solvent which was heated and then contacted with an electromagnetic field for the moisture removal process in the coal. The variables used in this research weresolvent heating temperature of 50°C and 60°C, electromagnetic field strength 1A, 2A, and 3A, as well as the processing time of 10-60 minutes with 10-minute intervals. It was concluded that the optimal conditions were achieved at temperature of 60°C, electromagnetic field strength of 0,045 Tesla, and within 60 minutes of processing time, which increased the calorific value by 106,88%.