To develop this project was created a research network between 9 partners from 5 countries (Portugal, Romania, Poland, Argentina, South Africa).
PORTUGAL
The UP team incorporates specialized researchers in the field of carbon structure in coal and fly ash, and transformation of mineral matter in coal combustion using advanced analytical techniques (e.g micro-Raman spectoscopy) . Besides that has a long date participation in the fly ash classification activities of the International Committee for Coal and Organic Petrology (ICCOP).
REQUIMTE was formally chartered as private non-profit scientific organization in 2003, as a partnership of Universities of Porto and Nova Lisbon. From 2015, REQUIMTE hosts the research unit, LAQV which integrates ca. 350 researchers and aims to contribute to the practice of Sustainable Chemistry in alignment with the new framework for research of the EC, Horizon 2020. Research is focused in the following thematic areas: functional molecules and materials for sustainability, clean (bio)chemical processes, novel compounds from renewable sources, food quality and safety and analytical control.
PEGOP deals with the operation and maintenance of the Pego Thermal Power Plant, a 600 MW coal-fired power station close the river Tejo in central Portugal. The companies Trustenergy, owned by Engie (former GDF Suez) and by Marubeni, and Endesa are the shareholders, each with a 50% stake. The output from the power station is managed by Rede Elétrica Nacional (REN), the transmission system operator in Portugal. Historically, the plant has supplied around 4 TWh per annum, about 10% of the total national demand. Pegop, supported by its shareholders, is committed to minimizing the impact of its operations on the environment by minimizing emissions. The power station is fitted with flue gas desulphurization and selective catalytic reduction plant to reduce emissions of S02, NOx and particulates.
ARGENTINA
The Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) center at the School of Mathematics, Astronomy and Physics, University of Córdoba (FaMAF-UNC), Córdoba City, is the most suitable place to perform the research proposed in this project for the characterization of the different samples (coals, ashes, etc.).
ROMANIA
The UCB research group has deep expertise in both primary and secondary raw materials processing, due to the background in energy sector. UCB provides a full suite of services for the largest coal mines and power plants that are located in Gorj County. The research group has developed advanced technologies deriving from the traditional mineral processing industry for application in material and energy recovery from different waste flows, in close and/or open Circuits. Characterization equipment for: structure identification, surface characterization, thermal optoeletronic characterization of coal and solid waste are located in the UCB’s laboratories.
The UPB team consists of scientifically researchers in the field of coal, coal combustion products, characterizing coals, petrographic analyses, techniques for obtaining new multi functional materials and nano-structures applied in environmental protection, manufacturing and characterization of carbon materials and products, applied research in waste recycling, expertise of chemical products. UPB has recognized activity in participation in the char and carbon materials classification within International Committee for Coal and Organic Petrology (ICCOP).
POLAND
Glówny Instytut Górnictwa is a Polish governmental research institute engaged in problems of mining engineering, safety in mines and environmental protection in the hard coal mining sector. The multidisciplinary activities of the Institute comprise the following fields: mining engineering, geology and hydrogeology, geophysical engineering, combating natural and technical hazards in the mining industry, upgrading and utilization of minerals and reserves, monitoring and environmental protection in areas of mining exploitation. GIG has experience in research of carbon electrodes and char since 80s. Research laboratories have a system of quality assurance and accreditation as: PCA and Lloyd’s Register Quality Assurance.
CARBO-GRAF is a producer of carbon, graphite and metal graphite products. Their products have wide application in metallurgical, electrochemical and electrical industry. This company have experience, right technical and personnel support and thorough knowledge about their products and their application. Introduced many years ago a Quality Management System in accordance with PN EN 9001:2009, certified by TUV Rheinland, as well as cooperation with academic institutions allow them to professionally advise their clients and meet their needs, as well as introduce new technological solutions.
SOUTH AFRICA
The UJ team incorporates a specialist geometallurgist and specialist coal and carbon petrographer, with industrial and academic research experience in coal, coal chars, coke, coal ashes, unburnt carbon, and the processing and metallurgical industries. An array of advanced analytical equipment suitable for the CHARPHITE investigation is housed at UJ, including a new Zeiss Axioimager, micro-Raman, XRD, SEM-EDX, etc.