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Applied Physics at WVU

Coals contain free radicals which give an electron spin resonance (ESR) signal. We are using a specially designed high pressure (1000 psi of H2) and high temperature (500 C) ESR system to investigate the process of catalysis for converting coals to liquid fuels. Recent results have shown that the percentage of liquids produced are related to the ESR intensity. A variety of catalysts are now being tested in direct coal liquefaction and coal/plastic coprocessing and we are exploring the relationship between the ESR intensity and the choice of catalyst.

Several schemes for coal gasification in fluidized beds use ceramic filters to eliminate dust from the gas. This process is plagued by fracturing of the ceramic filters and there are indications that the fracturing occurs during the cleaning of the agglomerated dust from the ceramic surface. In our examinations of the cleaning process, we found that the cleaning process does fracture the filter. We now plan to use our model of the cleaning process to determine what features of the cleaning process affect the fractal character of the filter cracking. This effect is relevant to understanding the patchiness in the agglomerated dust removal observed during the cleaning process.

We also have ongoing programs investigating diesel particulate matter exhausted by diesel engines and the removal of insolvent hydrocarbons from aquifers.

Affiliated Professors
Marty Ferer
Mohindar Seehra