Process for converting coal to gaseous fuel with production of Portland cement as a by-product

A continuous process for converting coal to Portland cement and liquid and gaseous fuels comprising the steps of

• (a) mixing finely divided coal with sufficient finely divided limestone to provide in the mixture an appropriate ratio of Portland cement-forming constituents, measured as CaO, SiO.sub.2 and Al.sub.2 O.sub.3,
• (b) forming the mixture from step (a) into discrete pellets,
• (c) heating said pellets in a reducing atmosphere at an elevated temperature sufficient to release the volatile constituents of said coal as a fuel product stream,
• (d) converting a major proportion of the carbon content of the residual pellets from step (c) to carbon monoxide and hydrogen by reaction with steam at an elevated temperature,
• (e) reacting the residual solid product from step (d) with a limited proportion of oxygen to convert the remaining carbon content thereof to CO, the heat evolved being sufficient to achieve Portland cement-forming temperatures, and maintaining said temperature for a time sufficient to form Portland cement clinkers;
• (f) recovering the gases produced in steps (d) and (e);
• and
• (g) grinding said clinkers to produce Portland cement powder.