Coal GOB
Research Project
A change for Souther Illinois is here. We heard you!
A solution is here.
We are excited to announce that our invention is patent pending in USPTO
THE PROBLEM
Bituminous coal mining generates waste known as Garbage of Bituminous (GOB), which contains iron, manganese, and aluminium and causes acid drainage, sediment release, and coal fines that can harm waterways. Additionally, GOB piles emit greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide and methane, as well as toxic substances such as carbon monoxide and mercury. Coal dump sites produce between 1200 to 8200 kilograms CO2/m2 per year, and abandoned coal mines and coal mining account for 7-8% of total US methane emissions in 2019.
The Galatia Mine, located approximately 10 miles northwest of Harrisburg, Illinois, is the largest underground coal mine in Illinois and produces mid-sulphur and high sulphur bituminous coal. As of April 2022, the mine has closed down and is now known as Illinois Land Resources. The closure has had a significant impact on the Galatia School District, which has lost property taxes and is struggling financially.
The Galatia coal mine dump is spread over approximately 800 acres and is 500 feet tall, covering an area of approximately 34,848,000 square feet. The dump poses environmental concerns for surrounding areas, and local residents have been seeking a solution to this problem. The shutdown of mines in Southern Illinois, including Galatia, has resulted in significant economic burden for counties and small towns, such as Harrisburg.
THE SOLUTION
Eureka EcoInnovations LLC has invested a significant amount of time and resources into researching the issue of the growing pile of garbage on the planet. With the assistance of Dr. Binish Desai's research, they have successfully created a material that can help transform the GOB pile into construction materials. A patent application has been filed with the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for this innovative prototype material and process. They are currently in the process of commercializing the material to not only reduce the GOB pile but also generate local employment.
The company has also made use of ARsoy, a by-product of the food-grade soy isolate production, in the development of their material. The industrial-grade soy protein/fiber is produced in Decatur, Illinois, and is primarily shipped via railcar to various destinations by ADM. Although most of the annual production is used for animal feed, the product has less variability than standard soybeans and offers another application for ADM's byproduct.
Furthermore, the research has shown that the entire process will result in carbon-negative products. The entire process, from beginning to end product, ensures maximum utilization of the material, resulting in a zero-waste process
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Environment friendly and 100% Recyclable Carbon Negative
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Strong and Durable
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Reduction in Mortar consumption
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Energy efficient
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Fire retardant and Pest Resistant
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Accurate dimensions and perfect surface for plastering.
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Natural Thermal Insulation and suitable for all weather
FEATURES
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Compressive strength: 40 - 120 kg/cm2
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Grade strength: M40-M45
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Water Absorption: 10 - 15 %
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Density: 450 - 800 kg/m3
PROPERTIES
PROCESS
The entire process is carbon negative and has zero discharge. The electricity used will be from a renewable source.
Post-collection, the material goes through the following steps:
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Washing: The material is thoroughly washed and churned. The process divides it into sludge, large shale, tiny coal pieces, and grey water. The grey water is filtered and reused back into this process.
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Sieving: The sludge goes through an additional process where it is separated into medium particles which are directly used as a replacement for sand in Gobcrete, large particles and wet slurry.
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Drying and Crushing: All the particles including sieved large particles mixed to large shale and wet slurry are dried and crushed. The washed and separated tiny coal pieces are dried, crushed, and given for charcoal manufacturing.
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Eco Processing: All the ingredients extracted are mixed together along with our eco binder to create a mixture which after drying becomes Eureka Gobcrete.
COMMITMENTS
Eureaka Eco Innovations is committed to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development (UNSD) goals through its eco-friendly products and services. The company's focus on sustainability and environmental responsibility is aligned with the UNSD goals, particularly in the areas of climate action, responsible consumption and production, and sustainable cities and communities.
