Eric Eddings

Coal is an abundant natural resource that provides an alternative source for carbon-, hydrocarbon- or hydrogen-based products. In addition, there are a variety of inorganic materials associated with coal and its mining residue that have significant economic value. In the past, coal has been utilized primarily for its energy content; i.e., combustion of coal to release Heat, which can then be converted to Work to produce electricity (e.g., Rankine steam cycle). The use of coal in this manner has long been popular for electric power production due to its historically low cost. However, climate concerns, the increased availability of low-cost natural gas, and the rapid expansion of solar and wind power installations, have resulted in dramatic reductions in coal production throughout the U.S. over the past 15 years. This decrease in coal production has led to the bankruptcies of several large coal companies, and has caused significant economic hardship for coal-mining communities. Thus, there is great interest in identifying alternate uses for coal that would be compatible with a carbon-constrained economy.

This presentation will focus on the potential for producing an array of high-value products from coal, as an alternate, pathway for coal use that greatly reduces its contribution to global carbon emissions. Current research at the University of Utah will be highlighted as an example of the work being pursued across the country to find a newer, carbon-friendly, high-tech use for our vast coal reserves.

Dr. Eric G. Eddings is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Utah, where he has been employed since 1998. He served as Associate Dean for Research in the College of Engineering for eight years prior to being appointed as Department Chair.

Dr. Eddings is engaged in research that ranges from fundamental lab-scale investigations through pilot-scale process evaluation of new energy-related technologies. Recent research includes: production of carbon fiber and other high-value carbon products from coal, and upgrading renewable biomass materials for use in co-firing with coal.

Prior to joining the University of Utah, Eric spent six years with Reaction Engineering International (REI), a consulting/R&D firm, serving as Senior Engineer, Manager, and then as Vice President. Prior to graduate school, Eric spent six years working for Sperry-Univac (later renamed Unisys Corporation after merging with Burroughs) in the manufacture of multi-layer printed circuit boards for large mainframe computers. He has consulted for more than 30 years on environmental and operational issues for a variety of industrial-scale thermal processes, including the electric utility, cement and metallurgical industries.

• Time: 11:00 AM
• Location: 206 Furnas Hall