Investigation of the lignite physical-chemical properties and of the burning process thereof for germanium extraction

The Low Priangarye lignite (new Ge-containing raw material) physical-chemical and technological properties were studied. It was shown, that the effective way of Ge extraction from the lignites with low ash-content would be the burning process in controlled temperature regime resulting in Ge conversion to its mono-oxide with following full oxidation to GeO2 and collecting it into filters. Technological regimes of the liginte high-temperature processing are validated by thermodynamic calculations of the interaction process between Ge and components from lignites and redox environment.