In this note, we will learn about the Proximate Analysis of Coal, like Moisture Content, Volatile Matter Content, Ash Content, Fixed Carbon, etc. Welcome to Poly Notes Hub, a leading destination for engineering notes for diploma and degree engineering students.
Author Name: Arun Paul.
Proximate Analysis of Coal
Here is the proximate analysis of coal. Below we have discussed about Moisture Content, Volatile Matter Content, Ash Content, Fixed Carbon, etc.
(a) Moisture Content: To determine the moisture content of coal, a known mass of air-dry coal is taken in an accurately weighed dry silica crucible and heated at 105°-110°C for one hour in an air oven. It is taken out from the oven and weighed again. The loss in weight is a measure of the moisture content of coal.
% of moisture content = (Loss in weight/Weight of coal taken) × 100
(b) Volatile Matter Content: Coal may contain combustible gases like H2, CO, CH4, and non-combustible gases like CO2 and N2. Volatile matter does not include moisture. A known amount of moisture-free coal is taken in a silica crucible with a lid and then heated at 950°C in a muffle furnace for 7 (seven) minutes. The crucible is then taken out and cooled first in air and then inside a desiccator and weighed again. Loss in weight is reported as volatile matter in percentage basis.
% of volatile matter = (Loss in weight due to removal of volatile matter/Weight of Coal Taken) x 100
(c) Ash Content: Ash is non-combustible matter. For the determination of ash content, a known amount of air-dried coal is taken in a pre-weighed open crucible. It is heated at 700 – 750°C about 30 minutes in a muffle furnace. The residue is cooled and weighed. The weight of the ash is expressed in percentage.
% of ash = (Weight of the ash / Weight of the coal taken) × 100
(d) Fixed Carbon: The percentage of fixed carbon can be obtained by subtracting the percentage of moisture contents, volatile matter contents, and ash contents from 100.
% of fixed carbon = 100 − % of (moisture + volatile matter + ash)
The Proximate Analysis of Coal is an important procedure to evaluate the quality and utility of coal in different uses. The Proximate Analysis of Coal quantifies important variables such moisture content, volatile matter, ash concentration, and fixed carbon. The ash content, measured by heating coal to 700-750°C, represents the non-combustible residue remaining after combustion. Fixed carbon, an important a metric system is calculated by reducing the percentages of moisture, volatile matter, and ash from 100.
The Proximate Analysis of Coal provides essential knowledge into its energy potential and combustion efficiency. Also, this study allows companies to categorize coal grades and optimize their use in certain industrial settings. Overall, the Proximate Analysis of Coal is a critical tool for assessing coal performance and environmental impact.
The Proximate Analysis of Coal enables users to make educated decisions about consumption of coal, ensuring a balance between energy generation and environmental responsibility.