Physicochemical characterization of low rank Nigerian coals

Abstract

This study is aimed at investigating the physicochemical properties of low rank Nigerian coals. The coal samples were examined using bomb calorimetry, ultimate and proximate analyses to determine the heating value, elemental composition and physicochemical properties. The calorific values of the coals were; 23.74 MJ/kg for GMG; 27.34 MJ/kg for SKJ and 30.52 MJ/kg for AFZ. The results of elemental analysis showed high C, H, O and low N, and S content for the coals. The GMG coal displayed the lowest N, and S values emphasizing its low pollutant emission potential. The highest VM (51.16 %) and M (5.28 %) content was observed for GMG; AFZ coal displayed the highest ash content at 30.99 %; and SKJ the highest FC content. Consequently, the reactivity and maturity of the low rank Nigerian coals investigated increases in the order; GMG > SKJ > AFZ. Keywords: Physicochemical, Characterization, Low rank, Nigeria, Coal, Energy