Physico-chemical characteristics of pulverized coals and their interrelations—a spontaneous combustion and explosion perspective

Abstract

Characteristics of pulverized coals have significant influence on the spontaneous combustion and explosion processes. This paper presents an experimental and theoretical framework on physico-chemical characteristics of coal and analyzes their interrelations from spontaneous combustion and explosion perspectives. The chemical properties, morphology, bulk density, particle size and specific surface area of pulverized coals from nine different coal subsidiaries of India are vividly investigated in five distinct sizes. Moreover, the effects of particle size on bulk density, specific surface area and N2 adsorption capacity of pulverized coals are critically analyzed. The micrographs revealed that the coal particles are mostly irregular in shape with angular outlines and sharp edges.With decrease in particle size, the bulk density of pulverized coals decreased and the specific surface area and N2 adsorption capacity increased. The relationships of bulk density and specific surface area of pulverized coals with particle size are established. Moreover, the specific surface areas determined by both the particle sizing and BET methods are compared and correlation factors between them are determined. This study led to the generation of insightful coal characteristic data which can be used as reference material for furthering researches on spontaneous combustion and explosion involving pulverized coals.

Converting Slovianska TPP with the central coal pulverizing plant from anthracite to sub-bituminous coal

“…The main quantitative measure of the fire and explosion hazard of solid fuels in pulverized fuel systems is the explo siveness factor. The method for its calculation varies slightly from country to country, but in all cases, it takes into account the volatile yield, ash content, lower calorific value, and ele mental composition of the fuel [6,7]. The numerical value of the factor, as well as the fire and explosion hazard in pulver ized coal systems, increases in the anthraciteleanbitumi noussubbituminous coal series.…”