Physicochemical characterization of low rank Nigerian coals

TL;DR

This study characterizes the physicochemical properties of low rank Nigerian coals, revealing their calorific values, elemental composition, and reactivity, which vary among samples and influence their potential energy applications.

Contribution

It provides detailed physicochemical profiles of Nigerian low rank coals, highlighting differences in composition and reactivity for energy utilization.

Findings

GMG coal has the lowest pollutant potential.

AFZ coal has the highest ash content.

Reactivity increases from AFZ to GMG.

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