Coal - analysis and its Importance

Proper and judicious use of limited reserves of coal requires sound understanding of its characteristics. This can be achieved through compreshensive characterization of coal samples found in different regions of the country. In the present study analysis of coals from few selected regions of India is being presented. The study covers lignite, sub-bituminous, bituminous and semi-anthracite coals from various parts of India. The dry mineral matter free basis (DMMF) basis calculation for different regions of coal depends upon the percentage of sulphur contents (pyretic sulphur, organic sulphur and sulphate sulphur) and carbonate carbon dioxide corrections. Through this study it is hereby being shown how characterization helps in fining varied uses of coal and also how some of its characteristics features limits its use. However, there also exist certain characteristics in coals which can be used to advantage either through blending and other similar processes like hydrogenation, etc. Thus, the importance of coal analysis can be understood