Characterization of the UTKAL coals in Talcher Coalfield, Orissa, India: A Geochemical and Paleographical Study.
Abstract
The concept of coal quality refers to the inherent characteristics of coal that have an impact on its potential applications. It is vital to comprehend the chemical and petrographic characteristics of coal in order to ascertain its appropriateness for diverse applications. The current investigation involved the execution of various coal tests to characterise its properties, including proximate analysis, ultimate analysis, ash fusion test, sulphur test, petrographic research, and coal chemistry analysis. The presence of a high ash concentration in coal has been noted, suggesting a prolonged burial process, extensive movement of plant material, and a low sulphur level. The atomic ratios of hydrogen to carbon (H/C) and oxygen to carbon (O/C) serve as indicators of the humic character of coal. The temperatures at which coal is infused satisfy the criteria for combustion qualities. The findings of petrographic investigation indicate that coal exhibits favourable characteristics in terms of quality, characterised by a maceral compound ranging from low to medium. The composition primarily consists of organic waste originating from terrestrial sources, namely Vitrinite and Inertinite, with relatively small quantities of Liptinite. The presence of elevated levels of SiO2 and Al2O3 in the coal measure rocks suggests a significant abundance of detrital quartz and clay minerals. The research findings indicate a positive link between ash and the elements SiO2, TiO2, P2O5, SO3, CaO, and MgO, while a negative correlation is observed with Al2O3, Fe2O3, Na2O, and K2O.